The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-09-16

Not ALL" he returned, sthere is one
whose faith is mistaken. I talked with
the lawyer to-day. He says they have
MT sufficient evidence to convict, and
that while the case looks ugly, there
is nothing to fear. He is in favor of
speedy trial.
Then even if am set free my
name will remain smirched," she de-
elared.
"Your name will be cleared OF all
suspicion"
1T is SO good to have you near
me-" she said. 81 feel as if no harm
could come to me-"
They became vaguely conscious of
mans form outlined in the murky
light of the room. AS the figure
gradually shaped itself to Fitch's
eyes, his hand slipped from her waist
and he rose to his feet.
Lieutenant Britz!" he exclaimed.
The detective came out of the OBJ
security of the opposite wall, and, dof-
fng his hat, respectfully addressed
them:
1T is unusual, know, for police
officer to ask information Of a prison
er held for the Grand Jury. Before
Miss Holcomb replies to the questions
I am about to ask, I think it might be
we'll for her to seek the advice Of
counsel
Miss Holcomb will answer any
questions you may ask" Fitch replied.
she has nothing to hide
The impenetrable face of the de-
tective gave no insight to his
thoughts. He drew chair close to
the expectant couple, shifting his gaze
from Fitch to the face Of the young
woman. Though he gave no sign Of
it, he read the acute suffering she felt.
Miss Holcomb," he began, when
were you last in Europe with Mrs.
Missioner
"a little less than year and a half
ago." came the the quick response.
"Was that before or after the East
Indian servant entered the employ of
Mrs. Missioner?'
HE was engaged after we came
back
did you meet Mr.. Sands or Mr..
Griswold abroad?"
1--WE met both of them in London
and Paris
did Mrs. Missioner have the col
/ larette with her? I mean the one
with the Maharanee diamond p
She did. 4
/ The detective settled back In his
chair, his chin IN his hands, as II lost
In deep thought. The strange pallor
of his face, shaded by the waning
light, gave him the appearance OF a
dark clay Image. Miss Holcomb look
ed inquiringly at him, seeking some
explanation Of his puzzling questions.
"The case Ia more battling than
ever" he said In response to her ques-
tioning look. when began my In
vestigation, I was firmly convinced Of
your innocence"
/ "And now?" interrupted DR.. Fitch.
II am seeking the light
DO you wish to ask Miss Holcomb
any further questions?" Fitch asked.
| "She is only too anxious to enlighten
you"
| The detectives eyes narrowed on
the young woman.
There is some information that
want, Miss Holcomb; believe you
can supply it." After brief reflection,
he asked: @Mr Sands and Mr.. Girls
| void are frequent visitors at the
house of Mrs. Missioner"
Both call very frequently" Miss
Ho1comb replied.
"And their visits are inspired by q
feeling that is stronger than friend,
ship"
| Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch as II
In doubt what to say.
s'Be perfectly frank" he advised.
/ 81 believe both have proposed mar,
rage to her." she Informed him.
"And Mrs. Missioner-she prefers
which one?"
81 don't know" came the prompt
response.
"You mean she has never indicated
her preference to you? Come now
surely in a burst of confidence she
dropped some hint as to her inclina
tons ?"
It was plain to Britz that Miss Hol
comb revolted against violating the
intimate condolences OF her employer
| To reveal the secrets that had come
to her through association with the
lwoman who seemingly had turned he1
back on her now was SO inconsistent
with Miss Holcomb's entire character
that Britt recognized the necessity
of urging his question.
81 am not asking this out OF any
motive of idle curiosity" he said. II
is of vital importance should be In
formed of Mrs Missioner's relations
with Mr.. Sands and Mr.. Griswold, az
well as Of the opportunity each hae
for obtaining the diamonds"
81 am sure neither of them woult
or could have taken them" Miss Hol
comb said
THAT may be perfectly true" re