Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-05-01


ward appearances at least, he was the
same cold, deliberate figure that fash
ionable London had known so inti-
mately since his succession to the
title and vast holdings of the Harcourt
family.
After the detectives departure, Fer
gus had carefully removed the tell
tale blood stains from his masters
clothing and Harcourt had personally
placed the dagger safely under lock
and key in his study.
Sitting back against the cushions of
the brougham, he thought over the
situation. In spite of his strange
sense of uneasiness he felt relieved
when he thought of the aid his posi-
tion and wealth would give him in the
battle he might have to fight to es-
tablish his innocence, if innocent he
was.
The more he attempted to reason
out the truth of the matter the more
perplexing every circumstance seemed
to become. A hundred times he asked
himself if it could be possible for him
to have dealt Towneshend his death
blow, and as many times he put the
idea away as too absurd for consid-
Grafton. At any rate he meant to
leave no stone unturned to get at the
truth of the matter. He firmly re-
solved that whatever the outcome
might be, he would not endeavor to
evade the consequences if he became
satisfied of his own guilt. On the
other hand he was determined to fight
to the finish with all the resources at
his command to satisfy both the world
and himself that he was not guilty of
this crime, that every circumstance
seemed now to fix so firmly upon him.
Determined to state his position
clearly and frankly before his fellow
governors, he leaned forward and,
looking into the mirror of the
brougham, carefully adjusted his mon
ocle as the motor drew up before the
club.
1t was an imposing building, and
its roster was even more imposing
than the structure itself. Founded by
prince of the blood royal, it was,
after 200 years, a guarantee of wealth
and position to all who were fortunate
enough to be selected to membership.
And the very exclusiveness of the or
ganization made this murder within
its walls all the more sensational
As Harcourt entered with quiet dig
nifty, the doorman bowed obsequiously,
and another servant hastened to take
his hat and stick. For the first time
in his life, Harcourt felt unpleasantly
conscious of their attentions, and as
a third servant slipped card bearing
his name into the hallrack, Harcourt
experienced the distasteful sensation
of being curiously observed.
Passing on a step he paused for a
moment to read the simple notice of
the death of member, "Capt. George
Towneshend, V. c., of His Maiesty's
Army in India, While On Furlough." :"
Then, calmly lighting fresh cigaret,
he walked quietly into the library.
The spacious room was nearly full,
and with one accord the men standing
| by the doorway turned to greet him,
while several others arose from their
great leather chairs and came for
ward.
Foremost among them was Prince
kirshin kandwahr, who advanced
with outstretched hand. Lord Har-
court" he said in his queer purring
Eastern voice, 81 trust that you viii
give me this opportunity Of making
an explanation regarding the state
ments credited TO me IN the news
papers Of this morning"
Harcourt observed him coolly, and
there was hush in the room as those
standing about listened 10 the Indians
words.
my mention Of your name to the
inspectors" Kandwahr went on, "was
made with the natural understanding
that what occurred in this club con-
cerned only its members, its guests,
like myself and at such an unfortu-
nate time as this, the police. l had
no thought that my words might re-
suit in your name being brought out
more prominently in this affair than
the names of the rest of US, and | only
mentioned the circumstance at all be-
cause l felt it my duty to give all the
information in my power"
"Please don't think of it, old fell
low," said Harcourt quickly. "You
did quite right. Pm sure don't relish
this beastly business any more than
you do, but we must all bear out part
in it."
"Thank you," said Kandwahr, with
evident relief, "but you do not take my
hand"
"Really! I beg your pardon" Har-
court answered quietly. $50 | didn't
But please don't think anything of it
l never shake hands. 1t seems to me
such an unutterably silly custom
and positively hate to touch people,
Those who overheard the low re-
mark smiled family, but there was an
ugly flash in Kandwahr's eyes. "My
lord, l do not quite understand
he began.
"You will when you know me bet
ter" said Harcourt. Meanwhile beg
OF you, overlook my seeming discopr-
tesy and believe that it is with nc
thought of personal dislike that ask
to be excused"
With a smile, Kandwahr bowed, and
Harcourt turned abruptly to the 9th.
ers. "Are we all here now?" he
asked.
Eyes, now that you have arrived
said Sir Thomas Marston, coming for,
ward. "The others are in the boarC
room, Shall we go up?"
Harcourt nodded, and arm in arm
, went up the stairs with the father oi
L.. I