Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-03-29
THE STOWMARKET
MYSTERY;
OR,
A LEGACY
OF HATE
Nv LOUIS TRACY
Copyrighted, 1904 r. F. Fennc n Co.
CHAPTER XVII.
" CHERCRKZ LA FEMME. "

returning In tho second dog-csrt.
On the way Robert Frazer who
may be designated by his second
surname to distinguish him from his
cousin---was anxious TO learn what
had caused the presentrecrudescenc
Of inquiry into Alan's death. This was
easily explained by David. and Brett
took care TO confine the converse
ton 10 general details.
Frazer was naturally keen to dis
cover how the barrister came 10 he
20 we'll posted in his movements. and
David listened eagerly whilst Brett
related enough OF the stationmaster's
story TO clear mp that point.
Hume broke in with a laugh:
THAT shows why he was so I'M
usually attentive when 7 arrived this
evening. He spotted me getting out
OF the train, and would not leave me
until was clear OF the station. He
asevidently determined to ascertain
my exact identity without any mis-
take, for he began by asking mo II
were not Mr.. David Hume Frazer,
laying stress on my Christian name.
u surprised me a little. because !
thought the old chap knew me well. y
Are you both absolutely certain
that there are no other members Of
your family in existence?' asked
Brett
TT dc ponds on how many of our
precious collection YOU are acQuaint-
ed with" said Robert.
THE only person Mr.. Brett Is not
acquainted with IS my father" ex-
claimed David stiff1y.
81 was not abiding 10 him, Of
course. Indeed had no individual
specially In my mind"
Surely you had some motive for
your remark" questioned David.
The only remaining relative is Mrs.
Capella."
There again how do You define
the word relative suppose, Mr..
Brett. you are fairly well posted in
the history OF our house,"
Yes"
We'll. has It ever struck YOU that
there was something queer about the
manner of my Uncle Alan's marriage
--Margaret's father, ] mean"
Perhaps. What do You know
about IT,
Nothing definite. When I was a
midshipman ON board the Northum-
beriand. have lively recollection
Of q fendish row between a man
named Somers and another officer
who passed some chatting remark
about my respected uncle's golngs
ON in Italy. The officer in question
had forgotten, or never knew, that
Sir Alan married Somerss sister
they were Bristol people, I think
but he stuck to It that Sir Alan had
an Italian wife. He had seen her"
Brett was driving. Frazer sitting
by his side, and David leaning over
the rail from the back seat. Had
q bombshell dropped in their midst
the two others could not have been
more startled than hy Roberts
chance observation.
Good Heavens" cried Hume
why has Capella gone to ltaly?"
That question may soon be an
svered," said Brett.
Was that one Of the other rea.
sons you limited at in the library
when telling us why you did not vol
unteer evidence at the trial?" hc
asked Robert.
TT was The cat is out of the ha {
now, I did not know where the affair
might end. so I held my tongue. i
also accounts for my unwillingnes:
to meet Capella. I am very fond o
Margaret. She Is straight as a die
and l would not do anything tc
cause her suffering. In a word, lie
sleeping dogs lie. If you can manage
your matrimonial affairs without al
this fuss. Davie. / should advise 20,
to do the same"
What are you limiting at? VIVA
new mystery Is this?" cried Hume.
Let Tie keep TO solid fact for tn,
present" interposed the barrister
II wish I had met You sooner. Mr.
Frazer. | would be nearing Maple
now, instead OF entering Stowmsr
Vet Have you any further informa
tion?"
None whatever. Even what
have told you is the recollection of
hoy who did not understand wha
the row was about. Where does
lsAd us. anyhow What is know
about Capella?"
Very little. Unless ] am niue
mistaken. he will soon tell US goo
deal himself. am beginning I
credit him with the possession q
more brains and powers of malic
thsa vas at first inclined TO admit
He Ia a dangerous customer"
Look here" exclaimed Rober
sngrIly. IF that wretched littl
ftaiian annoys Margaret in an
wsy l will crack his dolls head"
They reached the hotel, where
room was obtained for Frazer, an
David undertook to equip him on
OF his portmanteau. Brett left III
cousins 10 arrange matters. and hur
rted To his sitting room, where
number Of kilograms awaited him,
Those from Hume he barrel
glanced at. David could ten his ow
story.
Thsra we're three from Winrel
The FIRST, despatched at 10 y. m
read:
"Capella and valet left by clu
train. Nothing doing Japanese,
The second was timed 40 pm: