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FOURTH PAGE THE SUNNY SOUTH DECEMBER 15, 190 6. I<>•••••'O'*' • ZShe Woman in the Alcove ^ ? ■ = = -* _ ^ : : T 7 — • A Story of Love and THrilling Interest ] • By ANNA KATHERINE GREENE, Author of "The Millionaire Baby, i-.-a-.-e-.-e>'.'it a •-•■•■•■a ■•■•'•‘C Copyright by The TIIK MOirSK.XIBBL.BS AT THU XKT. IK uoNl. day saw me at po lice hecwlquarters begging an inii-j'viow from tbo in- ^ spec!or. willi tin* intention | of confiding to him a tlieory j which must either cost 111c [ his sympathy or open tbo way to a. new inquiry, which J loll stir -ewould lead to Mr. Durand's complete exoner ation. I chose tliis gentlciimn I for 111\ ronfViaiit. from I among alt fihosc with whom; I had been brought in contact by my J position its witness in a rase of tin T made use of it to ask a friend in Lon- don for a list of the most noted diamond fanciers in the country. Mr. Grey's name was third on the list." He gave me a look in which admira tion was strangely blended with doubt and apprehension. "You are making a •brave struggle," said he, “but it is a hopeless one.” * ! "X have one more confidence .to re- The Filigree Ball,”Etc. * pose in you. The nurse who lias charge of Miss Grey was in my class in the hospital. We love each other, and to her I dared appeal on one point. In spector—" here my voice unconsciously' fell as he impetuously drew nearer—“a note was sent front that sick chamber on the night CHRISTMAS ISSUE OF Bobbs-Mcrrill Co.'she passed me on her way to the al- [ cove.** IX. ".Miss Van Arsdale!'’ THE SUNNY SOUTH NEXT “The interest which Mr. Duraiul tli.s-} played in it. the marked excitement iM t > "WEEK!. CHRISTMAS FIC- w’hich he was thrown by Ins first view ol its size and splendor, confirm in my ^JON, CHRISTMAS EDITO- mind the evidence which lie gave on; oath .and he is a. well-known diamond RIALS CHRISTMAS PIC- expert, you know, ami must liave been very well aware (l-.at he would injure . TU RES, CHRISTMAS POEMS I ?V eSl You couldn’t give a finer Christmas present than The Sunny South from now till March, and Uncle Remus’s Magazine a year from that date—cost, $1.00. A Full Dollar's Worth of MAN MEDICINE Free For a Dime FROM FIRST TO LAST PAGE. NEXT WEEK, THE rather than help his » atise by this ad mission) that at that time he believe, the stone to lie real and of iiumena value. Wearing such a gem, then, sh entered the fatal alcove, and. with . her ! fascinal'inns^on Zw chanced' to CHRISTMAS ISSUE, come within their reach. But now soint - ! • “ -— tiling happened. J’lease let me t * •! I it ! my own way. A shout from the drivo- mag-U vav or a hit of snow thrown against iade with some this very intcr- nitude, first, because he had been present nt the most tragic moment of my life, and secondly, because I was conscious of a. sympa-tiotie bond between us wliicli would insure me a. kind hea/ring. How ever ridiculous my idea mig !i1 appear to I the window, drew her attention to a man standing below, holding up a. note fas tened to tile end of a whip handle. I do not know whether or not you have found that man. If you have The inspector made no sign. "f judge that j owner. you have not. so I may go on with my Min, 1 was assured that lie would treat suppositions. Mrs. Fairbrother took in me with consideration and not visit j this note. She may Ua.\c expected it, whatever folly I might he guilty of on i and for this reason the head of him for whom I risked my reputation for good sense. Nor was ■[ disappointed in this hose the alvoec -fit in. or it may have been a surprisi her. Probably we shall never know j n . (the whole truth aheut it: hut what we j s pec tor Dalzell'ti air was fatherly and his tone altogether gentle as. in reply to my! 1 " 01,1 ‘ < n j i J ’• i m the light ol Mr. Durands explana- iii know and do, if you are slili holding •t and viewing this crime excuses for troubling him with my opin- j ions, he told me Mint in a case, of suclij ! 'ons. importance lie war- glad to receive the. I' 1111 ' I* 1 impressions even of such a prejudiced Tile word fired d guilty, and ill spite ol and upi'iglit- you will mu it the possibility of another Persons | * ))anatio „. whi( '. h . poi nts with star ,-a. person standing t=o high m pn- ] <liroctnc; . 1 . t0 tho possibility that the little partisan as myself, me. and 1 spoke. "You consider Mr. Dun so do many others. I fe his long record I'm honest ness. And why? Bocaiis admit guilt \ ate and public estiniaiioii that the vei idea seems preposterous and little sh<>v of insulting tx' the countrv of wliieli lie is an acknowledged oriiajnx'Ot." "My dear" | The inspector iiad actually risen. ilis expression and* whole attitude showed shock. Bui 1 did not quail; I only sub dued niy manner and spoke w:th quieter conviction. "f am aware," said I. "how words so daring must impress you. But listen, sir; listen to what I have to say before you utterlv condemn me. 1 acknowledge that it made, a change in her to her anxious to rid herself of I t he diamond. It has been decided that j the hurried scrawl should read. "l ake warning 11c means to be at tbo ball. I Kxpect trouble if you do not give him | the diamond.' or something to that ot- > j feet. But why was it passed up to her I j unfinished? Was the haste too great. I I hardly think so. I believe in another irt ling | per. son referred to in this broken communi cation was not Mr. Durand, but one whom 1 need m>t name: and that the ! reason you have failed to find the mes senger. of whose appearance you have received definite information, is that you have not looked among the servants of a certain distinguished visitor in town, oh," I hurst forth with feverish volubil ity. as 1 saw the inspector’s lips open m what could not fail to be a sarcastc ut terance, ■'! know what you l'eel tempted to reply. Why should a servant deliver warning against his own lnastoi . It' me you will ihat it is the firightful position into which i ! throw Mr. Durand by my officious at- w,n bc patlont tempt to right him which has driven me to make this second effort to fix the crime on the only otlior man who had possible access to Mrs. Fairbrother at the fatal moment. How could 1 live in inaction? How could you expect me to weigh for.