The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-22


 Judge Dunn died. and in tho
 silence my mind insensibly be gan to review those swiftly re curing events of the past few days It seemed to me had lived years since first coming to this house-years full of violence. death. danger and excite mSnt. Ard how greatly was indebt. ed to Donald and to Jean!0 I wondered If she would confess to him now the story of our relationship. It must have cost her much to make that open avowal before Dunn and his men; she was driven to it by hope of saving my life. It would be harder yet to confess the truth to Donald. had gone no further in my thought when he came in. tS
 "I am picking up the ends of rath- CT tangled skein, King" he said easily. 'but little by little it is strengthening out"
 We waited for. perhaps. Eve minutes in silence, Donald seemingly buried in thought. The lieutenant came in with distinct swagger. his sword clatter- ing against the door, as he stifiy came to attention. Donald smiled. gazing at him quietly.
 kindly take that chair, Lieutenant Dunn," he said, 'and I will detain you for only a moment. Is 1t true, as I have always been led to believe. that your mother died twelve years ago?'
 The mans face changed instantly, his hands gripping the arms of the chair.
 "My mother! Why-why do you ask thatY
 Because Lucille said something yes terday which aroused my suspicion. I have just returned from Bartonville. The records of the asylum show she was taken away from there. uncured. by your father. Is this uuer'
 "Yes," the voice scarcely audible.
 ''Did she die laterT
 "No"
 "where has she been kept concealed all these yearsY
 Dunn wet his lips, his hands tem- bled.
 "In the west attic," he admitted at last. "It-it was fitted up and she has been confined there ever since. It has been our family secret"
 However much Donald may have sympathized. his face expressed noth- ing, and he went coldly on with his questioning.
 .iYour mother is not now in the west attic. The men who have met their death in this house have been attack ed by a woman. Did you know this P
 Dunn rose to his feet, trembling.
 ''Not until short time ago. Colonel Donald. feared it might prove to be my mother. What.what can doY
 "Go with us in search" and Donald stood erect.
 Dunn hesitated, glancing question ingly toward me.
 'Is it necessary to have this man with usT he asked.
 tI see no reason why he should not be. He already knows the circum- stances and. besides. is gentleman to be trusted. It may require the three of us to handle her safely, and I greatly prefer King to any of the men outside"
 He crossed the room to the hall. as if the affair were settled. and we fol. lowed without exchanging word or 8 glance. Much as I despised Dunn could not now but feel certain sym pathy for him
 wen try the tunnel, King" said Donald swiftly. Lift the andiron. Who do you suppose closed the trapT'
 "Jean probably, for fear some one might notice"
 The secret door swung as easily as ever on its pivot, revealing the in. terior.
 "The man never took the lanternw exclaimed in surprise. strengthening up and pointing at the shelf. OuI eyes met in understanding. In oul minds was the same thought-perhaps just below we were to discover an. other tragedy.
 Donald descended first, after light ing the lantern and throwing the illu' imitation we'll down the shaft. l fol lowed. with Dunn lettering in the rear. We grouped together at the foot of the ladder. all alike threading the possibilities of the dark passage Donald advanced step or two. hold ing the lantern high so as to throw the rays of light forward There we saw revealed an outstretched hand We were to death-death by vto | lencebut discovery in that place our nerves already strained to the ut most, came like a shock 1t was a ghastly sight, that one white hand showing there in the ray of light Dunn gave utterance to single cry of horror. but Donald and I pressed forward silently. determined to know the truth. A dozen steps and we stood beside the body, able at glance