Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-05-12


the engagement; she had forbidden
Maurice the house; she had ample
power to prevent the match which was
distasteful to her, Why, then, with
this power, should she jeopardize lib
erty and life by thieving the devil
stick, and killing the man? In his per-
pleXity, Jen sought out David and
asked his opinion. The young lawyer
gave very decided verdict in favor OF
Mrs. Dallas.
Il don't believe that Mrs. Dallas had
anything to do with the matter" he
said, in a decisive voice. "She had no
motive to commit these three crimes,
each one of which is more terrible than
the other Nor, Major, do l think that
she has nerve or brain enough to de-
sign or accomplish assassination or
| theft"
But assure you, David, the hand
kerchief is hers"
Granted but you forget that Isa-
bella was in the room on that night.
She might have dropped the handker-
chief"
WELL" said Jen, after a pause. THAT
is not improbable. But the perfume?'
oh" said David, with a shrug, I'VE
know that the scent is an Ashantee
preparation. Dido's grandmother came
| from Ashantee, so it is just probable
that Dido herself, knowing the secret
might have prepared a dose of the poi
son."
Even so. Why should she have per-
fumed the handkerchief?
Il can't say, Major. You had better
ask her"
Il shall!" cried Jen, starting from
his chair. And also I'll find out why
she needed to prepare the poison at
all. In my opinion, David, that black
Jezebel is at the bottom of the whole
affair. She stole the DEVILS stick, she
prepared the poison, murdered Mau
rice, and stole his body"
David retired to his room, and Jen
went off to interview Isabella at "The
| Wigwam." He walked meditatively
down to the gates, and here, on the
high-road, his thoughts led him to a
sudden conclusion respecting the COM
ing conversation with Miss Dallas,
Without much consideration he retrac-
ed his steps rapidly, and sought out
David in his room. Then and there he
asked him a question which was of vi
tai Importance
David" said he, abruptly, lowing to
the coming of Etwald and Arkel on the
night upon which the body was stolen
1 forgot to ask you what reception
Miss Dallas met with on her return
home Who received herr"
Mrs Dallas She had missed her
daughter and had been seeking for her
in state of terror-surely natural un
der the circumstances. l found her
pacing the veranda, wondering what
had become of Isabella"
Pacing the veranda," echoed Jen,
thoughtfully. WAS she fully dressed?"
"Well, yes, so far as my memory
serves me l think she was"
%And Dido?"
Il saw nothing, or heard nothing, of
Dido. When I found Mrs. Dallas,
simply performed my mission, and der
livered Isabella into her hands. The
poor girl was quite distraught with
the horror of the night, and was led
unresistingly to bed by her mother"
Mrs. Dallas dressed! Dido miss
ing!" said the Major THANK you, Da-
vid. you have told me all want to
know" and, with a nod Major Jen set
off for the second time to THE Wig
wam."
Fortune favored him, for on arriv-
ing within the grounds of Mrs. Dallas
the Major met with Isabella herself,
in a light -colored dress, with sunshade
and straw hat; she was strolling down
the walk which led to the gate. On
coming up with Jen, he was surprised
to see that her manner was calm and
collected; in all respects different from
that displayed during the frenzy of the
midnight visit. He could hardly be-
lieve that she was the same girl.
Il am glad to see you, Major" said
she, holding out her hand. you have
saved me the trouble of Journey, as
1 was on my way to your house"
ITO see me. Miss Dallas?"
TT is my intention to aid you in
your search for the assassin of Mau-
rice. oh. yes, you may look doubtful
as to my ability to help you, but / can
and will. l am not the mad woman
who burst into your library at in
the morning. I am cool and calm, and
bent upon revenge. Maurice is dead
I loved him. And intend to devote
myself to avenging his death. Come.
Major. sit upon this seat beside me.
and relate all you have heard, all you
have discovered. With my woman's
wit I may be able to help you in the
way the mouse aided the lion. Begin!"
Jen was astonished, both at her per-
emptory tone and her quiet manner.
Whatever influence had been at work,
1t was certainly wonderful how she had
calmed down from the nervous, hyster-
ical girl, into the reasonable and cool
headed woman. Isabella noted the
amazement Of the Major, and guessing
its cause. she explained the reason of
the change In her looks, manner, and
nervous system.
"Dr Etwald cured me, Major" she
said. quietly. He has preserved my
sanity, and / owe him debt OF graft
tude."
You certainly do" said Jen, dryly. !
VIII you repay It by marrying him?" |
NO. I shall marry no one; not
even Mr.. Sarby, much as my mother |
wishes me to do so. I live only TO |
ayenge the death Of Maurice, to recov-