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Parent Issue
Day
12
Month
October
Year
1894
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

J n COPYR.QHT US 1834 B TrtC AUTHOR CHAPTER IX. Dr. Merrick was delighted to see me agaiu so speedily aud assured me that he had thought of nothing else but the lone inn crime. The peculiar circurnstauces of the case fascinated him greatly. "Decidedlyl shonld be a detective, " he said laughingly. "I have been inventing all kinds of theories in conneetion with this matter. By the way, my idea of searching the shipping list was a good oue. ' ' "Excellent. You received my letter?" "Idid, with much pleasure. SoFrancis did not arrive in England until the Gth of June?" "No! Therefore itwasFrancis whorn I met at the Feu ton, who was killed by his brother, and it is Felix who now passes himseli off to Olivia Bellin as Francis. ' ' "Does she not guess the imposture?" "No. So far as I can see, she flrmly believes Felix to be Francis. You were also right about tho hiding of the corpse. ' ' "You clou 't say so?" cried Merrick, highly delighted. "Did Felix ride out to the Feu inn and hide the body, as I surruised?" "He did. I have tho evideuce of the livery stable keeper to prove that he hired a horse on the llth and did not return till raidnight. " "During which time he disposed of his brother's body?" "Precisely. I tracked his horse's hoof marks to the pool wherein I am convinced the body lies bidden. " "Egad! You are a wonderful man, Denham. Did you have the pool drag:ged for the body?" "Not yet. I wished to teil you all my discoveries before doing so. ' ' "Many thanks. I am so interested in -this case that it is a great pleasure for me to follow it step by step. " ' 'I wish no thanks f rom you, Merrick, ' ' said I heartily. "It is rather the other way, as yonr reasonings have led me to these important discoveries: First, that Felix was in Paris; second, that Francis did not arrive from Chile till this month, and, third, that Felix himself hid the corpse. By myself I should never have discovered eo much. But I have made one most famous discovery. " "Yes? And that is?" "I know how the crime was committed and by whom. " "You don't say so!" exclaimed Merrick in much excitement. "Have you een Strent?" "No. It was not Strent who killed Francis Briarfield. " "You don't mean to say is was Rose Strent?" "No. It was Felix himself. " Merrick uttered an exclamation of surprise and remained silent for a few minutes. "But you said yourself that Felix never carne to Üie inu on that night, " he objected. "So I thotight, but it appears that I ■was mistaken. Fundy, the livery stable ieeper, told me that Felix hired a horse from him on the JOth and llth of June. On both occasions he did not return till j jnidnight. Now, Francis was murdered on the lOth, and his corpse disappeared on tho llth. Felix is therefore responsiblo for both the murder and the conealmtnt oi' the body. " "That is purely circumstantial evidence. " I laid down the arrowhead on the laLle. "ïhis is proof iositive, " I said triumphantly. 'With that piece of flint Francis was killed. " "Really, " said Merrick skeptically, picking up the arrowhead. "With such a clumsy instrument he must have gled the job considerably. " "Not at all. That arrowhead is steeped in virulent poison. ' ' "The deuce!" cried Merrick, dropping it hastily. "Why did you uot wsrn me of its dauger? I might have cut myself and gone the same way as poor Francis Bnarfield. How do you know the muider was so executed?" "I told you bout the discolored wound in the palm of the right hand." Merrick uodded. "Well, " I continued, "that was the cause of death, as there was neither scratch nor violence on any other part of the body. I picked up that arrowhead in the fireplace of the dining rooin of the Fen inn, where it had doubtless been thrown by Felix after the committal of the crime. " "Where did he get the arrowhead?" "That is just what puzzled me for a long time. Fortunately I remembered that the entrance to Bellin Hall was decked with a perfect armory of savage weapons. I.niade an excuse of looking at the picture gallery and so gained admission to the hall. " "Did you find auything likely to confirm your suspicions?" "Yes. I found that an arrow had been removed from the wall. ' ' "How could you teil that?" "Because the weapons were arranged in patterns, and one of the patterns was incomplete. Moreover, on comparing that arrowhead with those on the wall I found it was precisely similar in appearance. ' ' "Humph, " said Merrick thoughtfully. "There