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diff --git a/41790-8.txt b/41790-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 2274aed..0000000 --- a/41790-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7371 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Quintus Oakes, by Charles Ross Jackson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Quintus Oakes - A Detective Story - -Author: Charles Ross Jackson - -Release Date: January 6, 2013 [EBook #41790] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK QUINTUS OAKES *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Sue Fleming and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - Quintus Oakes - - _A Detective Story_ - - BY - - CHARLES ROSS JACKSON - - AUTHOR OF "THE THIRD DEGREE" - -[Illustration] - - G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY - - PUBLISHERS NEW YORK - - - COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY - - G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY - - [_All rights reserved._] - - - _Quintus Oakes_ _Issued March, 1904_ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. The Rescue 5 - - II. Quintus Oakes at Home 19 - - III. Oakes's Experiences 31 - - IV. The Departure 41 - - V. The Letter 50 - - VI. The Murder 56 - - VII. The Inquest 69 - - VIII. The Mansion 89 - - IX. Distrust and Suspicion 100 - - X. The Cellar 108 - - XI. The Night Walk 123 - - XII. The Witness 141 - - XIII. The Plan of Campaign 148 - - XIV. Clues 159 - - XV. The Ruse 171 - - XVI. The Negro's Story 191 - - XVII. Checkmated 209 - - XVIII. Misadventures 221 - - XIX. A Faulty Story 240 - - XX. A Man's Confession 253 - - XXI. The Attack 267 - - XXII. The Insane Root 278 - - XXIII. The Test 287 - - XXIV. Across the Bridge 298 - - XXV. The Man of the Hour 311 - - - - - QUINTUS OAKES - - - - - _CHAPTER I_ - - _The Rescue_ - - -It was a warm summer evening; the air was stifling and still. I, Rodney -Stone, attorney-at-law, left my apartment to stroll along Broadway, -seeking a roof garden wherein to spend a few hours of change from the -atmosphere of the pavements, and to kill the ennui that comes to all of -us whom business compels to accept such circumstances. - -As I walked down a side street, I noticed ahead of me a colored man rush -out from an apartment house, shouting something that I did not -understand. His actions seemed peculiar for a moment, but a curl of -smoke from one of the third-story windows made known the cause. It was -fire. I found myself among the first to reach the spot. From Broadway a -crowd was coming, such as collects readily under these circumstances. I -was soon mingling with it, watching the police in their endeavors to -rouse the tenants and to spread the alarm on all the floors. The -numerous dwellers were soon rushing out, and I saw several deeds -deserving of mention. As the crowd looked up at the apartment in which -the flames were showing and from which smoke was pouring, a window was -raised--evidently in a separate room--and a young girl appeared standing -at the sill. The effort of raising the sash had been a severe one for -her, for she was not over ten. Looking back into the room, she saw the -smoke filling it, and quickly scrambled out on the window frame. The -engines had not yet arrived, but I could hear them shrieking in the -distance, and we all knew that help was coming. - -"Don't jump! Don't jump!" was the cry from us all. I advanced -instinctively, as did many, to be nearer, for we saw that fear had taken -possession of the child and that she seemed about to slide outward and -drop--to almost certain disaster. - -A tall, handsome, well-built man in the crowd behind us spoke in a voice -of confidence and assurance. - -"Hold tight, little girl. You're all right!" - -I noticed that he was breathing hard; he had just arrived in haste. - -Even as he spoke, the little one's head moved from one side to the -other, and she seemed in distress. Then something like an avalanche came -from back of me, tearing the crowd asunder. A hand fell upon my -shoulder, and I reeled to one side as the tall stranger sprang forward, -saying: "She is going to faint." Quick wit and quick eye had detected -what none other realized, that nature was being overcome and that the -fall was inevitable. - -The limp little body slid a second, then pitched forward. A groan went -up at what seemed sure death. But the stranger's rush was timed to the -instant, and as the child's body curved head downward in its flight, his -strong figure reached the spot and his arms caught the child. The man -braced as they swung downward to his side, depositing the unconscious -girl in my hands and those of a policeman. She did not touch the -sidewalk, but the young giant came to his knees by the force of the -impact. It was a marvellous piece of work and the crowd cheered and -closed in upon the rescuer and our burden. The child was taken away by -those who had escaped. Then all hands looked at the man, and somebody -started to speak to him, and to ask him his name. - -He turned to me. "Sorry to have smashed into you that way, sir," he -said. I answered, saying something about I was glad he did--and upon -looking up, I saw he was gone. We watched him, and saw him turn into -Broadway, bound on avoiding further notice. - -"Who was he?" cried many. - -A thick-set, tough-looking character spoke up: "Oh, he's de gazabo wot -did the turn on de----" At this instant a policeman pushed toward us, -and, shoving a club into the fellow's ribs, shouted: "Come, now, get out -o' this, or I'll----" - -The fellow was off, and with him our chance of identifying the stranger -vanished. The police had been too busy with other matters to secure his -name. Another good act to be credited to an unknown! - -The fire was soon under control and I renewed my walk, emerging on -Broadway as the shadows of night were coming on, and the street was -awakening to its characteristic summer life. - -Suddenly I saw him--the identical man--walking across the thoroughfare. -I quickened my pace, although going rapidly at the time. It was my -intention to get closer to him and notice him better, as I was -interested. He turned up-town, and I saw that, although he was walking -easily, his pace was quicker than mine. What impressed me more than -anything else was his graceful carriage and the fine cut of his clothes. -He was dressed in a dark suit without waistcoat, and one of those soft, -white summer shirts which have become popular of late years. On his head -was a plain but expensive Panama. As he passed up the street ahead of -me, gaining all the while with his easy stride, he saluted a few -gentlemen, and the policemen seemed to know him. He evidently was a -striking figure to other eyes than mine, for I noticed several men stop -and half turn to look after him--a thing that one sees on Broadway but -seldom. He turned into a side street, and again I lost him. I fancied he -disappeared into one of the bachelor apartment houses of that section. - -During the rest of the evening I regretted not having made stronger -efforts to learn his name; then I laughed at myself for being so -impressed by a stranger's appearance. The fact was, that the man's -action and personality had affected me so strongly that for days I -frequently found myself thinking of the fire and the rescue. I often -looked along the street when walking, in a vague hope of seeing the -handsome, clear-cut face of the man who had acted so promptly, but so -unostentatiously. - -Little did I then know how great a factor that man was to be in the -moulding of my future--how circumstances were shaping, to link his -active nature with my career, and to lead me into one of the most -peculiar experiences that ever came to any one. - -Over a month passed, and the first signs of fall were upon us. The -streets were assuming the appearance of activity, and familiar faces -reappeared in the public places, all invigorated and refreshed by the -summer's outings. - -Early in October I found myself with my friend, Dr. Moore, a well-known -physician, standing in one of the popular theatres. We had dropped in -for one act or so, and, like many others, were unable to secure seats -owing to the hour and the popularity of the play. At first, engrossed -with the performance, we paid no attention to the audience; but when the -act closed and the lights were turned up, we glanced around as we -prepared to leave for a stroll. My attention was called to some ladies -in one of the lower boxes--two fair-haired and strikingly attractive -young women, and an older one, evidently a relative, for there was a -resemblance in features that was noticeable. The younger ones were -certainly sisters; their similarity of complexion, face and figure -rendered such an assumption a certainty. - -My friend noticed them, and a change came over his face; he began to -beam as one does who has seen a friend. We were far off, and in a -position where we could admire, without impoliteness. - -"Those are charming ladies," I said. "You seem to know them, Moore?" - -"Yes, I have not seen them for quite a while; they are old patients of -mine. Do you see any one with them? If I mistake not, he is somewhere -in the box," continued Moore. - -"He!" "Who?" As I spoke I noticed a gentleman--a tall, clear-cut -fellow--lean forward and speak to one of the sisters. As he moved, his -face came full in the light and I recognized him. - -"It's he!" I cried. "I've found him at last!" - -"Found whom?" exclaimed Moore. - -"Him, that man!" - -"Great Scott!" said Moore, "you must be sick. What ails you, anyway? -Have you been dining at the Club?" - -I turned to my friend and said: "Doctor, I've found him at last--that -man in the box." - -"Well, did not I tell you he ought to be there?" said Moore. "Because -you found him, do you think you have accomplished a wonderful piece of -work? Of course he was there." - -"What do you mean? Whom are you talking about, anyway?" I asked. - -Doctor Moore looked at me as though wondering if I were in my right -mind, then said: "Stone, I am talking about the gentleman in the box; I -said he should be there; he usually is with those ladies." - -"Yes," I replied, "it is he!" - -"Stone, what's the matter? Come and take something, old man"--and -seizing me by the arm, my companion led me away to the nearest café, -where he watched me closely as he poured out a bracer. - -I seized it and said: "Here's to the man in the box! I've found him." - -"Of course you found him, old man. I don't see what you are making such -a fuss over that fact for; it's not a question of priority." - -"No," I said, "it's a question of identity." - -"Explain." - -"Well, I want to know who _he_ is. He has worried my mind for a month." - -"Oh, is that all?" and Moore heaved a sigh of relief; he had been -genuinely anxious about me, that was plain. - -"Have you run up against him anywhere?" he asked. - -"No, he ran up against me," I answered. - -"Here, sit down," said Moore. "What, in heaven's name, has got into -you?" - -"Nothing. Only I desire to know that man's name. I have had an -experience with him." - -"Indeed! You're not the first, then; have you been up to anything shady, -Stone?" said Moore, laughingly. - -"No, only smoky--a fire. This man saved a child's life in a magnificent -manner. What's his name?" - -"Oh! I see. His name is Oakes. You should know that. He left college -just a year or so after you and I entered. Don't you remember the fellow -who saved those boys from drowning in the harbor that day?" - -"You don't tell me! Is that Quintus Oakes? I never met him, but of -course I knew him; everybody at college did, after that." - -"Yes, that's the same fellow." - -"Well, I certainly did not recognize his face. Only saw it a moment, but -there was something about him that seemed familiar--that _walk_ of -his--I remember it now." - -As the memories of youth crowded upon me I recalled him well, and -realized that the years had filled out his figure and face; but it was -the same man, the same walk and carriage--I had seen them hundreds of -times. The quick, easy stride, erect figure and commanding bearing that -had marked him so in his youth were as noticeable now, in his full -manhood, as in those years of the long ago. - -My companion and I did not return for the last act of the play, but -strolled out in the street, where I told him of the episode of the fire -and the part that Oakes had played in it. - -"His actions, both at the time and afterwards when he tried to avoid -notice, are characteristic," said Moore. "He is reputed as doing things -vigorously and opportunely. His presence of mind is marvellous, I am -told. You remember, he had that gift years back in college. Now, it -seems to have developed greatly, until everybody who knows him well -speaks of it." - -"Are you well acquainted with him? You seem to know all about him." - -"Yes, indeed," answered my friend. "I met him one night several years -back, and I became so attracted to him that I cultivated his -acquaintance wherever possible." - -"Then you will understand how I was glad to identify him," was my -rejoinder. - -"Yes, indeed; if you like, you can easily manage to meet him." - -I expressed my earnest desire, and Dr. Moore promised to arrange it so -that we could meet some evening at the Club. - -"By the way," said my companion, "he is probably the best informed, -all-round man you have ever met. He did not cease learning at college." - -"Lucky for him," I exclaimed laughingly. - -"Well, don't be surprised if he starts in to discuss law with you, and -holds you up at your own profession; he is a surprise party, sometimes." - -"All right, but what is his business?" - -Moore looked at me, and said: "He is one of the most original detectives -in the country." - -"Oh, a detective. Along what lines? He surely is no ordinary one at that -business." - -"No. He used to work alone on unusual occurrences, but his success was -so great that now he has a large number of subordinates who do the -ordinary details, and he limits his work to the important points on -select cases. He is not heard of much, and is seen very little, but his -work is in great demand." - -I was interested, and asked if he had ever done any special work of -prominence. - -"Yes," said Moore. "He solved the matter of the 'Red Rose of Trieste.' -Do you remember hearing of that?" - -I exclaimed in amazement: "He! Is _he_ the man who solved that affair? -You must be mistaken. That occurred, or began, in Europe." - -"Exactly," said Moore. "Quintus Oakes works there, as well as here. He -speaks German, French, Italian, and perhaps more languages, fluently, -and can secure evidence anywhere. He has travelled over the world -several times. One year he was away ten months on a case, and secured -the necessary evidence for conviction in Sydney." - -"I see. He is something decidedly out of the ordinary, as his appearance -suggests." - -"He is on a new case just now, and he has promised to let me go, if I -want to. It's a very short affair, and perhaps I will take a vacation -that way. I have not been away yet this year," continued Moore. - -We now parted for the evening, and as he started to go, I called out -after him: "Say, Moore, get me into it, if it's exciting. I have had no -vacation yet myself. Introduce me to Mr. Oakes as soon as you can, -anyway." - -"All right. I'll arrange for a night at the Club, provided Oakes is not -too busy." - -I returned to my rooms, little knowing how things were shaping, from an -entirely independent direction, to throw me, willingly I confess, for a -few brief weeks into a vortex of turmoil, to fight through it side by -side with my friend Moore and vigorous, cool, quick-witted Quintus -Oakes. - - - - - _CHAPTER II_ - - _Quintus Oakes at Home_ - - -It was, therefore, a great deal in the nature of a surprise when, a few -days after parting with Moore, I received a note at my apartments by -messenger requesting me to call on Mr. Quintus Oakes that evening on -professional business. It was written in a brisk, courteous style, but -made no mention of Dr. Moore. Was it possible that I was to meet Oakes -through other channels? I realized that my profession of the law might -give many opportunities for such an interview with him, so I ceased to -wonder, and started up Broadway just before the hour appointed. I turned -into the long, dimly lighted side street near Long Acre Square, and -found that the number designated was a bachelor apartment house. It was -where I had lost him the day of the fire. - -Taking the elevator to the third floor, I was directed to the door and -admitted by a Japanese servant, a bright-eyed fellow of about twenty. -He was dressed in our fashion and spoke English well--the kind of a chap -that one sees not infrequently nowadays in the service of men who have -seen the world, know how to live, and how to choose for personal -comfort. It was evident that I was expected, for I was at once led into -the front room and there met by Oakes himself. The instant he saw me, a -look of recognition and mild surprise came over his face, and as he -shook hands he said: "We have met before, at the fire the other day, Mr. -Stone! Won't you please step into my sanctum? We can be more comfortable -there." - -He led me through a short hall, into a large airy room, furnished as -half-lounging room, half office. There was a large flat-top mahogany -desk in the centre, with a sofa and several upholstered chairs, -evidently for use as well as ornament. On the walls were pictures of -value, views of foreign places, and oil paintings that a mere novice -could see were works of art. There was that in the room which suggested -education and refinement. - -A telephone was on the desk, and loose papers partly written upon bore -evidence that the detective had been busy at work when I arrived. - -At a motion from my host I seated myself in one of the large arm chairs -facing him, while he remained standing. - -I saw that he was a man about thirty-eight or forty years old, straight -as an arrow and splendidly proportioned. He was dressed in a -well-fitting gray suit. - -The light was from above, and Oakes's face showed well--the clear-cut -nose and generous mouth of the energetic American. - -He looked at me critically with deep-set, steady blue eyes, then smiled -slightly in a well-controlled, dignified manner. - -"Mr. Stone, I am very glad that you were able to come tonight. Make -yourself at home," he said. - -I made an appropriate answer of some kind, and then Oakes took the seat -near me and began, without further ceremony: - -"I have arranged that our friend Dr. Moore shall come here this evening; -meanwhile, I will inform you briefly of the subject in hand." - -"A few months ago Mandel & Sturgeon the attorneys, whom you doubtless -know, consulted me regarding the unpleasant happenings at the mansion of -one Odell Mark, up-State, in the town of Mona. - -"Now, Mandel & Sturgeon suggested, also, that you might care to help -unravel the matter, acting as their legal representative. - -"I have completed my arrangements for starting on the case, and am -particularly glad to find that you are a friend of Dr. Moore and that -you had expressed to him a desire to enter into some such affair. I -assure you, however, that Mandel & Sturgeon had previously spoken of you -and that this offer was coming as a business proposition. The fact that -you and Dr. Moore had spoken of such a trip is merely a coincidence." - -He spoke with a well-modulated voice, and a fluency that told of the -intelligence of the man. His eyes fixed me, but not in an embarrassing -manner; it was the habit of observation that prompted their -concentration--that was obvious. - -His forehead was high and slightly furrowed with two vertical wrinkles -between the eyebrows. His face was mobile and expressive at times, then -suddenly calm. In my very brief observation I knew that he was able to -govern its expression well. - -In the days that were coming, I learned that in the presence of danger -or possible trickery that face became stony and immovable, a mask that -talked and commanded, while hiding the suppressed energy of the man. - -The bell rang before Oakes could proceed with his statement, and Dr. -Moore was shown in. His coming enlivened us both, and after a few words -of greeting I found the opportunity, and said: - -"Mr. Oakes, it is not exactly clear to me why Mandel & Sturgeon -recommended me as their representative. They have so many men in their -office whom they might use in that capacity." - -"Doubtless you will hear from them yourself before we go, Mr. Stone. -Meantime, I may explain. You were in their employ at one time, I -believe?" - -"Yes, a great many years ago." - -"They think that some legal matters might arise, where a man on the spot -would be of value, and it seems best that their representative with me -should be one not easily identified as working with them. You know, Mr. -Stone, we are not advertising our mission." - -"I have been in Mona as Mr. Clark, their agent, looking after the -Mansion and other property, and if I return there, it must be under some -business pretext, or people will suspect me. You, being an independent -party, not known as connected with the firm in any way, can accompany me -in the rôle of a friend on an outing, or as a possible purchaser. You -see, we are trying to solve a mystery, so the less attention we attract -the better." - -"I see. So you have been there already, Mr. Oakes?" - -"Yes, gentlemen. I will tell you about this affair very briefly now. You -will learn more later, if you enter upon its solution with me. - -"The Mansion was originally the property of George Mark, who died some -years ago, leaving it to his two sons, Winthrop and Odell. Both were -single men at that time, but Odell married a couple of years ago and -persuaded his brother to sell his share of the property to him. -Winthrop, who was the older, did not care to part with it, but finally -disposed of his interest to his brother, who immediately moved into the -place with his bride. The old servants were still in charge, and -everything had been kept up to a high standard of excellence, although -no one had lived there since the old man died. - -"Odell had travelled some, and lived mostly in the city, while Winthrop -had been engrossed in amassing a large fortune in speculation. He had -resided in Mona, keeping his own place, saying he did not care for the -Mansion as a home after his father died." - -"Then why did he not care to give up his interest to his brother?" asked -Moore. - -"That is as yet a mystery. But, as he was a great business man, it is -supposed by some that he saw opportunities to convert the vast grounds -into town lots, and sell at a great advance some day when Mona should -boom, as the town will sooner or later, owing to its natural advantages. -He told many, however, that it was merely a sentiment with him, the -place having belonged in Colonial times to the family. Be that as it -may, however, he finally sold, and never would buy it back again, even -after the mystery had made it practically valueless. - -"His brother offered to sell it back for next to nothing, but Winthrop -only laughed, and refused. This conduct seemed to dispose of the -supposition that he was in any way responsible for the occurrences there -which had such a depressing effect in the value of the property." - -"Then, if mixed up, he had a deeper motive," said I. - -"Yes--if he has really been involved in the mystery at all. You must -remember, however," said Oakes, "that his story may be true. Having -disposed of his share of the property, he may have seen no reason for -bothering with it again, at least until it was clear of the depressing -occurrences which had lowered its value from half a million to -practically nothing." - -"Goodness! What were these mysteries?" said Moore, with a feigned -shudder. "Evidently, they are unpopular." - -Oakes proceeded slowly. - -"They consist of a series of assaults on those who have occupied the -house, and they are conducted in such a way that detection has been -impossible. - -"One evening Mrs. Mark was heard to shriek in her bedroom, and when -found by her husband was insane from fright. In her ravings she spoke of -a terrible thing choking her, and of a swishing sound. She never -regained her reason, and is now in an insane asylum. Alienists at first -thought that she had an experience common to those going mad--that she -had been subject to a delusion. But evidences were against this, as she -had in no way shown any signs of mental trouble before. While she was -being cared for at the Mansion, the two nurses in charge had similar -experiences. They reported hearing a tread on the stairs one night and -of seeing a figure disappear into the dining-room. One stated up and -down that it was a woman. - -"The patient was removed from the place. Then Mr. Odell Mark received -such a scare one night that he packed up and left the Mansion for good. -He was assaulted by an invisible party from behind, and only escaped -after a severe struggle. Whoever, or whatever, assaulted him -disappeared in an instant, and he swore that he heard the closing of a -door somewhere downstairs. - -"Everything was done to keep the truth quiet, but of course it leaked -out and the place has been regarded as haunted ever since. The servants -left, save a few of the oldest, who live away from the Mansion under a -separate roof, and have never seen anything unusual." - -"That sounds very thrilling," I said; "but the affair may all be founded -on nervous dread and hysteria." - -"So I thought," said Oakes. "I went up there alone recently, however, -and am glad to say that I got back alive." - -"What! Did you see it?" - -"No, gentlemen, I did not. There was nothing to see; but I learned -enough to know that murder stalks there in the Mansion--that the mystery -is a deep one, and my conduct nearly cost me my life. - -"I have faced danger often, but I never faced an invisible violence, or -had such a fight for my life as I had at the Mansion about three weeks -ago." - -Quintus Oakes was speaking earnestly, and we both were deeply -interested. That the celebrated detective should have met such an -experience placed the tale outside the realm of fiction. He was a calm -man, used to facing danger, and not one to be easily deceived or -frightened. - -"Great Scott!" said Moore, "you must have had a fine time. Tell us about -it. It must have been what the boys call a 'lalapazooza' of a time." - -I had to smile at my friend, able and successful, and already a -professional man of reputation, but ever fond of an occasional slang -expression as a relief from the care with which he was usually burdened. -He was well to do, but had been no idler, and knew the meaning of hard -work. - -"Yes," said Oakes, "I had a fine time." - -At this moment the telephone on the desk rang, and Oakes