Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1897-09-03 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

CHAPTER XIX. TM: TRUTH.  The two young men ran across the lawn. As the sky was now cloudless and the moon shone brightly, they could see every action of the trio. Mrs. Archer, with the white figure close at her heels, ran down to the water blind with terror. She would undoubtedly have gone to her death had not Gilbert intercepted her. She ran into his arms and quietly fainted, while the pursuer, turned from his purpose by the intervention of Barstono, stood at bay. The next moment Jasper had his ann on the shoulder of the White Prior, and the following moment the two were rolling on the grass,the supposed spectre being uppermost.  He had his hands on Jasper's throat, and the man's face was turning black with strangulation. Burstone sprang on the Thing—it could be called nothing else—and strove to wrench it backward so as to save the valet's life. Laying Mrs. Archer on the grass, Gilbert went to his friend's assistance, and between them they managed to master his assailant. Rolling and kicking and uttering fierce cries the White Prior writhed on the sward; his cowl had fallen backward, his distorted visage was clearly seen in the moonlight. With a simultaneous cry of surprise the young men recognised the face.  " Great heavens! It is Harley himself ! " 'And so it was. Harley was the White Prior. Harley was the murderer, Harley was the maniac, and howled like a wild beast in tlie grip of hie captors, while the frightened servants, roused by the cries, poured out on to the terrace, in all stages of undress. The secret which had haftl,l them all for so long was at last solved. Harley, whom no one bad suspected, was the long-sought-for ghost, the hidden murderer! It was fortunate that aid had come, for even with all their strong young strength Gilbert and Barstone could not hold the murderer. Possessed by many devils, be fought and tore, and raged like a Send from the bottomless pit, and it was only when the servants threw themselves on him six at a time that he was mastered and borne into the house. Then Treshana found time to pay attention to the other two—Jasper who had so nearly met with the same fate as Felix and Mrs. Archer who had fainted with term, A cup of water brougit front the river—for she WaS lying near the bank—soon brought her round, and she sat up with • bewildered look. "Where am I Where am IP " she murmured, looking round at the half-clothed group of servants. "Ah, I remember—Mr. Harley. Don't let him come near me. He will strangle me as he did my dear ester."  Gilbert thought oho raved, and gently lifted her to ter feet. "You are ill. Come back to the house—to the library."  "No. no—not to the house. It was there he saw me. Where is Jasper ?" The valet, who had recovered himself with the assistance of Barstone, now moved forward slowly on the baronet's arm. "Jasper is safe," he said, in a husky voice, "thanks to these gentlemen." "You speak at last." " Yes, Mrs. Archer. There is no need for further concealment now. I have done my best to We hue, but now the world must know. Off, some of you to Marlow, and bring a doctor to my master. Mr. Tresham, Sir Percy, come inside. I must tell you the truth." "One moment," cried Gilbert, as the servants trooped back to the house. "Miss Harley ?" "She is well—she is safe," interposed Mrs. Archer ; "she is with Miss Carr at Bever." "Ah !" said Jasper, darted a keen look at her, "it was you then who took her away "To save her life—to save her life," muttered the housekeeper ; "my sister's child." Jasper nodded his head and went towards the Louse, followed by Mrs. Archer and the two young men. He repaired to the library, whither his master had been taken and the housekeeper entering the drawing-room beckoned to Gilbert and his friend. The electric light was turned on, and she sank into a chair with a weary sigh, leaning her head on her Land. Treaham sat down near her, and looked at her with expectant eyes. With Berstone, he was now certain that the whole of these strange proceed- 1 lags was about to be explained by the woman who