Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-11-18

1t, of course. Why shouldn't I? 1t is
only proof of my curiosity in regard
to this old mystery which every men,
Der Of my family must feel. That GU
riosity has not been appeased. If it
would not be indiscreet on your part,
may now ask If you have found out
what that little golden ball Of mine
which you sport SO freely before my
eyes is to be used in connection with"
Read the papers," said; read to-
morrow's papers, Mr., Moore, or, bet
ter still, tonight's. Perhaps they will
inform YOU"
He was as angry as I had expected
him to be; but, as this ire proved con-
clusively that his strongest emotion
had been curiosity rather than fear, l
felt assured OF my ground and turned
to re-enter the house. Mr.. Moore did
not accompany me.
The major was standing in the hall.
The others had evidently retreated to
the parlor.
1.-THE man opposite knows what he
knows" said I, "but this does not in
clude the facts concerning the picture
in the southwest chamber or the devil
ish mechanism"
"You are sure?'
GAS positive as one of my inexperi-
ence can be. But, major, am equally
positive that he knows more than he
should Of Mrs. Jeffrey's death. 1 am
even ready to state that in my belief
he was in the house when it occur
red"
"Has he acknowledged this?"
mot at ALL"
"Then what are your reasons for this
belief?
'1hey are many"
"Will you state them?"
"Gladly, If you will pardon the pre-
sumption. Some Of my conclusions
cannot be new to you The truth is
that l have possibly seen more of this
old man than my duty warranted, and
feel quite ready to declare that he
knows more of what has taken place
In this house than he is ready to avow.
am sure that he has often visited 1t
In secret and knows about a certain
| broken window as well as we do.
am also sure that he was here on the
night Of Mrs. Jeffrey's suicide. He
was too little surprised when In
formed him of what had happened not
to have had some secret inkling Of it
beforehand, even If we had not the
testimony of the lighted candle and the
book he so hurriedly replaced. Besides,
he is not the man to drag himself out
at night for 80 simple cause as the
one with which be endeavored to i'm
pose upon us, He knew what we
should find in this house."
every good. II Mr.. Jeffrey's present
explanations are true, these deductions
of yours are probably correct. But Mr..
Moore's denial has been positive.
fear that 1t will turn out a mere ques.
ton of veracity,"
mot necessarily" I returned. II
think see way Of forcing this man
to acknowledge that he was in or
about this house on that fatal night"
"You do:"
"Yes, sir; do not want to boast, and
I should be glad If you did not oblige
me to confde to you the means by
which l hope to bring this out. Only
give me leave to insert an advertise
ment in both evening and morning
papers and in two days will report
failure or success"
The major eyed me with an interest
that made my heart thrill. Then he
quickly said: "You have earned the
privilege. will give you two days"
At this moment Durbin reappeared.
He had the book in his pocket. TAX
ing it out, he handed 1t to the major,
with this remark:
"You won't find anything there. The
gents been fooling you."
The major opened the book, shook
1t, looked under the cover, found moth
ing, and crossed hastily to the drawing
room We as hastily followed him.
The district attorney was talking with
Miss futile; Mr.. Jeffrey was nervous.
~ pacing the floor. The latter stopped
as we all entered and his eyes flashed
to the book.
"Let me take It," said he.
ut was absolutely empty" remarked
the major. 1.-THE letter has been abb
stracted, probably without your knowl-
edge"
II do not think So" was Mr.. JEFF
frey's unexpected retort. do you sup
pose that I would intrust secret, for
the preservation Of which was ready
to risk life and honor, to the open
pages Of book? When found my
The concealed letter