The Washington times., 1909-04-05
CHAPTER XVI.
MR. HAMILToN's DISCOVERY.


Mr. HAMILTON's DISCOVERY.
~ LAYTON felt positive that the
tan, dark bearded man who
had purchased the chocolates
at Hallard's store was the same
tall, dark-bearded man Of mystery who
had been shadowing Laura Hamilton
for some time past and who had led
the desperate attempt 10 carry her of
by force in the red automobile.
VINO was this man. he wondered
What was his reason for sending the
girl the box of poisoned candies?
Hitherto Clayton had believed that
the man was an ally OF the late Frank
harrington. He had suspected that
the bold attack upon the girl, outside
her fathers house, and the attempt
10 carry her off in tho red touring car
had been inspired by the senior part
ner OF Darlington & Sons.
This theory had been suggested "a
his mind by the remark that had
come from Arthur Barrington's lips
when the latter recovered conscious
ness. after being struck down at the
girls side by the woulG-be kidnap-
ers
This is some of my brother Franks
dirty work." Arthur harrington had
muttered on that occasion
Clayton had not forgotten those
words. and, deeming it probable that
the junior partner Of harrington &
Sons knew whereof he spoke, ne had
from that day held the impression
thet frank Darlington and the tall,
bearded man we're partners in a mys-
terious conspiracy against the girl.
and that they were combined in an at
tempt 70 combat the equally mystic
rious counterpart Of Arthur Barring
ton and his friend. the viIlainous-faced
Italian.
But now Clayton knew that his theory
was wrong-that Arthur harrington
had been mistaken when he had said
This is some of my brother Frank
dirty work"
The tail. dark bearded man evidently
was not an ally Of the late Frank Bar
rington. Neither. on the other hand.
did It seem logical to suppose that he
was an ally OF Arthur harrington.
Apparently. e was a three-cOrnered
game. as Clayton had already sur
missed. This tall, bearded man was
playing hand OF his own. There were
three separate and distinct conspiracies
against the unfortunate girl, and or the
three arch conspirators the tall bearded
man appeared TO be the worst and
the most deadly: for he had sought 20
take the girls life. as was proved by
the sending OF the poisoned candy.
why did he desire 70 bring about the
girls death2 why did Arthur Barring
ton and Frank harrington desire TO
marry herr What was the secret which
these men shared and which had made
the unfortunate Laura Hamilton the
victim OF their rascally Vaccinations?
Clayton asked himself these questions
as he stood at the counter Of the candy
store. and resolved that he would find
the proper answer before many more
DAYS had passed
1T IS the greatest mystery / have
ever heard Of" he told himself. ct is
the biggest and most interesting case
shall ever have a chance to tackle,
guess. and have got 10 solve the prob
lem. batting as IL appears at present
SAY" broke out the girl behind the
counter. Now that ] have answered
all or your questions. mister would
you be good enough to explain to me
my you have asked them? What do
you caro- about this little cut on my
fnger2 why do you appear 20 attach
So much importance, 10 the fact that
sold n box OF our best chocolates 20
a gent with beard. / frankly cOnfress
you have got me guessing and I'd very
much ike TO know the answer"
MY dear young lady" retorJed Clay
ton. with = sphinx-like smile. beware
OF curiosity. Remember that il was
curiosity which oHce killed a cat"
i know" replied the girl, with an
indignant toss Of her pretty head. but
I don't happen TO be a cat"
"Of course rot" said Clsyton hastily.
81 merely used that his .oric instance
as warming Seriously speaking
though. would like 10 tell YOU what all
this means; but ] scarcely think Il
would he safe TO DO so al present. Let
me assure you. however. that my ques-
tons. frivolous as they may appear 20
you. plus the answers which YOU have
been kind enough 10 give me. have en-
abled me 70 obtain much light upon a
matter Of very great importance Per
hars 7 viii tell you more. some day /
IN the meantime. would you be good |
enough 70 answer few more ques- /
tions?''
what are they2" asked the sales
girl. non-committally
wei, in tn first place. die this tail. I
bearded man say anything to you while /
he was IN the store?"
'Of course he did what a ridiculous /
question. Didn't ne order the candy? /
He couldn't do that without speaking. 1
could he?" =
OF course not; but what I mean. is
did ne say anything else?"
lie s9io that ! was 4 very pretty
elr,; was tho reply with giggie.
Wen, / guess he cbuidu't help saving
That. commented Clayton. ibid he szy
y