Courier Democrat., 1903-01-29
CHAPTER Kill.
Startling News.

had gone to Boston for the day at the
same time, had not yet returned.
The next day he had sent note to
his sister, saying he had been de-
tanned, but should come the last of
the week.
OF course, the encounter at the rail.
road station had been repeated, with
plenty of variations, and some blamed
one party, while others differed, and
the affair furnished tai kfor some time.
Julia was angry at her brother that
he should have done such a foolish
thing, and immensely curious as to
why he had done it. She now felt
sure he had known Vance Rothesay
before.
AS the days went by. she became a
little anxious. although Die Burt fur
uished her with occupation.
She had discovered that he was
more than willing to kill time with
her, but that, while he was very much
fascinated with her. she had not
moved him from his allegiance to
Kate Purcell. This exasperated her.
There was stubborn fcalty in him
bad though he was that many a bet
ter man does not possess.
The two were walking along the
road one evening at sunset, when they
were met by Mr.. Purcell, who bore in
his manner unmistakable signs of
emotion
When did you hear from your BROTH
er, Miss Caryl?" he ased, endeavoring
to speak as usual.
Startled. Julia answered:
mot for week; what has hap
pened"
"There are rumors," began Mr.. Pur-
cell; but you know so little conf
dence can be placed"
Il have been very ANXIOUS" said Ju-
liza, controlling herself all the more
easily that she had no great love for
her brother
Still she was extremely anxious that
he should come to light, and carry on
his purpose there.
She appeared so calm that Purcell
went on:
The body of man has been found
in one of the back marshes in Boston
"a man who has been murdered.
This statement was made in last
nights paper; tonight it is thought
the body has been Identified"
'1t is Ralph!' whispered Julia, her
face now entirely colorless and her
eyes dilated with horror
Some say there is no doubt of it.
STILL it is not certain. thought it
might save a great deal of trouble if
you could go into the city. l know it
is terrible. but eventually you will
have to do so. You will be sum-
nloned."
II will go with you. Miss Caryl,"
said Dick; and we must go directly.
There is train at half-past o'clock.
We will take that"
Even in that time. Julia had the
thought that this should make a
strong link between her and this man,
But if Ralph was gone was there any
object in detaching Burt from Kate?
She would do it for the mere sake of
conquering.
Burt. who seldom read the papers,
asked. as the three fastened along:
Does suspicion fasten upon any
ona?"
Not as yet"
Julia knew that Ralph had very
tho deed might have been done in
some gambling quarrel.
The $50 train carried her and Burt
in 10 Boston. and in that short ride
She did not forget TO leave the i'm
preston upon her companion that she
relied upon him-that he coul dsUp-
pert and comfort her.
Whatever were Dicks feelings he
did not reveal them. and Julia felt
like dropping for his stolidness.
..'Shall we go directly there?" ased
Burt. as they stepped from the cars.
Yes. cannot endure this uncer-
tainty."
Burt helped her into one OF the
waiting hacks. gave the order Ito the
police headquarters. and sat down
in silence beside her.
In silence that dismal ride was
taken. Julia's mind was principally
occupied with the fact that ii this
was Ralph who had been killed. then
she had nope of that fifteen thousand
dollars he had promised her. Things
always did como out so with her
the prize was always snatched away
from her al the moment she was
about to grasp it. She was thinking
thus while she leaned back in the
carriage, apparently overcome by the
dreadfulness Of the errand on which
She was going.
At the police Office where they
stopped. they were directed to the
place where the body lay.
Anything new been discovered?"
Rurt asked, as he turned to leave the
room. &.
Nothing. But the police are on
the track" was the answer.
AS usual" nauttered Burt. But
what does that amount to-"
n few minutes moro they reached
the house to which they had been
directed. 1t was situated on quiet
bacl: street, and presented olltward!y
thc appearance Of private dwelling.
.Jviia's face grew whittier, in spite of
tar,alf MS Burt went in at the door,