reached forward -and placed the receiver to his ear. After a few words of business he -replaced it, but I felt a curious sensation of something missing, -something unusual. - -His hand had shot forward toward the hook and deposited the receiver -thereon in one quick, instantaneous movement. The action had been so -exact that the contact had given rise to no sound save the after-tinkle -of the bell. Moore noticed it too, and looked at me, as much as to say: -"How was that, for measuring distance?" - -Then Oakes wheeled so as to face us again. - -"Excuse me for the interruption. Now I will tell you my story in a few -words." - - - - - _CHAPTER III_ - - _Oakes's Experience_ - - -Oakes began: - -"Mandel & Sturgeon gave me a letter to the chief care-taker, Cook, and I -went to Mona as Clark, their agent, giving as an excuse for my presence -there that Mr. Odell Mark contemplated making radical alterations in the -Mansion before returning to it. Cook and his wife opened that portion of -the Mansion which I thought best adapted for my temporary -residence--about half of the place, I should say. I spent a few quiet -days looking around the estate and the house. I was always on guard, -however, lest I appear too inquisitive and thereby betray my true -mission. - -"There was an old maid-servant, Annie by name, and several gardeners -about. These latter, I found, were never admitted to the Mansion. My -meals were served in the dining-room, and this room was the one in which -I spent most of my time. The servants gave me but little information -regarding the mysterious doings that had so frightened their employers. -I could tell by their action that they were genuinely afraid to be alone -in the place, and they all cautioned me repeatedly. They seemed anxious -that the affair should be investigated, and said that Mr. Odell should -have had detectives at work on the mystery. It was evident they were -afraid that they would lose their positions if no one returned to live -at the Mansion soon. - -"I noticed a strong under-current of contempt for Mr. Odell; they seemed -to think he was a cowardly fellow, none too anxious to remain, or he -would have investigated the affair. In fact, they behaved sometimes as -though they thought that he might have been at the bottom of the -mystery. Occasionally, Cook and his wife and Annie had stayed in the -Mansion, cleaning up, and had never seen anything unusual. Nothing had -occurred since Mr. Odell Mark had left--which certainly was peculiar. - -"I could see that my true identity was not suspected. My presence seemed -to have inspired confidence in them all. I called Cook and his wife, or -Annie, into my rooms for a talk quite frequently. Nothing happened, and -I began to feel that there was exaggeration somewhere; but, -nevertheless, I moved with caution and slept in the back room over the -dining-room with the doors carefully locked. I insisted that Mr. and -Mrs. Cook sleep in the front room. The servants at first demurred, but -finally consented when I told them that if they did not do so I would -not remain, and would report unfavorably as regards the remodeling of -the Mansion. I noticed that they bolted their doors carefully every -night and kept a light burning in their room. This I knew, as its rays -shone through under their door into the hall. - -"This satisfied me that they were on guard and afraid, and consequently -unaware of the real nature of the mystery. - -"Late one night, after about a week, I was looking out of one of the -windows in the dining-room, watching a boat passing. The lights upon her -and the throbbing of her engines, half a mile away, were plunging me -into a reverie, when suddenly I felt a peculiar sensation of uneasiness. -I glanced along the porch, and at the windows; everything seemed all -right. I turned, and saw Annie some distance up the hall attending to a -lamp at the foot of the stairs. The afternoon paper lay on the table. I -walked over to it and picked it up, stationing myself a few feet away -from the hall door, where I commanded a view of the entire room, the -windows and the balcony. I heard, or fancied I heard, a step or shuffle, -and then instantly something closed around my throat and I was pulled -backward and downward. I heard a rush in the hall and saw Annie's -terrified face looking into the room, but she did not see me. I tried to -cry out for help, but was unable to raise my voice. Realizing that I was -being killed without aid, I struggled with all my power. I have an -indistinct recollection of a shriek in the hall, then a rustling sound, -as of garments, near me. The next I knew, Annie, Cook and his wife, with -two gardeners, were working over me. One of the gardeners had opened my -shirt and thrown water upon my throat. I was unconscious for some -minutes, they said; but when I recovered my senses I ordered all hands -to keep their mouths closed, under pain of instant dismissal. Inquiries -instituted by me revealed that Annie had first heard my struggles, and -the shriek that had been given was hers. Response had been quick, but -when Cook first entered the room, backed up by the wife and old Annie, I -was lying limp and unconscious, face downward on the floor, as though I -had been thrown violently forward." - - * * * * * - -The recital of this narrative had been given in a quiet, dignified -manner--one of absolute conviction. It was an impartial statement of -fact, and we were profoundly impressed. - -Dr. Moore turned to me and said: "Well, do you feel like joining us?" - -"Ah! Then you are in this too?" I exclaimed. - -"Yes, Mr. Oakes is going to let me have my vacation in his company." - -"I certainly shall go," I said; "it appears to me that this matter is a -serious one." - -"It is very serious," Oakes repeated. "There is a deep mystery at the -Mansion, and its solution may be a dangerous one. There is murder in -that method of attack, and terrible strength behind it." - -"What is it? A man?" asked Moore. - -"That is conjecture as yet," said Oakes. "I certainly beard the sound -made by a woman's skirts, or something of that sort, but the strength -was too great for most women hereabouts." - -"Yes, if you were overcome by it," I remarked. - -"The servants are firmly convinced that the whole business is -supernatural. That is hardly worth discussing. I have no doubt that you -two gentlemen, as possible purchasers of the Mansion, will have -opportunities to settle the question for yourselves." - -There was just the shadow of a smile on Oakes's face as he spoke. - -"Did you notice anything peculiar about the people at the Mansion--the -care-takers?" I asked. - -"No, I thought their actions were natural, especially when I was -assaulted. One of the gardeners, who did not do very much to help me, -seemed preoccupied and made advances for a better acquaintance before I -left. I think he will bear watching closely; he knows something." - -"How long did you remain at the Mansion after the assault?" - -"Only a few days," said Oakes. "I could learn nothing alone. It was too -dangerous. When we return, it will be in greater numbers. If our mission -is suspected we will be obliged to work through other channels, but I -think we can fool the care-takers; they will say nothing to you about -the mystery, and they will think that I am more anxious than ever to -dispose of the place. Should our work be suspected, however," continued -the detective, "we will be face to face with complications. We may have -to be reënforced by men from my agency, but they will probably not be -known even to you." - -"The reward for the solution of this mystery is a large one, and the -prosperity of the town depends upon it. This matter at the Mansion has -not only affected its own value, as I said, but has helped greatly to -depreciate the worth of the surrounding properties." - -Then, turning to Moore: - -"I think your professional knowledge may come in handy in several ways, -so you may consider that your time will be well paid for, and your -vacation a profitable one--that is, of course, if you return alive." - -This was so seriously said as to cause me a momentary feeling of -discomfort. - -We now discussed details and arrangements for our start, for we had -decided to go. Oakes and I were to leave first, while Doctor Moore was -to come a few days later, owing to his inability to get away at once. - -Having finished with his story and the necessary details of instruction, -Oakes changed his manner and offered us cigars. The Jap brought in a few -glasses and a bottle, which opened up the social side of our interview. - -Noticing that our host had not lighted a cigar, I ventured the remark -that he was not a heavy smoker. - -"No," said he. "I very rarely use tobacco during business; it is a -peculiarity of mine, I am told." - -His face was quite smiling now. - -He continued: "With some it acts as a concentrator of ideas--at least, -so claim its devotees. With me, it dissipates them; I use it simply as a -pleasure when work is done." - -While he spoke, I was again impressed with that peculiar celerity of -movement in small actions which I had noticed before. - -He passed the cigars in an ordinary, deliberate manner, conversing the -while; but when he reached for a match, I was amazed at the -lightning-like rapidity of the movement. His hand shot out, selected it -from the stand on the table, lighted it and the cigar, and returned the -burned stick to the tray with a rapidity and evenness which made of it -almost a continuous act. - -It reminded me forcibly of the movement with the telephone receiver. I -felt that, given the necessity and the occasion, his general action -would be roused to quickness of the same kind--sure and instantaneous. -He impressed me as a man with a tremendous reserve of strength and -vitality. - -When we left for the evening, Oakes shook my hand with a stout, firm -grasp, the kind that means friendliness and inspires confidence. When -outside, I asked of my companion what he privately thought of the affair -at the Mark Mansion. - -"There is something extraordinary there, surely," answered the -physician. "Knowing Oakes as I do, Stone, I am fully convinced that he -is deeply worried over the matter. He would never think of having us in -such an affair unless he desired our company. He is as brave as any -man--his record shows that; but he is also noted for caution. He sees, -or thinks he sees, a dangerous game here--a plot, perhaps--where our -presence will be a support. He has often told me in conversation, that -he regards the legal and medical minds as particularly adapted to pass -judgment on certain problems of a peculiar nature. He has an idea that -our training will perhaps help him in the matter, I think." - -With this remark, we parted at Broadway and Forty-second Street, and -went to our respective homes. - - - - - _CHAPTER IV_ - - _The Departure_ - - -Next morning, while at breakfast, I received a letter from Mandel & -Sturgeon which was satisfactory to me, and I went down to my office and -notified my partner, Hart, that I was about to take a vacation. - -Fortunately, we had just successfully finished a long legal fight in the -courts, and my excuse was a natural one. - -I then went out and bought a good revolver, such as Oakes had told me to -get when we discussed details the night before. He had insisted upon our -being armed all alike, and furnished with the same kind of cartridges. -We could then exchange weapons in an emergency, and still be supplied -with ammunition. - -Having completed my purchase, I went to the Club, where Oakes was -awaiting me. We lunched together, and during the conversation he told me -to express my baggage to the Mansion that afternoon, and to meet him at -the Central Station at eight o'clock P.M. - -"And be cautious in your movements," he said. "Here is your ticket. Wear -serviceable clothes and a heavy dark overcoat, such as you had on last -night, with a black Fedora hat. Don't notice me, but enter the same car -as I do on the train. I will contrive to be with you before we arrive at -our destination." - -"Why all this?" I asked. - -"Well, I wish to be able to identify you easily in a crowd. If I know -how you are dressed, it might be valuable in several other ways also. We -may have to change our plans, in which event it will be easier for me if -I know how you look." - -"I do not exactly understand," said I, "but I presume you do." - -"Precisely. You may learn in time." - -As we emerged from the Club a newsboy came up to Oakes, from whom he -bought a paper, and as he did so, the boy said: - -"Martin says you are followed, sir." - -Oakes turned to me: "Meet me as I said; and do as I do afterwards in -everything. I shall be forced to change my plans." - -The boy had gone after another customer, and Oakes continued: "Martin is -my aide; he has posted me. Good-by! See you later. Explain some other -time." - -We parted, and I went about my preparations for departure with that -exhilaration that men feel when about to enter into some strange -undertaking. It was to be a novel experience for me, and I frankly -confess that certain misgivings haunted me. That I was entering, -willingly, to be sure, upon a journey of many possibilities I did not -for one moment doubt; that I should need the weapon already purchased, -and the utmost coolness that I could muster, seemed to me more than -likely. At this date I felt nothing akin to fear, and the knowledge that -Quintus Oakes was to be our leader prevented a too serious estimate of -the possible consequences. - -Later on I did feel some regrets at having hurled myself into the -episodes that followed, but this feeling vanished soon in the excitement -of the events that transpired at Mona. - -Shortly before the appointed time I arrived at the station and strolled -about the rotunda in search of Oakes. - -I espied him at the paper stand, dressed in a dark heavy overcoat and a -hat like mine. His recognition of me was instantaneous, but he made no -movement until, after buying a paper, he walked past me to the door. - -Looking at me with a glance that warned me, he stepped out and into a -car that was approaching. I jumped on the same car, and in a very few -moments he and I were going up the Sixth Avenue Elevated stairway, but -acting as strangers to one another. - -There were many persons boarding the Harlem train with us. It was a -tiresome ride to the terminus, but when Oakes and I stepped out and down -to the street, he jumped into a carriage in waiting, drawn by a pair of -horses, and beckoned to me. I stepped in also, and sat by his side on -the back seat. - -The driver started at a quick pace across the bridge and into Jerome -Avenue. - -Oakes turned to me: "It seems that my movements are watched by men in a -rival agency. I have detected no followers, but time will tell if they -exist. I saw a fellow watching me at the station, and we may have easily -been followed on the elevated train; in such a crowd one cannot detect." - -"Why do they watch you, Mr. Oakes? Are they suspicious that we are going -to Mona?" - -"No, not at all," answered Oakes. "They are watching to see _where_ I am -going. You see," he continued, "I am working on several other cases, and -perhaps they are, too. You realize there are times when men of my -profession cross each other's paths, and it is advantageous to know what -the other fellow is doing." - -"I see. Keeping tab on one another!" I said. "Rather expensive work, is -it not?" - -Oakes smiled. "Yes, but it is business. I like to know when a rival -leaves town. I keep a pretty close watch myself on some of them." - -We drove rapidly, and soon pulled up at an out-of-the-way roadhouse. - -"Come," said Oakes, alighting. - -A portly German was behind the bar, evidently the proprietor. - -Oakes made a sudden movement of his hand, and the door was locked. We -two were then shown into a rear room where two other men were -seated--both tall, well-built fellows, and both dressed as we were, in -dark overcoats and black Fedora hats. - -They saluted Oakes, and after a word or two stepped into the bar-room, -where the German served them with drinks. In a minute they were in our -carriage and driving away toward Yonkers. - -"I see now why you were particular as to my dress." - -"Yes, a substitution like this is useful sometimes. I thought I might be -forced to make one. Much better than nonsensical disguises. We will soon -know if any one is coming after us," he continued. "This is really the -last place before the fork of the road, and anyone following us would -have to be in sight all the time, or else stop here for information." - -The proprietor motioned us upstairs to a front room, and Oakes said to -him: "Remember, we have gone to Yonkers." But the good-natured German -evidently knew his business, for he only smiled and went off muttering -something to himself about a "damned good mix-up." - -In a few minutes two men drew up in a buggy, and were admitted below by -the obsequious old fellow. - -Then we heard the question: "Have you seen two tall gentlemen in black -coats and soft hats hereabouts, Dutchy?" - -The German thought a moment: "Yah, yah; dare vas two big fellers just -here; dey vas took some viskey and got away quick." - -"Which way?" asked the men. - -"Dey vas gone up dar Yonkers Road." - -Oakes chuckled. "The old fellow is all right; an old friend of mine." - -Then we heard the men say: "Here, Dutchy, here's something for you," and -we knew they had given him a tip. - -In a moment they were gone, and the old fellow was to be heard chuckling -audibly to himself: "Five dollar for von great big mix-up." - -Oakes watched the team turn up the Yonkers Road after our decoy, and -then he said: - -"Come, Stone, move quickly." He led the way downstairs to the back -entrance, and to the stable, where we found a man with a team. He -saluted us. It was the carriage in which Oakes's men had come out. - -"Drive hard for the Harlem Station; we can catch the 10:30 train," was -the order. - -Our driver evidently knew what to do, and we soon passed out of the -carriage-way. - -At the side of the door we halted a moment, and I saw Oakes give the -German a twenty-dollar bill. - -"Remember," he said, "not a word." - -We caught our train after a long drive to the east, and back over the -Harlem River. When we seated ourselves in the sleeper, Oakes turned to -me quietly. "Please remember, Stone, that you are a possible buyer, and -that I am Charles Clark, agent for the owner of the Mark Mansion. We -have had a pleasant evening together so far, have we not?" - -He smiled in his quiet, unruffled manner as he spoke. - -"Yes--rather active," I said. "I presume those other fellows are -thinking so too, probably." - -"Only the last two," said Oakes; "my men are home by this time." - -Shortly after midnight we arrived at the station at the foot of the hill -which hid the beautiful town of Mona. - -"Keep your senses alert," said Oakes as we left the train, "for we are -now in the region of uncertainty. We had better not walk to the hotel, -although it is only about a mile. The hour is too late." - -The solitary hackman, seeing us approach, roused himself from his sleepy -lethargy and soon we were slowly ascending the hill. The well-kept road -was lighted here and there by electricity, an agreeable witness to the -civilization around us. - -I saw Oakes place his weapon in his outside overcoat pocket--as he said, -the most convenient place for it to rest, clad as we were. - -The action was a vivid reminder of the experiences of his last visit, -and of the caution of the man. - -Without further adventure of any kind we arrived at the little hotel, -with its sleepy night clerk and its gloomy office. This opened right on -the sidewalk by means of a large wooden door, hung a low step above the -pavement, and fitting so poorly in its frame that the rays of the light -from within sought exit beneath it. - - - - - _CHAPTER V_ - - _The Letter_ - - -While Oakes and I were in the first stages of our journey, Dr. Moore -stood in his back office at the close of business hours, wondering if -the adventure that Oakes had so well described to us could in any way -have been originated by other than physical forces. Moore was a deep -student of mental phenomena. He had on more than one occasion heard -histories of terrible tragedies, so real in their wording that the -picture conveyed was the practical guarantee of their origin at human -hands; but, nevertheless, these histories had been proved to be but the -imaginings of a diseased mind--products of a delusion. - -In every other respect the narrators had been, in appearance at least, -perfectly sane individuals. While he hesitated to think that Oakes might -have been suffering from an overworked brain at the time, still he knew -that it was not impossible. - -The struggles that the servants had heard had been those of Oakes; the -actual evidences so far of assault were vague. Oakes was in a partially -unconscious condition, to be sure; but what evidence of violence was -that? - -Moore's cool professional judgment told him that queer sensations are -common after a severe shock, whether delusional in origin or not. - -He had known Oakes for years, and the good judgment and coolness that he -had always shown spoke greatly against a recently developed mental -disorder. - -Still, Moore was uneasy; he longed for more evidence of physical force -from without--something more positive. - -Of course, Oakes was not alone in his experience--there had been -others--but it was possible that the mere contagion of terror might be -in part responsible for some of these. There had been no witnesses. The -statement of violence rested on the word of the victims alone. Dr. Moore -knew that men thinking constantly of the same thing, to the exclusion of -all else, might develop similar delusions. The physician had seen many -strange things, and was not a man to be easily deceived. Could it be -that Quintus Oakes was the victim of a mental process? - -It was this very power which Moore possessed--of thinking along such -lines--that made him, in Oakes's opinion, a particularly desirable -addition to the party. Little, however, did the detective imagine that -the trained mind of the physician would first weigh the possibilities of -Oakes's own mental instability. - -While Moore was deep in thought, he was suddenly interrupted by the -bell, and the receipt of a note which had been delivered by the postman. - -He glanced at the postmark, and saw that it was from Station O and was -mailed at 4:30. - -Somehow, he felt an instinctive dread of its contents. Of course, he as -yet had no adequate cause for misgivings; but there was that in the -subject of which he had been thinking that seemed to forecast evil and -dread. His mind was in a state of unrest at the very thought of the -possibilities. He tore the letter open, and read: - -"DEAR DR. MOORE: You may not deem it wise to pay attention to an -anonymous communication, but let me assure you that, if you value a -life, you will pay attention in this case. - -"It has come within my province to know that a great tragedy may be -averted by you. - -"Some short while ago a man, tall, straight as an arrow, and with blue -eyes, went to the town of Mona and stopped at the Mansion. There he came -near being murdered, and if he ever goes back, I personally know that he -will be killed in short order. - -"His business was said to be that of an agent for the owners. I saw him -in New York several years ago, and he was pointed out to me as a -celebrated detective, but I cannot remember his name, or that of the -person who informed me. - -"At Mona he was known by another name. I cannot go there, however, or -learn any more particulars. The reason I address this to you is that I -know that you are acquainted with him, as years ago I used to see him -often in your company. - -"Now please communicate with this man; you are the only thread that I -have to his identity. - -"_Reach him, if possible, at once._ Warn him. Tell him to turn back--to -abandon his quest, for death to him is the only alternative. - -"Do not attempt to trace my identity. _Act_, and _act quickly_, if you -wish to prevent a great horror." - - * * * * * - -The letter terminated abruptly. Dr. Moore realized in an instant that -Oakes's movements were known to some outsider already--someone who had -either been in Manhattan that day, or who had sent the letter there to -one who had mailed it. - -He saw the whole matter in a most serious light. Oakes was in danger -from forces he did not suspect, perhaps, and the assault he had -described had been known to others besides the immediate household of -servants. For who, of that household, could have written such a letter? - -Moore thought of his plans gone astray, of his business engagements, but -they all paled into insignificance in the face of the danger to Oakes. - -He decided to follow up Oakes by the very next train. Finding he had -time for one or two calls, he rushed in his carriage to make them, and -as he entered his office upon his return he found an energetic young man -awaiting him. He knew him as Martin, one of Oakes's aides. - -"Good evening, Doctor! You're on the rush tonight. My! but I had to -hustle." - -"Good evening! But how did you know so much of my movements--how, why, -did you have to hustle?" - -"I just arrived here a few seconds ago. I have been watching you this -evening. Mr. Oakes told me to take care of you and keep you out of -mischief. You see, he feared trouble of some kind. I was told to report -to you once in a while--and here I am." - -The physician understood, and then they discussed the recent -development. It was agreed that Dr. Moore should leave for Mona; and -this, after arranging his business by telephone and hastily making -ready, he succeeded in doing. - -As he boarded the train he asked of Martin, who was with him, if he was -to go to Mona also. - -"That depends upon who enters after you. If I think you are followed, I -go too." And Moore realized that Oakes's hand of caution had been shown -once more. - - - - - _CHAPTER VI_ - - _The Murder_ - - -The rising sun was invisible from the little station hidden in the gloom -of the hill, but away out on the river its rays reached the water and -marked out sharply the shadow of the high ground. - -Further down the stream the rugged outlines of the Mansion were cut in -silhouette on the surface of the river, which was, as yet, smooth as a -mill-pond, but which soon would be moved by those thousands of ripples -advancing from the opposite shore. - -As the sun shot his beams clearer and sharper, the mist of the distance -unfolded and the rays struck the ragged granite cliffs of the shore, and -revealed them yellow and gray in the bluish haze of the morn. - -Away up, miles beyond, the river broadened and the mountains of both -sides rose abruptly and ruggedly, apparently from the water's