The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-20


Tears.
the window. Her distress reacted on
his seusibilities; he could utter no
word Of encouragement
ut is awful" he moaned, as he led
her into a corner of the room.
"And they all believe me guilty?"
she asked despalringly.
Not all. he returned, there is one
whose faith is mistaken. talked with
the lawyer to-day. lie 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"
ut is SO good to have yoH near
me-" she said 81 feel as II no harm
could come to me-
They became vaguely conscious OF a
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.
| Tho detective came olt of tho OBJ
security Of the opposite wall, and, dof-
hng his hat, respectfully addressed
them
at Is unusual, know, for a polics
officer to ask information of a prison
er held for the Grand Jury. Before
Miss Holcomb replies to the questions
am about to ask, | think II 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 '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 a 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?"
I'VE 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 II lost
In deep thought. The strange palloI
OF his face, shaded by the waning
light. gave him the appearance OF a
dark clay image. Miss Holoomb look
ed inauiringly at him, seeking some
explanation of his puzzllng questions
"The case is more batiiing thar
ever" he said in response to her ques
tloning look When | began my in
vestigation, was firmly convinced o.
your innocence"
"And now?" interrupted DR.. Fitch.
Il am seeking the light"
DO you wish to ask Miss Holcoml
any further auestions2 Fitch asked
"She Is only too anxious to enlightei
YOU"
The detectives eyes narrowed Of
the young woman.
There is some information that
want, Miss Holcomb; l believe yo
can supply IT," After brief reflection
he asked: 'Mr. Sands and Mr.. Girls
void are frequent visitors at tn
house of Mrs Missioner"
Both call very frequently" Mis-
Holcomb replied,
And their visits are inspired by
feeling that is stronger than frien'
ship"
Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch rs
In doubt what to say
"Be perfectly frank" he advised.
Il believe both have proposed ma
riage to her." she informed him,
And Mrs. Missioner-she prefei
which one?"
7 don't know" came the prom,