Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-01-26

Hdu SuSSesteu 10 New I Ork that Pick ering was playing some deep game. and l, myself. could not accept Pick ering's statement that my grandfath- CTS large fortune had proved to be a myth. If Pickering had not stolen or dissipated 1t, where was it concealed? {? Morgan was undoubtedly looking for something of value or he would not risk his life in the business: and 1t was quite possible that he was em- ployed by Pickering to search for hid den property. This idea took strong hold of me, the more readily, I fear, since had alwaye been axious to see evil in Pickering. There was, to be sure, the unknown alternative heir, but neither she nor Sister Theresa was, imagined, person capable of hiring an assassin to kill me.
 On reflection dismissed the idea of appealing to the county authorities, and never regretted that resolution. The seat of Wabana county was 20 miles away, the processes of law were unfamiliar, and wished to avoid pub licity. Morgan might, of course, have been easily disposed of by an appeal to the Anmandale constable, but now that I suspected Pickering of treach- cry the caretaker's importance dwin- dled. I had wanted all my life for chance at Arthur Pickering. and in this affair I hoped to draw him into the open and settle with him.
 I slept presently but woke at my usual hour, and after tub felt ready for another day Bates served me, as usual, a breakfast that gave fair aspect to the morning. I was alert for any sign of perturbation in him; but I had already decided that I might as well look for emotion in stone wall as in this placid, colorless serving man. had no reason to sus- pect him of complicity in the nights affair, but had no faith in him, and merely waited until he should show his hand.
 By my plate next morning found this note, written in clear, bold, woman's hand:
 The Sisters of St. Agatha trust that the intrusion upon his grounds by Miss Armstrong, one of their stu. dents, has caused MT. Glenarm no an noyance. The Sisters beg that this infraction of their discipline will be overlooked. and they assure MT. Glen arm that 1t will not recur."
 An unnecessary apology! The note paper was of the best quality. At the head of the page "St. Agatha's, Annandale" was embossed in purple. One of the sisters had seen beyond the wall undoubtedly wrote it-possi- bly, Sister Theresa herself. A clever woman, that! Thoroughly capable of plucking money from guileless old gentlemen! Poor Olivia! born for freedom. but doomed to pent-up ex. istence with lot of nuns! resolved to send her a box of candy sometime just to annoy her guardians. Then my own affairs claimed attention.
 Bates" I asked. do you know what MT. Glenarm did with the plans for this house!"
 He started slightly. I should not have noticed 1t If had not been e keen for his answer.
 No, sir. can't put my hand upon them, sir"
 That's all very well, Bates, but you didn't answer my question. Do you know where they are? I'll put my hand on them if you will kindly tell me where they're kept"
 q fear very much, MT. Glenarm. that they have been destroyed. I tried to find them before you came, to tell you the whole truth. sir; but they must have been put out of the way"
 That's very interesting, Bates. Will you kindly tell me whom you suspect of destroying them? The toast again, please"
 His hand shook as he passed the plate.
 T hardly like to say, sir, when it's only a suspicion"
 "Of course I shouldn't ask you to incriminate yourself, but I'll have to insist on my question. It may have occurred to you, Bates, that in sense in sense, mind you-Im the mas ter here."
 Well, should say, if you press me that fear Mir. Glenarm, your grand father, burned the plans when he left here the last time. hope you will pardon me. sir, for seeming to reflect upon him."
 Reflect upon the devil! What was his idea, do you suppose?"
 '1 think. sir, If you will pardon" Don't be so fussy!" I snapped. Damn your pardon, and go on!"
 "He wanted you to study out the place for yourself, sir. It was dear to his heart. this house. He set his heart upon having you enjoy it." T like the word-go ahead"
 And I suppose there are things about it that he wished you to learn for yourself"
 You know them, or course, and are watching me when I'm hot and cold. watching me to see when I'm hot and cold. like kids at child's game"
 The fellow turned and faced me across the table.
 MT. Glenarm. as I hope God may be merciful to me in the last iudg- ment. I don't know any more about 1t than you do"