is only one deduction to be taken from all this. Felix stole the arrowhead, and knowing it to be poisoned rode to the Fen inn to kill his brother. He is a clever scoundrel. " "Very clever indeed, " I answered dryly. "But for you, Merrick, he would have bafiled me altogeüier. " "Itbinkyou have hiña tbis time, " said Merrick, laughing. "Kov,-, what do you intend to do next?" "Have the pool dragged for the body and Félix Briarfield arrested. " "Before doiug so it would be advisable to find Rose Strent or her i'ather. " "Why so?" "Becanse they only can give positivo evidence as to the eoininittal of the crime. Failing them, Félix ruay slip through your fingers. ' ' "They won't show up or give evidence íor their owu sake. " "Ia that case they must befound and forced into oohfeseion, " said the doctor quickly. "And wkat about Félix and Miss Bellin?" "They are uow in town - Mrs. and Miss Bellin in Swansea square and Félix at his chambers in Jermyu street. " "I wonder if Félix is still in communication with Rose Strent, " queried Merrick half to liimself. "It's not impossible. Whatever Rose Streot was or is, she is not a waiting maid. I believe some guilty bond unites the pair, and Rose assisted Félix in his scoundrelly schemes out of pure love. ' ' "Hardly, " responded Merrick. "If Rose loved Félix, she would not assist him to marry Olivia, and by removing Francis she certainly did so. " "How would it do to see Félix at his chambers and bully him into confession?" "You won't manage that. Your man is too clever. ' ' "He can't domuch against the proofs in my possession. ' ' "He'll deny anything. " " At all events, I'll try, Merrink. This evening I'll cali on Félix and swear that I am going to have him arrested for the murder of his brother. That will bring him to his knees. " '"It might, and it might not. Better look for Rose Strent. ' ' "If any one knows where she is to be found, it is Félix. I can't do better than see him. ' ' ' 'Try it by all means, ' ' said the doctor doubtfully, "but I'm afraid you won't get much satisfaction out of him. First ánd Rose Strent, have the pool dragged and the body found. Then, what with the evidence of Fundy and that arrowhead, you will have no difficulty in getting a warrant for his arrest. At present Félix will simply order you out of his rooms. ' ' "I'll run the risk of that, " I answered and shortly afterward took my departure. I could net now complain of lack of interest in my life. It took me . all my time to keep the many details of this case in mind. There was no doubt that I had already solved the mystery, and that Felix was guilty of his brother's death. Yet, as Merrick said, it would be necessary to find the body and thus establish conclusive proof of the crime before the murderer could be convicted. When this was doue, the evidence in hand would be sufficient to iusure his condemnation. For my part, I believed that he would be driven into a corner and forced to confess his complicity in the crime. Firmly convincedof this man'sguilt, I was determined he should not marry Olivia. The crime had been comniitted for her sake, and seeing that he had behaved in so cowardly a fashion it was a fit retribution that he should not achieve his purpose. It was no iise to waru Olivia as to the truc character of Felix. as she firmly believed him to be Francis and wonld decline to believe my story, ünder these circumstances I judgeel it advisable to see Felix at his chambsra and wam him that I kiiew all. Terrifled by the predicaruent in whicb he found himself, he might leave England, and thus Olivia would be saved from lifelong misery. His punishment for the crime wonld occur later on, as, notwithstanding his flight, he could be arrested on the continent while extradition treaties were in force. After dinner I therefore weut to cali on Felix. His rooms were in Jermyn street, and as mine were jnst arouud the corner in Duke street I had not f ar to go. My visit was paid on the chance of finding him in, as I did not wish to put him on his guard by notifying him of my wish for an interview. As the twins, in Bpite of constant disagreement, occupied the same rooms, I could not bnt wonder at the nerve of Felix in coming back to the apartments where every familiar object would remind him of his fratricidal act. It was just at 8 o'clock when I reached the door of the chambers. At the foot of the stairs I found the caretaker ensconced in a glass box like an insect. To him I addressed ruyself. He was an old friend of mine and rather an oddity in his way. "Is Mr. Briarfield within?" "Mr. Francis