edge, -causing the effect of a wide, placid lake. - -All was quiet, lonely and dark on this side of the shore under the hill, -but beyond, where the rays of the sun had reached, was beginning life -and activity. - -A schooner, becalmed until now, began to move with the breeze that -greeted the waking of day. - -The train had but just left the little station, and again had two -strangers alighted. One, the older, trudged up the hill covered with a -great-coat, and with hands in his pockets. He walked rather rapidly, -looking sharply around once or twice. As he neared the top, where the -country rolls off into the plain, he turned to admire the spectacle of -the breaking day. His glance followed the road, and he saw below the -second figure walking along in a hurry, as though to make up for lost -time. - -He smiled and said to himself: "That fellow Martin is a persistent -youngster, anyway." - -A few yards more brought him to the crest of the hill; then he suddenly -stopped, for before him was unfolded a stretch of rolling ground, well -filled with trees in autumnal foliage, and beyond, the spires and the -sky-line of a sleeping town. To his right he beheld a large wooded tract -extending for at least a mile down the river, and in the dim distance -the shaded outlines of an old mansion. Over all was the glorious yellow -sun. The new fresh rays caught the leaves on the trees and on the -ground, and kissed away the frost of the October morning. The traveller -drew a long breath. - -"I have been over the world, almost, but never did I know such splendor -was so near my office," said he, half aloud. He had discovered what some -few had already known, that here at our doors, if one is not too -indifferent, can be found the scenery one seeks in a month's journey. - -While walking along, Moore, for he was the man, was overtaken by a -milk-wagon which rattled by with its two horses; the driver, lashing his -whip, seemed to mark the actual awakening to life of this rural -community. - -"Say, how far to the hotel and which way?" asked Moore. - -"Down the road a piece. Come, get in. I'll drive ye." - -Moore jumped up alongside, and was thankful for the lift. - -As they sped along, he started at a sound in the distance like the faint -crack of a whip, but duller. - -"What was that--a shot?" he said. - -"Yes; rather early, but poachers like to get on to the Mark place 'most -any time. Didn't sound like much of a gun, though." - -They were now at the hotel, and Moore registered in the old dilapidated -book, and went to his room before his breakfast. As he lay down for a -moment to rest, all of the vivid experiences of the last twenty-four -hours coursed through his brain. He followed the events of the evening -before, and congratulated himself on being now relieved from anxiety, -for a time at least. - -He had seen my name and that of "Clark," whom he knew to be Oakes, on -the register, and had located our rooms as right opposite his own. -Perhaps he had better communicate with Oakes and myself, now it was six -o'clock, he thought. He looked into the corridor and saw no one about, -for no attendant watches in these little hotels in the country. He -locked his door, and knocked at Oakes's. In a moment he heard the key -click, and Oakes looked carefully through the partially opened door. -The recognition was quick and Moore was admitted. - -In another moment I had joined them, for Oakes's room and mine -communicated; he had thought it best that we should have access to each -other at all times, if possible. - -We two hastily dressed, and Dr. Moore presented the cause of his visit -as briefly as possible. - -"Let me see the letter," said Oakes. - -He read it carefully. "One thing is certain--it is written by a person -of some education. That proves nothing, however. It may have been -dictated originally by a very illiterate person." - -"It was sent from New York." - -"Oh, yes," said Oakes wearily, "but it may simply have been written -there. It may have gone under cover in different language--from any -place almost--and been copied or put into shape by an accomplice." - -"Hard to trace it," said Moore. - -"Yes, practically impossible, along those lines. But in any event it was -written on a woman's paper; see the texture." - -We all noticed its fineness and agreed. - -"And the odor of musk is not a man's favorite, either," remarked Oakes, -as we noticed the scent. He was standing erect, with a slightly -abstracted air. He was thinking. - -"Well," said Moore, "we cannot find out much then." - -"Oh, yes, you can." - -"The letter speaks of the color of my eyes. The originator has seen me -many times at close range. This is an unintentional clue. The style of -the writing, the paper and the perfume point to a woman, but the wording -is a man's, as is the description of myself, I judge." - -"Well, what do you think?" - -"I hazard a guess that the letter was written or dictated by a man of -some education, and rewritten by a woman as a disguise." - -"Ah! And where was it written?" - -"That it is impossible to say. Perhaps in New York--but it may have been -here in Mona. As I said, the originator is a man, probably, who knows me -by sight, and knows Mona and its affairs very well, but who also knows -New York and your city address, Moore; for the letter went there. By his -knowledge of late events in Mona I should imagine that he perhaps lives -here, but has recently been to New York, or else has an accomplice -there--a woman--who rewrote and remailed the letter for him." - -At breakfast we contrived to keep the waitress busy filling orders, for -we wished to discuss our affairs and had no mind to be overheard. Oakes -had prepared the proprietor for Moore's arrival, saying he expected him -at any time; so his coming excited no particular attention. While the -girl was out, the doctor narrated his morning's experience as far as the -walk up the hill. We addressed Oakes as Clark, as had been previously -agreed. - -"Did Martin follow you?" asked the detective. - -"Yes, I saw him ascending the hill after me." - -Our leader thought a moment. "Curious! Why has he not made himself -visible here? The chances are you were mistaken, Moore." - -"Oh, no. I feel confident it was Martin." - -We left the cheerless, low-ceiled dining-room and walked out into the -corridor, where the porter was mopping the floor, and the cigar-stand -opening for business. - -I went over and bought something to smoke. Moore took one, but Oakes -refused. That meant he was worried, and not at his ease. Presently the -doctor remarked: "Seems to be shooting around here." - -"How? What do you mean?" asked Oakes. - -"Yes, I heard a shot when I was in the wagon. The milkman said it was -poachers on the Mark property." - -Oakes wheeled and regarded Moore austerely. - -"You heard shooting on the Mark grounds? Why did you not say so? You -tell a poor story." - -At this moment we heard a commotion outside, and the cry: "A runaway!" - -We all stepped to the sidewalk, where a few early risers had gathered, -and looked down the road. Coming over the crest of the hill from the -station was a milk-wagon, rushing along at a terrific rate. The horses -were leaping, with heads hung low. The smashing of cans was audible, -even at the distance. - -"That is no runaway," said Oakes. "Look at the horses' heads--they are -low. Those animals are not scared." - -We all looked, and beheld what Oakes had already noticed. - -"Look at the driver," said a by-stander. - -He was standing up on the dashboard plying his whip without mercy. By -his side was a boy, hanging on for all he was worth. - -In the quiet, self-possessed way that marks a leader in all emergencies, -Oakes spoke up: "That is a race for help, boys, not a runaway." - -Down the long road came the wagon--a heavy affair. Milk-cans were -falling out and the roadway seemed scarcely enough for the swaying team. -The driver, a strapping fellow, balanced himself as best he could, -holding the reins with one hand and using the whip with the other. The -intelligent animals were straining to their limit in dumb, intense brute -desire to get there, or die. A murmur of applause arose from the crowd, -and the country apathy gave way to subdued excitement. Never did Roman -charioteer drive better! Never did artillery horses pull harder! - -In a minute or so the team came abreast of us, and the driver, by a -wonderful control of his animals, pulled up abruptly. He dropped his -whip and held up his hand. - -"There is a gentleman dying on the road by the top of the hill!" - -"Who? Who?" - -"I don't know, but he's on his face--with blood all over his back. He's -been shot!" - -Oakes turned to Moore. His arm made that quick, silent movement so -peculiarly his own and rested lightly on the physician's shoulder. - -"The shooting you heard," he remarked. - -Moore turned pale and seemed almost to stagger. "Meant for me!" he -blurted out. - -"Yes, and Martin got it instead," said Oakes. "Come!" and in an instant -he was off down the road. - -We followed, and the crowd of about thirty closed in. It was a quick -dash down that turnpike. Never had early-riser in Mona had such an -experience before. The terrific flight of the milk-wagon and its -dramatic ending had inspired life in the crowd. Hotel porters, barmen -and milkman, gentlemen and loafers, all went down that road with one -object in view--the succoring of a fellow being. As we ran, the -strongest forged ahead. Moore and myself came abreast in the rear of -the leaders, but near to the bunch. - -"Terrible! Poor Martin!" said Moore. - -"Keep quiet," I said between breaths. - -A murmur arose in the crowd. "Look at that fellow," said a runner near -us. - -We looked. It was Quintus; he was steadily distancing all. "Gosh! Ain't -he a beaut?" said another. - -"Look at Oakes," said I. - -"Shut up," said Moore. "Call him Clark, now." - -The heavy breathing around us became noticeable; men were tiring now. It -was a hard run. Away up in the lead was the solitary figure of our -friend, running with body pitched a little forward and the long, even -stride of the athlete. My mind now recalled that Oakes was a runner in -college--a noted one in his day. Swish, swish! thump, thump! went the -feet of those around us--and always that tall figure in the lead, taking -the ground like a thoroughbred, and steadily increasing the distance -between us. - -As we reached the crest of the hill to turn down, the milk-wagons were -beginning to rumble behind us and the sounds of the approaching crowd of -vehicles and belated citizens became distinct. We dashed down the slope -and beheld Oakes--in the lead--halt, and bend over a figure. He seemed -to be speaking to the injured man. As we drew near, we saw the blood and -heard the sighing breathing. - -"Dying!" said Moore, by my side. - -We all encircled the victim, and Dr. Moore bent over him. Then he and -Oakes straightened up suddenly, and removed their hats. We all knew what -had taken place. The motley crowd uncovered, panting and pale-faced. - -"Dead!" said Oakes, and turned to Moore, who had joined me in the crowd. - -"Be careful," he said. "The murdered man is _not_ Martin." - -The rougher of the followers started to move the body, so as to see the -face. - -Again Oakes showed his power to lead. "Stop, men; this is a crime. Don't -touch the body. Wait for the police and the coroner." - -They obeyed. The first official now arrived on a wagon. He hesitated as -he saw the bloody back; and then turned the face so that all could see -it. - -Several stepped forward, and a cry of consternation arose: "_It's -Winthrop Mark!_" - - - - - _CHAPTER VII_ - - _The Inquest_ - - -At the suggestion of Oakes, we mingled with the crowd for a short time -and then returned to the town with some of the hotel employees, leaving -the others in their excitement to await the action of the authorities. - -"This man Winthrop Mark seems to have been very well known?" Oakes -inquired of the hotel porter by his side. - -The latter, anxious to identify himself with the town and its people, -and also to please the stranger beside him who had made himself so -prominent during the last few moments, gave much information. - -"Yes, Mr. Clark, the murdered man has lived hereabouts for a long time; -his brother owns the Mark Mansion over yonder; the town has been very -proud of it, you know." - -"Yes, a beautiful old place." - -"It is, sir. But no place to live in; there has been something dangerous -about it, sir." - -"Seems to me I heard something of it when I was last in Mona," said -Oakes. - -"Did you have any experience, sir?" - -"Experience! What do you mean?" - -"I do not know, sir, but _it_ always appears. Something that scares -people." - -"Hurts the town, doesn't it?" - -"Yes, indeed, sir; and this murder will spoil everything here now." - -"I cannot quite follow you." - -"Oh, sir, you don't know how good Mr. Mark was: Always improving the -roads; always giving the town money; forever clearing up jealousies," -said the porter. - -Oakes looked at him: "Say, my man, how long have you been a porter? You -don't speak like a man brought up in such work." - -"I was not, sir. I used to be a merchant, years ago; burned out; no -insurance; broke; went to work as a porter; nothing else to do. The old -story, Mr. Clark; I am not the first one!" - -We knew Oakes was seeking some information, so we remained quiet. - -"Sad enough," said he; "perhaps times will improve for you." - -The porter, Reilly by name, smiled and looked at Oakes with that -expression of hopeful despair we have all seen, we who rub the world in -our continuous efforts. - -"Who could have shot Mr. Mark?" asked our companion, "did he have many -enemies?" - -"No, Mr. Clark. I know of none. But----" and the man paused. - -"Well, what?" said the detective in an off-hand way. - -"Well, it's peculiar," said Reilly, "very peculiar to me. Two or three -years ago, sir, Smith, the leading man of the town, was shot at the very -same spot in the road." - -"What!" I cried; but a look from Oakes silenced me. "Indeed! quite a -coincidence," said he. "Who shot him?" - -"Nobody knows. I was just going to work when it happened." - -"Early in the day, then?" - -"Just about six o'clock, sir--and he was shot right through the chest," -volunteered our informant. "Well, I hope they catch this fellow," said -Oakes. "You have a good police chief here." - -"Yes, sir, very. He came up here first for his health; but he was once -chief in some large city." - -"Ah, then he will get the murderer surely. Mona is fortunate in having -such a man." - -Reilly looked pleased at the compliment, and it seemed as though Oakes -had won another follower. - -Before we reached the hotel, we saw that the town was now wide awake. -There were groups of men talking excitedly before nearly every business -place--the bank, the dry-goods stores, drug-stores and newspaper -offices. It was about their opening hour, and rumor had travelled fast. - -On the main street, Oakes left us with a word of caution. "Be careful -what you say. There may be a connection between this affair and the -Mansion mystery, but--we know nothing of either. The inquest may tell us -something. Meantime, you two find out what you can by mingling with the -crowd. Learn all about Reilly; and anything you can pick up of the -Smith murder he mentioned. I am going to see the Chief of Police; and, -if possible, telephone to my office in New York." - -Moore and I walked around in the fast-increasing crowd, and talked with -those who were returning from the scene of the murder. - -The people were settling down into a dull, sullen silence, as people -will, after a great tragedy. This was a blow to the inhabitants here. -The death of Mr. Mark was the loss of a friend to many, and of a leading -citizen to all. Those engaged in business in what had been until -recently a most prosperous little town foresaw the probable after-effect -on confidence and the town's future. - -The demon of vengeance was rising in many hearts. The report of the -coroner's jury was awaited with anxiety. The murderer would probably -have escaped by that time--but better so--if once his identity could be -discovered, than have another mysterious horror in the community. - -The police headquarters, a trim little brick building facing the square -and the hotel, was the centre of real activity. - -Oakes made his appearance alone at the top of the steps coming out from -the corridor that led to the Chief's room. As he stood at the door -glancing calmly around at the crowd, I thought what a magnificent man he -was. He stood erect and composed, as though inviting scrutiny. His long -overcoat was not carefully closed--its collar was turned partly up. He -had put it on like the rest of us, after our return from the run, and he -had done it quickly. His left hand was hanging down in a natural -position; his right was in his overcoat pocket. The Fedora hat was -slightly tilted back. He looked a half-careless, indifferent fellow, but -the keen eyes missed nothing; they rested on me, on Moore and then on -the crowd. He was the embodiment of searching coolness. The crowd -recognized him and knew that he had seen the Chief of Police. They -reasoned as one man that something important had been done. The tall -city fellow had been first at the side of the victim; they had seen -that. What did he know? And then they thought of that run and the -exhibition of physical perfection that his powers had shown; and like a -gentle ripple on the brook came a murmur of admiration. Oakes stepped -down and was the centre of much questioning. All the time the right hand -remained in the coat pocket. I knew that it held death at command; that -the revolver lay well in his grasp; that Quintus Oakes was now on guard, -and the field was one with which he was well acquainted. - -Soon he entered the hotel, and we followed him to his room. "You must be -at the inquest--both of you. Dr. Moore, you are well known as a surgeon -and will view the body with the local doctors. They wish you to do so. -They say you are known to them by reputation. You will be required as an -expert witness. I have made my identity known to the Chief of Police." - -"Indeed," I said; "then everybody will know it." - -"No, they won't," said Oakes. "The Chief knows me by name. I know all -about him; he is a good, shrewd man. I have explained our mission here, -and have disclaimed any desire to have anything to do with this mystery, -unless--unless it touches the other. The Chief, Hallen, wants my -evidence, and he knows enough to see that we can all stand in together." - - -"He may help in the Mansion affair later," said Moore. - -"Yes," said Oakes. "I thought I might need him. Anyway, this murder is -for the police at present. I succeeded in getting long-distance -telephone, and found that Martin did not come here at all. He returned -to the office after seeing Dr. Moore off on the train." - -"Good!" we exclaimed. "And what did you learn from the dying man? He -spoke to you, we thought." - -"I learned something that has great possibilities," said Oakes. "Wait -for the inquest. What have _you_ learned?" - -I answered for us both: "Reilly is well known here and reliable. We -could learn nothing of the Smith murder save that it had occurred about -as this one, and was never solved. The old Chief of Police resigned on -account of public opinion of his incompetency; the new Chief, Hallen, -came in here a year or so ago." - -"Well," said Oakes, "so far--so good; but it looks to me as though there -is some connection between these murders. I do not envy the local -officials a bit; the people won't stand much more mystery up here. -Suspicion of one's neighbors is a terrible thing in a small community. -By the way, when I give my evidence, watch me but little--watch the -audience more. The criminal might be there!" - -"Yes," said Moore, turning to me; "they often seek the court under such -circumstances, don't they?" - -"I believe it has been recorded," I rejoined. Then seeing Oakes move -away, I asked where he was going. - -"I am going to look around for a while." - -"Better be cautious; you may be the next to get a bullet, for the -criminal probably knows that you saw Mark alive. He may be anybody in -town," I said. - -"Anybody! Nonsense. You may clear the women and children at least. That -wound was made by a heavy-calibre weapon; it takes strength to handle -such." - -Then he walked away. - -The coroner empanelled the jury that afternoon. It was composed of -milkmen, porters and farmers, and some men of more substantial -condition; for instance, the leading banker and the secretary of the -Young Men's Christian Association. They were all alert to the importance -of their position, and anxious to appear well in this drama that was -opening in Mona. - -The jury viewed the body in the anteroom, and the wound was examined -carefully. They marched into the court-room next to the apartments of -the Chief of Police, and were seated before the bench. The large room -was filled to its utmost with the representative men of the place. To my -eyes, the scene was novel indeed. My practice had been in the courts of -the metropolis, and the methods here interested me. They were simple, -straight-forward people. The intensity of their faces, the hush of the -crowd, was awesome. I obtained a seat facing most of the people, and Dr. -Moore was by my side. - -The room looked on a lawn which extended to the next street, and -opposite to me were three windows, the centre one of which was open. At -the open window was a young negro, handsome and well built. He leaned -on the sill with folded arms, and, judging by the height of the window -from the ground, I knew he was standing on a box or a barrel. A couple -of other faces were visible outside the closed windows. The crowd within -was uneasy, but quiet--a volcano in its period of inactivity. - -Then the milkman who discovered the body related his story. He had come -up the hill from the station and saw the body near the top of the hill. -He saw the wound from his seat on the wagon, for, realizing what had -happened, he did not alight. Fear had seized him. He knew he was perhaps -watched by the assassin, so he had lashed his horses and rushed for the -town and aid. The little boy who had ridden by his side was brave and -cool in the court-room; the Chief of Police had his arm on his shoulder -in a fatherly way. He corroborated the milkman's story, and said he was -scared even more than his uncle, the driver. - -One or two others certified to the finding of the body and spoke of the -stranger, Mr. Clark, who had reached the place first, and of the wild -run from the town. - -Then came the coroner's physician, who certified to the nature of the -bullet, a large one undoubtedly. Then he said in a courteous, -professional way: "Gentlemen, we have by accident among us Dr. Moore -from New York, who witnessed the finding of the body, and who has viewed -the injury. Dr. Moore is a well-known surgeon, and perhaps he will favor -us with an opinion--only an opinion--of the nature of the weapon used." - -The coroner bowed and motioned to Dr. Moore, by my side. The physician -hesitated a moment, then advanced before the crowd of strangers. He was -a surgical lecturer, but this was an unusual audience. - -"Dr. Moore, you have seen many wounds from firearms, have you not? -Please state where." - -Dr. Moore answered in his pleasant voice: "I have seen quite a number in -hospital service in the last ten years, and very many in Cuba during the -Spanish War." - -A murmur arose--the crowd hung on every word. - -"State what your opinion is, please," said the coroner. - -"To begin with," said Moore, "the bullet entered the breast; the point -of entrance is large, about the size of a 44-bullet. I know it entered -there, because a part of the coat was carried into the wound. It came -out at the back under the right shoulder-blade and pierced that bone, -tearing it partly away from its muscles. In piercing the bone it also -fractured it, and made a large hole of exit, as was to be expected." - -"Explain, please." - -"Under some circumstances a bullet losing its speed pushes the tissues -before it and makes a larger hole of exit than entrance, especially if -it shatters the bone." - -"What do you think of the nature of the weapon used?" - -"In my opinion it was certainly no modern pistol or rifle; they are of -smaller calibre and the powder used gives greater velocity, and less -tearing is evidenced." - -"How is that?" - -"Well, a small bullet going at great speed makes a clean hole usually, -at ordinary range. This was a large bullet, going only at moderate -speed." - -"Could a rifle have done it?" - -"Yes, if fired at a long distance, so that the speed was slackening." - -"What seems the probable weapon to you?" - -"A revolver, because a rifle of large calibre, to have produced such a -wound, must have been discharged at considerable distance, for the -bullet was losing its velocity when it found the victim. Now, to have -seen the victim from afar was impossible, the banks on each side of the -road and the incline of the hill would prevent it. That, to my mind, -excludes a rifle. - -"The assassin could not have seen Mr. Mark much more than one hundred -and fifty feet away, owing to the configuration of the ground. Had he -been _much_ nearer than that distance, the bullet would have travelled -with greater speed than it did, and would probably have pierced the -shoulder-bone without so much crushing and pushing effect. - -"Thus we see that a rifle in this case could not have been used far -enough away to cause such a wound. A heavy revolver discharged at good -distance for such a weapon would have met the requirements, however; and -I believe such a one was used. The assassin could not have been farther -off than the configuration of the ground permitted--about one hundred -and fifty feet--and judging from the wound, he was not very much -nearer." - -The crowd shifted and a deep sigh of emotion arose. - -"Now, Dr. Moore, you arrived in town this morning! Please tell us what -you know about the events that transpired," asked the coroner. - -"Well, I arrived at six o'clock A.M. and walked up the hill. As I -reached the top, I noticed a man coming up behind. A milkman came along -and offered me a ride to the hotel--there he is," and he pointed to the -fellow. "As we rode along, we both heard a shot, and I remarked upon it. -The man in the wagon with me said it probably was a poacher. I have no -doubt, sir, it was the murderer at work." - -This was getting near the horror, and the court-room seemed to echo the -deep breathing of the listeners. - -Then the milkman, who had picked the doctor up, gave his testimony. He -had entered the highway at the Corners and had seen a man coming up the -hill. He drove in toward Mona, and picked up Dr. Moore, as related. - -He corroborated Moore in his statements, and ended by saying that he -went about his business after leaving Moore at the hotel, and knew -nothing of the finding of the body by the other milkman and the boy, -until about eight o'clock. - -"I remember the shot; it was short and dull. We said it didn't seem like -much of a gun." - -"When did you hear the shot?" - -"About 6.30, sir," was the answer. - -"And, gentlemen of the jury," said the coroner, "Mr. Mark lived until -seven, when he was found." - -"If that shot was the one, he lived a long time. I believe he might have -done so, however. The hemorrhage was not very severe. He may have lain -unconscious for a while. As you know, the autopsy showed that the bullet -entered in front and, striking a rib, followed that around and came out -behind. It followed a superficial deflected course, as bullets -frequently do. Men sometimes live a long time with such wounds." - -More evidence, of an unimportant nature, was given. The station-master -remembered the man getting off the train and following Moore. He knew -him well; he was Mr. Mark, and had lagged behind and spoken to him. - -The body was undiscovered before, because most milk-wagons entered the -town at the Corners, and no one had alighted from the seven o'clock -train to climb the hill. - -Charles Clark was now called, and the spectators made room for Oakes, as -he walked down and faced the audience. Watching the crowd, I saw its -excited expectancy. Here and there was a man, pale as death, nearly -overcome by the strain of the evidence. Everyone in that room knew that -the important part was at hand. Many expected the name of the assassin. -A man behind me sighed and said: "Gosh! why don't you hurry?" I knew -that he was nearly ready to collapse. - -Oakes, or, as Mona knew him, Clark, crossed his hands behind him and -inclined his body a little. He glanced coldly around, then at the clock, -and instinctively the audience followed the movement. I noticed that the -time was four, and that the ticking was very heavy and noisy. Then I -remembered Oakes's orders, and watched the crowd. The coroner went -through the usual formalities, and Oakes began his testimony. - -He spoke in that fluent style of his: "I reached the man ahead of the -others; he was breathing. Realizing that his name was important, I asked -him for it. He was conscious; he opened his eyes and looked at me. 