Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-04-12
Rn LOUIS TRACY
CHAPTER XVI.
MI. COMA.

ITAlH W fhN W.
thirty-six hours flung mysteries and
intrigues to the winds.
He came back prepared for the
approaching climax. In such matters
he was human barometer, The af-
fairs of the family in whose interests
he had become so suddenly involved
were rapidly reaching an acute stage.
Something must happen soon, and
that something would probably have
tremendous and far-reachtng conse-
Quences.
Capeia and his companions. known
and unk nown. would reach London
Mt 40 pm. 1t pleased Brett to time
his homeward journey so that he
would speed in the same direction,
but arrive before them.
In these trivial matters he owned
20 boyish enthusiasm. It stimu,a-
ted him TO beat the other man +"
even ie he only called upon the Lon
don, Brighton. and South Coast line
TO conquer a weak opponent like the
South Eastern.
At his fiat were several letters
and kilograms. Mrs. Capella wrote {:
II have seriously considered your
last words to ME. II Is hard for a
woman, the victim OF circumstances
and deprived of her husbands sup
port al a most trying and critical pc
Rod, TO know how TO act for the
best. You said you wished your
hands 10 be left unfettered. Well
be It so You will encounter no
hindrance from me. pray for your
success, and can only hope that in
bringing happiness TO others YOU will
secure peace for me"
Poor woman," he murmured
"She still! trusts to chance TO save
her. Whom does she dread? Not
her husband Each day that passes
she must despise him the more. Does
she know that Robert loves her? Is
she afraid that he will despise her?
Really. collision in which Capella
was the only victim would be n per
feet godsend
David telegraphed the safe arrival
Of tn. parry at q Whitby hotel. 1--WE
have seen nothing more OF our
NorthuI1 berland Avenue acquaint-
ence." Ia added
Holden, too, cabled from Paris
announcing progress. The remainder
OF the correspondence referred tc
other matters ana social engage
,,.bi Lot :, r.
barriste' had summarily broken.
Winte- was announced. His face
heralded important tidlngs.
We'll, how goes the ratiocinative
process" was Brett's greeting.
I don't know him. said the de
most OF the private inquiry agents II
London, and one OF 'em is goinf
strong in Middle Street. He's watch
Ing Mr. Coma for all he's worth"
Mr.. Whom-a?"
I'm not Joking, Mr.. Brett. That fl
No. 37---Ooma, no initials. Anyhow
that Is the name he gives TO the land
LADY, and her daughter--the girl yc,
followed froIn tho hotel-tells all he
friends that when he gets his right
he will marry her and make her
princess"
"Ooma---a princess" repeated
Brett
Such Is the yarn In Remington
circles. I Obeyed orders absolutely
and my mate took turn about IN tn
lodgings We hired, where we are sup
posed to be inventors. My pal has
mechanical twist. He puts together
small electric machine during hi
spell. and I take it to pieces in mine
Yesterday my landlady was in tn
room. and Gonna looked out of tn
opposite window. Then she told m
the whole story"
go on--do,"
Mr.. Coma is evidently puzzled t
learn what has become Of the Hume
Frazers and Mrs. Capella."
Why do YOU bring in her name?
Because 1t leads 70 the secOn
part Of my story. Someone-Capell
or his solicitors, I Xpect-instructe
Messrs. Matchem and Smith, privat
detectives, to keep a close eye on tn
lady. Their man IS an ex-police cor
stable. a former subordinate OF min
who was fined for taking a drin
when he ought not to. or course,
knew him and he knew me, so
hadn't much trouble in getting 1t on
OF him"
Tho Enr na,upI with duo drt
matte effect.
Got what out OF him." erie
Brett impatiently. And don't pu
your cheeks In that way. Remembt
the terrible fate OF the frog VIII
would be bull"
There's neither frogs nor bulls
this business" retorted Winter call
in the consciousness OF his comm
revelation. Mrs. Capella did go
Middle Street that night. She droS
there In a hanson, had a long tai
with Coma, and nearly drove MI!
Dow crazy with jealousy"
I'VE guessed that already. Mil
Dew is the prospective princess,
presumed"
YES. She has been twice to Il
hotel since, trying TO find out whel
the party went to"
"Next7"
"Ooma has plenty of money. ar
now for my prize packet-he Is
Jap"
"Impossible,"
This time you are wrong, NJ