The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-04-30


pletely, as by a miracle; and Reuben
stood discounted by the drawing room
window.
This is beyond all guessing att he
said, with half groan.
The window Of the picture gallery Ia
closed and barred" said Mary Holland
but they are there STILL"
II will see them at once" said Reuben
meanwhile send ott the servants to
search the country. There has been foul
play here''
mo, nor exclaimed Mary Holland.
He said-he promised"
"Who promised" asked Reuben quick
ly. 's.....r
"Sarah's brother" answered Mary, af-
ter a moments silence.
"Wellrpromised whatT' said Reuben
fercely.
"That he and his friend would not in
any way disturb the peace of this house
that they were here in all sincerity
that"
do you ask me to believe In that vaga-
bond, Tom Eastbell? Send the servants
abroad, and leave these men to me-" said
Reuben, passing from her into the draw
ing room, and proceeding through the
room into the hall, and along the corri-
dor toward the picture gallery. He turn
ed the handle sharply and entered.
The two men were there. In the man
lolltng in the armchair there was no diff
Guilty in identifying Thomas Eastbell;
but he who bent closely, and in near
sighted fashion, over music book prop
ped against the lamp, was stranger be
had never met before. It was at him
that Reuben gazed, distrusting him more
at first sight than Thomas Eastbell.
II am Reuben Culwick," said our hero
sternly, looking from one to the other
II don't bear you i'll will, mind" said
Tom; when 1 was in trouble once in Pot
ters Court, and the police came, and
you might have made mischief out Of a
little bit of innersent chaff we had to-
gether, you stood by me like trump, and
I'll shake hands with you, If you ask
me, just for my sisters sake"
Which Of you two men will save him
self from Jail by telling me where Sarah
Eastbell isT' Numbered forth Reuben
Culwick.
Thomas Eastbel's lower jaw dropped
at Mr.. Culwick's vehemence, and his sem
Dlance of establishment was admirably
teigned, unless he was astonished in real
earnest. Captain Peterson sat down with
his hands upon his knees, in the attitude
Of one who anticipated a narrative of
great interest to follow.
where Sarah Eastbell is!' said Pc
terson; "why do you put such an extra
ordinary question to us, sir, and accom-
panied by such a threat as the jail?'
"She 10 not in the house, and you two
know where she has gone"
Miss Hastbell was in the drawing
'oom a quarter Of an hour ago, when /
stepped in for my VIOLIN" said Peter
ION; "surely she has not left the house
Iince? There must be some mistake, Mr..
Julwick, and, mistake or not, you will
excuse me for protesting against your
manner of addressing Mrs. EastbelPs
;uests."
Captain Peterson spoke with falter-
ng voice, and with considera bic warmth.
Is a man might do whose feelings bad
'een unnecessarily wounded, and Reuben
julwtck regarded him with graver inter-
st. Here was being to be wary of, If
his were acting.
May l inquire your mew said Reu-
ZEN.
MY name is Peterson, sir-Captain
PETERSON, of the merchant service-a
riend Of Thomas Eastbell's, and if not
N old friend, still one who does not feel |
disposed to allow him to be browbeaten
Without word Of protest"
PETERSON" muttered Reuben, half |
loud. The name was wholly unfamiliar |
o hint had not been mentioned on |
hat night in Potter's Court, and only
ONE days afterward by Lucy Jennings,
Vhen 1t had not fingered in his memory.
'aptain Peterson's dark eyes peered from
nder his brows at Mr.. Culwick, as he re-
Gated his name in a low tone, and there
Tas the faintest smile of satisfaction
ickering over his fresh-colored face at
ne discontinue expressed on Reuben's,
You both deny all knowledge of my
ousin's disappearance" said Reuben.
I'VE do" said Peterson, with grave no.
teness; and Tom took his oath upon it
t once, by way Of adding force to his
enial. And now, sir, perhaps you will
ell US what has happened"
And relieve brothers anxiety" add
Tom. shes the only sister that I
ave got In the world, and we have al
'ays been very fond of one another"
"You overdo your anxiety" said Reu-
en-, dryly, land 1 am still suspicious of
on. Sarah Eastbell has disappeared
lddenly from this house-within the
lst half-hour-and you are the men of
HON she has been In fear. To that fact
swear before a magistrate tomorrow,
o-morrow the police viii search the
ouse and grounds for traces of her,
'legraph tomorrow to Scotland Yard
Or one Of its ablest officers to meet us
ere.''
Thomas Eastbell was heard to mutter
malediction of the most violent kind
pom his second-cousin's promptitude, but
Is friend turned quickly to him, and
aid:
Don't give way, Thomas. Don't let
our sensibilities get the better of you.
nd lower your character before this man
many threats. You have been unfor-
mate, in your early days-you have had
he frankness to confess it to me, and
he generosity to atone for it to others
ut your later life is without stain or
lemish. Let the police come; you can
Ice them in your aunt's house-where
lis gentleman is more an intruder than
blush upon your hon
It cheek"
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