- tion which it was directed m the waj w have temporari ly accepted as true, lc lying on her arts, and possibly nuscon- the nature of Dr. Durand s iutei soon see; but first 1 clear that Mrs. Fairbrother, having re ceived this warning just before Mr. Du rand appeared in Die alcove—reckless scheming woman that she was!—sought to rid herself of the object against a moment, this foreigner's reput against that of iny own lover? 'If 1 hav reasons- " “Reasons!" drawing which 1 had care in expectation o view. "1 understand." 1 pursued in trembling tones, for 1 was much affected by my own daring, "that no one has so lar succeeded in tracing this weapon to its Why didn't you experts study heraldry and tno devices of great houses? They would have found that, this one is not unknown in Bngl&iid. 1 can tell you on whose blazon it can often bo seen .and so could Mr. Grey." X. I! ASTONISH THK IXSIT-X'TOR. I was not too only one to tremble now. This man of infinite experience and daily contact with crime had turned as pale, as ever 1 myself had done In face of a threatening calamity. | “I shall see about this." he muttered. | crumpling the paper in his hand, "tint t tiiis is very terrible business you are plunging me into. I sincerely hope that j you are not heedlessly misleading me. ) "1 am correct in my facts, it' that is what you mean.” said il. “The stiletto is an Knglish heirloom, and bears on its blade, among other devices, that of Air. Grey's family on 1he female side. But that is not all I want to say. If the blow was struck to obtain the diamond, tlie shock of not finding It on bis victim must have been terrible. Now Air. Grey's heart, it my whole theory is not utterly false, was set upon obtaining this stone. Your eye fnot on him as mine was when you made your appearance in the hall with tbo recovered jewel. lie showed aston ishment. eagerness, and a determina tion which finally led him forward, as ou know, with the request to take the Why did lie want to take it in his hand? And why, hav ing taken it, did he drop it—a diamond supposed to he worth an ordinary man's fortune? Because lie was startled by a cry lie chose to consider the tradi tional one of his family proclaiming death? Is it likely, sir? Is it conceiv able even that any such cry as we heard his bed. in which he affirmed that the diamond, when it left him, was in a unique setting- procured by himself in France; that he knew of no other jewel similarly mounted, and that if the false gem was set according to b'is own de- f the ball—a note surrep- ^ gcription, the probabilities were that the titiously written b> Aliss Grey, while j imitation stone bad been put in place of the nurse was in a n • adjoining room. I lie , the real one under his wife's direction messenger was Mi’.'Grey's valet, while and in some work shop in New York, as destination the house in which his fath- j she was not the woman to take the tidi er was enjoing his position as chief ■ ble to send abroad for anything she She says that il was meant for; eouhl get done in this country. I lie de- him, but i have dared to think that th - | scription followed. II coincided with tile one we all knew. Tiiis was somethin Public opinion -would naturally retied that or the husband, and it would re- result must have been an unintelligible I very strong evidence Indeed to com. scrawl, since she was too weak to hold , ijllt :l ".gical supposition of this kind a pencil firmlv. and so nearlv blind | witl ' one so forced and seemingly cxtmv- . ha c she d have had to feel h c q- again as that upon which my own theory wav over the paper. " "' ,s baseJ ' Yet tnlUl often transcends The inspector started, and. rising lias- j imagination, and. having confidence m tilv. went to his .leak, from which lie the inspector's integrity, 1 subdued my impatience for a week, almost for two, when my suspense ami rapidly oulmjna.t- you would not do if your mind wore taken up with doubts and questions. Miss Van Arsdale, one surmise of yours was correct. A man was sent that night to the flamsdell house with a note from Miss Grey. We know tiiis because he boasted of it to one of the bell boys before he went out, saying that he was going to have it glimpse of one ol the swellcst parties of the season. It is ialso true that this man was Mr. Grey s* valet, an old servant who came over with him from iPnglaml. But what adds weight to all litis and makes up regard the whole affair with suspicion, is the. MXX MKD]riXf . bnvs adjfitiynul fact that this man received W( ,. iry ' m ' al| Me: thft following* morning ana I (>f experience ami study of - -* - Iiannlci Here's a proposition, men. tl»at makes it ea^y KNOl’dII for any weak man to try 31 AN MED- j iriNE. j l>ig up a dime-right, now—secure this whole dol- I lav’s worth by return mail—and get well at home — j quietly. THE STUFF for the result of years ?n s weaknesses. T t but its quick a« tior valet would icll a diferent story. 