The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1904-09-16


to Godfrey. who, returning to his room,
hurriedly dressed himself, and again
and more closely is seeking some
trace of the thief. some hint of his
identity. But beyond the tossed and
tumbled state of the bed. there was no
sign of the desperate struggle that had
taken place,
AS he was leaving his eyes CHANGED
to fan on an object that lying on the
carpet near the door. family reflected
the light. He instantly stopped to pick
Il long. slender needle whose point was
stained by a greeniSh liquid.
In 4 flash he remembered the evil
dcnce of the discolored puncture per-
ceptible in Richard Goffe's throat and
the doctors statement that his death
had been caused by an injection of poi
son. The barrister's blood ran cold as
he instantly realized that the same fate
had been intended for himself; that.
had he not been startled from his sleep
by the OWLS Screech, the same murder
Gus hand would, in the same subtle
way, have taken his life.
Horror at this cold -blooded treach-
cry, fear of this unknown foe. for Il
moment paralyZed him. Then came
burning indignation, desire for revenge,
and Il resolution never to rest until this
criminal was brought to light.
He took the needle, which none had
seen him pick up. and locked it in his
| dressing case. Dunstan was waiting
for him outside the door. and together
With Il couple of men they began their
search of the rooms opening off the
| corridor.
! Most of them were unoccupied, but
all of them were thoroughly searched,
then locked, and their keyes taken pos
session of by Godfrey, until they came
to that in which Urbano slept, when no
key for the lock of its door could be
found. Godfrey felt convinced that the
valet had secretly removed and hidden
| the key, but he was not to be thWarted
So sending TO the library for wax. the
door was sealed.
An adjoining apartment showed
signs of having been occupied, but its
bed had not been slept in that night.
Whose room is this?' the barrister
asked Il servant.
Mr.. MaX's, sir" the man replied.
Then. for the first time. and with
Il certain nisgiving, Godfrey remem-
bered that Max had not appeared il
answer to the alarm. lie sought tc
consult Dunstans eyes. but they were
turned resolutely from him, and hi.
face gave no expression Of his opinion
When the room had been carefully
examined and its door locked, the mex
was visited in turn. Some minute:
later as they were about to enter al
apartment, seemingly like all tn,
others, Dunstan with a look of recog.
milton drew suddenly back. CHANGING
at him intcrrogativey, Godfrey saw
that his face had turned to a pale
greenish hue and that his eyes Were
full of terror, on which it struck hin
that this must be the room wher
Richard Gotfe had met the CHASTITY fat
that but an hour ago had threatened
himself.
The scrutiny of the bedrooms ende,
-. \ 49,.
Of his whereabouts and Godfrey, Still
undaunted, was about to begin hi
search on the floor above where tn
men servants slept, when he saw Rob
ertS coming toward him, an air of agi
tated importance visible in his move
ments, his eyes alert.
'Well?' Godfrey said impatiently.
We'll, sir, all the doors We're locke
just as left them, and all the window
bolted save one in the drawing room
and that was open, wide open, SIR
'Open?' said Godfrey in surprise.
Yes" said Max, who. fully dressed
came behind his butler, his manner i'm
perturbably self possessed. Il left
open when l went ont for Il walk"
"A walk at this hour of the morn
ing"
Have you any objection, sir, to III
taking Il walk at whatever hour
please?' he asked coggedly.
. 1T seems singular" muttered Gee,
frey.
IN what way"
There's no need to explain
Max, Max" called out the coun
who at that instant came from h
> room where his valet had been dress
ing him, is that you?"
Yes, father. DO you want me?"
Nc, no, my boy; but l missed you
II have been out for a walk"
'YOu-VOll---' began the count n,
: his voice suddenly faltering. he coul
/: say no more.
! Il was restless and feverish. and
; knew exercise was the only thing tn;
l could cure me. When l came back
l found Roberts at the window. He to-
Y me of this Internal business"
The counts lips moved as if he We
talking to himself. his eyes stared fl,
eddy. apprehensively, and a sudden tr,
> NOR shook him. Max looked at hi
V frowningly and turned away in silenc
= A second later he returned, saying al
e Srily, My bedroom door is locke
S Who has the key?"
g Il have" Godfrey responded.
D i will trouble you for it," came Il
e peremptory demand.
g Your father has given me PERM
;, sion TO the lock the doors and keep Il
: keys until the detectives search the
l. tomorrow
S Is mine to be inciuded?' he aske
e with increasing anger.
V Il told Mr.. Bysshe he was to nal
e no exception My own room as W,
S as the others will be examined. Y,
S see, if l don't object nobody else ca
O am going to the library; will y,
: come with ne?" said the count, in
= feverishly hurried manner.
O Max gave his arm. on which Urba
e dropped behind and remained In t
,r corridor, his piercing eyes watch