Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 19, Number 4, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 July 1888 — Page 2

This remarkably Interesting story *Mcommenced in The Mail last week. Briefly stated the opening chapter* tell that a crime has been committed by an unknown assassin within a short distance of one of the principal streets of Melbourne, and is surrounded by an impenetrable mystery. On the twenty^*eventh~day"of lyTat'the hour of twenty minutes to two o'clock in the morning, a hansom cab drove up to a police station, and the driver made the startling statement that his cab contained the body of a man whom be had every reason to believe bad been murdered. The body of the deceased was taken in the station, a doctor being sent for at once. On his arrival he found that life was quite extinct, and also discover that the handkerchief which was tied lightly over his mouth was saturated with chloroform. The murdered man was soon found to be Oliver Whyte, a young man who had come out from England a few months previously, and had brought letters of Introduction to some of the leading business men of Melbourne. Bamuei Gorby, a shrewd detective, undertakes to unravel the mystery. By a train of strange coincidences, Mr. Brian Fitzgerald was suspected of the murler. Mr. Fitzgerald was well known in society as a wealthy squatter, and the future husband of Madge Frettlby, one of richest aud prettiest girls in Victoria.

CHAPTER VIL A WOOL KIXO.

Mark Frettlby was one of those fortunate Individuals who turned everything he touched into gold. His luck was proverbial throughout Australia. If there was any speculation for which Mark Frettlby went in, other men would be sure to follow, and in every case the result turned out as well, and in many cases even better than they expected. Ho had come out In the early days of the colony with comparatively littlo money, but his great perseverance and never failing luck had soon changed his hundreds into thousands, and now at the age of 65 he did not himself know the extent of his income. He bad large stations scattered all •over the colony of Victoria, which brought him in a splondld Income a charming country house, where at certain seasons of the year ho dispensed hospitality to his friends, like the lord of an English manor, and a magnifi•cent town house down in St. Kilda, which •would not havo been unworthy of Park lane.

Nor wero his domestic relations less happy. He had a charming wife, who was one of the best known and most popular ladies of Melbourne, and an equally charming daughter, who, being both pretty and an heiress, naturally attracted crowds of suitor*. But Madge Frettlby was capricious, and refused Innumerable offers. Being an extremely independent young person, with a mind of her own, as she had not yet seen any one she could love, sho decided to remain single, and with her mother continued to dispense the hospitality of the mansion at St. Kilda. But the fairy prince eoines to every woman, even if she Irns to wait a hundred years like the Bleeping Beauty, and in this case he arrived at the appointed time. Ahl what a delight fill prince he was, tall, handsome and fair haired, who camo from Ireland, and answered to the name of Brian Fitzgorald. He had left behind him in the old country a ruined castle and a few acres of barren land, inhabited by discontented tenants who refuse 1 to pay the rent, aud talked darkly about tbo Land league and othor disagreeable things. Under thwie circumstances, with no rent coming in, and noprospectof doing anythiug in the future, Brian hail left the costlo of his forefathers to the rats and tho family banshee, and camo out to Australia to make hl3 fortune. He brought letters of introduction to Mark Frettlby, and that gentleman, having token a fancy to him, assisted him by every means in his power. Under Frettlby'# advice Brian bought a station, and, to his astonishment, in a few yeuiN found himsolf growing rich. The Fitzgerald* had always been moro famous for spending than for saving, and it was an agreeable surpriso to their latest representative to find the raonoy rolling in instead of out. He began to indulge in cost!os in the air concerning that othor costlo In Ireland, with the barren acre* and discontented tenants. In his mind's eye he saw the old place rise up in all its pristine splendor out of its ruins he saw the barren acre* well cultivated, and the tenants happy and content—ho was rather doubtful on this latter point, but, with the rash confidence of eightHUid-twenty, determined to do his best to jwrform even the impossible. Having built md furnished his castle in the air, Brian naturally thought of giving it a mistress, and this time actual appearance took tho place of vision. Ho fell In lovo with Madge Frettlby, and having decided in bis own mind that she and uooo other was fitted to grace the visionary halls of his renovated castle, be watched his opportunity and declared himself. She, woman like, coquetted with him for some time, but at last, unablo to withstand the impetuosity of her Irish lover, conf»w«ed in a low voice, with a pretty smile on her face, that she eouid not live without him. Whereupon—well—-lovers being of a conservative turn of mind, and accustomed to observe the traditional forms of wooiug, tbo mailt can easily be guessed. Brian hunted all orer the Jewelers' shops in Melbouroo with love like assiduity, and bar* ing obtained a ring wherein were set eorae turquols stoses as blue as his own eyea, he placed tt on her slender finger, and at last felt that his engagement was an accomplished fact Thin being satisfactorily arranged, he next proceeded to Interview the father, and had just red bis irage up to the awful ordeal, SOOM ag oocurred which the interview indefinitely. Mrs. by was out driving, whan the horses took fright and bolted. The ooarhmna and groom both escaped unhurt, bat Mrs. Frettlby was thrown out and killed Instantaneously. This was the first really trouble which had fallen on Mark Frettlby, and ho Moated to bo stunned by it Shutting hitusolf up in his room bo refused to sea Any ooa, even hie daughter, and appeared at tbo ftuwnd with a white and haggard face*, which shocked every one. When everything was over, and tho body of tbe late Mrs. JFYrttlby was consigned to the earth with all the romp andceremouy whioh m«»y could gfceTthe bereaved husband rods home and. resumed his ok! Ufa. Sot he «M ooeer tbo. mam in. His face, which bad always. bee® «c Jiid and brtfbt* beeamo and* sad. lie sakiom smlfcd, aad wtjeo he did it was A faint, wintry wnfla, which MSiMd. ®ecbanfc*l His whole heart eesmed osotared in hie daughter. She became tho sola, mittrw of the St. Kttia mansion, and bsr, father Idolised bar. She seemed to be ths, Pfif thing left to him which gave him as to* tarwt

