Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1910-04-08
BY h Author OF
Tho Mystery Of . Hanson cab.'' ste

went into the house to ask, or rather
10 demand, permission to visit Dean
minister. That she was about to cal
upon Etwald, the negress did not think
1t necessary to tell Mrs. Dallas. There
were matters between her and the doc
tor Of which Mrs. Dallas knew moth
ing. which she would not have under
stood II she had known. When she in
CURED, Dido merely limited that such
secrets had to do with Obi, when the
superstitious nature of Mrs. Dallas i'm
mediately shrank from pursuing an in
quiry into what were-even to this CIV
iiized so-called Christian woman-rsa :
cred mysteries.
But while Dido goes on her dark
path n takes her way towards Ell
valid in his gloomy house at Deanmin-
ster, 1t 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 Isabella. 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 IL
- - oA>S ShAS y wa 49, 49,
Major FASTENED to apologize to his WIS.,
itor.
MY e Meg, l am SO sorry to have
been absent when you called. hope
you nave not been waiting long!"
only half an hour!" replied Meg, in
a low, grave voice. Il should have
waited in any case until our return.
as l a " something important to say
to you"
The Major looked i~nquiringly at his
visitor. She was a tall and sta rely
woman, with a fair complexion, steady
blue eyes, and hair of a deep red shade.
Although close on 25 years of age, she
was still q 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 observations-had long since
guessed the truth. Meg was deeply in
love with Maurice Aylmer, and 1t was
for his sake that she remained single.
Whether she knew that the young man
loved Isabella Dallas 1t is impossible
to say: but at all events she showed
him very plainly the drift of her de-
sires. The very Indifference of Ayl-
mel had rendered her love more vio-
lent M persistent. What would have
been the conclusion Of this one-sfded
love 1t Is difficult to conjecture; but
the death OF Maurice had brought his
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. nj very detected. But
In coming forward to greet the Major.
her fine | eyes lighted up with the
fire OF hope, and 1t was with something
OF her old acknowledgements since
the death Of. Maurice-that she gave
him her hand and repeated her last re-
mark.
II AVE something to say to youp,"
she said, quickly. Something likely
help o in our investigation"
Concerning the theft Of the body?"
asked Jen. eagerly.
NO. with regard to the murder"
What is it?"
II 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"
mo" Jen shook his head mourn
fully. II am completely in the dark,
III 81 10 AAASPSSSSA - WuOlt
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. I do; and 1t Is to tell tina
something that l nave driven over to-
day. Well, now, Major. let me know
all about the matter from the begin
ming. I nave heard nothing but the
most garbled accounts. and 1t Is neces-
sary tha I should know the exact
TRUTH
II shall tell 1t to YOU" replied Jen,
with some hesitation: but I am afraid
I shall give o pain"
II guess what you mean-Miss Dali
las"
Maurice wanted to marry her"
4 know, I know" replied Meg. while
a wave o. color passed over her fair
face.
you dol" cried Jen. IN surprise.
And who told ,you?"
Mr. sarby."
"Oh!" The Major considered q mo-
ment. nj his thoughts were anything
but benevolent towards David. IT can
guess why he told you. In the mean
time, let mn gtate the case. Maurice
was killed on the high-road by means.
~ I verify believe. Of the devil-stick.
You know about that, ssof course? %
/. YES; I read the report of the In
quest. ana rshave heard rumors. I
agree with you. Major. that Mr.. Ayl-
mer was killed by the poison of the
devil-stick. Go on"
sy'On the night hat the body was
stolen" continued Jen, deliberately,
'Jaggard was drugged by means of a
perfume which Is the same that Inn
pregnatins the devil stick"
We'll" said Meg. 1T would seem
that the devil-stick Is the center Of
this mystery. II you found the devil
stick YOU would know the truth"
II don't go AZ far as that" protests
ed Jen. III we found the person who
stole the devil-stick from my smoking
oom l might guess the truth"
In that case Major, look at .his,"
said Meg, and she produced an article
from her pocket: an article which h
held up triumphantly before h eston-
ished eye Of the old man.
The dcvil-sticSt" he cried. by
al hat u wonderful, the devil-sticki"
.Yes. the devil-sttck. I rot It from
the assassin OF Mr.. Aylmer!"
The AesAsain-you know thu assas-
Ioln. Who 1. heEOr b
49, NrSe EanA.