The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-11
MAGAZINE
secret of the many crimes perpetrated by the

order.
 "In heavens name, speakw he cried when he returned to the wounded man. "Before you die reveal the mystery of the murder for which an innocent girl-your granddaughter-is about to suffer-"
 Venomous anger glowed in the old mans eyes. ''You fool," he groaned, "why did you interfere when sought to save herr" "How could I know?" demanded Wig nolos Had known your motive would have prevented her recapture. But would have followed you to the ends of the earth before you should have robbed us of our rights"
 Marlitti wnced "I-I will tell you all," he whispered huskily.
 In fever of eagerness the reporter bent over him. His face was gray with anxiety as he drank in the tale poured out by the dying man.
 '4Then you did not kill Dr. Selden?" he cried at length. "Who did?"s
 But his words were wasted. The old man raised himself for moment, gasping for breath A red foam appeared on his lips and he sank back babbling incoherently? Vignolos' heart sank as he realized that in all probability this one source of informa- ton regarding the case which had engrossed him for months was closed forever.
 At that moment Dr. Craig arrived.
 'The wound is fatalT the physician an- nounced after brief examination. "He can live but little more than an hour, and he may die at any moment"
 "Will he regain his reason?" asked the reporter anxiously.
 "He may do so, but he probably will babble on until the end. We can but wait" Filled with suspenseful dread, Vignolos sat at the side of the dying man, hoping almost beyond hope that he would speak again before he died.
 "Royal Wallace is dead," the doctor re- marked after moment. .sThe dwarf"
 "Yes. After the death of Miss Wrightson the strange creature fled from the cottage. He was found few hours ago lying dead across the grave of his-of Dr. Selden-in Ridgedale Cemetery
 Vignolos caught the strange break in Dr. Craigs sentence and understood.
 "It is for the best" he said, his voice very low. "He-the dwarf-is one of the things that Nerissa must never know about" he added after a moment.
 "She will never know" the doctor prom ised.
 Gradually, under the influence of opiates, Giovanni MarlAti became calmer. His ram bling words had ceased and he rested peace fully. The physician felt his pulse.
 Marlittie opened his eyes. They rested upon Vignolos with an eager, intelligent ex- precision.
 "Lean nearer" he whispered almost in- audibly "I-I must tell you of-of-the-" The reporter came close to catch the halt ing words. In another moment he would be in possession of the secret of Dr. Selden's death!
 Rapidly and disjointedly the old man pro ceeded with his narrative. The story he told made his hearers hot with eagerness and anticipation, then cold with revulsion and horror At last the confession reached a point where the freedom of Nerissa Selden hung in the balance. Both Vignolos and the doctor were keyed up Co the highest pitch of expectation. But in that moment they were disappointed.
 "Signor doctor-God!I"
 Giovanni Marlitti fell back.
 'He is deadv' said the doctor.
 But with the key to the murder secret in his mind Vignolps was halfway through the door leading to the street.
 CHAPTER 13.
 F THE trial of Nerissa Selden for the