The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1908-02-07
HIS WlFE's
REVENGE

BILE to single out any one of them as an
object of suspicion. The inspector,
prosecuting his inquiries vigorously,
found that the Claire Barton to whom
Harold Brettinghams brother was en-
gagged had been an assistant in the
millinery establishment where May
Wilson was still engaged
That had at first suggested reason
for the younger brothers visit. He
| must have been anxious to find out
! something about the associates of the
| girl his brother proposed to marry. He
| might wish to prevent the marriage.
But he could not be in communica-
| ton with Hank. Hank knew May
Wilson's address, and would never
have let the young man pay his gauche
| visit to Scotland Yard.
Hank had carefully avoided paying a
visit to Sir Mark rockingham after h,
had discovered that the watch was
still kept on The Winery, and so no
movement of his assisted the inspect
or in that direction.
The more the inspector thought the
matter out the greater the tangle
seemed to be. He could not see what
possible motive any one but May
could have in assisting Wilson, and he
was certain she had not seen him or
communicated with him. The story
she told at the grave-side was genu-
inc. She had betrayed Hank without
knowing what she was doing.
The inspector was still searching
| for ray of light when a big fraud
came in and the chief gave him the
matter to take up.
1t was one in which some of the
most artistic criminals of the day were
involved, and in the excitement of the
chase, which included a trip to the
continent, the Wilson case was allow
ed to rest.
The men were run to earth, and the
inspector returned to his Office and
was busy making up his evidence for
the trial when, at noon one Saturday,
he was suddenly reminded of the Will
son mystery by visit from detect
ive-inspector from the Remington d.
vision.
81 don't know if it's important" he
said, "but thought l would come on
to you with it. The man whose beat
is by The Winery, where we kept a
watch SO long, is engaged to the serv.
ant girl at the house.
"This morning she came out with
| telegram, which she was taking to the
Office. She met her sweetheart-the
constable-and told him she was TAX
ing it for Miss Wilson. He had fire.
quently been helping to keep her un-
der observation, and, thinking there
might be something in 1t, managed to
get the telegram and read it.
He told me the contents when he
came in, and 1 thought, as you had
taken up the Wilson case, you might
like to know it. I took the words down
from the constable. Here they are"
The Remington inspector handed
his coufrere slip of paper, on which
was the following copy of wire:
"Claire Barton, The Nest, Inner Cir
Gle. Regents Park. Coming at four
instead of FIVE. Will explain when
see you.-May."
INSPECTOR Millett read the copy of
the telegram twice.
Il dan't think there is anything in
it," he said. This Claire Barton is a
friend. But there May be. You were
quite tight to bring it on
but if you still believe Wilson is
| alive, rflay not this be planned meet
ing VITA herr"
She believes he's dead, as told
you. Bat, of course, may be wrong"
Il think you are. My own idea is
that Hank worked the cemetery bust
| ness and got her to go down, knowing
that she would be followed and the
grave would impose on us and stop all
further search. He told our man he
believed Wilson was dead, with de-.
liberate object"
Inspector Millett shrugged his shout.
ders. "He is quite capable. of It," he
replied. "but I'd stake my life on the
woman's genuineness. However, tho
whole affair is SO mysterious that I
have given up forming any ideas at
all. 1t is quite possible this visit to
Claire Barton may be worth our at
tention-ono never knows. A clue
comes when It is least expected"
What shall you do?"
Il shall have to think. want to be
at The Nest myself at four o'clock,
when she GENES. II she's going to
meet any one besides Claire Barton I
shall know"
you'll have Job to get In
Il shall manage 1t. II a thief can
get into London house to take the
gas meter. q detective can ind q bona.
nde introduction to domestic interi.
or he wants 10 have the run of with.
out much dimculty."
The inspector nodded. II know. nv
dear Millett." he said. II only want
ed toshear your ideas. They are a.
ways interesting and always instruct.
I've. We all reckon you the smartest
man among us." III
"One has to b smart today to hold
ones own With modsrn roguSry. But
I'm afraid the tegues can stills i've us
good many points and beat Ms"
ThA fvn men ahonir kau a. >~A go