Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1904-10-20

lower ana more hurried tone, must
ever know what you and have seen.
Let the memory of that night be buried
with him. Nor need we inquire into the
past. Let that rest with him also.''
but he may have left some letter
some confession"
IF so it will be more merciful to the
living and the dead that it should be
destroyed unread"
came into the room, a puzzled anxious
look on his face.
My dear DOCTOR" Lady Bysshe said,
advancing quickly to him and speaking
before he had time to express himself,
this is terribly sudden; and though it
was only what might be expected from
one who suffered SO severely from his
heart, yet 1T comes as painful shock
to us ALL
Yes. yes" answered the doctor hesi
tatingly, of course. But
There can be no doubt that he died
from heart disease" she said, looking
into his eyes appealingly.
The doctor understood her. 1t wholly
depended on him as to whether an i'm
quest be held or not; should 1t be there
was a dead certainty that a verdict of
suicide would be returned. Some cause
for it might be sought; fresh inquiries
might be instituted. Scandal must be
spared the family. He bowed his head
in acquiescence.
When he consulted me yesterday
about his heart, I had no idea the end
was so near" he remarked.
He was much agitated lately"
That, of course, accelerated the
danger" Dr. Hopkins replied. and the
matter was considered settled.
Throughout the morning Max was
busy With the inevitable preparations,
11,,t tt,e-t I, I, -,
message from Lady Bysshe asking him
to join her In the morning room. where
she was receiving his cousin, Count
Sasari He had no remembrance of
this relative. Tut had heard Edith and
her aunt talk of him frequently on their
return from Pisa.
When he came into the room Sasari
shook hands with him coldly, while
Lady Bysshe explained that he had
called to see the count. not knowing of
his sudden death. Now that Sasari
had come to the Hail. she begged he
would stay-untjl after the funeral, at
least
y hope you WILL" Max added, turning
to his cousin. whose appearance he liked
from the first g.ance.
1t was finally agreed that he should
telegraph to London for his bag and
remain for some days. Then the con-
versation turned on the alchemst Zof-
FAM and his wretched death. Full of
pity, Lady Bysshe asked for the partic-
ulars of the accident and deplored the
loss of so skilful a doctor.
He was very remarkable In many
ways. Sasari remarked. NO man had
SO great a knowledge of herbs and
chemicals"
Ibid my father knowh im?" Max VEN
tured to inquire.
He had not seen your father for
many years." replied Sasari, after a
pause; mot since he consulted Zoffani
never see again by day, but must be
satisfied at having his sight at night"
BY nisht?" repeated Max, in be-
wilderment. What do you mean?"
"ls 1t possible you did not know your
father suffered from nyctatops, though
it prevented him from seeing by day.
enabled him TO discern everything in
darkness?"
Max was too stunned to reply. Much
that had seemed puZZling before was
now explained; the mystery surround
ing the death of Richard COTE, and the
attempt on Godfrey was suddenly
cleared Lady Bysshe began to trem-
BILE and unable to hide her agitation,
rose abruptly, saying she must tell her
niece of the counts arrival.
When the two men were alone, Max
said: You came to see my father. Was
it to pay a friendly visit?"
ut was to see him on business that
concerned himself alone"
May I inquire"
II think we will not speak about it;
let us forget it," Sasari replied, and
Max concluded he had better question
his cousin no further.
AL the end of few melancholy days
the remains of the count were buried
In corner of the church yard at Bal
wash, and not placed beside those of
his second wife in the vaults beneath
the church.
When the ceremony was over Max
went straight TO his fathers roonas. 1t
WAS the first time he had visited them
since the scene in the corridor. and n
feeling of horror seized on him as he
entered. With keys in hand. he UNI
locked every cabinet, drawer and desk
they contained. searching for what he
feared to find-a letter. a confession, II
farewell word. But nothing incrimin-
ating remained. and no light was
thrown on a dark past
AS he finished his examination UT-
bano who for the last few days had
avoided him. came softly into the
room.
you will find nothing he said in a
harsh, grating voice. THAT morning
there was a pile of ashes in the CRATE;
y,
no discovery will be made"
Looking after him. Max saw he was
dressed for journey.
II am leaving at once. 1 am going
back to my own country" he ex-
planned.
rs there any money owing to you?''
'Nothing. Farewell"
AS he reached the door he turned his
livid face over his misshapen shoulder,
his eyes shining with their old watch
fitness.
rs there anything you would wish
to tell me?" Max asked.
mo, except that the missing jewels
have just been found by the housekeep-
err In the linen closet"
"Found. Thank heavens!''
Urbano gave him q farewell glance
and disappeared from his sight forever.
Then Max, locking the luxurious rooms,
whose atmosphere seemed weighted
with insupportable gloom, hurried down
stairs to find that the Wallets words were
true, and that historic necklace and the
diamond bracelet were safe in Lady
Bysshe's possession.
That night as he and his cousin
smoked after supper the latter asked
him If he had made any plans for his
future.
II have made no plans" replied Max
sadly II only know that l am going
away from here tomorrow or next day
never more to return. ! shall probably
work my way out to Australia or New
Zealand, and begin life afresh as la
borer; as am strong and young dare
say shall not starve.'
won't you continue your studies as
medical student?"
II have no money Tor that. oh, 1
have been such fool deserve to SUI
fer Max cried out. In self-condemna-
ton.
"But your father may have left some