i&yss jrSLrsJSSS

A REMARKABLE STORY.

beside his dsad wife ia tteqttat IWT*^ where there to jroobls or

Mystery of a Hansom Cab.

BY FERGUS W. HUME.

time had elapsed Brian again resolved to ask Mr. Frettlby for tbe hand of bis daughter when for tbe second time fate interposed. This time it was a rival suitor who made his appearance, and Brian's hot Irish temper rose when be saw another Richmond in the field. Tbe gentleman in question was a Mr. Oliver Whyte, who bad come out from England a few months previously, and brought a letter of introduction to Mr. Frettlby, who received him hospitably, as was bis custom, and Whyte soon made himself perfectly at borne in tbe St. Kilda mansion.

Brian took a dislike to tbe new comer the first time be saw him. for Mr Fitzgerald was a student of Lavater. aud prided himself on his reading of character. His opinion of Whyte was anything but flattering to that gentleman, for in spite of his honi.-«me face and suave manners, both Brian and Mudge felt tbe same repulsion toward him as tbey would have to a snake. Mr. Whyte, however, with true diplomacy, affected not to notice tbe cold way in which Madge received him, alid began to pay marked attention to her, much to Brian's disgust. At last he asked her to be his wife, and notwithstanding her prompt refusal, spoke to Mr. Frettlby on tbe subject Much to the daughter's astonishment, that gentleman consented to W byte's paying his addresses to Madge, and told her that be wished her to consider the young man's proposal favorably. In spite of all Madge could say, be refused to alter his decision, and Whyte, feeling himself safe, began to treat Brian with an insolence which was highly galling to Fitzgerald's proud nature. He called on Whyte at his lodgings, and after a violent quarrel with him had left tbe house, vowing to kill Whyte should he marry Madge Frettlby. Fitzgerald went alone to Mr. Frettlby that same night, and had an interview with him. He confessed that be loved Madge, and that his love was returned. So. when Madge added her entreaties to Brian's, Mr. Frettlby found himself unable to withstand the combined forces, and gave his consent to their engagement Whyte was absent in the country for the uext few days after his stormy interview with Brian, and it was only on his return that he learnt that Madgowas engaged to bis rival. He saw Mr. Frettlby on the subject, and having learnt from his own lips that such was the case, he left the house at once, and swore that he would never enter itr again. He little knew bow prophetic his words were, for on that same night he met his death in a hansom cab. He had passed out of the life of both the lovers, and they, glad that he troubled them no more, uever suspected for a moment that the body of the unknown man found in Roystou's cab was that of Oliver Whyte,

