The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-02-18

nave DeeH precisely Slilldr W uide WHO
would result from the thrusting of knit
blade into the brain centers."
what, if ! may ask, led you to such
belief? Had DR.. Selden an enemy?"
"None is the general supposition.
What could have been the motive for 81
heinous crime as you have deduced?"
1.-THE most potent of all motives
revengew replied the physician, almost in ;
whisper.
"Revengew
Eyes. DR.. Selden was a man with past
AS you probably are aware, he went abroa.
when young man. Who knows how man.
implacable foes he may have made during
that sojourn away from his native land
during which time he circled the world?'
Bristow was silent and the doctor con
tinued:
cat any rate, when he reappeared il
Laurens, accompanied by his daughter, thel
about four years of age, he was frightfull.
changed. His friends scarcely recognized
in the sad-faced, prematurely aged ma.
their jovial, debonair companion of decad
before. He did not resume his practice
but inlmured himself here with. ibis child ant
Anna Wrightson, the housekeeper, studyin,
and writing the books which have wol
him much prestige in the scientific world.
"He once confessed to me the fact tina
he married a beautiful Neapolitan girl, wht
survived the birth of their child but few
hours. Many attributed his altered mannel
and appearance to grief over the loss of hi
young wife, but ] have always been un
willing to accept this theory. To me h,
looked like one bowed down by more thai
great sorrow. His eyes always held al
expression akin to fear, as though he wer,
haunted by the promotion Of some terrible
doom that he, was powerless to avert"
zone thing is certain" said Bristow
Or Selden must have lived in constan
dread of robbery or personal violence, TO
the windows of his rooms are fitted witt
iron bars"
"They were put up Immediately after hi
return" explained the doctor. "He pro
fessed to fear burglars. That explanation
might satisfy many, but to me it appear
but another evidence of the terror in whicl
he lived that omnipresent dread of i'm
pending doom. From what I know of Ital
ian assassins, however, the daughter woul,
have suffered as well, if indeed they did no
strike at the father through the child
Bristow started violently. Have you no
heard?,' he asked hoarsely. HAS not Mis-
Wrightson told you that Miss Selden is miss
ing?"
SIS that true?" demanded DR.. Craig, turn
ing very serious and perturbed face upoi
the lawyer.
"Yes. She cannot be found anywhere
about the house or-grounds. Every effor
made thus far has failed to disclose he
whereabouts"
depend upon it, Mr.. Bristow," asserte,
the physician gravely, there is more
vastly nore-back of pr. Selden's death an,
his daughters disappearance than is nov
patent to us. But what steps have beer
taken to find the missing girl?''
Brstow briefly detailed his efforts t.
discover the whereabouts of Ncrissa Selden
The doctor heard him through silently ant
with troubled face.
"This is decidedly serious" he commented
uneasily. Can you recall any incident o
the morning that will throw light upon eithe
mystery"
IL remember two things which may o
may not have important bearing upon tn
matter" replied Bristow slowly. As
entered the grounds of Crestmcre observe.
a strange man lurking amid clunlp o
shrubbery and intently scanning the house
At my approach he fled precipitately, seek
ing to BATTLE recognition by turning up abou