The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1913-11-29

AACk ~ v VI 4
to rest in their present state was clear;
that they would. in the natural course
of things. reveal themselves more def
nitely, even If unaided, was also pat
emit.
Mrs. Hillmer's partial admissions.
her brothers evident knowledge OF
some salient features of the puzzle,
that utterly strange letter Ii the ad-
mitted handwriting Of Lady Dyke her,
self and bearing the prosaic testimony
of dates stamped by the postofice-
these sensational elements. when
brought into juxtaposition. could not
avoid reaction into clearer phases.
Long experience in criminal investi-
CATION told him that. under certain cir
cumstances. the best course of all was
II of inactivity.
On the basis of the accepted truism
In the affairs of many people that 'slet-
tiers left unanswered answer them
selves" the barrister knew that there
must be an outcome from the queer
medley of occurrences at his residence
on the Monday evening.
ihC hlrlOil vi Tie DdSI
three months, several odd features
stood out from the general tumble.
In the first place. he wondered why
he had failed to deduce any pertinent
fact from the manner in which Mrs.
Hillmer's dining room was furnished
on the occasion of his first visit to Ra-
leigh mansions.
He distinctly remembered noting his
reception in an unusual room Uttered
with unusual articles. when the luxu-
rious and well appointed suit of apart
ments was considered as a whole. 1t
was suggested to him at the time that
the drawing room. which he saw dur
ing his second visit, was dismantled
earlier. but he did not connect this
trivial incident with the feature in
Mensmore's fiat that he noted immedi-
ately-namely. the discrepancies be-
tween the arrangement of the sitting
room and the other chambers in the
place.
These things were immaterial now.
but he indexed them as a guide for
future use.
Lady Dykes motive for that secret
visit to Raleigh mansions-that was
the key to the mystery. But how to
discover it? Who was her confidant?
To whom could he turn for possible
enlightenment? 1t was useless to
breach the matter again to her hus-
band. The baronet and his wife had
been friends sharing the same menage
rather than husband and wife. Her
relatives had already been appealed to
in vain. They knew nothing of the
slightest value in this search for truth.
In this train of thought the name Of
Jane Harding cropped up. She was the
personal maid of the deceased lady.
She had sharp eyes and quick wits.
Her queer antics shortly after the in
quest were not forgotten. Here at
least was a possibility of light if the
girl would speak.
If she refused, what could be her
motive?
Anyhow. it was worth while to make
a fresh effort. Early in the afternoon
he called at the stage door of the Jol-
lily theater.
rs Miss Marie lie Marchant still m
ployed here?' be asked the attendant.
II dunno" was the careless answer.
We'll, think hard" said the barris-
ter, laying a half crown on the batter
ed blotting pad which is an indispensa-
BILE part of the furniture in the letter
bureau of a theater.
Yes, sir. l believe she is, but she has
been away on a weeks leave"
Indeed. Has she returned?'
Il was off last night, sir, but If you
will pardon me a moment I'll inquire
from the a who took my place"
The stage d~oorkeeper disappeared
into the dark interior. to return quick
ly with the information that Miss lie
Marchant had appeared as usual ON
Monday night.
"She was away most part of the last
week, sir" added the man. land 1 be-
lieve it wasn't a holiday, as she was
a-sort of fiurride about it as if some
one was ILL.,"
Thank you. Do you know where
she lives?"
A momentary hesitation was Dol
softened by another half crown.
Its against the rules. sir. If you
were to find yourself near Jubilee
buildings, Bloomsbury, you would not
be far out"
The information was sound. Miss
Marie lie Marchant's name was painted
outside n second floor fiat.
Bruce knocked. and the door was
opened by an elderly woman whom he
had no difficulty in recognizing.
rs your daughter in, Mrs. Hard
ing? 2" he said.
For a moment she could not speak
for surprise.
well | never" she cried, but Lon
don is a funny place. Do you know
me. sir?'
Amy one would recognize you from
your daughter. If they did not take you