About two weeks after Whyte's disappearance Mr. Frettlby gave a dinner party in honor of his daughter's birthday. It was a delightful evening, and the wide French windows which led on to the veranda were open, letting in a gentle breeze, blowing with a fresh, salt odor from the ocean. Outside there was a kind of screen of tropical plants, and through the tangle of the boughs tho guests, seated at the table, could just see tho waters of tho l»y glittering like silver in tho pal© moonlight Brian was seated opposite to Madge, aud every now and then he caught a glimpse of her bright face behind the great silver epergne, filled with fruit and ilowers, which stood In the center of the table. Mark Frettlby was at the bead of the table, and appeared In very good spirits, for his stern features were somewhat relaxed, and he drank moro wine than usuaL The soup had Just been removed when some one who was late entered with apologies and took his seat Somo one in this case was Mr. Felix Rolleston, one of the best known young uien in Melbourue. He bail an iucomo of his own, scribbled a littlo for tho papers, was to be seen at every house of any pretensions to fashion in Mcll)Ounie, and was always bright happy and full of uews. Whenever any scandal occurred Felix llolleston was sure to know it first, aud could tell moro about it than any oue ebsa lie knew everything that was going on, both at home and abroad. His knowledge, if not very accurate, was at least extensive, and his conversation was piquant and witty. As Calton, one of the leading lawyers of the city, said, "Rolleston put him in mind of what Beacouflold said of ono of his characters In 'Lothair,' *Ho wasnt an intellectual Croesus, but his pockets were always full of sixpences.'" There was a good deal of truth in Col ton's remark, and Felix always distributed his sixpences freely. Tbe conversation had been dull for the last few minute* at the Frettlby dinner table consequently when Felix arrived everybody brightened up, as they felt certain now that tho conversation" would be amusing. "So awfully sorry, don't you know," said Felix, as he slipped into a seat by Madge "but a fellow liko mo has got to bo careful of his time—so many calls on it" "So many calls in it you mean," retorted Madge with a disbelieving smile. "Confess, now, you have been paying a round of visits." "Well, yea," assented Mr. Rolleston "that's tbe disadvantage of having a large circle of acquaintances. They give you weak tea and thin bread and butter, whereas" "You would rather have a B. and & and some deviled kidneys," finished Brian.

There was a laugh at this, but Mr. Bolleaton disdained to notice the interruption. "The only advantage of 5 o'clock tea," bo went on, "is that it brings people together, and ono bears what's going on."

Ah, yes, Rolleston," said Mr. Frettlby, who was looking at him with an amused «mlW "What news have your "Good news, bod news, and such news as you have never heard of," quoted Rolleston gravely. "Yea, I have a bit of new*. Haven't you beard itf

AM

no oaa knew what tho news was they could uot very well say that tbey had, so Rolleston was happy, having farad Out that he could make a sensation. "Well, do you know," he said, graval? flying tn his qyagiaaa, "they foead eat the name of the fellow that wot murdered la the hansom cabP "NevwT cried every one eagerly. "Yea," «nt on ftoUeston, "and what* am, yoo all know him." "It's never WhyteT Mid Brian, in a horrified tooa "Hang It bow did you knowf" aid Holketoo, rather annoyed at bethg forestalled. -Why, 1 Just beard tt at the 8t Kilda •tattoo.* "Oh, easily eooogh," Mid Brian, rather coofowi "land to see Whyte constantly, and as I bad not est eyes on him far the la* two weeks, I thought ii might be hhn." "Bow did they find oet who tt erasf aakad Mr. ftrattttqr, ttt? tagrtag with his wtaa

3cm

of those detective Billows, yoo •mm ii til r»m "They know enry

«P-

l^tp

IllifiilSiS

For tbe rest of tho meal nothing was talked about but tbe murder and the mystery in which it was shrouded. When tbe ladies retired tbey chatted about it in tbe drawing room, but finally dropped it for more agreeable subjects. The gentlemen, however, wbeo the cloth had been removed, filled their glasses, and continued their discussion with unabated vigor. Brian alone did not take part in the conversation. He sat moodily staring at his untested wine, and wrapped in a brown study.

CHAPTER vnr

BB1A* TAKES A WALK AXD

Ml)e

What tn {/.# mutter with you, dearf "Nothin? nothing," he Answered hurriedly. "I've been a little worried about business lately but come,"-be said, rising, "let us go outside, for I see your father has pot that girl with the steam whistlo voice to sing."

The-girl with the steam whistle voice was Julia Featherweight, the sister of Rolleston's inamorata, and lladge stifled a laugh as she went out on the veranda with Fitzgerald. "Wliut a 8hnmo of you," sho said, Infesting into a laugh when they were safely outside she's boen taught by tho tcst masters." "How 1 pity them," retorted Brian, grimly, as Julia wailed out "Meet me onco again," with an ear piercing shrillness. "I'd much rather listen to our ancestral banshee, and as to meet her again, one interview would be more than enough."

