Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-02-27
THE
WORLD AND THE WOMAN
author Of To hs
Mystery Flower"
oRAPTER X.-0Continaed.)

CHAPTER X--QContinued.
He hsd told Lady Hall&ton it was
aIarie's room he desired to examine; burt
now that he had free access TO it, he did
not trouble to SO much as step inside it.
Instesd, he devoted himself entirely TO
the inspection of the roozns occupied by
Mrs. Beringer
FIRST of all, he opened the great ward
robe in which her dresses were hang.
Not finding what he sought for there, he
went carefully through drawers and
boxes; and at 3ast, at the very bottom
of one of these latter, his patience was
rewarded. Right under heap of other
articles hidden away, as it We're, he found
a white tea4gOwn soiled and crumpled
and with q golden giFdle at the waist
The girdle should have had a tassel AT
each end, but one of the tassels was
gS;.e--wrenched off violently, as it would
seem-from the ragged ends of the silken
cord.
From out of his pocket Mr. Runciman
pulled the Identical tassel which Darnley
had picked up in the murdered mans
bedroom, and satisfied himself that il
exactly matched the girdle. This done
he proceeded TO further examine the
dressing gown.
As he did so, he pIlrsed mp his mouth
and gave q low whistle of mingled salts
faction and surprise.
II don't know that I need much moro
proof this this" he muttered. That's a
blood stain, if ever l saw one. There's
been an attempt at washing it out, but
it's blood, right enough. BY Jove! it's
lucky ] didn't let the scent get cold.
This gown might have been made away
with if I'd waited until tomorrow !
must take possession of it-that's absa-
lutely certain. OF course, if she misses
it, she'll be put on her guard, but that
can't be helped. I'm not quite sure it
wouldn't be best to get a warrant right
out off hand In any case, can't delay
much longer. It's rough on Douglas
Dundonald, and, in a way, it's rough on
the duke There's many man in my
position would be tempted to hush it up,
looking at the thing all round but
where should I be if it came out some
other way? No; there's nothing for it
but to do my duty and march straight
forward"
Detective Runciman sat in his office in
earnest conversation with q gentleman
who had been admitted to him with
rather an air of mystery half an hour
ago. The gentleman was tall, and thin,
and aristocratic looking. The detective
treated him with the greatest Difference,
and addressed him occasionally as "vour
grace" 1t was none other than the Duke
of Doom.
"Runciman, you must not arrest her .
he Was saying, in g. low voice, and with
a deeply troubled look. That she is
guilty | am as convinced as you are.
But the secret is known only to yourself
and me. 1t must go no further-there
must be no arrest"
II would willingly oblige your grace if
| could" said Runciman. But I fear
you ask what is impossible. Delay 4 can
promise you- nothing more"
you understand it is not for her sake
am pleading" said the duke, still more
earnestly at is for-others"
AS he spoke, he shaded his face with
his hand. Think for instance, if the
whole truth became known, what the
effect would be upon my wife,
Before Detective Runciman could an
swer, there came a tap at the door, fol-
lowed by the entrance of his confidential
clerk. The man stepped up 10 his mas
ter softly, and whispered a word or two
into his eaT.
Runciman changed color, and looked
greatly startled.
He leaned over and whispered three
words to the duke who immediatel
sprang to his feet in shocked dismay
You cannot pass out without her see
ing YOU" said the detective, in low
voice. Take my advice-let her come,
and you step behind this screen"
Almost mechanically the duke did as
he was hidden.
Show the lady in, Simmons" said
Detective Runciman. And mind, not a
hint that I am not alone"
The man departed, and in less than
half a minute returned, to usher in Il
lady, closely cloaked and yelled.
She waited near the door until tie
clerk had left the room; then she adj
yanced swiftly, and, throwing back her
veil with movement full of imperial
grace she looked steadily at Detective
Runciman, revealing the pale but beau
tiful features of Emerald Beringer
MIR. Runciman, l have come 70 ask
YOU a question" she said, in d clear.
steady voice. when are you going to
arrest me for the murder of Paul Ber-
inger?"
CHAPTER NJ.
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