The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-23

llAiIIlltllSSlSAjl lSlSSllIiSliSN thought perhaps the very publicity of the scene might tend to make Miss Dupuy reserve her equanimity better than in a private house. So he went On:
 "Yes, you have several things to tell me, and I want you to tell me now. The last time I talked to you about this matter I asked you why you gave false evidence as to the time that Carleton entered the Van Norman house, that evening" sand you responded by fainting away. Now you must tell me why that question affected you SO seriously"
 "It didn't. was nervous and over wrought, and I chanced to faint just then.'
 Fessenden saw that this explana- ton was untrue, but had been thought up and held ready for this occasion. He saw, too. that the girl held herself we'll in hand, so he dared 
 Do you know, Miss Dupuy, that you are seriously discriminating your self when you give false evidence?" "I don't care,' was the answer, not flippantly given, but with an earnest ness of which the speaker herself seemed unaware.
 ', reader of character to perceive that she spoke truthfully.
 The only construction he could put upon this was that, as he couldn't help believing the girl was innocent and therefore feared no iincriminat- ing evidence against her.
 But in that case what was she afraid of, and why was she running away.
 Miss Dupuy," he began, starting on a new tack, please show more confidence in me. Will you answer me more straightforwardly if I as- sure you of my belief in your own innocence? I will not conceal from you the fact that not every one is so look to you for help to establish it.
 "Ests blish what? My innocence?'' said Cicely, and now she looked be- wildered, rather than afraid. Does anybody think that killed Miss Van Norman?"
 Without going so far as to say they think there are indications that point to such a thing" l How absurdi" said Cfcely, and the honesty of her tone seemed to verify Fessenden's conviction that whatever guilty knowledge this girl might pos sess, she herself was innocent of crime.
 Eff 1t is an absurd idea, then why not return to Mapleton and answer any queries that may be put to you You are innocent, therefore you have | nothing to fear"
 T have a great deal to fear" The girl spoke gently, even sadly, now. She seemed full of anxiety and sorrow, that yet showed no trace of apprehension for herself. All at once a light broke upon Fes- senden. She was shielding somebody. Nor was it hard to guess who it might he.
 Miss Dupuy," began Rob again, eagerly this time, T have succeeded in establishing, practically, MT. Carle- tons innocence. May I not likewise establish your own?" "Mr. Carieton's innocence!" repeat ed the girl, clasping her hands. "Oh, is that true) Then who did do it?"
 we don't know yet" went on Rob, hastening to make the most of the advantage he had gained. ''but having assured you that it was not Schuyler Carleton, will you not tell me what it is you have been keeping l secret?"
 How do you know MT. Carleton is innocent? Have you proved it? Has some one else confessed?" "No, no one has confessed And, | indeed, may as we'll own up that no one is quite so sure of MT. Carleton's | innocence as I am myself. But I am sure of it, and I'm going to prove it. Now, will you not help me to do so?"
 l How can I help you?" l By explaining that discrepancy in time, so far as you can. You tes- tified that MT. Carleton entered the house at half-past eleven, and MT Hunt said he came in at quarter-past What made you tell that falsehood and stick to it?"
 l Why, nothing" exclaimed Cicely
 except that I thought I saw MT Carleton come into the house some | little time before he cried out fol
 help. I was looking over the banis-
 ter when MT. Hunt said he saw me I and I, too, thought it was MT. Carle. ton who came in then"
 "It was MT. Carleton, but he ha:
 satisfactorily explained why he came | in, and what he was doing until the time when he called out for help Why did you not tell us about thi: |