Madge did uot answer, but loaning lightly over tho high rail of the veranda looked out into tho beautiful moonlight night. There wore a number of peoplo passing along the Esplanade, some of whom stopped and listened to Julia's shrill notes, which being mellowed by distance, must have sounded rather nice. Oue man in particular seemed to have taste for music, for ho persistently stared over the fence at tho houso. Brian and Madge talked of all sorts of things, but every time Madge looked up sho saw the man watching the house. "What docs that man want Briant" she asked. "What manf asked Brian, starting. "Oh," he went on indifferently, as tho man moved away from tho gate and crossed the road on to the footpath, "he's taken up with the music, I suppose that's alL"

Madge did not say anything, but could not. help thinking there was more in it than the music. Presently Julia ceased, and she proposed to go in. "Whyf' asked Brian, who was lying back in a comfortable seat smoking a cigarette.

It's nice enough here." "I must attend to my guests," sho answered, rising. "You stop hero and finish your cigarette," and with a gay laugh she flitted into tbe bouse like a shadow.

Brian sat and smoked, staring out into the moonlight meanwhile. .Yes, tho man was certainly watching the bouse, for be sat on one of tbe seats, and kept his eyes fixed on tbe brilliantly lighted windows. Brian threw away his cigarette and shivered slightly. "Could any one have seen me?" ho muttered, rising uooasily. "Pshaw I of course not and tbe would never recognise me again. Curse Whyte, "I wish I'd never set eyes upon him."

Ho gave one glance at the dark figure on theee&t and then, with a shiver, passed into tbe warm, well lighted room. He did not fed easy in his mind, and be would have felt still less so had he known that the man on the seat was one of the cleverest of the Melbourne detedives.

Mr. Oorby had been watching (he Frettlby mansion the whole evening, and was getting rather annoyed. Moreiaad did not know where Fitsgorald lived, and as tbe detective wanted to out, he determined to watch Brian's movements and trace him henna "If he's that pretty girl's lover, 111 wait t01 he leavee the booea," argued Mr. Gorby to himself, when ho first took his seat on tbe "He wont stay long away frocu her, and be leavee tbe house I'll follow Mm up till I find out where he lives."

When Brian made his appearance early to tho ewnixe oa his way to Mark Fr«a4by% ha was tn evening drees, with a light coat over it and also had on a soft bat "WeU, Vm dashed!" ejaculated Mr. Oorby, when bo saw Fttqp«*ld dSseppear **ff be tantafooi 1 don* know who is, to go about in the very ckKhes he wore when be polished Whyte off, and think he won't be recognised. Melbourne aint Paris or London, that be can afford to be so aaretaa, and when I put the darbies oa him be will be astonished. Ah, well," be exeat on, lighting his pipe and taking a seat on the Esplanade, "I suppose IV hare to wait hers till he oomee oat"

Mr. Qortoy* ytlsniM was pretty aetoraiy tried, tar howr after how passed and no ono appeared. Then ho Madge aad Brian eosie out on the veranda, and heard Miss Fatenbfatli shrill voice ainrfnz. which

i- .'

ITERRlD HAUTE' SATURDAY EVENING MAIL

"lam sorry to bear it"Mid Frettlby, referring to tbe fact that Whyte was murdered. -He bad a letter of introduction to me, and seemed a clever, pushing young, fellow." "A confounded cad," muttered Felix, under bis breath aad Brian, who overheard aim, seemed inclined to lint.

A

ORTVK.

When the gentlemen entered the drawing room a young lady was engaged in playing one of those detestable pieces of music .called morceau de salon, in wbicb an unoffending air is taken and variations embroidered on it till it tieoomes a perfect agony to distinguish the tune amid the perpetual rattle of quavers and domi-eetni-quavers.

Brian quickly found his way to Madge's sida Tbe talk drifted on to the suhject of Whyte's death. "I never did like him," she safd, "but ft was horrible to think of him dying like that.1* "I dont know," answered Brian, gloomily "from all 1 can bear, chloroform is a very easy death." "Death can never be easy," replied Madge, "especial ly to a young man so full of health and spirits as Mr. Whyte was.* "1 believe you are sorry be's dead," said Brian, jealously. "Aren't youf die asked in some surprise.

mortals nil nisi bonum," quoted Fitagerald "but as I detested him when alive, you cant expect me to regret his end."

Madge did not answer him, but glanced quickly at his face, and for the first time it struck her that he looked ill. "What is the matter with you, dear!" sho «airflHl placing her hand on his arm. "You are not looking welL"

li

ifl' tf v*

sounded weinl and unearthly in the stLRness of the night. He saw Madge go in, and then Brian, the latter turning and staring at him for a minute or eu •Atr said liorby to himself, relighting bfcpipo, "your conscience is annulling you, itf Wait till yoa*re in jaiL"

Then the guests came out of the house and disappeared one by one, black figures in the moonlight after kisses and handshaking Shortly afterwards Brian came down the path with Frettlby by his side and Madge langlng og to her father's arm. Frettlby opened the gate and held out his hand. "Good-night Fitzgerald," he eaid, in a hearty voice "come down soon again." "Good-night Bryan, dearest," said Madge, friarfng "and don't forget to-morrow."