3iy } friend did not see what her patient | wrote, but she acknowledged that if ln*r: patient wrote moiv than two words, the | his dismissal the following liiornin has not been seen since by any one j is scientific and it could reach. This looks bad to begin j„ man-building v.mk is a wonder, with, like the suppression of evidence.* MAN MEBlflXK i>uu the “nerve” into a mar*, you know the same man since that night. Tl*- i* full of care and this care is not en tirely in connection with his daughter, who is doing very well and bids lair to be up in a few days. But all this would rhen Mr. Grev has not been j il talu-s the fliiit-hing out of his eyes and straight* en.s Jiis luickhon*'. It will make you self-assertive, self-con ih leu t, aide, powerful and vehement with the manly eonfideiicc that bubbles up in the strong nerved bods, be that kind of ;i man you call- Send us a dime todav; we will scud you a dollar in MAN MKIHi'INK worth a “dollar a drop' me people sas l Um t delay there’s nothing on be nothing if we bad not received advices j J|». 1 fgjon _ , , from England which prove i a blow to me. Urey . g visU here hos an mystery in it. There- was son for liis remaining in ids try, where a. political erisis i presently brought the s :rup of paper which had already figured in ilie inquest ns tiie mysterious communication taken mg dread ot some action being taken from Mrs. Fairbrotber’s band by the \ against Air. Durand were suddenly cut coroner. Pressing it out flat, lie took' short by a message from the. inspector, another look at il. then g-laneed up in h me you wm ■ _ . ... , , . diamond m ins ban ,-ish to make it! in my followed by his speedy presen uncle's 'house. Wo have a little room on our parlor floor, very snug and secluded, and in this loom I received him. Seldom have T dreaded a meeting more and seldom have 1 be“ii met with greater kindness and consideration. He was so kind that ! feared he had only disappointing' news to communicate, but his first visible dis.;omposure. “It lias always looked to ns as if writ ten in tbo dark, by an agitated hand; but—” I said nothing; the broken and unfin ished scrawl was sufficiently eloquent. “Did your friend declare. Miss Grey to have written with a pencil and on a small piece of unruled paper?” “Yes. the pencil was at her bedside; I words reassured me. He said: the paper was .torn from a book which! “1 have come to you on a matter ol lay there. She did not put the note when | importance. We have found enough! ways with some question about the Fair- iwrit ten in an envelope, but gave it to! truth in the suppositions you advanced j brother gem, you will see that, his in-J the valet just as it was. tfe is an old j at our last interview to warrant us terest in that stone is established ami j man and had come to iier room for some jin the attempt you yourself proposedl that it only remains for us to discover j linal orders.” I for the elucidation of this mystery, jf that interest is a guilty one. I can} “The nurse saw all this? Has she! That this is the most risky and alto- J not believe this possible, but you liave j that book?” getiier the most unpleasant duty which our leave to make your experiment and j “No, it went out next morning, with* I have encountered during' my several the scraps. It was some pamphlet, 1 be-! years of service, I am willing to Hi at. Mr. j clement of j every rea- j own conn- j approach- C'»st cf ill' t., oct. a full-sizod dollar park Hia-ft MAN .MKHP’INK .s«*nl tre«* io your l*«)Uic iu Id.*rii». wiappi’i. Interstate KinivOv 78!) l.Mfk m*'•■?.. I > ti..it. Midi. ing, yet lie crossed’the 'water, bringing bis sickly daughter with him. The ex planation as volunteered by one who knew him well was tiiis: That only his desire to see or acquire some precious object for his collection could have taken him across the ocean at this time, noth ing else rivaling his Interest in govern mental affairs. Still this would be noth ing if a stiletto similar to the one em ployed in this crime had not once f ed a part of a collection of curios longing to a cousin of his whom In* often visited. This stiletto lias been missing for some time, stolen, as the owner declared, by some unknown per son. All tiiis looks bad enough, but when L tell you that a week before the fatal ball at Mr. IKainsdeH’s Air. Grey made a tour of the jewelers on Bread- way. and, with the pretext of buying «' diamond for bis daughter, entered into a talk about famous stones, ending al- AKtllTC M/A IITCn Sen*1 IiottieSarsaparlllarorSSc HOCH 10 vr HU I S-tJ be-t, seller; percent profit Write today for term?. F. HAireeae, f*ak« St., Chita*' PIIETTY Witlc". \ i\ .ifl*«•!ionate alone, large for tune. wishes husband capable of managing her cktru-nc buMness art.tii-. I»ox 403, St. J*'?cph, M irhiyini. Al JA O CIV PiPU and handsome ladies war A K d 0 nluil to marry. Blur list of d« i- —■=—«—' — ■■■ ■ ■■■ scriptionsife photos FREE (sealed'. ITANDARD COR. CLUB. Dipl. 7, IDS Aitrs Annul. Chlc«(0, Ilia I Ridrl^n Ty*m«*. FrirtHUhlp, 8Uk Prlnf* I I'-ru-Dope ao-i «U «thrr kind' of CARDS ww — _ _ J Premium Articles. 