Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-03-17
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waId in his gloomy house at Deanmin-
ster, il is necessary to return TO the
doings of Major Jen. On leaving The
Wigwam" he returned forthwith to his
own house with the intention of re-
peating to David the conversation
which had taken place between him
self, Dido, and lisa bella. on his arri-
val, however, he learned that David
had gone out for a walk, and that Meg
Brance was waiting for him in the Ii
brary At once the ever-courteous
Major FASTENED to apologize to his Wis
itor
My dear Meg, am so sorry to have
been absent when you called. 1 hope
you have not been waiting long!"
Only half an hour" replied Meg, in
a low, grave voice Z should have
waited in any case until your return,
as have something important to say
to you"
The Major looked inquiringly at his
visitor. She was a tall and stately
woman with a fair complexion, steady
blue eyes, and hair of a deep red shade.
Although close on % years of age, she
was still a spinster as much to the
annoyance of her mOther-a match
making matron-she had hitherto de-
clined the most eligible offers for her
hand. Her reasons for such refusals
she would not state, but Jen-from
certain observa tions-had long since
guessed the truth. Meg was deeply in
love with Maurice Aylmer, and it was
for his sake that she remained single.
Whether she knew that the young man
loved Isabella Dallas it is impossible
to say; but at all events she showed
him very plainly the drift of her de-
sires. The very Indifference of Ayl-
mer had rendered her love more vio-
lent and persistent. What would have
been the conclusion of this one-sided
love it is difficult to conjecture; but
the death of Maurice had brought this
and all other things to an abrupt con-
clusion.
Meg was dressed in black out of re-
gard for the dead man, and she looked
worn, red-eyed, and very detected. But
in coming forward to greet the Major,
her fine blue eyes lighted up with the
fire of hope, and it was with something
of her old etuosity-quenched since
the death of Maurice-that she gave
him her hand and repeated her last re-
mark.
I have something to say to youp,"
she said, quickly. Something likely
to help you in your investigation"
Concerning the theft of the body?"
asked Jen eagerly.
No, with regard to the murder"
What is it?"
81 will inform you in a few minutes"
replied Meg. But first tell me if you
have found out anything likely to re-
veal the truth
No" Jen shook his head mourn
fully. 4 am completely in the dark,
and so is Inspector Arkel. The whole
case is a profound mystery"
''Well, mysteries, even the most pro-
found, have been cleared up before
now. Major. Come, tell me precisely
how the matter stands, and I may be
able to help you"
You know something"
Yes, do; and it is to tell that
something that I have driven over to-
day Well, now, Major let me know
all about the matter from the begin
ming. I have heard nothing but the
most garbIed accounts, and it is neces-
sary that should know the exact
truth"
L shall tell it to you" replied Jen,
with some hesitation; but I am afraid
l shall give you pain"
Il guess what you mean-AIiss Dali
las"
Maurice wanted to marry her.
I know, know" replied Meg, while
wave of color passed over her fair.
face.
You do" cried Jen, in surprise.
And who told you?"
Mr. Sarby."
OH" The Major considered a mo-
ment, and his thoughts were anything
but benevolent towards David. Il can
guess why he told you. In the mean
time, let me state the case. Maurice
was killed on the high-road by means.
as I verify believe, of the devil-stick
You know about that, of course?"
Yes; I read the report of the in
quest and I have heard rumors 1
agree with you. Major, that Mr.. Ayl-
ner was killed by the poison of the
devil-stic6. Go on"
-On the night that the body was
stolen" continued Jen, deliberately,
"Jaggard was drugged by means of a
perfume which is the same that i'm
ORIGINATING the devil-stick''
w ell" said Meg, 1T would seem
| that the devil-stick is the center of
this mystery. If YOU found the devil
stick you would know the truth"
L don't go as far as that" protest
ed Jen. IF we found the person who
stole the devil-stick from my smoking
| room, l might guess the truth"
In that case, Major, look at this"
said Meg, and she produced an article
from her pocket; an article which she
| held up triumphantly before the aston
ished eyes of the old man.
The deyil-stick!" he cried. by
all that is wonderful, the devil stick
Yes. the devi-stick. I got it from
| the assassin of Mr.. Aylmer!"
The sassin-you know the assas-
sin. Who is he-or she?''
1T is not a woman, but a man. Bat
tersea!"