Briarfield is in hia rooms," said the caretaker, "but Mr. Felix is in Paris." Of course I guessed that this would be the answer aud secretly admired the dexterity with which Felix had carried out his plans. Doubtless in the end, when his brother did not return, or rather when his pretended self did not rcappear, he would account for it by au accident in the eastern deserts. However, my business was with Felix, alias Francis, so I made no commeut on the caretaker's remark. "Pray take up_jny card to(Mr. field," I said. ''I want to see bim at ; once. ' ' "I can't take it up now, " said the Ofsretaker civilly. "Mr. Briarflcld is ; engaged and gave particular orders that he was not to be disturbad; " "Ah, but doubtless he is engaged ; with a friend of mine," I hinted am! biguously. "Is the lady a friend of yours, sir?" A lady! My thoughts at once reverted to Rose Strent, but then the chancea were that it uiight be Olivia. "Yes. MissBellin." "That's the young lady, sir, towhom Mr. Briarfield is engaged?" asked the caretaker, who was a confirmed gossip. "Yes." "It is not her, sir. I know her wel 1 by sight, as she has been here with Mrs. Bellin. It's another lady. " My surmise was right, and I felí confideut that while I stood there Félix w;'.s having an interview with his ' complice. I cotild not disturb them, yet ; wished to assure myself of the identity of Rose Strent. When I found out all about her, there niight be a possibility of solving fue mystery. "Well, no matter," I answered carelessly, stuffing the card back into my case. 'Til see Mr. Briarfield another time." "Will you leave yonr name, sir?" "No, it doesn't matter. I'll cali about 9 on the chance of finding him in. ' ' i Having thns bafiled the inquines of the caretaker, I strolled into the street, and taking up my station at the comer kept my eyes on the door. If Rose Strent was with Felix, she must certainly come out In a short time. Then I intended to follow her up and speak to her if I got a chance. Failing Briarfield, I might possibly extort a confession from the v, eaker vessel. In about a qnarter of an hour the woman carne out. She wore no veil, and as it was still fairiy light I had no difiiculty in seeingher face. She passed hurriedly by me in the direction of the Haymarket without observing ine, and I recognized her at a glance. It was, as I thought, Rose Strent and none other. In place of the waiting maid's linen dress, she was arrayed in a smart tailor made costume and looked very fashiona'ole indeed. Her face wore a triumphant expression, as though she had been successful with Felix. I guessed the interview had been for the purpose of extorting blackmail. With her knowledge of his secret Felix was certainly at her mercy. Following her up at some little distance, she went down the Haymarket and turned down one of the side streets, turned off there into a dirty alley and finally disappeared into a swing door over which was a lamp iuscribed with some letters. I looked up and saw written thereou, "Stage door. " ' 'Au actress, ' ' said I and went round to the front of the theater to inspect the play bill. It was the Frivolity theater, and they were playing the burlesque of "As You Dou't Like It. " Glancing down the list of characters, I saw that Orlando was played by Miss Rose Gernon. "A leading lady, " I thought, transfixed with astonishment. "A burlesque actress doubtloss, ia the receipt of a good salary. What in heaven's name took her to the Fen inn?" This question I was of conrse unable to answer, but I guessed it had something to do with love and Felix Briarfield. Leaviug the matter alone íor a few moments, I secured a stall and entered the theater. When Orlando carne on, I was thoroughly satisfied. Rose Strent was Rose Gernon, aud I had seen her play the part of waiting inaid at the Fen inn on the lOth of June, that fatal night of the murder. CHAPTER X. When I told Dr. Merrick of my good fortune in finding Rose Strent, or, to use her stage name, Rose Geruon, he was considerably astonished. The case had taken hold of hiro so completely that he could think of nothing else. He had a large practice and atteuded fairly well to his patients, but informed me that he did so in a mechanical fashion, more or less. as his braia was busy with the Fen inn mystery. We were now wonderfully familiar, considering the short period of our acquaintance, but this was doubtless due to the interest we both took in the case. "Upon my word, Denham, ' ' said Merrick, rubbing his head irritably, "I wish you had not come near me with your hallucinations. Instead