8iampl« Alhun K? of FInost t'arfls And Rigrest Premium Lisr. oil for I #5* 2 cont stimp. OHIO CARD COMPANY, CADIZ, OHIO MARRY WEALTH BEAUTY- Marriage 3>i- rectory FREE TO ALL. Pay when married. Entirely new plan. Send no money for particular:-. Select Club Dept.585, Tekonsha Mich * 6. G MAGIC NEEDLES & RODS ' x . for treasure sorkfrs. l.naranteed best maiip Very interest!ns; book free for 2cent stamp Gem Novelty Co. 7 Elm St.. P»lmyr». P. Jicvc.” The inspector turned ';!ic morsel paper over and over in his hand. "W'irat is tiiis nurse's name?” "Henrietta Pierson." “Does slic. share your doubts?” "I ean not say." "You have seen her often?’’ "No, onl\ the one time.” "Is she discreet?" “Very. On tiiis subject she will lie like tiie grave unless forced by you to speak.” "And Aliss Grey?" ould, in tiiis day and generation, ring rover the diamond I through such an assemblage, unless I ceivmg. "—reasons which would appeal 10 all; c '^ ' n iiel- gloves, which lie, j came with ventriloquial power front his if instead of this person's having an in-, liid‘en m carries away with own lips? You observed that lie turned 1 ■rnulional reputation at his back he bad I without su p^. himaelf in aissolubly his back; that his face was hidden front i -iii n simple gentleman like Air. uu- . ,,n1 > ' ' , of which another was us. Discreet and reticent as wo have rand,—would you not consider me omitted j o ^^eat^rmm of ^ ^ ( b „ li „ v „ I a „ to speak?" j me pi 1 . , ,.- “Gertainiy, out— " "You have no confidence in m>' reasons, j Inspector: they may not weigh against I tiiat splash oi' blood 011 Air. Iiurand'sj shirt front, but such as they arc I must j give them. •But first, it will bo m all been, and careful in our criticisms limn my very heart of hearts, was tiiel 0 f so ij; Zilrre an event, there still must n 1 saw leaning against tiie wall at p c many to question tiie reality of sucli the foot of tiie alcove a few 111 nl before H passed into the supper room I stopped with a gasp, hardly meet the stern and forbidding look with I which the inspector sou; ;iit to restrain von 1 what lie evidently considered the sensc- 5° u , _ ' nod But I had come I loss ravings or a ciuiu. speak, and I hastily proceeded ic rebuke thus expressed could sary for you to accept for the otic Durand's statements as true. Art willing to do this?" "1 will try." I tlier "Then, a harder tiling yet, to put | before tli S'nne confidence in my judgment. I saw 1 formulate itself in o "° r '' ,„ ra ,i on the man and did not like him long before "I have some excuse 01 onlv monstrous. Perhaps 1 am the oniy 1 I person who can satisfy you in regard to a certain fact about which you have ex pressed some curiosity. Inspector, have vou ever solved the mystery of the two any intimation of tin- evening's tragedy | so had turned suspicion on any one. watched him as 1 watched others. I saw that lie had not come to tiie ball to please Air. Ramsdell or for any pleasure iie himself hoped to reap from social in tercourse. hut for some purpose was eon- broken coffee cups round amongst the debrist at Airs. Fail-brother’s feet. It nected witli Airs. Fairbrother's diamond, i did not come out in the inquest, I no- indifferent, almost morose before she came upon the scene, lie brightened to a. surprising extent the moment lie found himself in her presence. Xot because she was a beautiful woman, for lie scarcely honored her face or even her superb figure witli a look. .VI! Inis were centered on her large fan, which, in swaying to and fro,’ alternately hid and revealed the splendor on her breast; and when by chance it hung suspended for a moment in her forgetful hand and lie caught a full glimpse of the great gem, .1 perceived sucli a change in nis face that, if nothing more had occurred that night to give prominence to tins woman and her diamond. T should have carried home tiie conviction that inter est- of no common import lay behind a feeling so extraordinarily displayed." “Fanciful, my dear Aliss Van Arsdale! Interesting, but fanciful." "I know, i liave not yet touched on fact. But facts are coining. Inspector.” He stared. Evidently lie was not ac customed to hear tiie law laid down in tills fashion by a midget of my propor- 1 Ions. "Go on," said he. "happily, T have no clerk here to listen.' l> "Not yet," he cried, "but—you can not tell me anything about them. ’ “Possibly not. But I ean tell you this: When I reached the supper room door that evening ;l looked back and, provl- , anpes denlially or otherwise-only the future can determine that—detected Air. Grey m the act of lifting two cups from a tray left by some waiter 011 a table standing just outside the reception room door. J did not seo where I10 carried them; 1 only saw his face turned toward the al cove; and as there was no other lady there, or anywhere near there, 1 have dared to think ” Here the inspector found speech. "You saw' Mr. Grey lift two cups and turn toward the alcove at a moment we all know to have been critical? You should have told me this before. He I scareily listened. 