Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-22
CHAPTER KILL.


barrister HIS so much unexpected tro-
the progress of events He certainly
did not anticipate the discovery OF
three David Humes, though he had
hoped to find traces Of two.
Before he reached hls hotel he ex-
pcraenced spaem OF doubt. Was
his client telling the truth about his
monuments on that memorable
New Years Ever Davids story was
fully corroborated by the railway
official and the servants at the Hall.
whose sworn evidence was in Brett's
possession. But how about Hume's
counterfeit presentments arriving by
the earlier trains-coming from
where and bound on what errandso
He resolutely closed down the
trap-door opened by his imag,na-
tion.
The pit does not yawn for me +"
he cominuned, but for the man who
killed Sir Alan. Assuredly he will fail
into It before many days. Nothing
on earth can stop the meeting Of two
or more OF tho hidden channels now
being opened up, and when they do
meet there must be a dramatic out
come"
His chief purpose in revisiting
StowmaFket was to seek further CON
fdences from Mrs. Capella. He ar
gued that the sudden journey Of her
husband to Naples would cause her
be inclined to reveal circumstances
yet hidden.
He refused 10 take her at dis
advantage From the hotel he sent a
cyclfst messenger with note asking
for IN interview, and within an hour
he received a cordial request TO come
At once.
astonished to find Helen Layton
awaiting him in Margaret's boudoir.
The girl showed signs Of recent
agitation. but she explained her pres
ence quietly enough.
Mrs. Capella sent for me when
your note reached her, Mr.. Brett
She Is greatly upset by recent events.
graphing to DAVE TO ask him to
bring you here at once when your
message was handed TO her She will
he here presently Please do not
press her too closely TO reveal any
thing she wishes TO withhold She ia
go emotional and excited. poor thing,
that I fear her health may be endan-
gered"
Miss Layton's words were not well
chosen. She was conscious of the
fact. and blushed furiously when
Brett received her request with
friendly nod of compreh ension
81 do not know what to say for
the best" she went on desperately
81 am SO sorry for Margaret. and it
seems to be a terrible thing that my
proposed marriage with her cousin
should be the innocent cause OF al
this trouble"
''1s It the cause" he asked.
What else can It be? Certainly
not Mr.. Capella's foolish actions t.
Davie and ! were married. and far
away from this neighborhood.
we would probably never see MIN
again ! assure you | attach no Sc
ious significance TO his mad fancy
for me. The real reason for the pres
ont bother Is Davies desire to re-
open the story Of the murder, OF that
4 am convinced"
Then what do you wish me to
do?"
Helen's eyes became snspiciously
moist.
How am I to decide?" she said
tremulous!y. Naturally, wan, the
name of my future husband to he
cleared Of the odium attached to 1t,
but It IL hard that this cannot h.
done without driving n dear woman
like Margaret to despair. perhaps to
the grave"
"I do not see why the one course
should Involve the other
Nor do ]: but the fact remains.
Mr.. CApeNa's decision to go to Ma
Pies IL somehow bound up with it.
On, dear! During the last two years
. dozen or more girls have been hap
PLY married in this village without
any one being killed, or running
away, or dying of grief, Why should
those things descend upon my poor
little head7"
Perhaps you are mistaken.
Events have conspired TO point to
you al the unconscious source OF a
good deal that has happened. Per-
sonaily. Miss Layton, | incline to the
belief that You are no more RESPONSE
BILE than David Hume-Frazer II the
mystery Of Sir Alans death is ever
solved. feel assured that It's genesis
Will be found In circumstances not
only beyond your control but who'll
ly Independent, and likely to operate
in the same way n both you and your
nance had never either seen or heard
Of Beechcroft Hall"
"Oh. Mr.. Brett" she cried impul-
sively. II wish could be certain OF
that"
Try and adopt my opinion, no an
swered. with a smile, for the girls
dubiety was not very fattering.
II know I ain saying the wrong
Thing. I cannot help It. Margaret 4
distress tried me sorely. BE gentle
with her-that Ia all l ask"
The door opened, and MIRA. CapeIla
entered. Hsien's observations had
prepared Brett to some extent. yet he