The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-23

should be glad to have your ad- dress, though I trust it will not be necessary for me to send for you; and I know you will not be called to witness against Schuyler Carleton"
 Cicely gave the required address, and though they continued the con- versation for a short time, Rob con- cluded that the girl knew nothing that actually bore on the case. Her own felse evidence and nervous ap. prehension had all been because of her anxiety about MT. Carleton, and her fear that he had really been the murderer. Her written paper, and all the evidences of her jealousy of Miss secret and uprequieted love for the man, and her attempted flight was only because she feared that her un- controllable emotion and impulsive him.
 Fessenden was truly sorry for her. and glad that she could go away from the trying scenes for a time. He felt moned, for now, relieved of her doubt of Carleton, she had no reason for refusing any testimony she could give.
 It was in a kindly spirit that he bade her goodbye. and promised to use every effort not only to establish Carleton's innocence, but to discover the guilty one.
 When Fessenden returned to the Van Norman house, several people were awaiting him in the library. Miss Morton and Kitty French were there, also Coroner Benson and De- tective Fairbanks.
 Were you too late?" asked Kitty as Rob entered the room.
 "No, not too late. I found Miss Dupuy in the Grand Central station, and I had a talk with her."
 "well?" said Kitty impatiently.
 ''She is as innocent as you or I.''
 How did you find it out so quick ly?" inquired MT. Fairbanks who had a real liking for the enthusiastic young fellow.
 "Why, I found out that she was hanging over the banister, as Hunt said, and she did see Carleton come in at quarter after eleven. She then went back to her room and heard Carleton cry out at half-past eleven, and when she discovered what had happened she suspected Carleton of the deed, and endeavoring to shield him, she refused to give evidence that might incriminate him."
 .But,' cried Kitty, ''of course MT. Carleton didn't do it if Cicely did"
 "But don't you see, Miss French" !" said the older detective, as Fessen- den sat staring in blank surprise at what he deemed Kitty's stupidity, "don't you see that if Miss Dupuy sus- pected MT. Carleton she couldn't by any possibility be guilty herself"
 'Why, of course she couldn't" ex- claimed Kitty. And I'm truly glad for I can't help liking that girl, if she is queer. But, then, who did do t?"
 Suspicion was again at 8 standstill. There was no evidence to point any where; there were no clues to follow, and no one had any suggestion to offer.
 It was at this juncture that Tom Willard and Schuyler Carleton came in together.
 They were told of Fessenden's in terview with Miss Dupuy at the sta- tion, and Carleton expressed himself as thoroughly glad that the girl was exonerated He said little, however, for it was delicate subject, since it all hinged on Miss Dupuy's affec- ton for himself.
 Tom Willard listened to Fessenden's would have ever induced him to sus- pect Miss Dupuy, anyway for it could not have been the deed of a fragile young girl.
 'The blow that killed Maddy was powerfully dealt" Said Tom "and I can't help thinking it was some tramp or professional burglar who was clev- CT enough to elude Harris's fasten- ings. Or some window may have been overlooked that night. At any rate, we have no more plausible theory"
 "We have not" said MT. Fairbanks; "but I for one am not content to let the matter rest here. I should like to suggest that we call in some cele- brated detective, whose experience and skill would discover what is be- yond the powers of MT. Fessenden and myself"
 Rob felt flattered that MT. Fair banks classed him with himself, and felt anxious too that the suggestion of employing a more skilful detective should be carried out.
 .But" objected Coroner Benson, ito engage detective of high stand ing would entail considerable expense, and I'm not sure that I'm authorized to sanction this"
 There was a silence but nearly every one in the room was thinking -,,ro11y &t,;c x,,o a %t.o &;x,,o fo, U<,,,