Then father and daughter closed the gate, leaving Brian outside, and walked back to the bouse. "Ahf said Gorby to himself, "if yoo only knew what 1 know, you wouldn't be so precious kind to him."

Brian walked, strolled along the Esplanade, and then crossing over, passed by Gorby and walked on till be was opposite the Esplanade hotel. Then be lighted a cigarette and walked down the steps on to the pier. "Suicide, is itr muttered Mr. Gorby tn himself, as be saw the tall, black figure striding resolutely on, a long way ahead. "Not if I can help it" So he lighted bis pipe, and strolled down tb» pis* In an apparently aimless manner.

He found Brian leaning, over the parapet at the end of the pier, aad looking at tbe glittering waters beneath, which kept raiiig and falling in a dreamy rhythm, thatsootbed and charmed the ear. "Poor girl! poor girl!" tbe detective heard him mutter as he carae up. "If she only knew alll If she"——

At this moment be heard) the- approaching step, and turned round sharply The detective saw that his face was ghastly pale iu the moonlight and his brows wrinkled: angrily "What the devil do you wantf' he burst out a* Gorby paused. "What do- you mean by following me all over the placef* "Saw mo watching tho house," saidi Gorby to himself. "I'm not followiug you, sir," he said aloud. "1 suppose tho pier aint private property. I only came down hen* for a breath of fresh air."

Fitzgerald did not answer, hut turned sharply on his heel, and walked qutekly up the pier, leaving Gorby staring after him. "He's getting frightened," soliloquized! the detective to himself, as ho strolled easily along, keeping the black figure iu frout welt in view. "I'll have to keep a sharp ey»ou him or he'll be clearing out of Victoria."

Brian walked quickly up to the St. Kilda station, for on looking at his watch he- found be would just have time to catch the last train. Ho arrived few minutes before it started, so, getting into the smokiug. «*rrtage at the near end of tho platform^ he- lit a cigarette, and, leaning bock in his seat, watched late comers hurrying into- Ch» station. Just as tho lust bell rang he saw a man rush along, who seemed likely to miss the train. It was the same man who had been watching him the A'holo evening, and Brian felt confident that he was following him. He comforted himself, however, with tho thought that this ix'rtinaeious follower would lose the train, and, being in tho last carriage- himself, he kept a lookout along the platform, expecting to see his friend of the Esplanade standing disappointed on it There was no appearanco of him. however, so Brian, sinking back into his seat, cursed his ill luck iu not having shaken off this man who kept him under such strict surveillance. "D him!" he muttered, softly. "I wcpect he will follow mo to East Melbourne, nnd find out where I live, but ho shan't if 1 can help it" i'liuiv was no ono In the carriago except himself, on which ho felt a sense of relief, for lie was in that humor which cones on men sometimes of talking to himself. "Murdered in a cab," he said, lighting a fresh oignrctte, and blowing a cloud .»f smoke. "A romance in real lif©y which beats Miss Braddon hollow. Thero is ono thing certain,, ho wont come between Madge and me again. Poor Madge I" with an impatient sigh. "If she only knew all, there would not -bo much chance of our, marriage but sho can never find out, aud 1 don't suppose any one else ever will"

Hero a sudden thought struck him, and rising out of his seat, ho walked to tho other end of the carriage and throw himself on tha cushions, as if desirous of escapo from himself. "What grounds can that man have for susjweting mef" be said aloud. "No ona knows I was with Whyte on that night and the police cant possibly bring forward any evidence to show that I wa& Pshaw I" h« went on, impatiently buttoning up his coat "1 am like a child, afraid of my shadow—the fellow ou tho pier Is only some one out for a breath of fresh air, as ho said himself—I am quite safa*

All tbo samo he did not feel easy tn his mind, and when the train arrived at tbe Melbourne station he stepped oat on to the platform with a shiver and a quick look round, as if ho expected to feel tho deteofive's hand on his shoulder. He saw no one, however, at all like tho man he had mot on the St Kilda pier, and with a sigh of relief, left tbe station. Mr. Gorby, however, was on the watch, and followed him at a safe distance along the platform. Brian left the station and walked slowly along Flinders street, apparently in deep thought When be got to Russell street he turned up there, and did uot stop until be came close to the Burke and Wills monument in the very place where tho cab bed Stopped on the night of Whyte's murder. "Ahl" said the detective to himself, as he Dtpnd in the shadow on the opposite side of the street "You're going to have a look at it, are you! 1 wouldn't, if 1 were yoo—it's dangerous."