of attending to my business, I think of nothing but your mysteries. The sooner we unravel this riddle the better will it be for me. You are an idle bachelor, so it does not matter much to yon, but I am a busy medical man, and this infernal business worries me greatly. At this moment I ought to be attending to a patiënt, instead of ■whioh I am wasting my time with you. ' ' "Shall I go away?" "No, confound you! I wish to see the end of this aftair, or I'U get no peace of miud. It is too late to remedy the matter, so I must have my curiosity allayed by leaming all the ins and uuts of this enigma. Come, let us begin. You have found Rose Strent?" "Yes. She is a burlesque actress and plays at the Frivolity theater. Her uame in the proera urne is set down as 'Tin not so snre of that, " said Merrick sharply, ■ If sha went iuto that Feu inn business wit'i her ovos open, ühe doubtless tooka false name, so asto üiquiry. " "Then what about the landlord, who called himself Edward Strent?' ' "Oh, we must find out all about him also. No doubt his name is falso also. Did he look like her father?" "Well, I oan't say that thore was muoh likeness betweeu them. He looked to mo liko i valer. " "A valet, " ruuttered Mcrrick reflectively. "Queer! I wonder if he really was u valet - valet to Felix. " "In that case he'll be with him now. " "It is not impossiblo. He has Felix in his power and can Stay on just as he likes. It's my opinión he'll stay tillhe's pensioned off. Case of blackmail, I f ancy. ' ' "I think Eose Gernon is blackinailing Felix also." "Quite so. What else can he expect? Or else," added Merrick, looking straight at me, "it's a case of love and tnarriaga " "What! Do yon think Felix promised to niarry Roso if she helped him to get rid of his brother?' ' "I think he might lead herto believe he would do so. ' ' "This is absurd, Merrick," said I sharply. "Felix is in love with Olivia. The motive of the crime was to gain possession of Olivia's hand. Rose would not help Felix if she knew that. " "Precisoly. Jf she knew it. But it's my opinión that she does not kuow it. I believe Felix gulled her into belief that he would marry her if she gave her aasistance, but he has not the slightest intention of keeping his promise. " "And what excuse could he make for wishing to morder his brother?' ' "Ah, there you have me! I don't know that. Of course you and I are aware of the real motive of the crime, but Rose is iguorant of it. She thinks she .kuows, no doubt, but I'm certaiu she been put off with a lie. ' ' "But he can't keep the information from her for ever. Even if he keeps quiet, souie one is bound to teil her that Felix is engaged to Miss Bellin. " "There you are wrong, " said Merrick, with grim joeularity. "Every one thinks Francis is eugaged to Miss Bellin. " ' 'Yes, but Rose Geruon kuows well enough that Francis is dead, and that the engaged man must be Felix posing as Francis. ' ' "There's sometruth in that," admitted the doctor, looking puzzled. "I suppose he must have kept that fact from her so far, as I dou't see what possible explanation he oould give her. ' ' "Alwaysassuming she is in love with him, ' ' said I musingly. "Oh, as to that, I am certain it is so. A woman like Rose Oernou drawing a good salary would not mix herself up in such a dangerous business merely for money. There is a stronger motive, and that is love. I'll lay anything, " continued Merrick, in sporting phrase, "I'll lay anything that she is madly in love with the fellow. " "Well, and Olivia, thinking Felix is Francis, loves him madly also. If these two women come together, there will be trouble for Felix. ' ' "Eureka!" cried thf doctor, jumping up excitedly, "the very thing. When thieves fall out - you know the adage. Let us bring the two women together and see the upshot. ' ' "There will simply be a row, " said L "What is the use ofthat?" "This, " retorted Merrick sharply - "that when Rose finds she has been betrayed she will reveal all the mystery out of revenge and assure Olivia that Felix is not Fraucis. " - "That's not a bad idea, Merrick; also it might occur that Olivia reveáis soniething in her turn. " "Impossible. She can't possibly know the mau's villainy, else sho would not think of marrying him. " "I suppose not, and yet, " I added reflectively, "I wouldn't be surprised if she were cognizant of Felix 's movements on the lOth and llth. She eertainly stuck up for him in the most amazing mauner at the flrst interview. " "Of course she did, because she believes he is Francis. Depend upou it, doctor, she knows nothing, and