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

ing glance.
What the deuce has n got to do
With you?" he replied hercely. who
has appointed you grand inquisitor
to the family, ] should like to know
hargsrSE. beg your pardoS, but
this chap"
us my friend, Mr.. Reginald
Brett. He is engaged in unravelllng
the manner and cause of poor Alan's
death. He has my full sanction,
Robert, and was brought here IN the
first instance. by David. hope,
therefore, you will treat him moro
civtlly."
~ will treat him as he treats mo.
! owe him nothing, at any rate"
They were talking in the Inflated
library. having entered tho house
through the center window. The IN
hidden guest faced the others, and
although the cloud Of suspicion hung
heavily upon him. the barrister was
far too shrewd an observer of human
nature to attribute his present de-
FAINT attitude to other than It's true
origin-a feeling OF humlliated
pride.
Brett understood that 70 question
him further was to risk scene-a
thing to be avoided at all costs.
NO doubt" he said, "you wish to
speak privately 10 Mrs. CapeIla. I
was on the point of escorting Miss
Layton to her house. Shall return
and drive you back to Stowmarket?
I will be here in fifteen minutes
at would be better than walk
ing" replied Robert YEARLY, settling
into n chair with the air of a man
physically tired and mentally per
turbed
Again there was a dramatic pause.
Helen. more alarmed than she
wished to admit. gave Margaret
questioning look. and received
strained but reassuring smile.
Then I will 70 now" she be-
gan, but instantly stopped. Like tho
others she heard the quick trot OF
horse, and the sound OF rapid wheels
approaching from the lodge.
who on earth can this be-" cried
Margaret, blanching visibly.
The vehicle. a doe-cart. drew near
er. They all went to the window Even
the Indifferent Robert rose end
Joined them.
Helen startled them by running
out TO the side of the drive
This time 7 am not mistaken"
she cried Historically. TT is Davie"
The proceedings of the gentleman
who jumped from the dog-cart left
no doubt on the point He brazenly
kissed her. and In her excitement
she seemed to like It.
She evidently whispered some
thing TO him, for his first words to
Brett were:
How did you find out
But the barrister was not anxious
10 let the cousin from Argentina lnto
the secret Of the search for him
~ have found out nothing" he IN
terrupted, Il have been at Beech
croft all the afternoon and evening.
Meanwhile, you must be surprised to
meet Mr. Robert Hume-Frazer here
so Unexpectedly"
David luckily grasped his friend s
intention. Such information as he
alone
How dye do Bob?" he said,
frankly holding out his hand. why
have you left us alone all those
years, to turn up at last IN this
queer wav?'
The Young mans kind greeting
his manly attitude, had an unlocked
for effect
Robert ignored the prorered hand
He reached for his hat.
Il feel like a beestly interloper,"
he groWled husktly. Accept my
apologies, Margaret. and you, Miss
Layton. | will call in the morning
Mr.. Brett, II you still hold to your
offer ! will await you at the lodge.
or any other place you care to
name"
With blazing eyes and mouth
firmly set, ne endeavored 10 reach
the open window. Brett barred his
way.
Sit down, man" ne said sternly
why are you such a fool as to re
sist the kindness offered to YOU?
tried to make matters easy for you
Now ! must speak plainly. You are
weak with hunger"
He had seen what the others
missed. The color in Roberts face
was due TO exposure but he was
otherwise drawn and haggard His
clothes were shabby. He had walked
from Stowmarket because he could
not afford to hire any means OF con-
yeyance.
The abject confession compelled
by Brett's words was too much for
him. He again collapsed in a chair
and covered his face with his hands.
CHAPTER XVI.