1 was too full of my own argument, may lie a possible witness." “There were other people in the hah, superstitious fears, and some to ask if such a sound could be without human agency, and a very guilty agency, too. Inspector, r am but a child in your es timation, and I feci my position in this matter much lriore keenly than you do, but I would not be true to the man whom I have unwittingly helped to place In his present unenviable position if I did not tell you that, in my judgment, this cry was a spurious one, employed by the gentleman himself as an excuse for dropping the stone.” “And wliy should he wish to drop the stone?” “Because of the fraud he meditated. Because it offered him an opportunity for substituting a false stone for the real. Did you not notice- a change in | ‘Site is still ill, ton ill to be disturbed I the by questions, especially on so ifel icate a topic. But she is getting well fast. Her father’s fears as we heard chem ex pressed on one memorable occasion were ill-founded, sir." Slowly the inspector inserted this scrap of paper between the folds of liis pocket- book. He did not give mo another look, though I stood trembling before him. Was he in any way convinced or was lie simply seeking for the most con siderate way in which to dismiss me and niy abnominable theory? I could not gather his intentions from his ex pression, and was feeling very faint and heart-sick when he suddenly turned upon me with the remark: “A girl as ill as you say Alias Grey was must have had some very pressing matter on her mind to attempt to write and send a message under such dificul- tics. According to^your idea, she had knowledge to one so sensible and at oil the same time of so much modesty as (yourself. This English gentleman lias ja reputation which lifts him far above any unworthy suspicion, and wore it not for the favorable impression made upon us by Air. Durand in a long' talk we liad with him last night, I would sooner resign my place than pursue tiiis matter against him. Success would create a horror on botli sides the water unprccendcnted during my career, while failure would bring down i ridicule on us which would destroy estige of the whole force. Do you see my difficulty, Aliss Van Ars dale? We can not even approach tiiis haughty and highly reputable Eng lishman witli questions -without calling down on us the wartli of the whole English nation. We must be sure be fore wo make a move, and for 11s to be sure where the evidence is all cir^ cumstantial. I know of no better plan than tiie one you were pleased to sug gest, which, at tiie time, I was pleased to call quixotic.” Drawing a long breath I surveyed him timidly. Never had f so realized my presumption or experienced such a thrill of joy in my frightened yet elated heart. They believed in Anson’s innocence and they trusted me. Insig nificant as I was. it was to my exer tions tiiis great result was due. As I realized tiiis. I felt *ny heart swell and my throat close. In despair of some notion of her father's designs and I speaking I held out my hands. Ho wished to warn Airs. Fairbrother against > took them kindly and seemed to ho the aspect of this jewel dating from this 1 askeq very moment? Did it shine with as' -prove something, much brilliancy in your hand when you ! altogether wrong < them. But don’t you see that sucli con duct as this would be preposterous, nay. unparalleled in persons of their dis tinction? You must find some other ex planation for Miss Grey's seemingly mys terious action, and I an agent of crime other than one of England's most rep utable statesmen.” “So that Mr. Durand is shown the same consideration, 1 am content,” said I. “It is the truth and the truth only 1 desire. I am willing ;o trust my cause with you.” He looked none too grateful for tiiis confidence. Indeed, now that I look back on this scene, I do not wonder that lie shrank from tlio responsibility thus foisted upon him. "What do you want me to do?” he received it hack as when you passed it over?” "Nonsense! I do not know; it is all too absurd for argument.” Yet he did stop to argue, saying in tiie next breath: “You forgot that tiie stone has a set- ing. Would you claim that this gentle man of family, place and Dolitical dis tinction liad planned this hideous crime with sufficient premeditation to have provided himself with tiie exact counter part of a brooch which it is highly Im probable lie ever saw? You would make him out a Cagliostro or something worse. Miss Van Arsdale, I fear your theory will topple over of its own weight.” Ho was very patient with me; he did not show me the door. "Yet such a substitution took place, and took place that evening,” I insist ed. "The oit of paste shown 11s at tiie Prove that I am altogether right. throng was coming from the billiard room, where tiie dancing had been, and it might easily he that he could both enter and leave that secluded spot without at- I would not speak if you had. These I trading atention. lie had shown too are words for hut one ear as yet. Not , early and much too unmistakably his even my uncle suspects tiie direction of | lack of Interest in the general company my thoughts.” for this every movement to be watched "Proceed." he. again enjonied. as at his first arrival. But tiiis ?s som- fpon which 1 plunged into my subject, j pie conjecture; what 1 have to say nex. • Mrs. Fairbrother wore the deal dia- ] is evidence. The stiletto-have you stu- mond, and no imitation, to the ball. Of , died it, sir? I have, from the pictures, this I feel sure. The bit of glass m | It is very quaint; and among tiie de- espeeially at my end of If. A perfect J inquest was never the gem Mrs. Fair- brother wore on entering the alcove. Besides, where all is sensation, why cavil at one more improbability? Air. Grey may have come over to America for no other reason. He is known as a collector, and when a man has a pas sion for diamond-getting—” "He is known as a collector?” "I11 his own country.” "I was not told that.” "Nor I. But I found it out.” "How, my dear child, how?” "By a cablegram or so.” "You—cabled — his — name—to Eng- Or if proof is not possible, pray allow me the privilege of doing what I ean