if we bring her and Rose together there will be a revolution and a revelation. " "It's worth trying at all events. But how can it be managed?" "By working on the natural jealousy of the sex. Teli Olivia that Felix receives a woman in his rooms every evening. " "Oh, hang it, Merrick, " said I, reddening, "it wouldn't be delicate even to a married woman, let alone a girl. " "Of course I dou't mean you to put it to her in that barefaced manner, " said Merrick hastily, "but handle the matter delicately. Wrap it upin sugar. I leave it to your own judgrnent. In any case you must rouse the jealousy of Miss Olivia Bellin and induce her to come with you to the chainbers of Felix wheu he is interviewing Rose." "She wouldn't come without her mother. " "Theu bring her motber along with you. This is a serious matter, and it doesn't do to be squeamish. " "Then do it yourself, " saidlangrily. "I!" said he, taken aback. "No. I don't know Miss Bellin. You are the proper persou. Besidea it's better that she should know the truth, even at the cost of a shock to her delicacy, than be tied to a brute like Feliz, as she certain ly will be. " "Not if Rose can help it. " "She can't help it if she doesn't know. And the only way to spoil the game of Felix is to bring the two women face to face. Their mutual jealousy will do the rest, and instead of going to the altar Felix Briarfleld will find himself bound for the scafïold. " "True euough. Well, I'll try, Merrick, but it's a job I don't like. " He laughed at my scruples and tried to show me that I was really doing Olivia a service in being so plain spoken, but in spite of all his argnmonts I departeJ from his house in low spirits. I did not relish the idea of intervfewing Olivia ou so delicate a subject, yet I saw it was imperative and thorefore made up ruy iniud to carry throngh the business at whatever cast of personal ; inconvenieuce to myself. That is the ' worst of being un amateur detective. One's feelings are iiot uuiler suííioieut control. The next day I called at Swansea square and sent up ruy card to Olivia. As it so happeñed, her mother liad gone j dowu to HurUngham with Félix, and she remained at home on the plea of a headache. She sont down a mossago to the effect that she was nnwell and asked me to excuse her, but I scribbled a few linea on my o.rd askiug particularly to see her. This time the servant returned with the iufonimtion that Miss Bellin would see me for a few minutes, j and I was shown into the drawing room. I folt nervooe, but, determined to go through with the matter, managed to j screw up my courage. It was a most i aupleasant ta.sk, but very necessary if 1 wanted to attain my object. When Miss Bellin entered, I could not suppress a start, so changad was she in outward appearanoe. As I said before, she was a tall, well developed and very beautiful woman, but now she had grown thin, and her face wore an auxious expression. I could not help thinking that she knew something about the tragedy at the lone inn, as I could conjecture no other reason í'or her ill health and manifest discomposure. She carne forward, with a nervous smile, and greeted me in a low voice. "My mother and Mr. Briarfield have gone to Hurlinghaní, " she said, sitting dowu on a lounge near which my chair was placed. "I am not sorry for that," I answered {""'ytit'. "as I wish to see you alone. ' "Whjftja'the matter, Mr. Denham? Hava rou anything very terrible to tell me?" "I tfaink it is rcrribk. "About Franois?" she demauded iously. "Yes. About Francis. " "Surely you are not goiug to begin again about that foolish matter you I spoke of at Marshmiuster. " "No It is not about that." Olivia passed her handkerchief across her lipa and gave a sigh of relief. The expression of her face was so strange that I was more than ever convinced she suspected the truth. "I am glad you have given over that mad idea about Francis beiug Félix," she said at length. "I cauuot conceive what made you take up so strange a belief. Félix is in Paris. ' ' "I know that, Miss Bellin. I saw him there. " This I said in the hope of startling her, but she did not move a muscle of her face. Eithor she was keeping well in hand or was cognizant of the fact that Félix had gon to Paris for the purpose of deoeiving me. If so, she must have known he was not Francis, and also that my story of the lone inn tragedy was true. It was on my tongue to ask her if she was aware of the terrible truth, but ou reflection I judged it best to let events evolve themselves. Fate could manage these things better than a mere mortal. "I