'Mark -is my name; all Mona is my friend,' he answered. At mention of those -words I heard a sob and then another outbreak; the audience was going to -pieces." - -Oakes resumed: "I then asked him, 'Who did this deed?' He seemed to be -losing consciousness. I repeated the question. This time he answered, in -an almost inaudible voice: 'The man--the man--with the great arms.'" As -Oakes uttered this sentence, he did it in a strong whisper--heard -clearly all over the court-room. He paused. Moore and I noticed that -one-half the men in sight mechanically put their hands to their -arms--curious is the effect of such scenes. - -Others, seeing the actions of their comrades, glanced at them harshly -and suspiciously, but instantly began to smile. - -Just then the fat grocer thought it was funny, and laughed outright in a -paroxysm of hysteria. The crowd began to titter, and then a roar, short, -sharp, of pent-up emotion--a laugh of suppressed excitement--pealed -forth like a thunder-clap; then all again was intensity. - -Oakes now continued: "He did not say more, so I again asked quickly, -'Who did it? Speak, man! Speak!' Then he answered distinctly--it was a -last effort." - -The audience leaned forward in awed expectancy. The faces of some were -hard and set, and the eyes of all were riveted on Oakes. - -Moore whispered to me: "Watch the negro." I looked and saw him leaning -forward over the window-sill, his face ashen gray; one arm held on to -the sill, the other hung limply into the room. - -"Mr. Clark, what did Mr. Mark say to you then, just before he died?" -asked the coroner. - -"He said: 'It was the fellow--the man with the blue cross on his left -arm.'" As Oakes spoke, his voice became metallic and incisive, while -his quick eyes suddenly swept the audience. - -There was a shuffling of feet, a turning of bodies, and a man of weak -nerves cried out: "The blue cross on the left arm!" - -The negro made a lunge forward, swung both arms into the room, and cried -out: "Oh, Gawd! Oh, Gawd!" then dropped on the other side of the wall. - -The Chief of Police stood up and pointed to the window. - -"Catch that coon," he cried. - -The tumult which followed was a relief, but the crowd lost sight of the -negro. No one had ever seen him before, and he escaped--at least for the -time being. - -The jury brought in a verdict "that Mr. Mark came to his death at the -hands of a party or parties unknown." - -As Dr. Moore and I discussed matters later, we could but agree that the -identity of Quintus Oakes had apparently been well hidden in that of -Charles Clark, the agent, and that our first day in Mona had been a -memorable one. - - - - - _CHAPTER VIII_ - - _The Mansion_ - - -Mona was situated on a plateau terminating rather abruptly at the river -on the west, and elevated well above its waters. In the neighborhood of -the station it was high, and a long climb. A mile farther down stream, -where the Mansion sat on the edge of the cliff, the elevation was not so -great--perhaps a hundred feet or more above the railroad tracks by the -river. The Mansion end of the plateau was lower, therefore, than the -town. Beyond, up the river, the land lay at the same elevation as Mona. -The beautiful place itself was some distance back from the crest of the -plateau and was approached from the river by the highway we had known so -well that day. This was intersected at right angles on the plain above -by River Road, which ran parallel to the waters below. - -The junction of these two roads was known as "The Corners." Upon -following River Road for nearly a mile toward the south one would -arrive at the Mansion gate. - -The other road--the Highway, as it was called--led directly to Mona, in -the centre of the plateau which gradually terminated to the north, south -and east in the rolling hills of that region. - -Never was town site better selected; never was place more hopeful until -recently, when the blackness and gloom of the unoccupied Mansion, with -its tale of dread, seemed to have extended to men's minds and laid its -grasp of uncanniness and uneasiness on business and pleasure. And now, -to make the slough of despond deeper, had come the sharp, quick act of a -murderer--above all, an unknown assassin--and a crime similar to one -scarce forgotten. - -The Mansion gate opened directly from River Road, and a walk of about -two hundred yards brought the visitor to the front door. The back of the -Mansion faced the river directly to the west, the balcony of the back -parlor and dining-room half-circled the south and west sides of the -house, and had evidently been much used. The woodwork was old and the -flooring quite worn. The front of the place was pillared in old -Colonial style, and was of stone, hewn in the rough and built in a -permanent fashion. - -Across River Road, right in front of the gate, came an uneven roll of -the country, or break in the plateau. The ground billowed deeply for at -least a quarter of a mile, parallel to the road. The slope from the road -was gradual to a little pond of considerable depth at the bottom of the -depression. On the farther side the ground rose more abruptly, but not -so high as on the Mansion side. The pond itself was about one hundred -feet in width; and one standing by the Mansion exit could see both the -pond and the ascent beyond, and, over the crest of the billowy ground, -the distant woods and the country to the east. - -Down from the road a little path dipped, and at its foot a frail bridge -crossed the pond; for here the two shores were quite close. Either shore -projected into a point, and about fifty feet of bridge had been built -with logs, resting half-way on a rude pillar of stones in the water. -This bridge continued the path up the far slope and over the crest -beyond. It was a short cut to the country and the southern suburb of -Mona. - -Within the grounds of the Mansion, extending northward to the Highway -and the scene of the murder, and southward into the uninhabited country, -was a forest of oak and of elm, interspersed with an occasional fir. One -could easily wander between the trunks of these trees, but having -entered a few rods, all traces would be lost of the outside world. It -afforded an excellent shelter for anyone desiring to escape detection. - -We noticed all these points as we drove to the Mansion next morning. We -found the care-takers awaiting us, and more than glad to again see Mr. -Clark, as they knew Oakes. - -The events of the day before had crowded fast upon us, and had left us -well known in the town. The name of Clark was on every tongue. Oakes -remarked that morning, before we started for the Mansion, that he hoped -the people would not identify him. "If they do, we cannot help it, -however," he said; "we cannot control events like these." Then he -suddenly asked me: "How about that negro? He was handsome, you say?" - -"Yes, rather black, with remarkably clear-cut features." - -"Indeed! Then he may be traced through his good looks." - -"Do you think he is the murderer?" - -"That's difficult," said Oakes; "but I should think not. Had the deed -been done by a negro boy, the victim would have remembered it; they are -uncommon here. He would have said, 'A negro, good-looking,' or something -of that sort. His color would have impressed the dying man." - -"Well, why was the negro so scared?" I asked. - -"Probably recognized the description as that of someone he knew." - -"Perhaps not," said Moore. "He may have been just emotional; the race is -very superstitious." - -"If I make no mistake," continued Oakes, "Mona is going to see queer -doings. The people's minds are at a great tension. In any event, this -affair is not ours. That is--not as we see it now." - -Our welcome from the servants seemed genuine in its sincerity, and Cook -and his wife ushered us up to our rooms. The hall from the front door -was a long one, and the stairs leading to the upper floor was broad and -well carpeted. Our rooms, two in number, were over the parlor and the -dining-room, the latter the scene of the occurrences so frequently -described. Oakes was given the back room looking on the river, and over -the balcony; Moore and I occupied the front room, over the parlor. On -the other side of the hall were two large rooms--guest chambers, we were -told. They formed the roof of the dance or reception hall below--to the -right of the door as we entered--and always kept locked, as Annie told -us. In fact, the dance hall and the two large chambers overhead formed -the north side of the house and had not been used for many years. -According to tradition, the hall had been a gay centre in the years gone -by, when the Mansion was the leading house in the village. It had now -lost its prestige to new and magnificent residences of the rich New York -men of affairs, who had recently come into the town to make it their -home and to transform all its social conditions and to add life and new -energy to the country around. - -During the forenoon we examined the downstairs rooms pretty -thoroughly. We did it in an unostentatious manner. The rooms had several -windows, and the front one facing the road in the distance had a large -fireplace. Oakes examined this carefully and shook his head in a -negative manner. - -The back room facing the river on the west, the lawn and the estate on -the south, was the dining-room. Its four large windows, two on each -side, extended down, in the old style, to within a foot of the -encircling porch. Again there was a large fireplace, and I looked over -it closely; but it was solidly built and seemed to have been undisturbed -for years. The entire room was paneled in oak, and this appeared to be -new. - -"It was right here that I had my experience," said the detective, as he -stood by the windows to the west. - -I was near the centre of the room, leaning upon the table, and Moore was -farther along on the other side of the fireplace, near the eastern wall. -We were quite interested in the place, and I am sure I felt anything but -secure. - -Dr. Moore laughed in his careless way. "Look out, old fellow," said he, -"it will catch you again." - -Oakes and I stepped out on the balcony, through the low-silled window, -and looked across the river. I heard a rustle, I thought--a half-muffled -tread; a swish, a peculiar noise--and Oakes jumped to the centre of the -balcony. - -"Look out! That's the noise," cried the detective. - -We both glanced toward Moore, and saw a terrible sight. The strong man -was unsteady on his feet, his knees were bent, and his head thrown -forward. Great drops of perspiration were rolling off his pale face. He -looked like a man about to fall. "Help, for God's sake, help!" he cried, -and clutched at his neck. - -That instant the physician came across the room, hurled by terrific -force. I caught him as he fell, and saved him from an injury against the -table. He was overcome completely; he held his neck in a pained position -and groaned. - -Oakes, weapon in hand, advanced to the hall. We all heard a distant -muffled noise, preceded by a slam. At that instant our attention was -called to the balcony. A figure jumped on the porch from the west side -and dashed past the windows, leaving the balcony near its southern end, -and disappearing in the trees beyond. - -"A man!" said Oakes, "and he was hiding behind the porch." - -"Yes, but _he_ did not do it; how could he have run there so quickly?" I -answered. - -"Better take Moore upstairs," saying which, Oakes jumped from the room, -and instead of going out of the front door, he sprang to the west end of -the hall near the dining-room, and opened a door I had not noticed. - -"Where are you going?" said I. - -"Into the cellar. Don't follow, unless I shoot." He was gone. - -I partly carried, partly helped Dr. Moore up to his room and placed him -on the bed. He was pale, and I realized he was shocked. I found my -flask, and gave him a good drink, and then saw that the back of his neck -was bleeding. I bathed it, and tied it up in a clean towel. - -As I worked, he held his revolver in his hand and watched the door, -talking quickly and earnestly. He told me about how he had wondered if -Oakes were insane, then of the assault on himself; how he had heard the -noise and had certainly been attacked by some living being, and was -satisfied that his suspicions could not be correct. He had been -thoroughly converted. All this took some time, and now we were wondering -what had become of our friend. The minutes passed, and I decided to -descend and see what the servants were doing, and raise an alarm. - -Just as I was setting off we heard two pistol cracks, muffled, but the -noise from cartridges such as we carried, nevertheless. I grasped my -weapon and started downstairs. As I reached the top of the landing, I -heard the cellar door close with a bang on the floor below, and heard a -slow tread ascending the stairs. I retreated, so as to aid my wounded -companion. - -The tread advanced along the hall. It was that of a man, limping. The -next instant we recognized Oakes's voice: "Where are you, anyway?" - -We spoke, and the next instant he appeared on our threshold, revolver in -hand, with his face pale and drawn, and his figure less erect, less -self-reliant than usual. - -He was bloody from a wound on his head, and his clothes were torn in -shreds. He steadied himself with his left hand against the door frame. - -"Great goodness, Oakes, what is wrong?" said Dr. Moore, rising to help -his friend. - -"What the devil!" I exclaimed. "Where have you been?" - -"In the cellar," said Oakes. - -"What have you been doing?" said Moore, in a most excitable way. - -Back came the answer in a feeble tone: "Really, I don't know. Having a -little practice, I guess." - -"Catch him, Stone," cried Moore. - -I jumped forward, and the stalwart figure dropped vertically--collapsing -at the knees, then pitched headlong into the room. - -I saved the face before it struck the floor. - - - - - _CHAPTER IX_ - - _Distrust and Suspicion_ - - -The day following the murder of Winthrop Mark was one of uneasiness and -dejection for the towns-people of Mona. The court scenes of the day -before and the great excitement caused by the discovery of the crime had -left their stamp. Disquietude was bred and nurtured by the crime itself, -and the absence of clues save those of the arm. It was rumored and -reiterated that Chief Hallen had failed to discover the slightest -evidence as to the perpetrator, and that the bullet even had remained -unfound, as was most natural; but people look at things in a narrow -light sometimes, and this was an occasion of deep trouble and much -gossip for the town. - -The peculiar action of the negro, whom few had seen but all had heard, -and who was pronounced a total stranger by those who had seen him, -pointed strongly to him as the possible assassin. With his escape had -come mutterings against Chief Hallen. Why had the court-house not been -watched? Where were the local authorities? Why had he been allowed to -get away so easily? All these questions remained unanswered, for few -stopped to think that there were _no_ local detectives, and only a few -local policemen. - -Then in the midst of these disgruntled thoughts and assertions appeared -the mental picture of Clark, known in the town before, and now the most -conspicuous man in it, towering above all in his active personality, as -in his figure and sayings. Talk is cheap in such a place, and talk has -made or unmade many a man. The great run of Clark to the victim's side -and the dramatic and terrible evidence he gave at the inquest was spoken -of--at first with awe, and then with alarm. And to think he had gone to -the Mansion to spend a short time again, gone to the place of all others -that one should avoid at this time--gone to the house where terror dwelt -and at the end of whose grounds the murder had been committed! Hallen, -whose word was known to be "law," had vouched for this. The personality -of Clark--stood silhouetted on the sky of lowering discontent. - -The only clue worth having was that one relating to the arms of the -murderer, and, given to the public as it purposely had been by Clark in -a moment of suspense, it had found deep rooting place in all minds. Who -was the man with the great arms, and with the "blue cross" on one of -them--the left? - -Here was a small town--perhaps one thousand grown men. Who had the -cross--who? Might it be _anyone_? Yes, almost _anyone_! Did anyone know -of such a scar? No, but who knew of his neighbor's arms? Who could vouch -for his friend? Some few had been associated, one with another, as boys. -What of that? It was years ago. - -Suspicion was growing like a prairie fire, first a light that goes out, -then flickers again and smoulders, anon meeting resistance and -apparently dying; but all the while treacherously gaining and advancing -in the roots and the dry stubble below, then suddenly bursting into -flame. With the first flame comes the inrush of air; then come the heat -and the smoke and the low wall of fire; then the glare, the roar and -the conflagration sweeping all before it. - -So came suspicion to Mona. And friendship, respect and brotherly love -fled at its breath, as wild animals of the prairie flee before the -advancing destruction. - -By evening of the second day the far-sighted and most influential -citizens detected the condition of affairs. The older residents had -noticed the peculiar similarity of this murder to that of Smith. The -coincidence of time and place was another factor. Could it be the same -assassin? Had he dwelt with them all the while since? The most respected -and wealthy of the inhabitants shared the unenviable position of being -under suspicion; there was no relief for anyone. - -The two local newspapers published "extras," and could scarcely supply -the demand. The murders of Smith and Winthrop were reviewed carefully, -and their similarity much written about. The hotel and the two leading -business streets were filled with suspicious, muttering groups. - -Nothing had been found missing from the dead man; his watch and money -were untouched. His arrival by such an early train was not unusual. He -frequently went to New York for an outing, and returned before breakfast -to his magnificent place on the hill to the east of the town, where he -lived with two old maiden aunts--his mother's sisters. - -Now all this uneasiness and suspicion had been noted--by Hallen, the -Chief. He was a man who, after living in the country for many years, had -finally pushed himself to the top of a large police force in a city of -importance. The physical strain had told on him, however, and now he -found himself back in a small town, recovered in health, but shut in as -to future prospects. The murder of Mark had come to him as a thunderbolt -from a clear sky, but he saw opportunities in it. When Oakes had visited -him and made himself known, he had at first been jealous; but the -former, with his wonderful insight, had made a friend of him. - -"Hallen, if you manage this affair well, you will be famous. They are -looking for good men in New York all the while. My work is in the -Mansion; if our paths cross, let us work together." - -So had suggested Oakes. He had known about Hallen, as he knew the -history of all police officers, and had thus given hope to the man who -had been used to better things. Instantly Hallen had seen that to -antagonize Oakes would be foolish; to aid him, and perhaps obtain his -advice and friendship, would ultimately redound to his own future credit -and, possibly, advancement. For Oakes's work had brought him in contact -with police heads in all the large cities. His boldness and genius for -ferreting out mysteries were known to them all, and they had paid him -the compliment of studying his methods carefully. - -Hallen had agreed to have Oakes's testimony at the inquest taken at just -the proper moment for effect, and had agreed to call Dr. Moore as an -expert. - -Of course, the coroner did what the Chief asked. - -As Oakes had said: "If you want expert evidence, get it from Moore; if -you don't ask him, you won't get it in Mona." - -The idea of Oakes bringing in his testimony as he did was part of the -plan to watch the audience. The planning of the Chief and himself had -accounted for the somewhat informal presentation of the evidence that I -had noticed. In rural courts, affairs are not conducted as they are in -the city, and I had observed a quick swing to affairs, hardly accounted -for on the ground of practice. I recognized the hand of Quintus Oakes, -and knew that the scene had been carefully manoeuvred. - -Hallen sat in his office on the evening of the day after the inquest, -reviewing the happenings that had crowded so fast in Mona, and thinking, -not without misgivings, of the wave of suspicion that was rising to -interfere with the affairs of the town. - -At this moment the editor of the "Mona Mirror" entered--a whole-souled, -fat individual, breezy and decidedly agreeable. He was one of the -natives, a man of growing popularity and decided education. Dowd was his -name, and he hated _that fellow Skinner_, who edited the rival -newspaper, the "Daily News." - -Skinner had "bossed" things in a free-handed fashion until Dowd (a clerk -in the post-office until middle life) had decided to enter the field of -journalism--less than two years before. Dowd was inexperienced, but he -was bright, and he wielded a pen that cut like a two-edged sword; and -the love that was lost between the two editors was not worth mentioning. - -As Dowd entered and found Hallen alone, he took off his hat and -overcoat, and laughed sarcastically. He really liked Hallen, and was on -intimate terms with him. Hallen looked up. "Well, what's ailing you -now?" he said. - -"Oh, nothing. Only this town is going loony, sure as fate, Hallen. What -are you going to do?" - -Hallen chewed the end of a cigar viciously. "I am going to do the best I -can to solve the mystery; if I cannot do that, I can at least keep order -here. Give me a few 'specials' and the necessity, and I will make these -half-crazy people do a turn or two." - -The burly chief turned the conversation into other channels, but Dowd -was satisfied. He knew the speaker well. - - - - - _CHAPTER X_ - - _The Cellar_ - - -Meantime our first experience at the Mansion, previously recorded, bade -fair to be a serious one. When Oakes had collapsed on his return from -the cellar Dr. Moore fortunately was sufficiently recovered to reach his -side in a few seconds. - -"Elevate his feet, Stone. He'll be all right in a few minutes; he has -fainted." - -I did as directed, and Moore threw the half of a pitcher of water on the -unconscious man's neck and face. Gravity sent the blood back to his -head, and when the water touched him, he gasped and presently opened his -eyes. Then we carried him to the bed. - -In an instant he attempted to rise, but the Doctor refused to allow it, -giving him instead an enviable drink from his flask. "Keep your guns by -you," said Oakes, "and give me mine." - -The tension had told on me, and Moore was now by far the best man. He -smiled and ordered me to take a drink also, and to sit down. I obeyed, -for I felt, after the excitement, as limp as a boy after his first -cigar. - -Dr. Moore was examining Oakes's head. "Fine scalp wound," said he, and -proceeded to sew it up and dress it. His pocket case came in handy. He -had been wise to bring it. "Hurt anywhere else, old fellow?" asked he. - -"No; sore as the devil all over, that's all," and Oakes arose, took off -his coat, and began to bathe his face. "Keep an eye on that door," said -he. - -I was myself now, and took my chair to the hall door, sitting where I -could command the head of the stairs and could also hear anyone who -might approach from below. - -"What happened?" asked Moore. - -"Well, nothing very much," said Oakes; "only I guess I got a mighty good -licking." - -"You look it," said I. "Did you shoot for help?" - -"Yes, I did. I could not _shout_. The shots saved my life." - -"How? Did you kill anyone?" - -"Don't know, only the other party kindly quit killing me when I began to -shoot. I heard something drop, however, and there may be a dead body -somewhere." - -The shots had aroused the household, and we heard shouting and cries -from the Cooks and from Annie. Soon they appeared, hunting for us, all -distraught and frightened. They said they were in the kitchen when they -heard the shots, and did not know whence they came. This was probable, -as the cellar was away from their section. Annie cried when