Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-29

hot, reeking body against my face.
and although the greater part OF his
Impact was borne by the road, got
enough to knock the breath out Of
me. You will see by the state Of my
clothes IN the other room how I was
hattened In the mud. BY the way,
Davie II IL your suit"
Helen choked back something she
was going to say, and Frazer con-
tinued
"A policeman pulled me from I'M
der the horse, and I kept my>senses
sufficiently TO note how the near
front wheel had gouged a channel in
the mud within an inch or so OF my
head. It went over my hat. Where
is ito"
Hume ran into the bedroom. and
returned with bowler hat torn to
shreds
There you are" said Robert
coolly. Fancy my head In that con-
dition.'
You used the word 'pitc he'd DO
you mean that someone cannoned
against you?"
Not bit OF It. II was no acct
dent OF q hurrying man blindly fol-
loving an umbrella | have been a
sailor, Mr. Brett. and am accus-
toned to maintaining my balance In
sudden lurch. do It intuitively.
IL Is as much part Of my second self
I ms using my eyes or ears with I'M
conscious accuracy. Some man
n big, powerful Enthusiastically
threw me- down, and did so very sell
entiflcally, frst pressing his knee
against the tendons OF my right leg,
and then using his elbow. Not one
in thousand Londoncrs would
| know tho trick
You are a Grst-rate witpess. Pray
go on, said Brett.
Being sailor. however, did
! managc 20 twist round slightly az
4 fell, and I'm blessed II didn't think
It was Davie here who did It"
The barrister's keen face lighted
ourioualy. The Others, closely watch
ing him. afterwards agreed that he
reminded them of greyhound
strainng after luckless hare.
That seems TO interest you. Mr.
! Brett" said Frazer. II assure you
the momeutary impression was very
distinct My assailaut was dressed
like Davie. too. in dark blue serge,
and wore beard. For the moment
I forgot that Davie had visited the
barber this morning, and | blurted
out something when he met me be-
ng carried In through the hall"
Yes" exclaimed Hume. You
said: DAVE. why did you try &c
murder me'' was sure you were
deiirtous, as had not left Nellie and
Margaret for an instant since you
went out"
THAT is So" cried Helen.
Margaret uttered no word. She
sat. with hands clasped. and pale. So
face. watching her cousin as II hi
story had mesmeric effect.
I'm awfully sorry" said Frsze
penitently. Il knew at once 7 was
fool. but you see. old chap, remem
bered YOU best as had seen yo,
during the previous twenty-fou
hours, and not az you looked a
breakfast this morning Do forgiv,
me-"
But Brett broke IN impatiently:
MY dear fellow. your natura
mistake Is the most important thint
that has happened since your cousir
Alan met his death. The man who
attacked you mistook you. In turn
for David He will try again.
wonder If your accident will be re
ported In the papersY"
YES" said Hume. "A young
ster came to me. inquired all abou
Robert. and seemed TO be quite sorr
he was not mangled."
Then It will be your affair mex
time. Keep a close lookout when
ever you are alone. II anyone re
sembling Yourself lays hand o,
you. try and detsin him at all costs
Mr.. Brett shrieked Helen
you surely cannot mean H."
His enthusiasm had caused him &
ignore her presence. For the mex
five minutes he was earnestly engage
In explaining away his uncanny re
quest.