knew you would see him there," she said coldly, "but I cannot conceive why you shoulddesire toconvince yourself that I spoke truly. " "Becauso, Miss Bellin, I believe that the man who calis himself Francis is really Félix. " "The same oíd story," she said impaticntly. "You are mad. If you saw Félix in Paris, you must be convinced that you are makiiig a mistake. " "Well, Miss Bellin, we will waive that point for tho present. I will cali the mau to whom you are eugaged Francis. ' ' "As he is, " she interpolated imperiously I let the remark pass and went on with my speech. "You will no doubt thiuk me highly impertinent, but I wish to warn you against the so'called Franois Briarfield." "What do you mean, sir?' "Simply this: While at the Fen inn I was waited on by a woman who called herself Rose Strent. That woman is now in town acting at the Frivolity theater under the name of Rose Gernon. " "And what have I to do with such a creature?" she asked in a trembling voice. "Nothing, but your lover has everything to do with her. " "Mr. Deuham!" We were both on our feet by this time, and she was looking at me with wrathful eyes. The crisis I so dreaded had come, but it was uow too late to retreat, and there was no help for it but to go on. "Be angry with me if you like, Miss Bellin, " I said as soon as I was able, "but it is In your oven interest I speak. " "My ovtn interest!" "Yes. This woman Rose Gernon is in love with Francis B" "No, no!" she murmured, her face growing white. "You are making a mistake ! ' ' "It is true." I ,said .doggedly, "she was with '.' "; al '"■ ' :; ra yesterday eveiiing at a ïlbo will be there toniorrow '.-: r.i:-. ar the .same tim; I leaxueri that fact fcoday." "Did yon eoráe here to insnlt me, sir?" asktíd Olivia iu avoice troiuulons with rago. "I carne here to do you a setvice, but if you look upou it iu the light of an insult 1 muy as woll take íuy leave. " "Stop, sir!" she said, plaeing horself bef ore me. "You shall uot leave the room till I amcouviuced of the truth of your statement. Why should Francia meet Rose Gernon?" "Why should líese Gernon play the part of awaitiuflt maidatthe Fen iiiu?" I rerorteu "How cr ítell?" "To fnrthor the schemes of the man who i.s to marry you, Miss Bellin. She loves him, and he loves her. " "No! I tell you it is impossible. I trust him. 1 love him. He could not be such a mean villain. " "I can prove to you that what I say is true. " . "Do so, and I will believe it. If it is true," she mutterod, clinching her flst, "if it is true, I shall bitterly punish him for the deception. " "Come with ine tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock to Briarfield's rooms in Jermyn street, and I'll engage you shall see them together. " "If I thought so - but, no," she said, breaking off impetuously. "I cannot come. How can I - how can I?" "Ask Mrs. Bellin to come with you," I suggested. "I oannot do that. " She looked at me strangely for a moment, then walked to the other end of the room. When she returned, her face was flushed with anger. "Why do you come here with these infamous tales, sir?" she cried excitedly. "I do not believe you." "Put me to the proof. Come tomorrow eveDing, and you shall see for yourself." "You are the enemy of the man 1 love." "I am the bitter enemy of the man who pretends to love you because I believe he kiürl nis brother. " "Mr Denham, I could tell - but, no, uo! I must be silent. " "What do you mean?" asked I eagerly, thinking she was about to reveal her suspicions. Olivia thought for a few momeuts, then put her hand suddenly into mine. "I will be with you at a quarter to 8 tomorrow, and if it is true what you say - oh, if it is true!" "Here is my card, " said 1, forcing it iuto her hand. "Wear a veil and come to inv rooms in Duke street. I will await V'i'.i at tiie door, aud we will go to ibera of tliis viilain. " "Ho is 110 viilain. " "I ?;iy he is, Miss Bellin, and 111 prove hirn to be so fcoinorrow. " "Do it," she said, fixing me with a glr.nce. "and you shcül see how bitterly I shall puniah bis treachery. Now go. Mr Denham, and meet me tomorrow eveniug as you have arranged. ' ' I bowed and left the room in silence. As I passed through the door I looked back aud saw she had thrown herself on the couch, crying bitterly. The sight perplexed me. ' 'Does she know anything, ' ' I thought, "or does she believe Felix is really Francis? Well, when she and Rose . non come face to face, the truth will be revealed. " The truth was stranger than even I suspected.

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Old News