The Nevada County picayune., 1909-05-27

am. not to murder hlm-Wndt coh founded maze.
 And what business had he, Rupert Winter, who had supposed himself to be an honorable man, who had sworn 10 support the constitution and the laws of the United States, what busl ness had he to help law-breakers ana murderers escape the just punishment of their deeds? He almost ground ms teeth. Oh. we'll there was one way out. and that was to resign hls com mission. He would do it this very night. he resolved; and he swore mis- erably at himself, at his venerable aunt who must be protected at such sacrifice, at Atkins, at the feeoiy moaning wretch whom he had not ceased all this while to ply carefully with drops of brandy. You eVerlast- ing man-eater, if you dare to die, I'll kill you," he snorted.
 Thereupon he went at the puzzle again. Before any answer could come to the telephone calls. low, mourn ful. inhuman cry penetrated the thick walls. It was repeated thrice, on the third call, Tracy ran quickly through the patio to side door, barred and locked like all the entrances, re- leased and swung it open and let in Kito. A few murmured words passed between them The Jap uttered a startled exclamation. But how can it to be- How no one can get in And who shall stab him? For why?'
 He examined the wounded man. aft CT a gravely courteous salute to Win ter; and drowned and sighed. What did it?9 said he did who stabbed, take it way, he must give stlong pull.
 Whoever did it. said the colonel, must have put knee on the mans back and pulled strong pull, as you say" In speaking the words he felt shiver. for he seemed to see that red smear above Mercer's knee.
 He felt the shiver again when Mer- cer returned and he glanced at him: there was not stain on his shining white cuffs; he had changed them; he had also changed his suit ot clothes and his shoes. His eyes met the colo nel's: and Winter faneied there was glint of defiance in them: he made no comment. for no doubt a plausible excuse for the fresh clothes was ready. Well, he (Winterl wouldn't ask 1t. Poor devil, he had had proyocation.
 For the next halfhour they were all busy with Keatcham.
 He is better" pronounced the Jap; he will not live, maybe, but he will talk, he can say who hult him
 If he can only do that cried Mer- cer Tt is internal to think that any one can get in here and do such thing"
 Rotten. Tracy moaned.
 The colonel said nothing.
 They were all still working over Keatcham when a bell pealed. Tracy started; but Mercer looked a shade re- lieved They've come said he.
 They repeated the colonel He scrambled to his feet and gasped
 Miss Smith was coming down the colonnade, but not Miss Smith alone. Aunt Rebecca walked beside her, SC rene. erect and bearing a small hand bag. Miss Smith carried larger bag; and Tracy had possessed himself of dress-suit case
 "Ceuainly. Bertie,s remarked his aunt ill her sottest tone. T came with Janet My generation believed in les conyenanees.
 All the colonel could articulate was a feeble. And Archie? and Millicent?"
 Haley is staying in your room with Archie. Millicent had retired; if she asks for us in the morning We shall not be up. She has an appointment with Janet, but it isn't until half-past eleven. Randall has her instructions"
 "But-but-how did you got here?"
 Aunt Rebecca drew herself up 'T trust now. Bertie, you will admit that l am as fit as any of you to rough 1t. If there Is one mode of transit I abominate, it is those loathsome un- sanitary. unciyil, joggy street cars; we came as far as the corner in the street cars, then we walked. Did we want 10 give the number to cab man. do you suppose? Bertie, have you such a thing as match about you? l think Janet wants to heat a teaspoonful of water for a strychnine hypOdermic. "