The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1909-07-09

would be intolerable
But at least he had some definite
news for Anthony Strangways. In
whatever way all the rumors rife
about the owner of Pride o. Life had
arisen, it was clear to Bonholt Hume
now that they were without founda-
ton.
Yet it was odd that for weeks the
servants in the house had never had a
admitted to the wing shut off by the
baize door which Ralph Strangways
occupied-he had picked up that bit
of gossip in town-since the squire's
temper alone indicated no sign Of
failing health, And the manner of
Miss Strangways, who had just enter
ed, had rather puzzled him. Evidently
She had been surprised to see her
father. She had looked at the figure
in the dressing gown. leaning on the
tasselled stick. as though she could
not believe her eyes.
You may we'll look amazed. Mar
garrett" said the old man, giving ex-
| preston to the thought in Bonholts
mind. 81 have had visit from the
police" waving an irritable hand to-
ward the detectlve-inspector from
Fellsgarth, "who seem to think that
we harbor escaped criminals at the
Grange. 1t has upset me, my girl; it
is enough to upset any man"
"Surely there is some mistake,
father The girls face had gone
curiously white; she spoke with a
sort of nervous constraint.
"Of course there's mistake!" was
the testy reply lat least I trust so.
After keeping my gates locked to shut
out the swarm of Newmarket touts
and bookmakers' spies, who. because
| I chose to live in seclusion. seem to
think am going to die before Pride o.
| Lies race, l don't want even worse
characters, like an escaped suspect
| of murder, lurking about the place!"
''You are exciting yourself again, Mr..
Strangways." said the doctor, in a
low. anxious voice. laying quieting
hand on the old mans arm. 1T would
have been better if you had left ME to
interview these gentlemen"
Call right. Brewer; I'm going back
to my room." He turned again to the
detective. 81 insist that you either
satisfy yourself that your suspicious
are groundless, or else that you drag
If am to get wink of sleep to-
night, after you have put this thought
into my mind. You must search the
house. This is my room where l have
J been sitting: you'd better begin by
searching that And he waved a
hand toward a partly open door.
The detective made deprecating
gesture
Il am only sorry to trouble you at
all, Mr.. Strangways," he said. IF you
have been sitting there. sir, it can
hardly be possible that the man is
hiding in that room."
He might suspect the doctor of hav-
ing a hand in Jack Lathom's disap-
pearance; but Mr. Strangways. we'll
known to him by reputation, was a
justice of the peace and beyond sus-
picion.
"Well. l hardly think you'll find him
there" said the old man. grizzly, "but
it's at your disposal if you care to
Look
| He pushed the door wide open with
movement of his stick; the detect
ives eyes g anced round the room, the
walls of which reflected ruddily the
dancing flames of the fire. A nurse
in her uniform could be seen moving
inside, the nurse that DR.. Brewer had
sent from London to attend on his pa.
tent.
AT least search the rest of the
house." he continued. Il would &C
company you, only my state of health
must be my excuse. I beg that Mr.
Hume will help you. Mr.. Hume, if
was a little curt. pray pardon an all
ing mans irritabi!ity." Bonholt Hume
bowed stifily at this semblance of ar
apology. "You were so nearly related
to Philip Hume that your zeal is nat
ural. If you search each floor in turn
should this man really be hiding here
he can hardly elude you.
Il think there is no necessity, Mr.
Strangways--" began the detective
eff you will be so good-as mucl
for my pecce of mind as for your sat
isfaotion." The STOPPING figure in thu
dressing GOWN retired into his room
leaving the door ajar.
The doctor accompanied the de
tective on his search over the house
. 1t was rerfunctory business On tn
: detectives part; inwardly lie wa
tuning; he Lad the feeling that h
had keen made foo! Of tonight. Un
dcubtedly the man calling himsel
Craig. playing at Chatterton's theatel
had been Lathom; and he had pre-
vented Benholt Humes warning fror
, reaching the man; he was sure, tot