she saw -Oakes, and ran out to bring in more help. One of the gardeners returned -with her, and as he came into the room I received the impression of a -silent, stern-looking man, past forty and rather strong in appearance, -although not large. He had seen better days. - -"Ah!" said he; "ye have run up aginst it agin, sorr. It's nerve ye have, -to go nigh that room after what ye got last time." Oakes looked at me -and at Moore, and we saw he wished us to keep silent. - -"Yes! I shan't try it again in a hurry. What's your name?" he asked. - -The question came quick as a flash. I knew he was trying to disconcert -the fellow. - -"My name is Mike O'Brien, sorr, gardener; you remimber, 'twas me that -helped you last time, sorr." - -"You mean you stood by and let the others help me, Mike." - -We knew now that this was the indifferent gardener of whom Oakes had -spoken. - -"Thrue for ye, sorr; 'twas little enough I did, and that's a fact; I'm -not used to being scared to death like ye be, sorr." Was that an -unintentional shot, or was it a "feeler"? - -Oakes had a sharp customer before him, and he knew it. - -"Where were you when you heard the shots, Mike?" - -"In the woods at the front of the house. I was raking up the leaves, be -the same token." - -"What did you see?" Oakes spoke in a commanding voice and fingered the -breech of his revolver in a suggestive way. - -"I seen a shadow come out av the cellar door." - -"What door?" - -"The _only_ cellar door; near the side av the house, sorr." - -"What sort of a shadow?" - -"'Twas the shadow av a man, and a big one. The sun cast it on the side -av the house, sorr." - -Oakes thought a moment, then arose and said: "Step here, Mike, and point -out the side of the house you mean." - -Mike hesitated. The other servants withdrew at Oakes's suggestion that -he wished to talk with the gardener. The latter advanced. We felt that -Oakes was trying to spring a trap. - -"The side of the house where the cellar door is," reiterated Mike. - -"Nonsense, O'Brien. Your story is impossible. The sun was then in the -east and the shadow would have been thrown on the east wall. There is no -door on that side; it is on the west side of the house." - -O'Brien looked at Oakes defiantly. - -"Yer intirely wrong, sorr. _There is_ the cellar door to the east." He -pointed to a hatch, opening about forty feet from the house, near the -well. "The door _ye_ saw on the west is niver opened--'tis nailed up." - -The tables were turned. Oakes was disconcerted. - -"If what you say is true, you have my apology. I have not investigated -closely." - -"So I thought, sorr," was the answer. And we all wondered at the amazing -coolness and self-possession of the man. It was one against three, and -he had held his own. - -"Sit down, Mike," said Oakes. "How long have you been here?" - -"Only a matter av six weeks. I came from New York and tried for a job. -Maloney, the head man, giv me wan." - -"Where is Maloney?" - -"He was in the tool-house whin I come by, sorr. He didn't hear the -commotion, being sort o' deef." - -"All right, Mike! Stay where you are a moment." Then Oakes turned to us. - -"Just after Moore was attacked I heard a sound like a quick footstep, -and having certain suspicions of my own, made a dash for the cellar. I -found there was no cellar under the north wing; but toward the west, and -directly beneath the dining-room, was a door. As I opened it all was -dark; but my eyes soon accustomed themselves to the light, and I made -out a good-sized chamber--and what I took for a man near the farther -end. I remained silent, pretending I had seen nothing, and, closing the -door, made a movement back up the cellar stairs. There I waited for -about five minutes. The ruse worked. The door of the chamber opened, and -a man, dressed in a dark cloak and a mask, partly emerged, and, I -_thought_, started for the other stairs at the west end of the cellar. I -jumped and grappled with him, but he struck me with the butt end of a -revolver, and I was dazed; in another minute, he was punishing me -severely. I fired two shots, then he threw me away from him and -disappeared. He was stronger than anyone I ever met," said Oakes, -apologetically, "a regular demon, and he got in the first blow. I think -I wounded him, however." - -"What shall we do?" said Moore. - -"Go quickly and investigate," was the answer. "Here, Mike, you lead the -way." - -Mike did not hesitate. If playing a game, he did it well. - -"Want a gun?" said Oakes. - -"No, sorr, not if youse all are armed. Guess we can give him all the -scrap he wants." - -We descended the stairs, Oakes last, as became his condition. He touched -Moore and myself, and pointed to Mike. "Watch him; he may be already -armed," he whispered. - -The cellar was lighted by one window at the western end. A door at the -same end, which evidently led to some stairs, was padlocked, and, as -Oakes said, had not been recently opened. The dust lay upon it -undisturbed and the padlock was very rusty. This corroborated Mike's -story. The door above that opened on the ground. It was boarded up, he -said. - -No means was found of passing beneath the dance hall, as Oakes had said. -From the lay of the ground, we concluded that the cellar was very low -there and not bottomed--a shut-in affair such as one finds in old -buildings of the Colonial epoch. Across the cellar, to the other -side--the south--the same thing pertained except at the western -extremity under the dining-room; there a door opened into a cellar room -or chamber. - -"Here! take this," said Oakes, handing Mike a small pocket taper. "Light -it." - -Mike did as told, and stepped into the room, I after him. Oakes held the -cellar door open, and I, happening to look at him, saw that he was -watching Mike as a cat watches a mouse. He had dropped a match at the -moment, and, with his eye still on the gardener, stooped to pick it up. -His hand made a swift, double movement, he had the match and something -else besides; but Mike had not observed, and I, of course, said nothing. - -The room was low and without windows, but the air was remarkably clean -and fresh. "Plenty of ventilation in here," said I. - -"Yes, and blood too," said the gardener. - -Sure enough, the floor was spattered with it. - -"Mine, I guess," said Oakes. "Moore, kindly fetch a lamp from upstairs. -Ask Annie for one." - -Moore went, and soon brought down a small lantern. We could hear Cook's -voice at the head of the stairs; also his wife's and Annie's. It was the -long-expected hunt that no one had ever before made, and which might -clear up the mystery at any time. - -By the better light we saw evidences of the struggle that had taken -place--a strip of Oakes's coat, and a piece of glazed red paper an inch -or so long, and perhaps half as broad--white on one side, red on the -other. - -"Piece of a mask," said I; and Oakes placed it in his pocket. - -Dr. Moore walked to the east side of the room, where he and I saw a door -in the wall, and some plastering on the floor under it. Mike was busy -examining a heap of rubbish at the other end. His conduct had been most -exemplary. Moore turned the light on the door, and we three observed it -for a moment. Mike had not seen it distinctly, if at all. - -"Moore, come here," said the detective, retreating; and the Doctor -followed with the light. - -"Come on, Stone." I left the room with them. - -"Curious!" he heard Mike say behind us. - -"What is curious?" asked Oakes. - -The smart hired man answered. "Mr. Clark, the air is good in here. Where -does it come from?" - -"I guess we have learned all we need this time, Mike," was the reply, -and the gardener came out reluctantly. - -Oakes had seen the door in the wall: it was all he wanted to know. He -closed the outer entrance of the room, and called to Cook for hammer and -nails. The man brought them quickly; then the leader took a board that -was standing against the wall, and Mike and Cook nailed it across the -door from frame to frame. - -"Mr. Clark, ye will _have_ the devil now, sorr," said Mike. - -Oakes took a pencil out of his pocket and wrote "Clark" on one end of -the board; then with a single movement continued his hand over its edge -carefully, and on to the frame, where the line terminated in a second -signature--"Clark." - -"Anyone removing that board has got to put it back to match that line," -said Oakes, "and that with a board is practically impossible where -nailing has been done. Now for the exit that opens near the well." - -We went back through the cellar hall and found at the east end a door -ajar. It did not lock, and was hung on rusty hinges. Beyond was a dark -passage. - -"Where does this lead, Mike?" - -"To the opening by the well, sorr." - -"How do you know?" - -"I don't know, myself, but Maloney said the outside opening by the well -led into the cellar; Cook says so, too. 'Tis a passage they used in wet -weather, sorr." - -"Mike, you and Cook go round and guard that outer door by the well. Open -it. I'm going through." - -"Mr. Clark, don't go in there alone!" - -"I'll attend to that," said Oakes. "You go with Cook." - -The two went to the well and lifted the hatch door. As they did so, -Oakes held a lighted match inside one end of the tunnel. It blew -strongly toward us; the air was rushing in, and we knew the passage led -to the opening. We heard their voices calling to us. Dr. Moore spoke. - -"Oakes, you shall _not_ go in there; you have done enough to-day; you -are a wounded man." I caught up the lantern and my revolver, and Moore -followed. - -"Hold on!" said Oakes. "You are in the most dangerous part; don't be -rash. Here, Stone, you go first--and Moore, you follow about ten feet -behind, without a light, in order that you may be undetected. Take -matches. I'll stay here with the taper, and watch. When you get to the -other end, don't go up the steps leading to the ground until both Mike -and Cook show themselves. We know nothing about them, you know. Be -cautious. The man we want went out this way, whoever he is." - -I threw the light ahead and advanced some ten feet. I heard Moore -following. "Careful!" said he in a whisper. - -Again I threw the light ahead, and beheld only the walls of the square -tunnel. I could hear the breathing of Moore behind me. I knocked on the -wall here and there with my revolver; it rang true and solid. We -gradually advanced until we beheld the daylight and saw the men waiting -at the head of the stone steps. - -I ascended. Moore took the lantern and called back to Oakes, addressing -him as Clark. In a moment he came. - -"Stay where you are, Stone," said he to me. "Come here, Mike." - -Mike descended willingly enough. I watched Cook and looked all around. - -"Open that door." Oakes pointed to a little wooden opening in the side -of the stairs. Mike obeyed, but instantly closed it again with a bang. - -"A man!" said he. - -Oakes and Moore levelled their revolvers. - -"Come out," said the detective, "or take the consequences. I shall -shoot." - -Mike opened the door again, hiding his figure behind it for protection -as it swung out. I expected to see some one shot, but Moore threw the -light in, and instantly Oakes dived forward into the alcove of stone. We -could hear him chuckle. Cook, at my side, was standing on one leg in his -excitement. Then Dr. Moore burst into laughter. - -"What is it? What's the matter?" I cried. I could not see very well, and -ran half-way down. Oakes was standing beside Moore, trying to look -grave. In his hand was a red paper mask and a long black robe! - -O'Brien looked on, his eyes twinkling, but his face serious. "I'm -thinking it's lucky, Mr. Clark, sorr, that ye saved yer ammunition," -said he. - -"Yes," retorted Oakes, "and it's still more fortunate you're a good -actor." - -O'Brien's somewhat insolent manner changed instantly to one of civility, -and Oakes turned to us. - -"No wonder some said there was a woman in this affair." - -Then he ordered the hatch door nailed down, and handed the things to me. -"Please take these upstairs, Stone; we must investigate this more -fully," and we withdrew to discuss our findings. - -"What do you think of O'Brien, Oakes?" I asked. "He seems to be a cool -sort of a customer." - -"Yes, he is no ignoramus. He's a shrewd fellow, and a deep one; but I -have learned a few things." - - - - - _CHAPTER XI_ - - _The Night Walk_ - - -Events were following each other rapidly at the Mansion. After leaving -the cellar, Oakes led us back through the grounds, around the south side -of the house. There was no entrance to the cellar there, apparently. - -When we reached our rooms and I had deposited the mask and gown on my -table, Oakes turned to the care-taker, Cook, who accompanied us: "You -have been several years here, have you not?" - -"Yes, Mr. Clark." - -"When did the first trouble begin?" - -"About three years ago, sir, following some repairs that were made after -Mr. Odell Mark bought the place from his brother." - -"What do you know of those repairs?" - -"Well, sir, as perhaps you have noticed, the door from the dining-room -to the parlor opens on a short hall about three feet deep. Now, sir, Mr. -Odell Mark had the wall thickened between the rooms; he thought it was -weak, and this hall represents the thickness of the wall." - -Oakes stood at the window, his hands in his pockets, looking out. - -"Did you see that wall being built yourself, Cook?" - -"I didn't notice particularly, sir." - -"Well, Stone, we'll try the simplest theory first. Will you kindly go -with Cook up to the roof and look around carefully. I have an idea that -the wall is double, and that you will find an opening up there -somewhere." - -We went, and, as Oakes had surmised, soon found a small opening like a -chimney, grated in solidly and protected by a covering, and so reported. - -"Good!" said Oakes. "The wall is double--in part at least--and the -opening was carried into the cellar room and a door placed there." - -"What for?" said I. - -"Perhaps to ventilate it. We may find some other reason." - -"We seem to be solving the mystery," was Moore's comment. - -Oakes looked at him quizzically. "Are you satisfied, Doctor, that there -is a physical agent at work here?" - -Moore grew red. "Certainly," he said. And Quintus smiled. - -"I thought probably you would be convinced in time. A thorough licking -is an excellent argument. It is my belief that the escapes were made -through that double wall, and that we shall find movable panels in the -dining-room." - -"But the motive! We are strangers; we gave no provocation," I cried. - -"We have yet to learn the motive; also _why_ a man should wear a robe. -The mask is sensible enough, but why he impeded himself with a robe is -beyond us as yet. It would hide his body, to be sure, as the mask would -hide his face, but it would certainly greatly affect his chances of -escape, if pursued. Cook, why was no investigation ever made before?" - -"I don't know, sir. Mr. Odell was very timid." - -"Did you ever go through the tunnel to the well?" - -"Yes, sir. I used to go before the mystery began, but never afterward." - -"How about the place in the stairs where the robe was found?" - -"That was always there, sir, and used for the gardener's tools." - -"Then the gardener knew of it?" - -"Maloney, the older one, did, I am sure; he has been here a long time." - -"Was he here before the mysteries?" - -"Yes, sir, he has been five years on the place." - -"Cook, what do you think of the murder of Winthrop Mark?" - -It was one of those sudden questions that sometimes bring results. - -"I don't know, sir--it is terrible, sir, of course." - -"Where was Maloney yesterday, Cook?" - -The man looked long at us. "He was here when I got up at six o'clock, -raking the leaves on the front walk." - -"Indeed!" said Oakes. We could not tell whether the answer surprised -him, or not. - -"I suppose Mike worked all day?" - -"Yes, sir, he was about on the place the entire time." - -Oakes made no remark whatever at this, but dismissed Cook. - -"We cannot go too far in presence of the servants," said he, "for I am -only Clark the agent here, you remember. The time is coming when we may -have to declare ourselves and we may need police help to make arrests, -but," he smiled, "we have Hallen as a friend, I guess." - -Oakes was calmly sanguine, I could see, but of course he did not know -that collateral events were brewing of grave importance to us all. - -"Now for the robe and mask," said he. - -I handed over the mask, an old affair and considerably worn from usage. -A piece of it was missing, which Oakes replaced with the fragment of -paper picked up in the cellar; it fitted exactly, settling the fact that -the mask had been worn by the man who fought him in that place. - -The detective looked it all over and said: "This is such as was sold in -New York years ago. It is ordinary, and offers no clue as to the owner -or the place of purchase. I know the kind." - -The robe was fairly long, and made of old velvet lined with satin, quite -shiny inside and out. The name of its maker had been carefully cut away. -It was spotted with blood--Oakes's, no doubt--for it was fresh. - -"It served a good purpose this time, anyway," said I; "saved the man's -clothes from being marked." - -"Medium chest measure," said Oakes. "Try it on, Stone." - -I did so, and it just met around me. - -"Good! The fellow who wore it is not a giant in chest measure, at all -events, though larger than you, probably, since he wore it next to his -undershirt." - -"How in the world do you know that, Oakes?" said the doctor. - -"Look at the discoloration of the lining on the shoulders, and also -across the chest and back. The soil is old, but there is a moisture -about the front yet, the moisture of fresh perspiration--it has been -used quite recently. _That_ would not have come through a coat or a -vest. I should not be surprised if he had worn it over his naked chest." - -"Where do you suppose the outfit came from?" I asked. - -"Probably a relic of some masquerade ball of many years ago. This house -used to be a popular place for entertainments." - -"What did you pick up in the cellar when you stooped for the match?" - -"Oh, you noticed that? See for yourselves," and he showed us an -old-fashioned heavy-calibre cartridge. - -"And how about the closet in the steps, from which you took the robe?" I -pursued. - -"I happened to see the door, although both of you missed it. The person -who hid the disguise there is quite familiar with that exit, evidently. -That narrows the search considerably," said Oakes. "But the robe is a -mystery; it is a senseless thing to use under such circumstances." - -"Yes--senseless; that is the word," spoke up Moore. - -Oakes's eyes searched the physician's, but the latter made no further -remark. I thought Oakes was sizing him up as pretty far from "senseless" -himself. - -We now examined the robe more carefully, and saw that it was soiled with -what appeared to me to be soot. Oakes shook his head. "No, it seems to -be wood ash of some kind; see how light some of it is," he said. - -He ran his hand along the inside of the robe, and found a small, -well-worn slit--an opening to a deep pocket. Instantly he turned it -inside out, and a small roll of paper dropped from it. He carefully -unfolded it and spread it on the table. - -"It is a piece of an old newspaper," said he, "and has been read much. -It has been thumbed till it is ready to fall apart. Read it, Stone. Your -eyes are best." - -I studied a while, and then began: - - "DAILY NEWS, _October 30, 189-_.--The body was found face - downward, on the main Highway, just below the crest of the Mona - Hill. It was first seen by John Morney, who was going to the - reservoir in advance of his gang of laborers. They were in sight - when he discovered it; the time was therefore shortly before - seven. The men were going to work at 6.30 from Mona. They - recognized it instantly as the body of Orlando Smith, our - beloved and esteemed citizen. Death had occurred only a short - time before, and the murder must have been done about daybreak. - It was evident that Mr. Smith was returning from his factory, - where he had spent the night, the shift having been doubled - recently, owing to the pressure of business. Later examinations - showed that the bullet entered the chest and was from a large - revolver, a 44 or 45 calibre. The ball was not found. - - "We are unable to give any more particulars now, before the time - of going to press." - -"That is all," I said. - -We remained standing while we thought over the matter. There was a -satisfied air about the detective that I could not quite fathom, and Dr. -Moore seemed to be quite pleased also. - -"Well, what is it?" I asked. - -With a voice that betrayed traces of elation, Oakes answered me: "The -man in the cellar wore this robe; if he thumbed this paper, the murder -of Smith interested him. The murder of Mark was similar, and I believe -our Mansion affair is going to involve us in a peck of unexpected -trouble. The clues are showing now, and we must know more about the -Smith murder, as well as the Mark affair." - -"Yes," put in Moore, "and all about the suspected motives in the Smith -affair." - -Oakes smiled. "Don't be too previous, my boy. If Hallen looks for our -help, well and good. Otherwise, remember, I have given my word not to -interfere with his search at present. Meanwhile, we must get into town -and look around." - -"You must remain here," said Moore. "You cannot go out until that wound -begins to heal--in a day or so." - -"That is so," said Oakes. "But perhaps Stone can find out what is going -on." - -So it was arranged that I should call on Chief Hallen that evening and -spend a few hours in Mona. - -At supper, Oakes said that tomorrow he would have men from the city who -would make a complete search of the walls, and perhaps tear down some -partitions. "Masons, and other workmen, you know," said he; and I saw a -twinkle in his eyes and realized that he was going to surround himself -with men, in case of an emergency. - -"Are you expecting trouble?" I asked. - -"No," said he, grave again in a second, "but I believe in being -forearmed. This matter is capable of developing into a very serious -affair for all hands, especially if we have a band of conspirators -against us." - -"_A band!_" said I. - -"Yes, certainly. Has it never occurred to you that there may be several -desperate characters in this affair and the murder? This is no boy's -play; we are facing unknown dangers. Now, Stone, go about town -carefully, and send this cipher to New York first thing. When you come -back, tell Chief Hallen that I want you escorted to the Mansion by two -men. Remember! He will understand, for he spoke to me of the -advisability of giving me aid." - -It all seemed strange to me, but I was not fearful when I left just at -seven for the town. - -I took the short cut over the bridge, and up the hill beyond, and they -watched me as I crossed the rolling plains to Mona. - -It was a clear night, and I could see well over the hills, the -three-quarters moon giving me excellent light. I could not help thinking -how careful was this man Oakes, and what a peculiar nature was his; -alert, severe even to austerity at times; then solicitous, friendly and -even fond of a joke. I was more than glad that I came, although I -realized that perhaps it was foolish to interfere in such affairs. Of -course, that murder of Mark had been cast upon our notice by curious -circumstances, and unexpectedly. - -As I walked over the rolling ground, I kept my eyes well upon my -surroundings; but not a living thing did I see except myself and the -night birds until I entered the town. - -There was an air of subdued excitement about the place. As I walked to -the post-office to send my despatches the loungers seemed numerous, and -some were amiss in their greetings; others, whom I knew, approached in -an affable manner enough, but there seemed no genuine friendliness. - -The telegraph manager took the cipher and smiled when he saw it. Then he -said to me in a whisper: "Tell Mr. Clark there is trouble coming." - -To my look of surprise he answered: "Oh, that's all right; I had a visit -from your friend before he went to the Mansion." - -Again I recognized the work of careful Oakes, and understood why he did -not hesitate to send the cipher--a thing unusual in a small town. - -The indications of impending trouble in town were quite impressed upon -me. The little hotel was the centre of a lounging crowd, large, and -composed of representative men as well as the usual hangers-on. There -were evidences of much interest around the police building also--much -more than would occur under normal circumstances in a town of this size, -and even more than was present the night before. - -I noticed a couple of brawls, and considerable raising of voices; many -men were walking about as though watching the others. The prairie fire -had been lighted; the sparks were burning near the roots of the grass; -the air was uneasy--ready to rush in as wind, to fan and feed the first -flame. - -I visited the Chief, who was with his subordinates. He invited me into -the private room, and then said: - -"Mr. Stone, I am doing all I can to detect this murderer and to satisfy -the public demand for his apprehension, but the clues are practically -worthless. The populace is uneasy and suspicious." - -Then he detailed to me all that he knew. I then told him how the -people's actions had impressed me. - -"I am going to have all I can do to keep order. I am going to ask your -friend Oakes to take a hand." - -"He will do it," I said, "for he is greatly interested." - -"It is for the welfare of the town which I serve that I ask him to join -me in this matter. Go to him, and tell him I shall see him in the -morning if possible." - -I was glad that affairs were taking such a turn, for I knew the facts -in our possession, and that Oakes's counsel would be valuable. - -I then requested an escort of two men to accompany me on my return to -the Mansion, as Oakes had suggested. - -"Certainly! I had no intention of letting you go back alone," he said; -and then he summoned two of his men clad in citizen's clothes and -introduced them to me. "Now take a walk to the outskirts, and return the -same way by which you came. My men will follow you at a short distance." - -Before I left I noticed my companions--fine-looking fellows both of -them--and saw the tell-tale pouching of the hip pockets, and knew that -we were all well armed. - -"In order not to attract attention, we will walk some distance behind -you. We will keep you within sight and hearing. If we fire a shot, -return to us." - -I started across the rolling country, and saw the two figures behind me. -Why were they so careful? Why did they not accompany me? They separated, -and we advanced, I myself following the narrow path. - -The night was still. I halted occasionally and looked back--a