myself to clear up tiie matter." "You?” There was apprehension, disapproba tion, almost menace in his tone. I bore it with as steady and modest a glance as possible, saying, when T thought he was about to speak again: “I will do nothing without your sanc tion. I realize the dangers of tin's in quiry and the disgrace 'that would fol low if our attempt was suspected before proof reached a point sufficient to justify it. It is not an open attack l meditate, but one—” Here I whispered in his ear for sev eral minutes. When I had finished he gave me a prolonged stare, then he laid his hand on my head. "You are a little wonder,” lie declared. "But your ideas aie very quixotic, very. However,” he added, suddenly growing quite satisfied. "Such a little, trembling, tear-filled Amazon!" he cried. “Shall you have courage to undertake the task before you? If not—” “Oh, but I liave," said I. "It is your goodness and the surprise of it all which unnerves me. I can go through what we have planned if you think the secret of my personality and inter est in Air. Durand can be kept from the people I go among." "It ean if you will follow our ad vice implicity. You say that you know the doctor and that he stands ready to recommend you in case Aliss Pier son withdraws her services.” “Yes, he is eager to give me a chance. He was a college mate of my father’s." "How w'ill you explain to him your wisii to enter upon your duties under another name?” "Very simply. T have, already told him that tiie publicity given my name MORPHINE and l.i'Uior addictions cured Only do not count too much on kis j IfSIjlfS FflfilT!£, Fn days painless! ..ii'perstitlon. Il hois the doep-tlycd crivn-j Place the money in the ban.. ... ,. !,.,i and pay us when cured. Cedarcro t Sanliarluni, inai sou imagine, tiie ciy \.hnh stall! 1 Lebanon, Department P. Tenaessee. us all at a certain critical instant was | raised by himself and for the purpose you suggested. None of the sensitiveness often shown by a man who lias been surprised into crime will be his. Bely ing on liis reputation ami the prestige of liis great name, lie will, if iie thinks himself under tire, face every shock un moved." "I see; I understand. He must believe himself all alone; then, the natural man may appear. I thank you, inspector. That idea is of inestimable value to me, and I shall act on it. 1 do not say im mediately; not on the first day. and pos sibly not on t lie second, but as soon as opportunity offers for my doing what I have planned with any chance of suc cess. And now, advise me how to cir cumvent my uncle and aunt, who must never know to what an undertaking I have committed myself.” Inspector Dalzell spared me another fifteen minutes, and this last detail was arranged. Then lie rose to go. As lie turned from me he said: "Tomorrow?" And 1 answered with a full heart, but a voice clear as my purpose: “Tomorrow." 1 Cured- Gives quick relief. Removes all swelling in 8 to 20 _ _ days; permanent cure 30 to 60 days. Trial treatment free. 1 Dr. h! H. Green's Sons. Bon A. Atlanta, Ga. l>r. Oliver's Never - f ail J’iIIs. < an teed re lief within Send stamp. WANTED Men To Learn Harbor Trade. .inn opened 0111 23rd bran eh in this <ily, and r.ffoj- special inducements for limited time. Few weeks eompletes. Positions waiting our diploma holders. Wages Saturdays. Tool', fihrn. Write for catalog. Molor Barber I’oik^e, Hunter and Forsyth St'., Atlanta, Li a. SELL FRUIT TREES We want good men all over the Southern States to sell fruit trees the coining year. By our plan salesmen make big profits. No trouble to sell on: stock. Terms very liberal. Write today. Smith Bros., Concord, Ga. t A One Cent ' postal from you brings to your address our profuse ly illustrated catalog showing 400 GREAT BARGAINS. ' ranging in price from 10 cents and upwards. Many ■'-Inf these arc suitable for Ghristmas gifts t tv - ^ - -- - ’ole Mercantile Co., Old Forge. N. Y. XIT. ALMOST. "This is your patient. Your new nurse, my dear. What ditl you say your name is? Aliss Ayers?” "Yes, Air. Grey, Alice Ayers.” i "01i,.w)iat a sweet name!" a WONDERFUL OFFER. I liis expressive greeting, from tiw pa-I $23 to $50 per week. Lady or genfle- tient herself, was the first heart-snug I j man wanted in every locality for new- received—a tiling which brought a finish line of staple goods. Xo canvassing, into my cheek which L would fain have -M’P*. r Uuii'k. Mercantile Import < 'o., kept down. j Dept. 31, S-10-12 West 125th rtt.. New "Since a change of nurses was neces-j ^ ork City, A>. j. sary, I am glad they sent me one like you." tiie feeble, but musical voice went on, and I saw a wasted but eager hand stretched out. Tn a whirl of strong feeling I advanc ed to take it. T liad not counted on such a. reception. I liad not expected any bond of congeniality to spring up be tween this high-feeling English sirl and myself to make my purpose hateful to me. \et, as I stood there looking down at her .bright if wasted face, r felt that it would be very easy to love so gentle and cordial a being, and dreaded raising my eyes to the gentleman at my side lest I should see something in hint to hamper me, and make tiiis attempt, which l had undertaken in sucli loyalty EMM Uqua Ynil Sore Throat. Pimples, Copper-Colored Spots, iiuVw I UU Aches,Old Seres,Ulcers,in the Mouth, Hair Falling! <Vrite for proofs of permanent cures of worst cases of Syphilitic blood poison. Capital 9500,000. 100- page book FREE. No branch offices. 