Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-15
THE STOWMARkET,
MYSTERY;
OR,
A LEGACY
OF HATE
D. LOUIS TRACY
Cup1.tsh,sd, 1904, r. r. Fsnno n Co.
CHAPTER TX.
THE KO-K AvANA.

Thinking aloud, rather than sd-
dressing bis companions, Brett be-
gan again
The man must have had some
place In which to change his clothes
for he would not court attention by
walking about IN evening dress by
broad daylight. He met and spoke
with Alan Hume Frazer that after
noon. The result was unsatisfactory.
The stranger resolved to visit him
again at night--the night OF the ball.
In country village on such an ccca-
sion, a swallow tailed coat was
passe-partout, IA many gentry had
come IN from the surrounding dis
trict."
"Yes. that is So" broke in Hume.
Brett momentarily looked through
him, and the detective shook his
herG 10 deprecate any further inter
rupuon
He could not enter Mrs. East
hams house. for there everybody
knew everybody else He could not
enter the library Of the Hail. because
the footmau was on duty for several
hours. Is not that SOL
He seemed to bite both men with
the question
Yes" they answered
Then he was compelled to hang
about the avenue, watching his op-
portunity-his opportunity for what.
Not TO commit a murder He was
nnarmed. or. st any rate. his imple-
nent was haphazard choice. Sc
lected ON the spur Of the moment.
He saw David Hume leave the de nee.
and watched his brief talk with the
butler. He correctly Interpreted
Hume's preparations 10 await his
nets suggest the crime. and its prob
able explanation cannot de-
termine that point now. Assuredly It
gave the opportunity TO commit a
theft. Something was stolen from the
secretaire. A bold rascal. to force a
drawer whilst another man WIS in
the room! Did he fear the conse-
auences IL he were caught? think
not. He succeeded in his object, and
went of. but before he reached the
gates he saw Miss Layton. whom he
did not know. talking TO the baronet.
He secreted himself until the baronet
entered the park alone. For some
and walked with Sir Alan to the
lawn outside the window. still re-
tanning In his hand the small knife
used to prize open the lock. There
was short and vehement dispute
Possibly the baronet guessed the OBJ
3ect OF this unexpected appearance.
There may have been a struggle
Then the knife was sent home, with
such singular skill that the victim
fell without word. a groan, TO
arouse attention. The murderer
made of down the avenue, but he
was far too cold blooded to run away
and encounter unforeseen dangers.
No; he waited among the trees to as
certain what would happen when his
victim was discovered. and frame his
plans accordingly. 1t was then tibet
he saw Helen Layton and David
Hume. As soon as the newt Of the
murder spreas abroad the dance
broke up. Amidst tho wondering
srowd. slowly dispensing in their car
ria ges. he could easily slip away un-
seen. for the police, Of course, were
sure that David Hume killed his
cousin. Don't you see. Winter'"
The inspector did not see.
You arc making up fne tale.
pr. Brett" he said doggedly. but
I'm blessed Il I can follow your rea-
coming"
Mo. Of course not. Eighteen
months of settled conviction are not
10 be dispelled in an instant But ac-
eept my theory. This man. the guilty
man, must have resided in Stowmar-
ket for some hours, II not days
Many people saw him. He could not
live In Slsagill. where even tho viii
lage dogs would suspect him. But the
addle-headed police. ready to hand
ruh David Hume. never thought OF
lnQuirtng about strangers who came
and went at Stowmarket in those
days Stowmarket Is q metropolis, a
wilderness of changeful beings. to
country policeman. 1T has a market
day. an occasional drunken man
life ID . whtrl in Stowmarket. For
tunately. people have memories. At
that time you did not wear a beard,
Hume"
NO" was the reply. though
never told you that"
"of course you told me. many
times. Did not your acquaintance
fall to recognise your Had not Mrs.
Capelia to look twice ut you before
she knew you! Now, Winter, start
out. Ascertain. In each hotel In the
town II they had any strange guests
about the period OF the murder.
There Is remote chance that YOU
may learn something. Describe MIR.
Hume without a beard, and hint at O.
reward n Information is forthcom-
Ing. Money Quickens the agricultural
intelisct."
The detective doubling much.
obuyed. Hume. asking II there was
any reason why ne should not drive
back to Sleasill for an hour before
dinner, was saroastically advised to
20 good deal farther. Indeed, the
sight Of that tiny typewrittsn slip
had stirred Brett TO volcanic activity.
He tamped backwards and Tor
wards. enveioped In smoke. Once he
halted and tore at the bell.
A waiter came.