Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1906-11-22
CHAPTER XIV.


Lord Garfield stepped forward and
held up has hand TO the keeper, warn
ingly; but the warning gesture came
too late. Miss Amelia's shrieks were
ringing through the vaulted hall, and
at the head OF the stairs, looking down
upon the scene OF confusion and con
sternation, stood Oliyia. Bessie was
by her side with her travelling wrap
over her arm. and instinctiyely she
stretched out her hand AMI grasped
her mistress. so the two girls stood
and waited.
Now. my man" said Lord Garfield,
sternly, III you haven't taken leave OF
your senses, tell me what has hap
pened"
The keeper looked round, confused
In his excitement by the crowd Of anx-
lous faces and still moe by the sight
OF the squire, who came forward and
stood beside the earl.
Shall we 30 In the library?' wills
pered Lord Garfield.
nc buHllS buoph lllp pN"b ""'
glanced round
1T is too late now he replied, IN
Az low a tone. He may as well speak
out before them now Go on, browne
The keeper touched his front lock.
Il beg your pardon, squire, but I'm
skeared.like. lit come 80 sudden
was passing through the wood to the
big tent, when see IL lying on the
ground just by the felled oak there"
Saw what?" said the earl,
THE woman, my lord" replied
Browne, with shudder. Il
thought, seein as she vas stranger
that-beggin' your pardon, my lord
she might have had to much drink IN
the tent-some Of 'em has, you Sec
and was just lyln' asleep; but when
stopped down TO wake her, | saw that
she waB--dead."
A thrill OF horror ran through the
group OF silent listeners. Death Is Il
grim visitor at all seasons; but at
marriage feast!
Dead ccnOed the earl.
"Yes, my lord quite dead There
weren't no difficulty In telling how.
for there was tho wound In her side
plain enough. Shed been shot, squire,
shot
Bessies hand closed more tightly on
Oliyias
81 called out for help squire and
then"
He stopped and hesitated, like Il
man reluctant 10 go farther.
Go on" said the earl. grayely.
We'll, my lord, gentleman came
up. II think he was waiting near
I--l-Idon't know. but he came up ut
once. He-he-says to me"--he stop
ped again ana looked troubled" Go
for the constable Browne. You'll
find him at the entrance to the lawn
I'll walt and watch here II ran
of at once, and | found the plIceman
and sent him TO the wood. and-ard
tngn / came on here"
There was a moments silence, then
Lord Garfield said. solemnly
Who was this gentleman Browne2"
The Keeper opened his lips, ana,
g0Dking round, hesitated
Am | SO say, squire?" he asked.
Before the squire could reply. II
roar as Of an approaching crowd
reached the hall 1t came nearer and
nearer. until IL seemed as II 1t were
just outside; then, as the footman
opened the door, the wedding guests
saw an imense throng of people gath.
cred outside. The policeman, with All.
other man beside him, separated them
selves from the mass. and walked into
the hall.
A thrill OF surprise ran through the
spectators, FOR the man beside whom
the policeman stood so closely and
watchfully was Harold Faradeane.
His ordinarily pale face was graver
even than usual, but 1t was perfectly
calm, and he looked round and met the
curious gaze Of those about him with
o calm steadfastness. For moment
NhitI ti' buW SlNia tla lut ElNit-
case, his eyes wavered and his lips
trembled; then he seemd to recover
himself and stood silent and self-pos.
sessed.
"Faradeane!" exclaimed the squire
What is this?" and he went towards
him, agitatedly.
If Faradeane intended responding.
the constable prevented him. Almost
stepping In between him and the
squire, he said, respectfully enough
but firmly:
beg pardon, squire; but caution
Mr. Faradcane. I've done so already
as he'll bear witness. I've told him
that anything he says may be used
against him"
There was q movement of suppress
ed excitement Faradeane stood per
fectly silent and calm.
You have cautioned Mr. Fara
deane!" said Lord Garfield do yol
To