dim figure -would halt on my left and on my right. It was lonesome, but I felt I had -company. - -I neared the slope to the pond, and looked down; there was nothing -visible, and I began to descend with an easy stride. Although nearing -the Mansion, I felt an unaccountable dread. This was the trying part of -the journey, and my followers were now invisible to me, being on the -plain above the crest of the hill. I gripped my revolver firmly, and -stepped rapidly on to the bridge; but as I did so I heard a pistol shot -from above, and knew instantly that I was in danger--that my companions -had signalled me to return. - -I faced about, and commenced my ascent of the hill. - -From somewhere near a voice came to me clearly. "Run for your life," it -said. - -I could see nothing, but retreated hurriedly, and was soon with the -others at the top of the hill. - -"Why did you tell me to run?" I panted. - -They looked at me. "We said nothing," was the answer; "we merely -signalled you to come back." - -"Well, someone ordered me to run for my life." - -"Ah!" said they. "We thought we heard a voice. We saw a figure at the -other side of the pond. We came over the crest cautiously, and he did -not expect us. He was crossing in range of the light from the Mansion -gate when we detected him. So much for following you!" - -"Well, but who spoke to me? He could not have done so; his voice would -not have sounded so near." - -"No, evidently someone near you was watching him; he was about to waylay -you, and the watcher knew it and warned you." - -We heard a commotion and saw a figure dash from the bridge, away toward -the north end of the pond, and disappear. - -Then another figure showed at the crest on the River Road and followed -him at breakneck speed. - -"See--the man on the bridge was the fellow who warned you. The other is -after him. He won't catch him, however." - -"Come!" I cried; and we darted down and over the bridge to the road -above, but nothing was visible. Suddenly a couple of figures emerged -from the darkness by the Mansion gate. We recognized Oakes and Moore, -who had been awaiting us. - -We related the circumstances of our return to the Mansion to them. - -"Yes," said Oakes, "we were watching the man near the road. He had a -gun, and was evidently waiting for you. We were just going to make a -rush at him when we saw you run back at the signal." - -"Who was he?" asked I. - -"I will answer the question by asking: Who was the man who warned you?" - -"I haven't the least idea," said I. - -"You see, you were in great danger, and only that man's foresight saved -your life. But there are _two_ unknowns now--the friend and the enemy." - -We watched my escorts descend and cross the bridge, mount the ascent and -disappear over the crest toward Mona. Then the moonlight silhouetted -their figures for an instant, as they turned and waved a farewell. - - - - - _CHAPTER XII_ - - _The Witness_ - - -Mr. George Elliott, aristocratic, well-to-do club-man and all-round -agreeable fellow, lived in bachelor apartments on the upper West side of -New York. - -He was engaged now in the brokerage business, but, times having been -dull, he found it rather difficult to occupy himself and was -anticipating taking a vacation--but where, he had not yet decided. - -Events were shaping themselves, however, to bring him into the -happenings at Mona as one of our party. - -On the corner, near the apartment, was a boot-blacking stand, presided -over by one Joe, an intelligent and wide-awake colored youngster, whose -general good-nature and honesty had made him popular with many. Among -his patrons and general well-wishers was Mr. Elliott, to whom Joe had -taken a particular liking, and whose opinions the young negro had often -sought in an off-hand way; for, despite his general air of reserve and -hauteur, Elliott was kindness itself at heart, and a man who could be -easily approached by those who were suffering from worry and hardship. - -At about the time of the beginning of this story, Joe's mother had been -taken sick and had died in Troy, and the boy had gone up there for a few -days. - -Then he had gone to Lorona, a little town farther south, and from thence -to Mona on his way home to New York. At Mona he had seen a terrible -thing--a murder. - -Bewildered, frightened, overawed by his fateful knowledge, he had -managed, however, to reach New York, where he sought out Mr. Elliott for -counsel; he knew the latter was kind and good and would tell him what to -do. Joe realized that he needed advice--that he was in a terrible fix, -being the only witness, so far as he knew, of a crime of the worst kind. - -As Joe told Mr. Elliott the things he had witnessed, that gentleman -realized the tremendous value of the evidence being told him. - -By adroit questioning, he determined that the celebrated Quintus Oakes -was in Mona. The boy said he recognized him, for he had frequently -"shined" Mr. Oakes's shoes in times past on Broadway. Elliott realized -that as he was called Clark at the inquest--according to Joe--the people -in Mona did not know him as Oakes; he must be travelling under an -_alias_, on important business probably. Elliott also grasped the fact -that Oakes was there at the time of the murder by coincidence only. He -had read of the affair in the evening paper, but only in a careless -manner. It was all of deep interest now. - -What should he do with Joe? - -If he allowed the boy to think that he was in a tight place, he might -run away, and that would defeat justice. There was the alternative of -telling the police; _that_ would mix himself up in an unpleasant affair, -and Joe might not be believed--might be falsely accused of the murder. - -Again, he knew Mr. Oakes. He had seen him at the Club, and he did not -desire to frustrate whatever investigations the detective might be -making. - -The best solution would be to find Quintus Oakes and tell him. He -certainly would be able to give some attention to the murder, even if -not in Mona for that purpose. Meanwhile, he himself would hold the boy -at all hazards. - -With skill scarcely to be expected from one of his easy-going type, he -told Joe to remain and sleep in his flat that night and that he would -fix things for him. The terror-stricken negro was only too glad of -sympathy and protection from one of Mr. Elliott's standing, and -complied; for he was at the mercy of his friends. What could he, a -colored boy, do alone? - -After tired nature had asserted herself and Joe had fallen asleep in a -room which had been given him, Elliott called up Oakes's office by -telephone. In less than an hour a dapper young man sought admission to -the apartment, and was met by Elliott. He introduced himself as -"Martin--from Oakes's place." In a few words Elliott explained matters, -and Martin said: - -"Let Joe go to his boot-blacking stand in the morning. Get your shoes -shined, and place your hand on his shoulder in conversation, so that he -can be identified before you leave. Our men will be in sight. Then meet -me at the elevated station, and we will go to Mona together, if you care -to do so." - -"Good!" said Elliott. "I am willing; I will take my vacation that way." - -And that was how, several hours later, Joe went to his boot-blacking -stand, feeling secure in being near friends, and oblivious of the fact -that strange eyes were watching all his movements. - -A little later Elliott patronized the stand, and in leaving placed his -hand on Joe's shoulder and said: "Nobody will trouble you, old fellow. -Don't say a word; it will all come out right. I will back you to the -limit." - -And after that several pairs of eyes watched every movement of the -boot-black. Several affable strangers gave him quarters for ten-cent -shines. Joe was not in the police net, but he was in the vision of those -silent men whom one cannot detect--those experts employed by men like -Oakes. Escape was impossible for the negro. - -Joe remained in good spirits, for had not Mr. Elliott befriended him? He -was ignorant of the doings of those brief hours when he slept. - -Elliott's going to Mona was perhaps unnecessary, but he felt a natural -curiosity to know Oakes better, as well as to see the outcome of the -case and the effect of the evidence the negro possessed. He was also -actuated by a desire to do all he could to establish the accuracy of the -boy's statement, and to see that he obtained as good treatment as was -consistent with the ends of justice. - -He and Martin arrived at Mona the day after the murder--our first one at -the Mansion. The two stayed at the hotel and studied the town, finding -it impossible to go to the Mansion without creating talk. - -As Martin said: "We must go slowly and not appear too interested in -Oakes, or rather Clark, as he is known up here--so the office informed -me. So far as we know he has nothing to do with the murder case, and we, -being strangers and consequently subject to comment, must be guarded in -our actions. I have seen and heard enough to realize that there is much -suppressed excitement among the people. We must communicate with Oakes -quietly, and find whether it is wise to see him. He may not desire our -presence at the Mark place." - - - - - _CHAPTER XIII_ - - _The Plan of Campaign_ - - -Next day, as we were at breakfast at the Mansion, the masons and -carpenters came. Curiously enough, one of them brought a note from -Martin, asking if it would be convenient for him to bring a stranger, -with valuable information, to see Mr. Oakes that morning; and the man -found it convenient to drop into town a little later and incidentally to -meet Martin and let him know that Oakes expected him. Then he went to -the hardware store and bought a few trifling things, as any carpenter or -mason might do. - -"Looks as though I am going to hold a reception this morning," said -Oakes: "The Chief of Police making an engagement last night for an -interview this morning, and now Martin asking for another." - -"What is Martin doing up here?" asked Moore. - -"Well, don't get impatient. He has something important, anyway. Just -wait." I think Moore felt aggravated at Oakes's apparent indifference. -Of course it was simulated, but he seemed so calm and oblivious of the -mass of happenings that had put Moore and myself in a state of extreme -excitement. - -It was not long before Martin and Mr. Elliott were with us. Oakes -received Elliott in a most agreeable manner, which placed us all at -ease. He said he knew Mr. Elliott by sight, and esteemed it greatly that -he should extend information to him. Also he was sure it must be of -great value, since the gentleman had travelled all the way from New York -to place him in possession of it. And this was said before any -information was given. We saw that our friend was a diplomat. - -Quickly Mr. Elliott gave all the particulars of the negro's confession, -and the detective said: "If I am called into the case by Chief Hallen, I -shall want to see the boy; if not, the information should be given to -the Chief, as the matter belongs to his jurisdiction." - -Looking out of the window at that moment, I espied Hallen coming up the -walk. - -"Good!" said Oakes. "Now, Mr. Elliott, will you kindly retire with Dr. -Moore, while Stone, Martin and I hear what the Chief has to say." - -When Hallen came up, he seemed very cordial, but worried, and made no -attempt to disguise the fact that he anticipated trouble with the unruly -element in Mona by Saturday night. - -"You see," he said, "we are few here, and I have been kept busy with the -brewing uneasiness in town and cannot handle the murder affair -satisfactorily. I have come to ask you to help me, if you are -sufficiently at leisure. We cannot get any clues at all, save that the -man was killed by a bullet of large calibre in the hands of a good shot, -as the distance from which it was fired would seem to show. The road has -been searched but nothing found, and the crowd that went with you to the -dying man's side trampled away all clues on the ground. - -"My men have reported to me the curious affair of last night," continued -the Chief. "I suppose you have a explanation for it; in any event, it -must be followed up. The people must be diverted, and more must be done -at once than I can do. Will you help me?" - -"Yes," said Oakes. "Of course!" - -"Hello, what ails your head?" said the Chief, after thanking him. - -And then Oakes told him as much as was necessary of the events of the -day before. - -"I am very glad your _carpenters_ have arrived," said the Chief; "they -may help." He smiled, as did Oakes. They understood one another--they -were in similar lines of business. - -"Now that I have a hand in this thing, let's all get acquainted," said -Oakes; and he called in Moore and Elliott, and the discussion became -general. - -Elliott was admitted unreservedly to our councils, especially as Oakes -knew that he held the keys to the conviction of the assassin--the -witness. - -Oakes, in his fluent style, acquainted the Chief with the fact that the -negro was already under surveillance and that, in his opinion, he should -be brought to Mona for further examination. - -"Yes, but we must smuggle him in. It would be unwise to let the populace -know we have him now; they might infer he was the murderer and violence -would certainly be done him. At present, I have all I can do to keep -order in the town," said Hallen. - -Then he gave a lucid account of the wave of suspicion and of the -evidences of nervous tension the citizens were showing. - -"Why," said he, "almost every man suspects his neighbor. Life-long -friends are suspicious of one another and business is nearly at a -standstill. One man looked at another in an absent-minded sort of a way -to-day, and the other retaliated with a blow and an oath, and asked him -if he would look at his own arms--not his neighbor's." - -"Yes," said Oakes, "we have here a great mental emotion--_suspicion_--to -deal with, which may amount to a public calamity unless checked. One -must always take account of the actions and reasonings of communities. -Emotional waves rush through them as through individuals sometimes. Look -at history, and consider the waves of religion, emotional in character, -that have occurred. Look at the unreasonableness developed in our own -country from ignorance and fear, when witches were burned at the stake!" - -"Oakes," said Moore with a smile, "you seem to make mental processes and -conditions as much of a study as the physician does." - -"Certainly," Oakes replied. "It is most important. Did we not study the -workings of a criminal's mind, for instance, we would often be baffled. -You see, the determination of the probable condition of such a one's -mind is often paramount, especially in such a case as this. In other -words, was the _motive_ one that would naturally sway an ordinary -healthy individual under the conditions appertaining to the crime--the -so-called _sane_ motive? Or was it in any way dependent upon -peculiarities of the criminal's reasoning--a motive built up of -something unreal, a _delusion_ in the mind of one not in his right -senses?" - -I myself had frequently had cause to study such mental processes in the -practice of my profession, but I was amazed at the knowledge shown by -Oakes, and stated in such a broad, untechnical manner. The man was no -ordinary one, to be sure, but I had scarcely expected him to show such -education in these matters. - -I now recalled what Moore had once told me of Oakes's all-round -attainments. - -Dr. Moore broke the silence. - -"You are a lalapazooza, Oakes." - -Oakes did not notice the remark, but said: "I don't know what other men -do, but I have tried to bear in mind such things." - -"Yes," said Hallen, "and consequently there is only _one_ Quintus -Oakes." - -"It seems to me," continued Hallen, "that your work here at the Mansion -will soon lead to results, and I trust that you will find time to -consider the murder also." - -"Gentlemen," said Oakes very seriously, "from what I saw after the Mark -murder in town and from what you report, I feel that Mona is in a very -serious plight. I shall make time, Hallen, to do what little I can." - -And thus Quintus Oakes became the leader in the unravelling of the Mark -murder mystery. - -After a few remarks of no particular consequence and a more or less -general conversation, he resumed: - -"Suppose, Chief, that we now smuggle the negro into Mona as soon as -possible, and bring him here. I believe that if Mr. Elliott goes back -with Martin and they explain things to the boy, he will come without -much trouble. It must be impressed upon him that he is regarded in the -light of a _hero_: appeal to the innate weakness of the race--desire for -flattery." - -"I believe we can bring him here easily," said Elliott, "for he has -confidence in me." - -"If he refuses to come," said Hallen, "we can get him here in plenty of -ways." - -"Yes," said Oakes, "Martin knows how; leave it to him. Only, we must -have him soon, and he must come here by way of another station, -incognito, lest the people become too excited." - -This being agreed upon, the conversation became more general, and in -answer to questions we found that Oakes had not as yet formulated any -solution to the mystery of the identity of the murderer. As he said, the -affair of downstairs might be connected with the murder, indirectly or -directly, but as yet we had not had sufficient opportunities for -studying the surroundings of the house or the life of its attachés to -venture an opinion. He laid particular stress upon the fact that -opinions should never be formed on poor evidence, since a biased mind -was incapable of appreciating new discoveries or new clues. To theorize -too much was very easy, but sometimes fatal to detection of crime. He -preferred to work along several lines of investigation before -concentration on any one idea. - -"The affair of last night, in my estimation," said he, "is one of very -grave import. Unquestionably, from what you saw, Stone, and from the -evidence of us all, there were two men near the place you were going to -pass. That the first one warned you and was, in a sense, a friend, is -mysterious enough--it needs solution; but that the man who warned you -should have run away and been pursued by the other is peculiar, to say -the least. The signals of your companions were heard by the man at the -bridge undoubtedly, and he ran to escape detection himself. The -other--the one on this side, who was a probable assassin--would under -ordinary circumstances have run away when he saw you were warned. He -did run, but it was after the man who warned you." - -"To my mind, the explanation is this," continued the detective. "The man -at the bridge is friendly, but cannot expose his identity or risk -capture. The would-be assassin was convinced that the man who warned you -knew of his purpose. He therefore pursued him--to finish him in -self-protection." - -"I don't see why," said Moore; "he could have escaped instead." - -"Exactly," said Oakes. "He could have done so, but he did not wish it. -He has not completed what he wants to do around here. He wished to come -back, and to do so with safety he must rid himself of the one who knew -of his doings." - -"Looks as though he was planning more trouble. He may have been the man -of the robe, or the man with the arms," I ventured. - -"Or both," said Oakes. - -"At all events," said Hallen, "I wish that we could divert the minds of -the people in town; the tension is great--too great for safety." - -"Perhaps, Chief," said Oakes, "that you and I can arrange a little -matter that will distract their attention and which will tend to make -them believe that progress is being made." - -He laughed as he spoke, and we knew that he was thinking over some -little scheme to help Hallen back into popular favor. - - - - - _CHAPTER XIV_ - - _Clues_ - - -The carpenters and masons came and went in a very business-like way all -that morning, while we were closeted upstairs with our companion and -Chief Hallen. - -After he left us, Moore and I walked down to the gate and around the -grounds, leaving Oakes to attend to details with Martin. Carpenters were -very busy around the dining-room, carrying in boards and implements, and -examining the woodwork and the balcony. - -A few of the masons were about the grounds, engaged on small details, -and all seemed to be on good terms with Cook and his wife, and Annie. -Mike was busy at one end of the garden, and Maloney was not far off. - -"This, Stone, is to be a day of events here. But things are being done -very quietly, are they not? You would suspect nothing out of the -way--far less a hunt for a murderer or the investigation of a mystery, -would you?" - -"No; were I not informed, I should think that Oakes had merely a gang of -laborers at work." - -"He has that; but he has also a body of the best detectives, for the -purpose, to be had. Maloney and Mike are puzzling him considerably, -Stone; they are very close to one another always, and seem quite -intimate." - -"Yes," I replied. "I have noticed it. They both show a great deal of -interest in these alterations. Have you noticed how Maloney is watching -O'Brien? He keeps him continually in sight." - -We had approached the front door of the Mansion as we spoke. Oakes was -standing just outside, his eyes likewise upon the two gardeners. Our -last remarks were made in his presence, and he entered the conversation -with a quiet observation to the effect that Maloney seemed to fear that -Mike might not attend to his business, but that Mike _would_, -nevertheless. - -I was obliged to acknowledge that I did not quite understand. - -"Oh, Mike is a good laborer," he explained; "he needs no such watching," -and there seemed to be a peculiar significance in his words. They were -stated in a slow, indifferent manner that caused me to look at the -speaker, but his face wore the inscrutable expression which I had -frequently seen before, and I learned nothing. I knew him well enough by -this time, however, to realize that something was taking shape in his -thoughts. - -"Now, let us go inside," said he. "After lunch we will attack the final -solution of the manner in which these mysterious assaults were -performed. Like all such things, it will be simple enough, I know, and -the point remaining to determine will be not _how_ it was done, but _by -whom_. - -"I feel confident that that door in the cellar room leads upward to an -interspace which communicates with the dining-room through panels in the -walls. The peculiar noise--the swish--that I heard, resembled the sudden -sliding of a board, and it was the conviction that the person who -assaulted Moore disappeared into the wall which made me run downstairs. -I felt sure there would be some explanation of it below." - -That afternoon a systematic search of the entire house was made. The -cellar room in which the assault upon Oakes had occurred was thoroughly -lighted and examined. The heap of rubbish which Mike had been -investigating at our previous visit proved to be composed of plaster and -bricks. - -The wall in which the door was cut was found to be about three feet -thick, and one of the foundations of the house. It was solid, save for a -chimney-like opening which had been trapped with the door. Above, at the -level of the dining-room floor, the great wall ceased. From one edge was -continued upwards the original partition between that room and the -next--the parlor; but it was thin, and had evidently been recently -strengthened by another wall, slightly thicker, and built from the -opposite edge of the foundation, leaving a space between the two. Into -this space entered, at a certain point, the opening from the cellar room -below. - -It was a peculiar arrangement. As Oakes remarked, the new wall had been -made with no regard to the economizing of space; for, had it been built -immediately back of the old, considerable room would have been saved -for the parlor. One of the "carpenters" thought that the original idea -had been to utilize the space for closets. The only other possible use -for it, so far as we could discover, was the one which Oakes had -surmised--ventilation for the cellar. Still, to our ordinary minds, a -chimney would have answered that purpose quite as well. - -A little further investigation, however, showed the top of the -foundation wall to be covered with cement well smoothed, and the walls -themselves were plastered. It was generally conceded, therefore, that -the first idea had been to use it as closet room, which could easily -have been done by cutting doors through the walls. As Oakes said, the -notion had evidently met with opposition and been abandoned, so -communication had been made with the cellar instead, and the roof opened -to afford ventilation. - -The opening into the cellar was large. A man could easily enter it, and, -standing, reach the top of the foundation wall; then, by a little -exertion, he could raise himself into the intermural space. Oakes, Moore -and I proved this by actual experiment and found that the passage was -quite wide enough to accommodate a man of average proportions. - -I have said that the dining-room was finished in oak panels. These had -been reached from our side of the wall by removing the bricks and -mortar--the same stuff evidently which helped to form the rubbish heap -in the room below. One of the larger panels had been made to slide -vertically. It had been neatly done and had escaped detection from the -dining-room because of the overlapping of the other panels. Some débris -still remained between the walls. - -"The fellow we are after knew of the space between the walls and worked -at the panel after the repairs were completed," was Oakes's remark. - -"How do you know that?" asked Moore. - -Oakes looked at him and smiled, then said: "Moore, where is your -reasoning ability? Do you think, if the panel had been tampered with at -the time the repairs were made, that the débris would have been left -behind? No! It would have been removed with the rest of the dirt." - -We had gone to our rooms upstairs while the men were hunting through -the tunnel to the well. They found nothing; everything was as we had -left it after our adventures there. - -It seemed to us that, all things considered, the work on the panel must -have been done by someone within the household, or, at least, that some -of its members must have been involved in the matter. - -"It may have been accomplished at night, however, and by an outsider," -said Oakes. "The servants' quarters are separate from the house. Anyone -might easily have entered the cellar by the tunnel route. Still, there -may have been collusion also." - -"It seems a nonsensical idea to leave the débris in the cellar," I said. - -"No, I think not," was the answer. "The care-takers are afraid even to -enter that place. The miscreant knew that detection would be probable at -the