Los Angeles herald., 1906-04-22

of Sir Simon's own, yellow bandana
woven of strong silk, and eminently suited to
the deadly purpose it had been used for. But
how had the dead mans own handkerchief been
so utilized by the murderer? While untying the
knot, Bernard wondered; but he gained an ink
ling into the method pursued when he removed
the white handkerchief which had been bound
across the mouth. 1t exha1ed faint odor of
cbIoroform, so it was apparent that the old bar
onet had been first rendered unconscious, and
then strangled with his own bandana. But who
was guilty of the crime?
''What do you know of this" asked Gore, in
a hoarse voice, turning to the housekeeper.
She had ceased to cry out, and was staring at
him with glittering eyes. AT the same time she
appeared to be listening intently Far off could
be heard the sound of approaching footsteps
echoing along the pavement. Evidently police
man, summoned by Mrs. Gilroy's shriek was
hurrying TO see what was the matter. As the
door had been left open he would know where
TO enter These thoughts flashed through Mrs.
Gilroy's mind as she stared at the pale young
man. Also there were sounds in the lower parts
of the house limiting that the servants had been
aroused. A distant clock struck the three-quar-
ters. and even at that terrible moment Bernard
remembered that in his vague wanderings after
the boy he had been fortyfve minutes getting
to Crimea Square. And Mrs. Gilroy still looked
'NWhat do you know Of this?" repeated Gore,
wondering at her silence.
She gave gasp. "He is dead" said Mrs. Gil
roy. "I wonder if he died hard. He was a
strong old man."
Wondering more than ever at this strange
speech, Bernard felt the pulse and the heart Of
his grandfather.
He turned to go for help but the housekeeper,
suddenly becoming endowed with life, flung her
self in his path. "No!" she said harshly.
Don't seek help if you value your life"
i I-aI
to shake off the hand she laid his sleeve
soThe servants are up-a policeman is evidently
coming along. Hark! he is entering the hall
| must
'sYou go to the gallow," muttered Mrs Gil
roy clinging to him.
arp the perspiration burst out on Bernard's
forehead. and he started back. care you mad?"
''You are, you arc" went on the housekeeper
hurriedly, "you fool! 1t is known that your
grandfather disinherited you, and"
.eYou know did not commit this crime"
IT know nothing. II" Mrs. Groy put her
hand to her head. "1ts the only way-the only
way" she whispered to herself. ''You killed
to It'll Help" she raised her voice to scream.
"Help''
'sIet me CO." cried Bernard thinking he had
been drawn into trap.
But Mrs Gilroy still clung with force for
which he would not have given her credit.
ShrIeklug aloud she was. dragged by the
startled young man into the passage and to-
wards the landing.
Below. in the hail. the door of which was
omen, the cook and the housemaid were embrac-
ing a bur1y policeman, and terrified small page
was looking up the stairs.
On the vision of this alarmed group reeled
Mrs. Giroy, clinging and shrieking to Bernard
sfHelp me-heIp mel He will escaped"
The policeman blew shrill whistle and said
sharp word to the page, who seampered out
Of the door for dear life. The cook and house
maid reeeded towards the back of the hall as
Bernard, dragging Mrs. Gilroy after him, flung
himself down the stairs He saw now that his
position was dangerous, but his wits were SO be-
'sviIdefed that he hardly knew what he was do
ing.
AS he reached the foot of the stair the police
man caught him by the coat. "I arrest you in
the Kings name," said the officer, promptly
@Yes yes for nfurder-murder!" cried Mrs.
Gilfoy breathlessy
HMurder" che other servants shrieked
sWho is dead?" asked the policeman, with
professional stolidity.
"sir Simon Gore This is his grandson. He
has strangled him."
eIt's d he--& ie" cried Bernard, very pale.
"I did not enter"
"Ahything you say now will be used in evi.
dencc against you" said the policeman "Come
IN tbe stairs we must see this corpse titled
man. too, and your grandfather-you audacioui
scoundrei!
II tell you am innocent" said Bernard, hi.