Fitzgerald stood for a few minutes at the corner and then walked op Collins street When he got to the cab stand, opposite tho Melbourne dub, still suspecting he was followed, be hailed a hansom and drove away in the direotion of Spring street Gorby was rather perplexed at this sodden move, but without delay be hailed another cab and told tbe driver to follow the first till It stopped. "Two can play at that game," fas said, settling himself back in tbe cab, "and FU get the bettor of yoo, clever as you are—and you are derer," be went on in a tone of admiraftfon,asbe looked round the luxurious hansom, "to choose such a convenient place for atnurdsr no distarbdhiee and plenty of ri«n for escape after yon bad finished ills a [liiwirs going alter a chap like yoo In. stead of men who tumble down iiics ripe fruit, and aint got any brains to keep their crime quiet."

While the drtectfro thus eotOoqaiasd his cab, foBowisg on tbs trail of the other, had turned down Spring street and was being driven rapidly along tho Wellington parade in U«e directkn of East Melbourne. It then turned up Powiett street ot which Mr. Oorby exulted. "Aint eodeveras thought,* be said to Till Mi **Sbows Us nest right off, without anv aHwrff* to hide it"

The detective^ however, bad lochooad without his host, for tbe cab in front kept driving on, through an interminable mass of MI eels until it seemed as if Brian was determined never to stop the whole night "Look Vra, sirf" cried Corby's cabman igoiefng»hpo?d.M)LlD®dogr fptferaof«l

s,

ft

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the hansom,

u^wlb•lf^^lis^Bregamea-goin,

to larstf My Vab is knocked up, 'e is, and Is blessed old legs a-givin' away under ImP "Go on! go onf" answered the detective, impatiently "111 pay you wolL*

The cabman's spirits were raised by this, and by dint of roaring and a liberal use of the sQk, be managed to get his jaded horse up to a piettj good pace. They were in Fitzroy by this time, and then both oabs turned out of Gertrude street into Nicholson street thence passed on to Evelyn street and akmg Spring street, until Brian's cab stopped at the corner of Collins street and Gorby saw him alight and dismiss his cabman. He then walked down tbe street and disappeared into tbe Treasury gardens. "Confound it" eaid the detective, as begot out and paid his fare, which was not by any means alight one, but over wbicb be had no time to argue, "we've come in a circle, and 1 do believe be lives in Powiett street after all."

He went into tbe gardens, and saw Brian some distance ahead of him, walking rapidly. It was bright moonlight and be could easily distinguish Fitzgerald by his light coat He left the gardens by tbe end gate. Then be went along tho Wellington parade, and turned up Powlett street, where ho stopped at a houso near Cairns' Memorial church, much to Mr. Gorby's relief, who. being, like Hamlet "fat and scant of breath," found biaself ratber exhausted. Be kept well hi the shadow, however, and saw Fitzgerald give one fined look aronnd before be disappeared into tbe bousa Then Mr. Gorby, tike the Robber Captain in "Ali Babe," togto careful stock of tbe house, and fixed its locality and appearance well his mind, as fee totended to call at it oo tbe morrow. "What I'm going to do," be said, as he walked slowly back to Melbourne, "is to see his landlady when he's oat and find out what time he came In oo the night of tbe murder. If it fite into tbe time be got out of Rankin's cab I'll get otst a warraut, and arrest bias straight off."

CHAPTER IX.

U*. SORBY SATISFIED AT LAST. In spite of his long walk and still longer drive Brian did net sleep well that night Ho kept tossing and turning, or elso lying on his back wide awake, looking into the darkness aad thinking of Whyteu Toward dawn, when tbe first faint glimmer of morning came through the Venetian blinds, he fell into a sort erf

uneasy

doze, haunted by hor­

rible druama lie thought he wa»driving in a hansom, when suddenly be found Whyte by hisshfer dad in whitocerementevgrinirfng and gibbering at him with ghastly merriment Then tho cab went over a precipice, and ho fell from a great height down, down, with tho mocking laughter still sounding in his ears, until ho woke with a load cry and found it was broad daylight,, ami that drops of perspiration were standing on bin brow It was good trying toskepany longer, so, with a weary sigh, he arose and wont for his tub, feeling jaded and won* out by worry and want of sleep. His liath did him somo good, tho cold water brightened him up and pulled1 him together. Still he could eot help giving a start of surpriso when be saw his faco looking at him from the mirror, old nnd haggard Uniking, with dark circles rownd the eyea "A pleasant HfoFmgbiiig to bavv of tt if this sort of thing goes on,"1 be-said bitterly. "1 wish to G—1 had uever seen or hoard of Whyttt"