hands of strangers only." - -That evening Elliott and Martin left for New York. They were to bring -the negro boy, Joe, to Mona. Late at night, before we retired, Oakes -asked us to go with him into the parlor. - -"What for?" said I. - -"To forge another link in the chain--the strongest yet," he said. - -"What?" - -"Do you remember the cartridge I found in the cellar?" - -"Yes, yes; but you did not pay much attention to it, I thought." - -He looked gravely at me. "Stone, that cartridge probably corresponds in -calibre to the one which was used in the murder of Mark." - -"Ah!" said Moore. "I had a notion of that myself. Why did you not tell -us your opinion before?" - -"Because, when I found it, we were working on the Mansion affair only. I -divined the value of the find; but why should I have mentioned it? I was -not hunting the Mark murderer then." - -"Quintus, you consummate fox--you worked Hallen well!" - -"Not at all; business is business. What is the use of gossiping? There -are no ladies to be entertained in _my_ profession, Doctor." - -He led the way to the parlor--we meekly following--to where a cluster -of arms hung upon the wall: one of those ornaments of crossed swords, -guns and a shield, so common in old houses. - -He remarked that he had noticed these arms on his previous visit. He -looked at a revolver hanging across the shield, with a pouch beneath it, -and then suddenly, in surprise, said: "Last time I was here, a few weeks -ago, there was a large old-fashioned revolver here of 44 or 45 calibre. -I remember it well, being interested in firearms. - -"This one now here is of a similar pattern and appearance, but of -smaller calibre, and newer. Look! The cartridges in this pouch are of -about 45 size; they belong to the old weapon and cannot be used with -this one." - -"Again, some of them are missing; there were at least a dozen before, -now there are only three or four. The old revolver and some cartridges -have been taken away, and a newer weapon substituted." - -"Indeed! But why?" said Moore sceptically. - -"Partly because"--and Oakes was decisive, curt, master of the -situation--"because this one cannot be loaded. See!" He then tried to -turn the chamber and showed us that the mechanism was faulty. - -"The old revolver," said he in a low tone, "and some cartridges were -taken away, and in order that its absence should be less noticeable, -this one was left here--it being useless. - -"Now, boys, the cartridge I found downstairs on the cellar floor is a -45-calibre and belongs to those of the pouch and the original revolver, -as you see." - -He took it from his pocket and showed us that it did _not_ fit the -weapon in his hand but matched the cartridges in the pouch. It belonged -to the _old_ weapon. - -"We are closing in," said I. - -"Yes--the man of the robe has the old revolver and cartridges; he took -them within the last few days, finding his own weapon out of order. It -is he who is responsible for the mystery in this house--and in all -probability it is he who shot Winthrop Mark. You remember, the evidence -at the inquest showed that a heavy revolver had been used--a 44 or 45 -calibre--exactly such an one as the old weapon which I saw here." - -"Excellent, Oakes," remarked Moore. "There's only one objection." - -"Yes, I know," said Oakes. "You were going to ask why the fellow did not -take all these cartridges and put his own in the pouch to match the -weapon he left here." - -"Exactly," said Moore. - -"Well," said the detective, "he either had no cartridges of his own -handy, or else, like all criminals, however smart, he tripped--the brain -of no man is capable of adjusting his actions precisely in every -detail." - -"Guess you're right. No man can be perfect in his reasoning, and, no -matter how clever the criminal, he is almost certain to make an error -sooner or later," said Moore. - -"Yes, but it takes peculiar power to discover it," I chirped. The events -of the day had tired me, and my mind was growing confused. I desired to -go to bed. - -Oakes smiled slightly. "No, Stone; it takes study, worry and patient -reasoning to discover the faulty link in a clever criminal's -logic--that is why there is a profession like mine." - -I was half asleep, but I heard him continue: "We may consider we have -excellent cause to look for a man who has in his possession an ancient -revolver and some very old dirty cartridges covered with verdigris, like -these here." - -"Murder will out," I interpolated. - -"Yes, eventually, sometimes. However, it is easy to say, 'he who had -that revolver did the murder,' but as it may have been destroyed since -then, or thrown into the river, it is another thing to find the _man_." - -We were crestfallen. Oakes himself looked wearied. - -"I wish the whole Mansion was in the river, and there were a decent café -round here," protested Moore. - -"You're a vigorous pair of assistants, I must say," said Quintus. "I -have some samples in my room. Come!" and we all adjourned. - - - - - _CHAPTER XV_ - - _The Ruse_ - - -After all, however, the doctor and I decided to spend the night at the -hotel and acquire any information that we could as to occurrences in -town. - -We chose to walk along the River Road to the Corners, keeping ourselves -on the alert for any treachery. The night was cool and bracing and the -sky cloudless. As we journeyed, the moon rose, throwing its rays athwart -the tangled outline of the wood. The great high trees were just -beginning to drop their leaves. Occasionally a woody giant, separated -from the rest, would fix our attention, standing silhouetted against the -background of forest--majestic, alone, like a sentinel guarding the -thousands in column behind. An occasional flutter of a night bird or the -falling and rustling of the dead leaves was all that we heard as we -walked rapidly the mile to the Corners. - -As we were about to round into the Highway and leave the forest of the -estate behind us, Moore grasped my arm, and led me to the deep shadow of -a tree by the roadside. - -"Hark! That sounds peculiar," he said. We listened, and heard a thumping -sound, repeated at intervals. - -"An uneasy horse standing somewhere in the woods hereabouts," said I. - -"Yes. What is he doing there at this time of night--and in _these -particular_ woods?" - -We consulted together and waited. Then, having satisfied ourselves that -the noise came from the woods of the estate near the crest of the hill, -we decided to investigate as quickly as possible, and entered the forest -stealthily and with but little noise. Unused to the life of the woods, -we doubtless made more rustling than was necessary, but we were favored -by the fact that the trees were not very close together, and in -consequence the carpet of dead leaves was not thick. - -Halting behind the trunks of trees occasionally, we listened for the -sound which came from further within the wood. Soon we came to an -opening--a glade--perhaps two hundred feet from the road. The moonlight -fell upon the far side, but on the side next us all was shadow--dark and -sombre. We stood well within it among the trees. I fancied I heard a -horse whinny. The animal was certainly restive. I saw the doctor take -out his revolver and lie carefully down behind a tree; I remained -standing. We both waited; we were within a few feet of one another, but -did not speak. - -Suddenly, on the far side we saw a figure walking towards the shade and -heard him say a few words to the horse. Quickly he led the animal away -into what appeared to be a path. Moore whispered to me: "Watch the road; -he is going there." - -We retraced our steps and soon saw the horse appear on the edge of the -wood. He was a large, powerful animal, and seemed to act as though he -understood what was expected of him. The man was still leading the -horse, but was now also speaking in a low voice to someone else, who -disappeared toward the town and came out on the Highway further down, -walking rapidly toward the village, as any belated citizen might. - -"See!" said Moore. "He brought the horse and is going back. Watch the -rider." - -The latter had been standing in the shade looking after the man who had -gone, when suddenly, seeming satisfied that he was not watched, he -vaulted into the saddle. He came out into the moonlight in a second or -two and rode rapidly up River Road, past the Corners and northward away -from the town. We had managed to get near the road, and as he dashed -into the open we saw that he held the reins with the left hand, his -right resting on the horse's neck, and in it, as we both recognized, a -revolver. - -"A splendid rider," was my remark. - -"Yes," said Moore. "Did you recognize him? It was Mike, I thought." - -"Yes, Mike it was, and acting in a very suspicious manner. He has done -this before, evidently--knew the road and the horse, and was on the -lookout for trouble, for he was armed." - -We decided to follow the first man, it being useless to attempt to -overtake the rider. Taking the darkest side of the road, we walked on -after the figure in the distance. - -Soon my companion's spirits began to rise and he laughed at our -_adventure_, as he called it. - -"Stone, I cannot help thinking that you and I are destined to become -great sleuths. We have been away from the Mansion only a short -half-hour, and already have detected a man on horseback who is carrying -a revolver--and have identified him as Mike." - -"Yes, we're improving--but why did you lie down behind that tree? -Afraid?" - -"No!" answered Moore, with a laugh. "I have been studying caution. I -want to see Broadway again." Then he continued: "Stone, this adventure -is becoming more and more complicated, and occasionally I wonder if I -was not foolish in coming here. It is so different from practising -surgery--this being assaulted by invisible foes--seeing victims of -murder and things like that, to say nothing of men chasing one another -by moonlight." - -He was half-serious, and I acknowledged that the affair _was_ rather -nerve wearing. Then we looked ahead, and suddenly realized that the -figure we were following had vanished. - -Moore gasped in astonishment. "Hang it all! we certainly are a pair of -apes to let that fellow get away. Won't Oakes be disgusted?" - -"Yes, and he will have good cause." - -The lesson was a needful but costly one. Thenceforth when on business we -ceased to discuss our feelings and endeavored to use our eyes and ears -more, and our tongues less. - -We received a cordial welcome from the people at the hotel and gossiped -around the corridor for some time. The crowd outside was sullen, but -within the atmosphere seemed less strained. We learned that Chief Hallen -had made several arrests that afternoon, a measure which had had a -sobering effect. The saloons had been warned not to abuse their -privileges. Many persons spoke of the work done by Hallen as excellent; -indeed, we were both impressed by the fact that the sentiment toward -him, of the better citizens, was friendly. Considerable disgust was -expressed, however--privately, of course--at the lack of evidence, so -far, bearing upon the murder itself. In the course of the evening we -managed to see Reilly the porter, and he pointed out several men to us. - -"These fellows are new in town--they must be detectives. If they -discover things, well and good; but if they don't, the people here won't -stand it--they will resent what they call 'outside' work." - -"Hallen must have gone in for business," said I. - -Reilly grew confidential. "No, it ain't Hallen, they say. There's a lot -of talk about some New York man coming up here to run things." - -"Who?" - -"Oh, they say that Quintus Oakes--you've heard of him, of course--is -coming soon, and these are some of his men." - -"Indeed!" And Moore and I exchanged glances. - -"But, say," continued the porter, "that is confidential; only we fellows -round here know it." - -We parted from Reilly. Moore said: "If they know about it in here, of -course half of the town has heard already." - -"Yes. The tale was doubtless started by Hallen as a great secret; he -knew it would spread." - -"Evidently Oakes has not been recognized by the people as yet." - -"No," I rejoined, "but the fact that the rumor is out shows to my mind -that Hallen and Oakes have some little scheme on hand. At any rate, we -must know nothing of Oakes; remember that he is _Clark_ to all but a -select few." - -We decided to go to one of the newspaper offices, after a brief call on -Chief Hallen, who gave us no news of value, but was nevertheless very -agreeable. He advised us to see Dowd, and gave us a note to him. We -found the newspaper man at his office, just finishing his night's work. -He was very attentive in furnishing us back copies of his rival's paper, -the "Daily News." He said he kept them filed as samples of "daring -journalism." "I have only been a couple of years in this business, but I -have the pedigree of the town in these newspapers. I got them from -people who had saved them--as country people will. Skinner would not -sell me any--the rascal. Whenever he grows fresh and criticises things -improperly, I investigate what he has previously said on the subject and -then publish a deadly parallel column. He has a rather poor memory--and -I worry him once in a while," he remarked with a laugh. - -We found the paper which corresponded in date to the piece we had taken -from the robe. There was a full account of the murder of Smith, which we -read, but nothing that seemed to us of any value. On that occasion no -clues whatever had been found. _Only_, again the local physicians had -thought the wound was made by a large ball. - -The old chief of that time had been succeeded by Hallen, who had never -been able to gain any definite clue to the murderer. The interest had -then died out, and the mystery became a thing of the past. - -Dowd discussed the similarity of the recent murder to that of Smith, and -hinted, moreover, that he knew the identity of our friend Clark. He said -Hallen had made a confidant of him, as he might want to make use of his -newspaper. - -"By the way, speaking of the old murder, there is something that has -never been published, but which some of the old codgers about here have -cherished as perhaps relating to it." - -"What is it?" asked the doctor. - -"Well, a couple of old men who have since died, both milkmen, used to -say that once or twice they had seen a woman near the scene of the -murder at that hour in the morning. Also, that she always ran into the -woods, and was dressed in black." - -"Who were those old men?" - -"Well, they were both reliable fellows. Their tales were laughed at, so -they refused to discuss the matter any more. They both claimed to have -seen her at a distance, however; and since they were on different -wagons, their stories seemed to corroborate each other." - -We expressed our great interest in the news, and Dowd advised us to see -Reilly the porter, who had heard the story of the woman from the men -themselves. - -We returned to the hotel, feeling much elated at the courtesy of Dowd -and at the prospect of learning something not generally known, and -bearing upon the murder. - -Soon we managed to find Reilly. He came to our rooms on the excuse that -we had some orders to give concerning baggage that had not yet arrived -from New York. - -The porter was decidedly intelligent, having been reduced to his -present position through adversity, as we already knew. It took only a -little questioning to elicit his story, which he told about as follows: - -"You see, gentlemen, about the time of Smith's murder the milkmen were -in the habit of watering their horses at an old fountain just by our -curb, but since done away with. - -"Well, about two weeks before Smith was murdered, one of the milkmen, -Moses Inkelman, a driver for a large farm north of here, told me that he -had that morning seen a very large woman on the crest of the hill as he -was driving to town. She was seemingly anxious to avoid notice and -stepped into the woods as he passed by. Moses asked me if I thought she -was anyone from Mona. He seemed so curious about the matter that several -who had heard his story laughed at him. He was very sensitive and did -not mention the episode again until after the murder--long after, I -remember--and then only to me, when he said: 'If these people would only -stop making fun of a Jew, and believe me, they might learn something.' -He disappeared a little while afterward, and we learned from his -successor that he had suddenly died of heart disease, on the farm. - -"The other milkman never told his story save to a few--one night around -the stove in a grocery store. The others were inclined to scoff at him; -but I remembered what Moses had told me, and saw this fellow, Sullivan, -alone. - -"It was about a year after the affair. He said that he had seen a -woman's figure lurking around the crest of the hill on two different -occasions before the murder." - -"Did he say anything about her appearance?" I asked. - -"No. He said he never came very near to her, but he saw that she always -wore black, and ran very heavily. He thought she was one of the drunken -creatures that sometimes infest the water front on Saturday nights. - -"You see, gentlemen, there were more factories here then, and the town -was tougher than it is now, especially along the railroad and shore -where the canal-boats came in. The new piers farther down the river have -changed all that. Sullivan told his story to the police, but they saw -nothing in it, or pretended they didn't; so Sullivan shut up." - -"What became of him?" Moore asked. - -"Well, sir, that's the curious part of it, to my mind. He was found dead -only a short time ago on River Road, 'way down near Lorona, and there -were marks on his throat and blood in his mouth. The examiner said he -had had a hemorrhage and had choked to death, scratching himself in his -dying struggles. But----" - -"Well, continue," commanded Moore. - -"Gentlemen, I believe he was murdered." - -"Why, what makes you think so?" I asked. - -"I saw the body at the undertaker's in Lorona, gentlemen, and the marks -on the neck were not only scratches, but black and blue patches. The -examiner was a drunkard himself and not a good reasoner. I always had -the idea that the milkman was choked to death by the woman because he -had seen her. - -"And the other fellow, Moses--I think he was done away with likewise," -continued Reilly. "I tell you, gentlemen, there is more to all this than -is perhaps wise to know, unless one keeps pretty quiet." - -We tipped Reilly a good fee and then turned in for the night in a most -uncomfortable frame of mind. As Moore said: "things are coming up so -rapidly here that we will all be twisted before long." - -Our visit to the town had so far proved more valuable than we had hoped -for, and we both wished that Oakes could have been with us. Several -times in the night I awoke, and each time heard footsteps passing to and -fro, and subdued voices in the corridor downstairs, and could but -reflect how very different this was from the usual quietude of such a -place. - -When we arose in the morning, Moore remarked that he never knew of such -a noisy hotel in a small town. - -"Guess the place is going to give me nervous prostration pretty soon, if -things keep up like this," said he. - -While we were at breakfast, Chief Hallen walked in and sat down beside -us in a rather pompous manner, I thought. He seemed desirous of calling -attention to himself. "Well, gentlemen," he said in a quiet enough way, -"don't be taken aback at anything you may witness to-day. You may have -a surprise. I want you to meet me in the hotel corridor soon and see who -comes on the nine o'clock train." - -He bade us adieu, and walked out in an unnaturally aggressive manner. - -"He's showing off like a schoolboy," said I. - -"Or else acting," corrected Moore. - -We sat down in the corridor by and by. Hallen was talking with the clerk -at the desk. The hangers-on were numerous and wore an air of expectancy; -they were waiting for some one. - -The rickety old carriage from the station arrived at this moment, and -the man on the box opened the door with more than usual courtesy. Out -stepped a medium-sized man of good figure and a most remarkable face. It -was bronzed like that of a seafaring man; the eyes were black as jet and -piercing; the nose hooked and rather long. He wore a thick, short -moustache, which matched his hair and eyes in blackness; otherwise, his -face was smooth-shaven, and his attire was in the perfection of good -taste for a business man. When he spoke, one noticed particularly his -strong white, even teeth. - -"He looks like a pirate from the Spanish Main, dressed up," said Moore. - -"A remarkably attractive fellow, anyway." - -"Yes," I said; "he has the air of a celebrated man of some kind." - -As he walked to the desk, the by-standers spoke in subdued tones, -watching him the while. I heard one lounger say: "Sure, that is the -fellow. I've seen him before. Ain't he a wonder in looks?" - -Chief Hallen advanced and spoke a few words to the stranger, and then -shook hands with him. He registered, and the clerk thumped the bell for -Reilly with an air of tremendous importance. - -As though by accident, Chief Hallen espied us and, taking the stranger -by the arm, walked over to us. - -We arose and bowed as the Chief repeated our names, saying, so that -those near could hear: "Gentlemen, you are from the city. Let me make -you acquainted with one of your fellow citizens--Mr. Quintus Oakes, of -New York." - -Moore calmly shook hands and mumbled something, and then, in a side -whisper to me, said: "It's up to you, Stone; say something." - -Although I was nearly as surprised as he, I managed to make a few -audible remarks about how glad the town would be to know that Quintus -Oakes was here. I saw a merry twinkle in Hallen's eyes, but the stranger -made a suitable reply, and left us with that peculiar business-like air -of his. - -I turned to Moore and half-gasped: "What does this mean, old man?" - -"A decoy," said he. "Just keep your nerve. Hallen has been giving us -practice in acting." - -The by-standers and the groups in the street were discussing the -stranger with peculiar, suppressed excitement. Many of the smart ones -claimed to have seen him before and to know all about him; already, -"Quintus Oakes" rang familiarly from their lips. - -We presently returned to the Mansion and related to our leader the facts -we had learned from Reilly regarding "the woman's" appearances before -the murder, the sudden ending of both the milkmen who had seen her, and -Reilly's own suspicions in the matter. Oakes was thoughtful for quite a -while. - -"You have done more than I thought you could in so brief a time," said -he at last. "Have you any theories regarding the identity of the woman?" - -We had none to offer, and he began to smile ever so slightly. "Well, it -seems to me your woman is a mistake--there was no woman. The assassin -was a man in a black robe. He ran heavily, of course. You have drawn the -murderer of Smith nearer to that of Mark. As regards the sudden deaths -of the milkmen, probably both were killed; the examinations after death, -conducted as these were, amount to nothing. The murderer of Smith, the -two milkmen and of Mark is probably one and the same. Stone, you nearly -fell a victim at the bridge the other night, too." - -I did not reply, but a cold perspiration broke out over me. The chain of -events seemed clearer now in the light of Oakes's reasoning. Then he -turned to Moore. - -"Doctor, loan me your cigar-cutter, will you?" - -The physician reached for it, but it was gone. - -"I think this must be it," said Oakes, holding out the missing article. -"Next time you hide on your stomach behind a tree, do it properly." - -Moore was dumfounded. - -"What!" I cried, "you know that too? We did not tell you." - -"No, you did not. You began your narration at the wrong end--or perhaps -you _forgot_," and his eyes twinkled. - -"But how did you learn of it?" demanded Moore, recovering. And Quintus -smiled outright. - -"My man was behind another tree only ten feet away from you the whole -time. When you left, he picked up this as a memento of your brilliant -detective work." - -Moore and I smarted a little under the sarcasm, and I asked what the man -was doing there. - -"Oh, he was watching Mike and, incidentally, keeping you two from -mischief. You need a guardian. You never even suspected his presence, -and--suppose he had been the assassin!" - -"Well," I said, "I suppose that you know all about your namesake in -town, and don't need any of our information." - -He heard the chagrin in my voice and smiled as he replied: - -"Don't mind those little things; they happen to all of us. I am glad -'Quintus Oakes' has arrived. Chief Hallen and I concluded that the -sudden arrival of such a man as our decoy would have a salutary effect -on the citizens. An appearance of action on Hallen's part would tend to -quiet their restlessness; and, now that public attention is focused upon -_him_, Mr. Clark and his friends can work more freely." - -During the discussion that followed, he told us that Mike's errand on -horseback was as yet unknown, but that the man whom we followed and lost -on the way was from a stable in Lorona. - -"You see," continued he, "Mike has been doing this before. The horse is -brought from Lorona in a roundabout way. Doubtless, on his return, he -leaves it at some spot where it is met and returned to the stable." - -"Mike is a mystery. What is he up to?" said Moore. "Can he be the -murderer?" - -"Wait and see," replied Oakes enigmatically, as he ended the -conversation. - - - - - _CHAPTER XVI_ - - _The Negro's Story_ - - -Saturday came and went without event. So far, at least, Hallen's -arrangements for the preservation of order had been effective. Or was it -that the eyes and hopes of the people were centred upon the new arrival -in town, the great detective--as they were led to believe--who had grown -famous through his skill in ferreting out just such mysteries. In any -case, the Chief's forebodings of a lawless outbreak were unfulfilled. - -The real Oakes spent most of his time in the Mansion while we remained -in town; but our little party came and went as it pleased. Our movements -had ceased to attract that attention which Oakes found so undesirable. -As he said, in the well-known phrase of the sleight-of-hand operators: -"the more you look, the less you see." The eyes of Mona were focused on -the _false_ Oakes--the wrong hand; we ourselves--the hand doing the -trick--were over-looked. And the more absorbed they became in the -movements of the decoy, the more oblivious were they of the fact that -keen eyes were studying them deeply. The criminal, unless very educated -and clever, would be fooled with the multitude and caught off his guard. - -A rather curious