The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1906-08-23

breeches an short, blue coat"
again the friend of Darrell" Trove
thought.
"Did you tell the tinker about your
boss the night we were all at Robins
Inn last summerT
II told him the whole story, an he
pumped me dry. I'd answer him an
he'd holler Very WE'LL an shoot an
other question at me-"
"Well. Thurst, go on with your
story"
Couldn't tell ye Just what happen
ed. They went Off int the house. Mex
day the boss tor me he want no longer
apoor man an was goin { sell his farm
an leave for Callforny. In a tavern
near where we lived the stranger died
sudden that night, an the funeral was
at our house. an he was buried there
In Iowy."
Trove walked to the bench and stood
a moment looking out of the window.
"Strangew said he returning pres
emily, with fearful eyes. "Do you re-
member the dateT
"'Twas Friday, bout the middle O.
September"
Trove turned, looking up at the
brazen dial Of the tall clock. It indicat-
ed 4:30 In the morning of Sept. 10.
Were there any with him when he
died?"
"Yes; the tavern keeper; II was some
kind of a stroke. they told me-"
"And your boss-did he go to Califor-
mia 2" Trove asked.
"He sold the farm an went to Cali
forny. I worked there awhile, but the
boss an me couldn't agree, an so
pulled up an trotted fer home"
ITO what part of California did
Thompson go?'
Hadn't no idee where he would stick
his stakes. He was goin' int the gold
business"
Trove sat busy with his own thoughts
while Thurston Tilly, warming to new
confidence. boiled over with enthusiasm
for the far west. A school friend Of the
boy came by and by, whereupon Tllly
whistled and hurried away.
"Did you know" said the newcomer
when Trovc and he were alone. "that
Roberts, the man who tried to send you
up, is a young lawyer and Is going to
settle here? He and Polly are en-
gagged"
"Engagedv'
$50 he gave me to understand"
"Well, II she loves him and he's a
good fellow. I've no right to complain"
~ don't believe that he's q good fel-
low" said the other.
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, a detective is-is"-
"a necessary evilT" Trove suggested.
"Just that" said the other. He must
pretend to be what he isn't, and-weil,
gentleman is not apt to sell himself
for that purpose. Now, he's trying to
convince people that you knew as
much about the crime as Darrell. In
my opinion he isn't honest. Good looks
and fine raiment are all there is to that
fellow, take my word for It."
You're inclined to Judge him harsh
ly." said Trove. But I'm worried. for
I fear he's unworthy Of her, and-and
I must leave town tomorrow"
"Shall you so to see herr
"No; not until know more about
will give her good counsel. Soon
they'll know what kind of a man he
is, and, II necessary, they'll warn her.
I'm beset with trouble, but, thank
God. know which way to turn"
CHAPTER xxx.
YEXT morning Trove was on
N his way to Quebec "a long,
L hard journey In the winter
time those days. Leblanc had
moved again, so they told him In Que
bee; this tine to Plattsburg, in Clin-
ton county. N. Y. There. however,
Trove was unable to find the French
man. A week Of patient inquiry; then,
leaving promises of reward for infor-
nation, he came away. He had yet an
other object of his travels-the prison
at Dannemora-and came there of
Sunday morning late In February. Its
towers were bathed In sunlight; its
shadow lay dark upon the snow. He
shivered In the gloom of this shadow
as he went up driveway and rang a
bell. The warden received him kindly.
II wish to see Roderick Darrel-he Is
my friend" said Troye as he gave the
warden letter.
Come with me-" said the official
presently. "He is talking to the men,"
They passed through gloomy corri-
dors to the chapel door. Trove halted
to compose himself, for now he could
hear the voice OF Darrell.
Let me stand here awhile; I can
not go in now," he whispered.
The voice stopped. There was a mo-
ment of deep silence. Then stir In
the audience--a stir of hands and hand
kerchiefs. Trove entered; the chaplain
was now reading hymn. Darrell sat
behind him on raised platform, the
silken spray upon his brows, long and
white as snow. his face thoughtful and
serious. The reading over, he came
and sat among the men, singing as
they sang. The benediction, stir OF
feet, and the prisoners began to press
about him, some kissing his hands. He
gave each kindly greeting. 1t was
like the night of the party on Cedar
hill. moment more, and the crowd
was hling away, some looking back
curiously at Trove, who stood, his arms
about the old man.
Courage, boyg' the latter was say
ing. II know 1t cuts thee like sword,
an would to God l could have spared
thee even this. Look! In yon high