Los Angeles herald., 1906-06-03

one OF the Gore family, it was a grave question
as 10 whether he should be arrested But
ing that Bernards character could not be cleared
lnCn the whole truth came out, and the wrong
uoer suffered for his wicSedness it was agreed
tnat warrant should be obtained for the guilty
person. This business was entrusted to Dur
nam nam and he departed for town by the midday
The train steamed off, and Commission was left
s.anulng .,,ng on the platform. II do hope all this
BUSINESS will soon be at an end he said to him
sell am about weary of surprises
already it had been arranged that Miss Beren-
s..lla should Keep an eye on Michael-who never
expected to be arrested-so Commission had no need
10 return to the Bower. Mounting his horse ne
Cook MS way along the high-road to the castle
ana arrived there somewhere about two o'clock
AZ AS there was no one about the place he put up
the horse himself and then came To the front
uoor. Much to his surprise it was locked, but
a vigorous ringing Of the bell brought Mrs Moon
to the door.
Goodness be praised your lordship has come"
sald she, with moan and groan combined in
most extraordinary way "Have YOU seen NV
wicked Victoria your lordshp?"
No Has she gone away?"
Last night" said Mrs. Moon, drifting into
the hall She went away before ten o'clock
in her best things saying she would be back.
AND not an eye have I set her since. But
then l expect the coming of Jerry upset her.
"Jerry!' shouted Commission, throwing down his
cap Did you say that Jerry was here?"
Yes. He's here, your lordship, and he has
sent Mr.. Grant mad As soon as Jerry set eyes
on Mr.. Grant last night, when he come at nine
o'clock he had his hair standing on end Mr..
Grant, he was amazed-like also, and took Jerry
to his room. There he have kept him locked
up, and wished to send messenger to your dear
lordship, and"
Commission waited to hear no more. He tore
up the stairs two at time, and burst red-faced
and excited into Bernard's sittingroom
His friend had already heard his hasty foot
steps, and was his feet staring at the door
I'm glad you've come, Conniston," he said
breathlessly THAT boy Jerry is here, and I've
locked him up in case he should get away and
tell Beryl"
"Beryl has his hands full at present" said Con-
niston, grimly "As to Judas, he's wanted by
the police; for trying to poison Michael Gilroyi''
Bernard stared Michael Gilroy? Where is
he?"
cat Miss Pantagenet's. It's long story. I'll
tell it to you as soon as I can get my breath.
Where's Jerry?"
"Shut up in an empty room," said Bernard
"He came last night at nine thereabouts. |
twas outside the castle door and saw him coming.
I did not know it was him until stepped into
the hall. When Jerry saw me, his hair rose on
end and he appeared to be frightened cut of his
life. But. tell me, what's up, old chap? I'm on
tenterhooks.'
''Well. in the first place, have discovered
that Julius killed your grandfather"
Bernard started to his feet. What" he
shouted, then Gained down. 81 almost expected
to hear you say that" he added. How was the
villain found out?
''You may well call him villain" reioined
Commission; che has tried to poison Michael"
"What for?"
ITO get rid of an undesirable witness, I sup.
pose. He employed Jerry to give him some ar
senic in cup Of tea. Jerry did SO, and then
cleared out, Mark communicated with Scotland
Yard about jerry but we never expected be
would be here It's lucky thing you kept the
young wretch prisoner, Bernard"
Commission related all that had hitherto been
kept from Cores knowledge. Bernard listened
in silence, save for an occasional ejaculation
which showed how difficult he found it to keep
his promise not to interrupt. "And think Mark
was about right to keep these things from you,
Bernard" said Conniston, when he ended. "For
you are in hearing them now"
"And who wouldn't be in wax" demanded
Gore. fu1iously. Look at the way in which
have been treated. Beryl has made me scape-
goat for his own wickedness. I have been COM
PEELED to hide my head. have been accused
of an awful crime-my reputation has been ruined.
should think / am furious, and have right
to be-"
s'Bernard! Bernardo said Dick, shaking his
smooth head "your troubles have taught you
little 1t was your furious temper that led you
to fight with Sir Simon. You then said words
which made it probable to outsiders that you
committed this crime And now, when all is on
temper as ever"
'EBut think of that man Michael masquerading
as me-" went on Bernard, determined to speak
ont "It was bad enough in London, but that
he should dare to come to Alce-oh" in an ac-
cess of rage he shook his fist Then he sat down
TO recover himself "You are right, Dick" he
remarked, wipng his forehead, I'm fool. I'll
never learn wisdom"
'This is a change of temper" laughed Connis-
ton.
S'Oh, soon get into rage and soon get over
it, reoined Gore mpatiently "But we must
examine this boy Dick. He won't answer me
though. have been asking him plenty of ques-
tions."
Gore led the way from the room and along
narrow passage At the end Of this was a door,
which he opened It led into large empty
room but no sooner was the door opened than
a small boy darted out and ran straight into Con-
niston's arms.
"Now then, young Judas" said Dick, setting
the boy on his legs and giving him good shake.
s'Come and be tried"
"My lord" gasped Jerry, who was pale with
terror, and who had red eyes and disordered
hair.
"Yes! know all about your poisoning young
man."
Jerry dropped on his knees. q didn't" he
declared, "oh lord, really didn't. Miss Planta-
genet ordered the tea. She gave me the cup
-"
"Here" said Conniston, giving him another
shake, "stop that rubbish, you young beast. You
dare TO say such things of my aunt, who has been
SO kind to you Hanging is too good for such
scamp. Come along, and answer our questions" ,"
But Jerry, groveling ON the floor, embraced
| Conniston'S riding Q-bOOts in agony OF terror