Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1915-07-16
CHAPTER Discontinued.

Ine Gay ne came out, and at his re-
quest took him over the castle. He
went into the library and spent half
an hour in pacing across 1t, taking
measurements and examining the big
cupboard in which he was found in
sensible. 1t was a strange affair, sir, -
added the young woman, wasn't it,"
Very" I replied.
THE gentleman might have been in
there now had not gone into the H.
brary and found lot of illustrated
papers, which always put in the
cupboard to keep the place tidy.
thrown out on to the floor. l went to
put them back, but discovered the door
locked. The key l afterwards found
in the crate. where Mr.. Leithcourt had
evidently thrown it, and on opening
the door imagine the shock had when
! found the visitor lying doubled up.
], of course. thought he was dead"
'"And when he returned here on his
recovery, did he question you?"
"Oh, yes. He asked about the
Leithcourts, and especially about Miss
Muriel. l believe he's rather sweet
on her. by the way he spoke. And
really no better or kinder lady ever
breathed, I'm sure. We're all very
sorry indeed for her.
HE came into this room, SUD
pose?"
yes. SIR" she responded, with just
slight hesitation, thought. This
was the room where he stayed the
longest There was a photograph in
that frame over there" she added, H.
dicating the frame that had held the
picture of Elma Heath. "a portrait of
young lady. which he begged me to
give him.
"And you gave it to him?" / cried
quickly.
"Well-yes, sir. He begged so hard
for it, saying that 1t was the portrait
of friend Of his"
"And he gave you something hand
some for it-eh?"
The young woman, whom knew
could not refuse half-a-sovereign. col
ored slightly and smiled.
HE didn't tell you who the young
lady was, SUPPOSED"
mo, sir. He only said that that was
the only photograph that existed, and
that she was dead"
"Dead!" l gasped. staring at her.
yes. sir. That was why he was 20
anxious for the picture"
Elma Heath dead! Could it be true?
That sweet-pictured face haunted me
~ no other face had ever impressed
itself upon my memory. 1t somehow
seemed to impel me to endeavor to
penetrate the mystery, and yet Hylton
Chatter had declared that she was
dead! l recollscted the remarkable
hitter from Abt. and her own declara-
ton that her cad was near. That let
ter was, she said. the last she should
write to her arsaRl.
after he Aoe put the photograph in
his pocket. She gentleman made a most
minute searsk in this ROOM" the do
mestic wens on. HE consulted his
plan, took several measurements, and
tbe2 tapped on the paneling all along
thin wall. as though he were searching
Tor some hidden cupboard or hiding
place. l looked at the plan, and saw q
mark in red ink upon 1t. He was try.
Ing to discover that spot, and was
greatly disappointed at not being able
TODD 80. He was In here over an hour,
and made most careful search al
around"
And what explanation did he givs?''
HE only said, IL find what want,
Ann, l shall make you . present of q
ten-pound note That naturally made
0e anxious"
"He made NO other remark about the
young lady's death?" inquired anx.
1nsly.
mo. Osly he sighed. and looked
steadily for long time at the photo
i 0sph. ! Jaw his ups moving, but his
words were iniuditSe."
You haven't any idea Of the reason
why he callsa upaa Mr.. Leithcourt
sappass7.