Graham guardian., 1911-11-10

mot ALL" he returned, there Is one
whose faith is unshaken. 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
a speedy trial"
Then even II I am set free my
name will remain smirched." she de-
clared.
Your name will be cleared OF all
suspicion"
1T is SO good to have you near
me-" she said. II feel a. II no harm
could come to me-"
They became vaguely conscious of a
mans form outlined In the murky
light Of the room. Az 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
scurity OF the opposite wall. and, dof-
fing his hat. respectfully addressed
them:
"It is unusual, I know, for q police
oficer to ask information of . prison.
er held for the Grand Jury. Before
Miss Holcomb replies to the questions
l am about to ask. think 1t might be
well 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 a chair close to
the expectant couple. shifting his gaze
from Fitch to the face of the young
woman. Though he gave no sign Of
1t, 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 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?"
''We met both Of them In London
and Paris"
did Mrs. Missioner have the col.
larette with her? mean the one
with the Maharanee diamond?"
"She did,
The detective settled back in his
chair. his chin In his hands, as IL lost
in deep thought. The strange pallor
Of his face, shaded by the waning
light, gave him the appearance Of
dark clay image. Miss Holcomb look
ed inquiringly at him, seeking some
explanation of his puzzling questions.
'The case Is more battling than
ever" he said in response to her ques-
uoning look. when began my in
vestigation, 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 l
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
Holcomb replied.
"And their visits are inspired by O
feeling that is stronger than friend
ship?"
Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch as II
In doubt what to say.
BE perfectly frank" he advised.
II believe both have proposed mar
riage 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-,
tions?"
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
woman who seemingly had turned her
back on her now was so inconsistent
with Miss Holcomb's entire character
that Britz recognized the necessity
of urging his question.
II am not asking this out of any
motive of idle curiosity" he said. 1T
is of vital Importance should be In
formed Of Mrs. Missioner's relations
with Mr.. Sands and Mr.. Griswold, as
well as Of the opportunity each had
for obtaining the diamonds"
'I am sure neither Of them would
or could have taken them." Miss Hol-
comb said.
THAT may be perfectly true" re-
piled Britz. II do not say either of
them took the diamonds, but must
follow every line of inquiry that re-
veals itself to me. Now, isn't 1t a
fact, Miss Holcomb, that Griswold was
the preferred suitor?"
Il do not think so," she said in a
low voice.
You mean she preferred Sands?"
yes"
Miss Holcomb, do you know the
history of the Maharanee diamond?"
he suddenly fred