1210 IlSOSIf TEMF1JL >9 Chicago, ULL iii the late proceedings has made me very uncomfortable; that my first j G f spirit, a 'mise'ry"'to’myself and ineffei case of nursing would require all my j Uial to Uie man ! had hopeU to sav self-possession and that if he did not: by it . When 1 did look up and catch COOK REMEDY flfi think it wrong I should like to go to the m . st boam of y Ir . Gre y's keen blue UyUI * ntMfclll l*U it under 1115 mother s name. He made, eyes fixed inquiringly on me I neither no dissent and r thmk I can persuade | knew whaL to think nol . hovv lo aet He ! him that I would do much better, work I was t£l j[ an( j firmly knit, and had an silIve from illness blit from tempeva- as Miss Aj ers than as the too well- intellectual aspect altogether. 1 was con- Will you be careful?" known Aliss tan Arsdale.” sclous of regarding him witli a decided! [ slial1 1,e careful.” , A ou have great powers of persua- feeling of awe. and found myself forget- ' 11 was K «ch an effort for me to -ay sion But may you not meet people tinig . wIiy l ]iad come there, and what my these words, to say anything in the s tate at the hotel who Know you . | suspicions were—suspicions which had ot mind into which 1 liad been thrown * ia . . to avoid people, and. it ^ carried hope with them, iiope for mv- hy kis unexpected allusion to tiiis sub- mv identity is discovered, its effect or. self and hope for my lover, who could ■ 10<jt - t!lat 1 unfortunately drew his at- never escape tiie opprobrium, even if he t0 ”tion to myself and it was with what If lie has no guilty crime, my connection with it as a wit ness will not disturb him. Besides, grave, “something. I must admit, may bejtw-o days of unsuspicious acceptance excused a young girl who finds lieiself! of me as Aliss Grey’s nurse are all I forced to choose between the guilt of. want. I shall take immediate oppor- her lover and that of a man esteemed great by the world, but altogether re moved from her and her natural sym pathies." “You acknowledge, then, that i lies be tween these two?" "I see no third," said he. I drew a breath of relief. paste displayed to the coroner’s jury was vices on the handle is one that espe bright enough, but it was not the star; daily attracted my attention. See! This!land?” of light I saw burning 011 her breast as' is what I mean." And I handed him a I "No, Inspector; uncle has a code, and Order mwtm by ; Mail Kentucky’s Great Whiskey Express Prepaid from Distiller Direct to you 2 Gallons for $5. of thoroughly matured highest medicinal, Pure Rye or Bourbon Whiskey or one ^ gallon each, in Myers’ patent glass demijohns, and to PROVE Fulton is the best ^ Whiskey, you need send, no money We sihipon thirty days’credit if you have your merchantor bank write us guaranteeing account.NoC.O.D.^r FREE4 miniature bottles of Selected Fulton with each 2 gallon demijohn or eight quart bottle order accompanied with cash. Full Quart Bottles of Rye or Bourbon are expressed prepaid in plain boxes, either 4 for S3.,8 for $6. or 1S for S9, If not satisfied with goods, return, and if paid for, all your money will be refunded by first mail. Address MYERS 9t COMPANY, ‘Uv Sols Ownsbb IT.S. R*oisT*m«D Dhtillwby No.22, 0th Di»t. ow Kr. V-lVF w S.1^1 VF M. 9 Mm. m • Order* from Arir.on*. California. Colorado, Idaho, Montana, \6rada. Sew Mexico, Oregon, Utah. Washington or Wyoming muat call for either 20 full quart bottles, or fe gallons in dcmUohna, or a oaak, for >15.00 by prepaid freight. Write for express terms for theao Statoa. non-effect uaon one we find it diffi-! cult to mention will give us our clue. I dW the |>unishment , of this grtat crimp 1 felt to be a glance of doubt that he in cic.s in ie j were this, the only other person who a,l<le 'l with decided emphasis: I could possibly be associated with ii. found "You must consider the whole subject I to be a line, clear-souled man he ap- as ■ 1| forbidden one in this family. Only I peared to be in tiiis my first interview cheerful topics are suitable for ’.he sick I with him. loom. If Aliss Grey attempts to intro- } Perceiving very soon thai his apprelien-’ <luce any other, stop her. Do not let sions in my regard were limited to a fear 1,er talk about anything which will not be lest I should not feel at ease in my new conducive to her speedy recovery. These home under tiie restraint of a presence are tIie only instructions I have to give more accustomed to intimidate than at- you : ;l11 others must come from her tract strangers, 1 threw aside all doubt physician." of myself and met the advances of both I made some reply with as little show of emotion as possible. It seemed to satisfy' him, lor his face cleared as he kindly observed: The result both gratified and grieved “You have a very trustworthy look for tunity, I assure you, to make the test I mentioned. But how much confi dence you will have to repose in aie! L comprehend all tiie importance of my undertaking, and shall work as if my honor, as well as yours, were at , stake.” ! "I am sure you will.” Then for the | i^thei and daugntei with that quiet con “Don’t deceive yourself, Miss Van Ars-j fii 'St Diiie >'i my life 1 was glad that ? which my position there do dale; it is noL among the possibilities 1 "’ as KnlaU aild P lain rather than tall. that Mr. Grey has had any connection i and fascinating like so many of my He is an eccentric man. I friends, for lie said: “If you had been me - As a nurse entering on her first one so young. I shall rest easy while with this crime. “Bat—but—" ' vour charms as a woman to w-iu peo- j ulterior object in view verging on tiie " v '’ be always witli her when I am not. "r shall do my duty. T shall satisfy j P le lo your 'will, we should never have | audacious and unspeakable. 