Ho dressed himself carefully, however, for Brian was a man who novcr neglected his toilet, however worried and out of sorts he might feci Vet, notwithstanding his efforts to throw off hie gloom and feel cheerful, his landlady vvas startled when she saw how haggard and wan his handsome face looked in tho searching morning light

She was a small, dried up littlo woman, with a wrinkled, yellow faco, and looked so parched ami brittle that strangers could not help thinking it would do her good if she wore soaked in water for a 3'oar, in order to soften ber a littlo. Whenever she moved sho crackled, and oito was in constant dread of seeing one of her wizen looking limbs break off short, like tho branch of a dead tree. When sho spoke it was in a bard, shrill voice, like a criokct and being drossod in a faded brown silk, what'with ber voice and attenuated body, she was not unlike that noisy insect She crackled into Brian's sitting room with The Argus and coffee, and a look of dismay came over her stony face as she saw his altered looks. "Dear me, sir," she chirped out in her shrill voice, as sho placed her burden on tbe table, "are you took badP

Brian shook his head. "Want of I "oep, that's all, Mrs. Sampson," be answered, unfolding Tbe Argus, "Ahl that's because ye aint got enough blood in yer *ead," said Mrs. Sampson, wisely, for sho had her own ideas on the subject of health. "If you aint got blood you aint got sleep."

Brian looked ot bor as she said this, for thero seemed such an obvious want of blood in her veins that be wondered if she had ever slept in nil her Ufa

However, lie said nothing, but merely intimated that If she would leave tbe room bo would take his breakfast "An* if you wants anythin* else, Mr. Fitzgerald," she said, going to tbo door, "you knows your way to tbe bell as easily as I do to tho kitchen," and, with a final chirrup, she crackled out of the room.

Brian drank bis coffee, but pushed away the food which was before him, and then looked through Tbe Argus to see tbe latest reports about the murder case. What he read made his cheek turn oven paler than it was, and ho could feel his heart beating loudly. "They've found a clew, have theyP he muttered, rising and pacing restlessly up and down. "1 wonder what it can be! 1 threw that man off the scent last night but if be suspects me there trill be no difficulty in him finding out where I live. Bohl What nonsense I am talking am the victim of my own morbid imagination. There is nothing to connect me with the crime, so I need not be afraid of my shadow. I'v® a good mind to leave town for a time, but if 1 am susf«cted that would excite suspicion. Oh, Madge I my darling," be cried, passionately, "if you only knew what 1 suffer, 1 know that you would pity me—but you must uever know the truth —'Never! Neverr and, sinking Into a chair by the window, he covered bis faos with his landt After remaining in this position for fnmo minutes, occupied with his own gloomy thoughts, be arose and rang the belL A faint crackle in the distance anzkovnoed that Mra Bampson bad heard, aad she soon came Into the room, looking more like a cricket than •ver. Brian had gone into bis bedroom and out to ber from there: "I am going down to St Kilda, Mr* 8amptoo," be said, "and, probably, will not be hack all day.* "Which 1 *opeB it *ull do you good," an* I wared the cricket "for you've eaten nothin', an' the sea breezes Is miraculous for maJdn* yam take to yoor victuals. My mother's bother, beia' a sailor, an' wonderful for Is which, wbeo Ni lad done a meal, the table looked if a low COBS *ad gone over it* "A whatf* asked Fltigwrald, buttoning his

"A low cuss!" replied the landlady, in surprise at his ignorance, "as I've read in 'Oly Writ, as 'ow John the Baptist was partial to 'em, not that I think they'd be very fillin'.

tho*, tolw sure, V^£7a sweet tooth, and at»\mey with *em." "Oh I you mean locusts," said Brian, now enlightened. "An' what ebeP asked Mrs. Sampson, indignantly "which, tbo* not bein' aschoiard, 1 spsaks English I Vpc«, my mother's second cousin avin* HA first prise at a spellin' bee. tbo* died early through brain fever, 'avin* crowded Is ^ead over much with the dictionary." "Dear mel* answered Brian mechanically. "How unfortunate." He was not listening to Mrs. Sampson's remarks, but was thinking of an arrangement which Madge had made, and which he had forgotten till now. "Mrs. Sampson," he said, turning round at the door, "I am going to bring Mr. Frettlby and his daughter to have a cup of afternoon tea bere, so you might have somo ready." "You *ave only to ask and to 'ave,n answered Mrs. Sampson, hospitably, with a crackle of all her joints. "I'll make the tea, sir, an' also some of my own per tickler cakes* bein* a special kind 1 'ave, which ray mother showed me Vyw to make, 'aviu' been taught by a lady as sho nussed thro* thq scarlet fever, tho' bein' of a weak constitootion, she died soon arter, bein' in the 'obit of contraetin' any disease she might chance on."

