New Britain herald., 1929-09-11
DEATH TREASURE
 By R. A. J. MAILING

picion that tortured me about his death. But Pcll's absence would have to be explained.
 That some connection existed be- tween the escape from Dartmoor and the tragedy in the library at Newplace l could not doubt. It was hateful to have my mother in the midst of this confusion; but NeroniCa's blue eyes they placed me under compuIsion.
 None of these considerations | however, was the most alarming that the newspaper suggested. An other transccn1ed them all,
 Last night, when Cousin John leaped back from the square of light on the back lawn with that mortified whisper, l paid no special attention to his gesture l thought it part of his general objection to being seen by anybody. Now the idea forced itself into my mind that it was particular objection to being seen by Pro- lessor LaXton.
 That man."
 l recalled his nerrc-st"i,ken eX- clamation. And the terrifying thought came that, later in the night, when Cousin John took fright at the open window, l.c might have | had more reason for alarm than l | supposed.
 1 For laXton was in Devonshire on Saturday, as l ha l imagined do- ing some archaeological work, and his letter to me came from Tavis- Htock-close to the scene of Cousin 1 Johns escape. And LaXton mad acted very curiously for a profes- sor of archaeology on Sunday night.
 CHAPTER IF
 THII CUB TALKS | Tuesday was l nasty day, Begin ming with the shock of discovering the identity of Cou sin John. it in cluded the fussy business of the Coroner's inquest on Peu, and it ended with two very disturbing in ] Cidents.
 l had been on very good terms | with Mr. Fotherbury. He liked my drawings and l liked his granl i seignorial style: it amused me, and he was such a strange figure in the i part. He interested my eye and tickled my humor.
 | WbnO tho Ioptr inr,,,c+ o,,,u and the jury had given the police q clear field to run in anybody they chose, Mir. Fotherbury took me aside into his study. l thought he was shade more formal than usual.
 ''Mr. Grenofen, do you know my son?' he asked, looking at me codly.
 "Yes-and mo-" I replied, feeling some embarrassment. "The truth is, Mir FotherDury, I hadn't met your son till last night. and then We had a-well a rather unfor- tunate introduction"
 I've heard about it. I am told the cause of it was a quarrel be- tween you over Miss Seabroke."
 Perhaps it might be so ex- pressed" I said.
 He is a fool to quarrel with anybody over Miss Seabroke. l dc not approve of any advances by him to Miss Seabroke. I'll be quite can did with you, Mr. Grenofcn. I've not a word to say against the young lady. l am aware that she has no part in the scheme-whose author I need not menton-for making her the hcircsS of NcWpIace. So that you will not misunderstood me when I say that l deeply resre; and resent the violence you used towards my son last night"
 The mere sent3ntious words con- Vcy no real idea of the air with which the old gentleman made this prOnouncemcnt - it was nothing less. I told him ne could hardly expect me to describe the details of the encounter or to admit acted wrongly from my point of view, but I was quite willing to say how sorry I was that his own feelings had been injured.
 He answered with ineffable dig nity
 T put it all aside, Mr. Grcnofen Put l am sure you will remember in future that Mr. Fl ed Fothcrhury is my son"
 We talked Of other things, tho tragedy of Pell, the notoriety il | gave NcWplaco Several times Mir Fotherbury seemed on the point of personal question to me, bu' it never came 10 anything nor, than, T was going to ask-bu never mind"
 The second incident - or rather observation occurred as I ap. preached the gate-house on my way out of NcWplace. Three mer walked slowly in front of me dowr the avenue, in close converse.
 Nlarling, the cub and Professor LaXton turned off by the churcf and wet into Marlings house before ] reached them and withou seeing me.
 But not before I had overheard two sentcnccs-a question and al answer;
 Most remarkable" said IaXton and you've no idea where ht went?'
 T cant be sure, because I wa. q bit foXed," said the cub, but Tn pretty content he went off alon& the cliff path towards Hollam Bay
 Perhaps it was not surprising that by the second day l had ac' quired certain distaStc for Cou sin John. 1 detest furtivenoss o all sorts, and Cousin John mad me furtive. People learned - through LaXton, I suppoSc--tha we had q relative staying with us and rprn1r.lyn1 tbat tbFu br1n'