1 was Every moment, mind. She is never to be you and myself on certain points, and j L^tened to jour proposleion if—’’ I hardly breathed—"there is the 1 jBritajtoiMBur^^rjUali^ustoroerrsrq2rT<T^LsMhT^ least doubt, I will see you again and—’’ The change ho saw in me frightenld away the end of liis sentence. Turning upon me with sonic severity, lie declared: “There are nine hundred and ninety-nine chances in a thousand that my next woi'd to you will be to prepare yourself far Ml-. Durand's arraignment and trial. But an infinitesimal chance remains to the contrary. If you choose to ti-ust to it, I can only admire your pluck and the great confidence you show in your un fortunate lover.” And with this half-hearted encourage ment I was forced to bo content, not only for that day, but for many days, when— your proposleion or wretched and regretful and just a little Ieft alone with gossiping servants. If a risked our reputation in your hands, shaken in the conviction which had hith- word is mentioned in her hearing about It is your wit, your earnestness erto upheld me. {tiiis crime which seems to bo in every- and your quiet determination which I I was therefore poorly prepared to body's mouth. I shall feel forced, greatly have impressed us. You see T speakf meet the ordeal which awaited me, when, as i should regret the fact, to blame plainly. T do so because I respect you. , a little later in tiie day, Mr. Grey culled you.'* And row to business.” me into tiie adjoining room, and, after This was a heart-stroke, but I kept up Details followed. After these were well I saying that it would afford him great bravely, changing color perhaps, but not understood between us, I ventured to j relief to go out for an hour or so. asked to such a marked degree as to arouse say: "Do you object—would it be ask- I if I were afraid to lie left alone wit'll my any deeper suspicion in his mind than ing too much—if I requested some on-j patient. ! that I had been wounded in my amour ligh'tenment as to what facts you have “Oh, no. sir—’’ I began, but stopped in ’ propre. discovered about Mr. Grey which go secret dismay. i was afraid, but not on “She shall be- well .guarded," said I- to substantiate my theory? T might I on account of her condition; rather on "You may trust me to keep from her work more intelligently.” j account of my own. What if I should al * avoidable knowledge of this crime." "Xo, Aliss Van Arsdale. you would ' be led into betraying my feelings on He bowed and I was about to leave not work more intelligently, and you j finding myseit under no other eye ilian liis presence when lie detained me by know it. But you have the na’ural cu-j her own! What if tiie temptation to remarking witli the air of one who felt riosity of one whose very heart is bound j probe her poor sick mind should prove that some explanation was necessary: up in this business. I could deny you i stronger than my duty toward XI. i THE INSPECTOR ASTONISHES ME. I But before T proceed to relate what happened at tiie end of those two weeks, I must say a word or two in regard to what happened during them. 'Nothing happened, to improve Air. Du rand’s position, and nothing openly to compromise Mr. Grey's. Mr. Fairbrother, from whose testimony many of us hoped something would vet be gleaned, calcu lated to give a turn to tiie suspicion now j what you ask but X won't, for T want you to work with quiet confidence, which CHRISTMAS ISSUE OF THE SUNNY SOUTH NEXT WEEK. CHRISTMAS FIC TION, CHRISTMAS EDITO RIALS, CHRISTMAS PIC TURES, CHRISTMAS POEMS centered on one man, continued ill in (FROM FIRST TO LAST New Alexieo; and all that could be learn ed from pirn of any importance was con tained In a short letter dictated from PAGE. NEXT WEEK, THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE* her as a nurse! My tones were hesitating, but Mr. Grey paid little heed; his mind was too fixed on what he wished to say himself. “Before I go.'* said lie. "I 'have a re quest to make—I may as well say a cau tion to give you. Do not. T pray, either now or at any future time, carry or al low any one else to carry newspapers into Aliss Grey’s room. They are just new too alarming. There lias been, as you know, a dreadful murder ip this city. If she caught one glimpse of the head lines, or saw so much as tiie name of Fairbrother—which—which is a name she knows, the result might be very hurtful to her. She is not only extremely sen- "I was at the bail where this crime took place. Naturally, it lias made a deep impression on me and would on her if she heard of it." "Assuredly." 1 murmured, wondering Continued on Last Page. Uncle Remus’s Magazine, the South’s greatest literary venture. Price, $1.00 a year. This includes The Sunny South until March, 1907. * « ? • COLO WATCH r* our snm.ttiND Aiitm. meat watch b« M)LIU 601.1) LAID CASE. ENGRAVED 05 BOTH SIDES. TuUr rarncted tirrakoeper; of proper als*. appear**qaal to SOLID COLD WATCH GUARANTEED 2. YEARS. Woglrait FREE to Boy* or GlrD for selling 2*>J«welry articles »t fc. sach.^ Send ad dress snd we will send Jewelry postpaid;’when so'.d , tend frJ.OO and we will positively SEND *at*fc r EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED by return mall; a!t< . GOLD LAID CHAIN. 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