As soon as Fitxgerald had gone Mrs, S went over to the window and watched bin* as he walked stowty down tbe street- a tell, handsome man, of whom any woman, would be proud. "What an awful thing it are to think: 'ell he a corpse some day," sbe chirped cheerily to herself, "thcV of course bein' a great swelll 4n Is own placet,

VII

*ave a nice airy vault*

Which ud be far more comfortable than a. close, stuffy grave, even tho' it 'a» a tombstone an' vi'lets over it Ah, now! Who areyou, impertinencef she broke as a stoutman in a light suit of clothes crossed tboroad und rang tbe bell, "a pulling at tho bolL as if it were a pump 'andle."

As the gentleman at tho door, who- wa* aoue other than Mr. Gorby, did not hear her,, he, of course, did not reply, so sho hurried# down the stairs, crackling with anger at tho rough nsage berbell had receivccL

Mr. Gorby had seen Brian go out- ondl deeming it a good opportunity to- prosecute inquiries, had lost no time in making.a: start "You nearly to rod tho bell down/' said th» fiery cricket, as sho presented her thin body and wrinkled face to tho view ef tha dateativei

1'ou nearly tortul the bill down." I'tn very worry," answered* (}orby,meekly. "HI knock next time." "Oh, no you won't" naicli the landlady,, toeing her head, "me not 'nvin' a knocker, an' your 'and a-scratchiu' the- paint off tho door, which it ain't been done-evor six months ly my sister-in-law's cousin, which 'e is a pointer, with a shop in Pltzroy, an' wonderful heyo to color." "Does Mr. Fitzgerald live- b«rof"asked Mr. Oorby quietly. "Ho do," replied Mrs. Sampson, "but V* gone out an' wont bo back till the arternoon, which any inessidgo *ull bo delivered to 'im punctual on *is.arrival." "I'm glad he's not iu*" said Mr. Gorby. "Would you allow mo to hav» a fow momenta' conversation?" "What is

itr

asked tho (Ticket her curi­

osity being rousod. "I'll toft you when we get Inside," answered Mr. Oorby.

Tho cricket looked at him with ber sharp little oyes, and seeing nothing disroputabie in him, led tho way upstairs, crackling loudly the whole tima This so astonished Mr. Gorby that ho oast about in his own mind for an explanation of tbo phenomena. "Wants oiling about tho joints," was his conclusion, "but 1 never heard anything liko it, and she looks, as if she'd snap iu two, sho's that brittle^"

Mrs. Sampson took Oorby into Brian's sitting, and, having closed tho door, sat down and prepared bear what ho had to say for hiinsolf. "1 'opo it aint bills," sho said. "Mr. Fitzgerald 'avin' money in tbe bank, and evorythin' respectable like a gentleman as 'o Is, tho1, to be sure, your bill might ouine down on him unbeknown, *o not 'avin' kept it in mind, wbicb it aint everybody as 'ave sich a good memory as my aunt on my mother's side, she 'aviu* bin famous for 'or dates like a 'istory, not to speak of 'or multiplication tables and tho numbers of people's 'ousea" "1 am an insurance agent," be said rapidly, so as to prevent any interruption by the cricket "and Mr. Fitzgerald wants to insure his life in our company. Before doing so I want to find out if he is a good life to insure does he live temperately! keep early hours! and, in fact all about him."

Continued on Third Page.

Peculiar

in combination, proportion, and preparation of its ingredients, Hood's Sarwaparllla accomplishes cures where other preparations entirely fall. Peculiar In IU good name at home, which is a "tower of strength abroad..** peculiar tn the phenomenal sales It bss attained, Hood's Sarsaparllla is tbe most successful medicine for purifying the blood, giving strength and creating an appetite.

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England and Germany. tt

Something for all the Preachers. Rev. H. H. Fairall, D. D., editor of tbo Towa Motbodlst says editorially, In tbe November (1KH3) number of this paper: "We bare tested tbe merits of Ely's Cream Balm, and believe that by a thorough course of treatment It will care almost every caae of catarrh. Ministers, as a class, are afflicted with head and throat troubles and catarrh seem* more prevalent than ever. We cannot recommend Ely's Cream Balm too highly."

Dr. aider's

telephone la No. lift.

•a A r-

*Z,^: JisL V,