fact was that, while Dowd's newspaper published an -article in its personal column about the great detective's arrival and -all that he was expected to accomplish, Skinner's journal remained -absolutely silent. Dowd said he could not understand it, unless the ruse -had failed to deceive Skinner, in which case we might hear from him -soon. We knew that our friend Quintus Oakes held the same idea. As he -said, if the cheat were discovered it would lead to trouble, which must -be met as it arose. - -Moore and I became daily more imbued with the spirit of the adventure; -besides which, we were keenly alive to Oakes's feelings and his desire -to succeed. The newspapers far and near were following the case -carefully, and we knew that his reputation and financial success -depended largely on the outcome of this case. - -A few evenings later Moore and I were standing in the square, discussing -the very apparent change in the temper of the crowd since their -attention had been directed by the arrival of the man they believed to -be Quintus Oakes. - -"Yes," said Moore, in answer to a remark of mine, "it is a clever scheme -and makes the people think that Hallen is doing something; but how will -they take it if they discover the trick?" - -"Well, perhaps by that time the real Oakes, our friend, will be in -position to reveal his identity--that would calm any bad feeling--they -would realize that work had been done quietly all the while." - -Moore shook his head doubtfully. "I don't like Skinner's attitude," he -said, "he knows something." - -Reilly approached us at this moment to say that Clark wanted us at the -Mansion immediately, and that a conveyance was waiting for us at the -hotel. We went at once and found it, a four-seated affair, with Hallen -and Dowd on the back seat. We two sat in front with the driver--one of -Oakes's men; and after we had left the town I turned to the Chief and -asked him if he knew what Oakes wanted of us. - -"Yes," said he; "the _negro_ is here." - -Oakes was awaiting us upstairs, with Martin and Elliott. The first thing -we learned was that Oakes had recognized the negro "Joe" as a former -boot-black on Broadway. Joe's identification of _him_ during the court -scene had placed the negro in a state of less fear than would otherwise -have been the case. - -"He came readily enough," said Martin; "he was threatened with arrest if -he did not; but he is acting peculiarly. Seems more worried than an -innocent man should be." - -"He naturally dreads the ordeal; innocent men frequently appear guilty -to the onlooker. The really guilty ones are prepared and go through more -coolly," said Oakes. - -"Yes, sir, I know that; but this one is different. I should hardly say -he is guilty; still, his actions are peculiar--I cannot explain _how_." - -"Think a little, Martin," said Oakes. It was the tone of the superior, -firm but kindly. - -Martin thought a few seconds, then he said: "Well, sir, he seems anxious -to describe what he saw, and seems to think that you are his friend and -will believe him; but he appears to be actually fearful of punishment." - -"Rather ambiguous," said Oakes. "Perhaps he is hiding some vital point, -Martin. Is he not?" - -"Yes, sir; and that point is against himself." - -"Of course it is, or he would not hide it; against himself, or one dear -to him." - -Oakes's correction was without malice, polite and patient. He was the -clear reasoner, the leader, instructing a trusty subordinate--the kindly -Chief and his young, but able lieutenant. - -We ranged ourselves round the centre-table--we four who had come in the -carriage, besides Elliott and Martin, who had brought Joe from New York. -Oakes stood near a chair, away from the table and the group. After a -moment the negro entered, ushered to the door by one of the men. We must -have looked a formidable conclave to the poor fellow, for he halted just -inside the door at sight of us all. He was a negro of that type seen in -the North--strong, lithe, with a clear-cut face whose features showed -the admixture of white blood. He advanced to the chair besides Oakes, -and sat down at a sign from the latter. - -He was nervous, but a pitiful effort at bravery showed in his carriage -and manner. Bravery was necessary. A lone negro boy facing such a -gathering, and--worst of all to him--that mysterious, awe-inspiring -person, Quintus Oakes! - -With consummate tact Quintus won the boy's confidence. Elliott spoke to -him, kindly and reassuringly; and Hallen walked over and shook his hand -with a protecting air. Joe brightened visibly. It was plain that the men -who hunted crime were going to try kindness and sympathy first. It has -always seemed to me a pity that such tactics are not more in vogue, -especially toward witnesses. The master detective can throw a sympathy -into his every act which will win secrets actually barred from other -methods of attack. - -Reassured, Joe presently began his story. In a clear, remarkably able -way (for he had been to school), and with the peculiar, dramatic power -possessed by some negroes, he brought vividly before us the scenes he -had witnessed. As he warmed to his subject, Oakes and Hallen watched him -carefully, but without emotion, occasionally questioning him adroitly to -develop points which seemed to them valuable. Dowd took notes, at -Oakes's suggestion, for future use. - -When Joe's mother died in Troy, he went up to attend the funeral. On his -return he stayed a few days in Lorona--a little place already mentioned. -It was without railway connections and lay to the east of Mona, along -the Highway. He had passed through the latter place afoot, late at -night, and had walked the ten miles to Lorona. His sister lived there in -service, also his sweetheart Jennie. Naturally, he did not pass it by. - -He had left very early one morning to go back to New York and had cut -across country from the Highway on the east of Mona, coming around by -the hill and the pond, in front of the Mansion, to River Road. He had -arrived at the Corners in time to see a milkman pick up a gentleman on -the road and drive with him into the town. Joe wanted to get back to -New York early and begin work, for he had been absent a week. He was to -catch the seven o'clock train, so he had abundance of time, as he could -tell by the sun. - -He started down the hill slowly, but took the woods along the north side -of the Highway; he was fond of the woods and he knew the way--he had -travelled it on previous visits. Just after he entered among the trees -he heard a shot, followed by a groan--on the road, he thought--a little -way above him. He trembled and stood still, then his courage manifested -itself, and he crept cautiously to the roadside, which was hidden -below by a few feet of embankment. What he saw paralyzed him! A man was -lying in the road, and a little lower down on this side, not a hundred -feet from himself, stood another in full view, with a smoking revolver -in his hand. Instantly the negro understood. A murder--and _he_ was a -_witness_! He did nothing--waited. To have shouted would have been to -invite death. But he kept his eyes open. - -"I'se the only witness. I must look at him good," he thought. The man's -back was partly turned, but Joe took in all that he could at that -distance, and saw him retreat after a moment into the woods. Then he -grew frightened. The assassin was not far from him, but, fortunately, -going deeper into the woods, and down toward the stony glade below. - -Did the negro run? No. He gathered a couple of good-sized stones and -followed. He thought the man on the road was dead; and he saw the other -one going down into the gully to cross the small stream at the bottom. -"Good!" he thought; "I'll follow him. If he sees me now, and comes after -me, I can run a long way before he can climb that hill." - -The assassin was picking his way--carefully--until he came to the rocky -bottom. He wanted to cross the stream where a large flat rock gave an -invitation for stepping. He had followed the stony formation carefully, -avoiding the earth; he did not wish to leave marks to be traced. - -Now, at this moment the negro became conscious of a new danger; he was -near the scene of the crime alone, and if found, he would be suspected -of having done it. So he looked about for a moment, and then decided to -run back to Lorona and his people. He was growing scared. Who could -blame him? He saw the murderer stoop down right below him, deep in the -gully; and the negro, obeying a sudden impulse, swung one arm and hurled -a stone straight at him. It struck the fugitive on the shoulder, turning -him half around; and he broke into a run, full tilt, for the brook and -the stepping-stone. Joe had not seen the murderer's face, but he told us -that the man's chest was protected only by an undershirt. It was a -chilly morning, and the fact had impressed him afterward as curious. He -watched, and saw the assassin take the brook like a frightened stag, -landing first on the rock in the centre, then on the other side. As he -stepped on the rock in the middle of the stream, the boy saw something -fall from his waist--something red. It fell into the water. - -"I'd like to know what that is," he thought; "but I'd better _skip_." -Then horror took possession of him; he crossed the road quickly and -dashed into the Mark property. Then he ran to River Road and the bridge, -up the incline on the other side of the pond, and into the fields -beyond. On he went until Mona was passed; then he sat down in a little -patch of wood and thought. - -He was sure nobody had seen him except a farmer in the distance, too far -away to know he was a negro. He was innocent, and perhaps he had better -wait and see the police. Had he done so then and there, all would have -been solved sooner than it was; but, poor boy, he had no one to advise -him and he was alone with a terrible secret. He had done well; he could -identify the murderer perhaps; his was a great responsibility. - -He stayed around, and from afar witnessed the crowds of the morning. In -the afternoon he sneaked into town, hungry and worn and terribly cold. -When he saw the people gathering in the court-room, curiosity conquered. -He listened with all his soul, and made up his mind to go in and tell -what he knew. - -He saw Oakes come forward to give his testimony, and his heart beat fast -and furious. He felt ill--the cold sweat poured from him as he heard; -but he remained, entranced. He was going to tell all, for surely that -tall fellow--Clark, they were calling him,--was the great detective -Oakes; he had shined his shoes many times at the stand on Broadway -before he went up-town. How peculiar that they didn't seem to know him! -Then intelligence came, and he said to himself: "These people don't know -him because he does not want them to." Joe did not understand all that -had been said, but he knew things were uncanny and that this man Oakes -was playing a game. - -Suddenly had come the statement of Oakes about the arms, and the tension -became too great. He cried out and ran, like the fleet-footed boy that -he was, for Lorona. - -There he told nothing, except that he had missed the train. His friends -gave him food--the murder story was yet vague in the little village--and -then he dashed on for New York. He shook the dust from his clothes and, -catching a train miles down the line, arrived safely in town. He was far -away from Mona at last, but he must see Mr. Elliott, his good friend, -and tell him all that he could. - -As the negro finished his story he looked around, and partially -recovered from the state of ecstasy into which the recitation had -thrown him. His eyes were rolling and shifting, his dark skin had that -peculiar ashen color that comes to the negro under stress of great -excitement. - -Dr. Moore arose and walked to the boy, and, placing his hands on his -wrist, said reassuringly: "Good boy, Joe! you are a brave fellow." - -Oakes handed him a drink of brandy--he needed it--and then we all joined -in praising him. He soon recovered himself, and then Oakes took up his -position beside him again. - -"Now, Joe, what did the murderer drop when he jumped over the stream -from the rock?" - -"I dunno, Master Oakes--but it was a banana, I think." - -"What!" said Hallen; "a banana?" - -The negro looked worried. - -"Yes, it did look like one of dose red, white, spotted cloths wat de -niggers down South wear on their heads." - -We all laughed. - -"Oh, a bandana handkerchief, Joe." - -And Joe laughed also, in relief. - -"And now," continued Oakes, "what did it do? Did it float away?" - -The boy thought a moment, then his quick brain came to his aid. - -"No, no, Master Oakes; it splashed, sure enough it did. It went down--so -help me Gawd!" - -"Good!" said Oakes. "It contained something heavy, then. Now, Joe," he -continued, slowly and clearly, "tell me, when you heard the evidence -that the murderer was the man with a mark on his arm, why did you say, -'Oh, Gawd!' and run away?" - -We all felt uneasy--the question was so unexpected, to some of us at -least. - -The negro hesitated, stammered, and lurched forward in his chair. Great -beads of perspiration stood out on his brow and on the back of his -hands. Oakes was behind him, and in a caressing way slid his left arm -across the boy's chest. We divined instantly that that arm was ready to -shoot up around the boy's neck for a strangle hold. - -Joe tried to speak, but could not. I saw Hallen prepare for a spring, -and Martin edge toward the door. Dr. Moore's breathing came deep and -fast, and I began to feel like shouting aloud. What did it mean? - -"Come! Speak, boy, speak!" said Oakes. - -No answer. - -Then Oakes stooped forward and said loudly enough for us all to hear, -but right in the negro's ear: "Boy, you ran because _you_ have a scar on -your left arm!" - -We were on our feet in an instant. - -"The murderer," we cried. - -The negro made a frantic effort to rise, but the arm closed on his neck -and Oakes's right hand came down on his right wrist. - -Joe's left hand went to the arm at his neck, but he was powerless. - -In a voice as firm as a rock, clear and emotionless, Oakes cried out: -"Don't move, boy! Don't try to run." - -And then he said to us: "This boy is _not_ the murderer; he is only a -scared, unfortunate negro, and I will prove it." - -The meaning of the words came to the boy gradually, and he became limp -in the chair. Oakes relaxed his hold. - -"Now, boy, if you try to run, we will bore you," and Chief Hallen drew -his revolver and put it before him on the table. - -"Now, Joe, show us your arm!" commanded Oakes. - -The negro arose staggering, and took off his outer garment and his -shirt. There, on his left arm, was a large irregular birthmark, blue and -vicious-looking. - -Oakes looked at it. "Gentlemen, this boy is a victim of circumstances. -This is no cross, but the coincidence of a mark on the left arm has -scared him nearly to death. That, in my opinion, is why he was afraid, -and why he acted so peculiarly." - -This was said deliberately, and with emphasis. - -The negro fell on his knees. "Oh, Gawd! Oh, Mr. Oakes! Dat is it. Dat is -it. I never done any murder. No! no! _no!_" and he burst into racking -sobs. The strain was terrible. Dowd opened a window. - -Hallen spoke. "How are you to prove his innocence, Mr. Oakes, as you -said?" - -There was a slight element of doubt in the question. - -"Get up, boy," said Oakes; "get up." And turning to us, the cool man -looked long at us all, then said: "The evidence showed conclusively that -the weapon used was a heavy one, of 45-calibre probably--a revolver in -all likelihood, and fired from a distance of about one hundred and fifty -feet. That means a good shot. Now, this boy is right-handed, as you have -noticed, but he could not use his right hand to shoot with, for the -first two fingers have been amputated near the ends. Plenty of loss to -preclude good pistol shooting! - -"To have used such a weapon with the left hand, and with such accuracy, -is out of the question save for a fancy shot. If this boy could shoot -like that, he would not be boot-blacking for a living. - -"Again, he has not noticeably strong arms, nor a wrist powerful enough -to handle a heavy weapon properly. The boy is innocent--in my opinion." - -"Oakes, you are a demon," said Hallen. - -"Oh, no, I hope not; only I hate to see mistakes made too often. Poor -devil!" - -And Oakes patted the boy on the back. - -With a pathetic, dog-like expression, sobbing with joy, the befriended -negro seized the man's right hand and, kneeling, showered kisses upon -it. - - - - - _CHAPTER XVII_ - - _Checkmated_ - - -The negro was led away. He was in better spirits now, and smiling as -only a negro can. That extraordinary genius--the mystic Oakes--had, by a -process of reasoning that Joe himself was able to follow, not only -cleared him of suspicion, but made a _hero_ of him. The innate vanity of -the race was reacting on the boy, and coming to the rescue of his -nervous system, recently so severely strained. - -When he had gone, Oakes turned to us and, interrupting our exclamations, -remarked: - -"Now that we are all here together, it would be wise perhaps briefly to -review what clues we have obtained and their probable significance." - -We all assented to this suggestion, and by tacit consent Quintus Oakes -began: - -"First, we have found that the _cartridge picked up_ in the cellar, and -evidently dropped by the man in the robe, _is of the same pattern as -the old ones in the pouch upstairs_. - -"They all belong to the old revolver which was taken away from its -place--and for which another was substituted since my first visit here. -With regard to its calibre (the important point), _that old revolver -meets the requirements of our deductions about the weapon used to murder -Mr. Mark_. Therefore we have a chain of evidence connecting my assailant -in the cellar--the man in the robe--with the assassin. - -"We know also that the revolver was fired not far from the -hundred-and-fifty-foot distance; _the man was an excellent shot_, for -you must consider the old style of weapon. - -"He must have been _large_, or at least _strong in the wrist_, for a -good shot with such a weapon cannot be made by a weak person." - -I interrupted: "The murder of Smith was considered to be due to a pistol -ball of large calibre. Could the same weapon have been used?" - -"It could," said Oakes. "That one has been in the family for years. The -style of the cartridges is somewhat similar to our modern ones, but -they are very old, as we know by their appearance. - -"Further," he continued, "in my opinion the 'woman story' connected with -the Smith murder is based on a _man_ in a black _robe_. It may have been -the same man who is at the bottom of these later mysteries--though we -are to remember that when Mr. Mark was killed Joe saw no _robe_. - -"In the annals of crime we find very few women doing murder in that way; -it is a man's method. - -"We must look then for a _strong-wristed_ man--a man who has also strong -arms, and a _cross_ on the _left_ one; finally, a man with a knowledge -of revolvers, and who has in his possession--or has had--a large, -old-fashioned weapon and cartridges, and also a robe. - -"And one thing more strikes me," added Oakes in a slow, deliberate -voice, "he is a man _with a mania_--_an insane man_--always, or at -intervals." - -"Yes," said the doctor. "I had concluded so too, Oakes. The wearing of a -robe--especially in a confined place like the wall space--the cutting -out of a panel and the peculiar method of attack seem nonsensical and -without proper reason. And the absence of provocation for those -assaults, and for the murder of good men like Smith and Mark, point -strongly to an unbalanced mind." - -"Probably correct," Oakes replied. "And I should say that the _insanity -is present at intervals only_." - -"Mr. Oakes," said Chief Hallen then, "don't you think it advisable to -investigate that story of the bandana handkerchief as soon as possible? -Affairs in town may become pressing at any time, and we may be needed -there." - -"Yes, Chief, certainly. We should lose no time about it," said Oakes. -Then he spoke to Martin; and the latter retired and presently returned -with Joe. - -The detective asked the boy if he would go and point out the stone from -which the murderer was leaping when the handkerchief fell into the -water. "You know it is nearly full moon and several of my men will go -with you, and so will Mr. Martin." - -The negro assented reluctantly, though bravely, for he was not devoid of -superstition. Oakes called in four of his men and said: - -"Go with Mr. Martin and Joe. Take lanterns, and find the handkerchief -which is at the bottom of the stream if the boy is telling the truth, -and the murderer has not recovered it. He did not notice it drop, did -he, Joe?" - -"No, Master Oakes; he just flew along and never looked round. He did not -know where it dropped." The negro was using good English, and standing -erect with a very important expression. He was innocent, and the central -figure now. He realized that dignity was becoming. An educated boy of -his race can show great self-control under such circumstances. -Vanity--thou Goddess of Transformation! - -While the searching party was gone, we spent the time discussing Mike's -peculiarities--most of all his horseback ride in the moonlight, a -curious departure for a hired man. - -"This whole thing is unusual in the extreme, Stone. Since the night that -you were escorted to the pond by Chief Hallen's men and there warned of -impending danger, and your unknown friend was chased by the man lying in -wait for you, I have had a net around Mike and Maloney and Cook, but -with negative results," said Oakes. - -"You see, Maloney and Cook go about their business in a quiet fashion, -while Mike cannot be approached very well; the men report him as very -shrewd and suspicious." - -"Did you find out where Mike went on his horseback trip?" - -"No, that is another curious thing. The Lorona man who brought him the -horse says he has done it for a few days and received good pay. The -horse was always returned promptly, once or twice by a boy; the other -times by Mike himself." - -"To have done that, Mike must have walked back from Lorona," said -Hallen. - -"No, he may have ridden part way. We found a man this evening who saw -him take a team on the Lorona Highway and ride into Mona after dark." - -"Where is Mike now?" I inquired. - -"Since the episode of that horseback ride, witnessed by Dr. Moore and -yourself, he has disappeared." - -"Disappeared!" - -"Yes, eluded all our men and never returned the horse." - -"Skipped! Got away!" we cried in amazement. - -"Yes, but he won't stay away long; he will come back." - -We did not quite understand Oakes's speech, but there evidently was -something behind it. - -At this point, with his characteristic swiftness of movement, he lighted -a cigar and began to smoke, offering the box to us all. - -That meant that, as far as he was concerned, talking on business had -ceased for a time. He was now recreating. - - * * * * * - -Elliott and I walked to a window and looked out upon the front walk and -the road, conversing upon the manner in which Joe had been brought to -Mona. - -He had resisted the idea at first, but through the efforts of Martin and -Elliott, and the promise of a reward, he had finally consented to the -journey. They had explained to him that his refusal would defeat the -ends of justice, and that escape was impossible; and when he realized -that he had been unconsciously talking to watchers, and polishing their -shoes in his innocence, he saw the folly of further remonstrance. Thus -was the important evidence of the negro secured. - -The strain of events was telling on us all. Quintus Oakes showed his -deep concern by a tendency to leave us and remain alone. - -As Elliott and I were talking, he looked at the rolling hills beyond the -pond and exclaimed: - -"Look! Can I be mistaken, Mr. Stone? Look in the direction of Mona--away -off on the plateau--is not that a horse?" - -I followed his pointing and discovered in the moonlight the figure of a -horse advancing rapidly over the blue-green fields, along the path that -led to the bridge. - -Oakes advanced to the window and gazed intently, shading his eyes with -his hands. On the crest of the hill that dipped to the pond the horse -soon stood out clearly against the dark blue of the sky. We could see a -figure which had lain low on his neck rise and sit straight in the -saddle, then flash a light. - -From near the road, on our side of the pond, came an answering light; a -man stood there and exchanged signals with the horseman. - -The rider was moving his arms rapidly, and with them the light. The -other was answering in a similar manner. - -Oakes remained quiet, and we all gathered at the window about him. - -"What is it?" I asked. - -He turned and said to me: "Here, write as I read." - -I took an envelope and pencil from my pocket and wrote as Oakes -deciphered the signals. - -"A message from Mona," he cried. "Quick!" - -Then he read the letters as they appeared: - -"Discovered. Skinner has extra out. Pronounces me false; says Hallen has -tricked the town. Beware of Skinner. Tell Hallen to look out. Am off for -New York." - -Then came a long wave over the head, and the horseman dashed back toward -Lorona. - -We detected another horseman at a little distance, who joined him; they -rapidly disappeared together. - -"Excellent!" exclaimed Oakes. "He has done his duty well." - -We saw the man on this side run post haste for the Mansion. As he rushed -up the steps, Oakes met him. "All right, boy! I saw the signals myself." -Then to us he said: "Quintus Oakes the false is discovered. That was he; -he came to warn us." - -"Then Skinner has caught on, confound him," said Dowd, and we all -silently assented. - -Oakes paced the room slowly. "Boys, we have been unexpectedly checked. -The enemy has a strong hand: there is trouble ahead." - -"Yes, there is that," retorted the vigorous Hallen. "I must get away to -headquarters, gentlemen!" - -"Correct!" answered Oakes; "and we will go with you, Chief. If trouble -is coming, we will be useless here." - -With one accord we prepared to depart for Mona immediately. The carriage -was brought to the door and saddle-horses also. - -Then we waited anxiously for the return of Martin's party. We were not -long delayed. A commotion in the hall was heard, and in stepped Joe and -Martin, followed by the men. Oakes's assistant advanced and laid a red -handkerchief, dotted with white spots, upon the table. It was wet and -heavy, and knotted by its four corners so as to form a pouch. - -"We found it, sir, in about two feet of water, partly covered with sand. -Its weight was gradually sinking it into the bottom." - -Joe laughed hysterically and lapsed into negro dialect: "See, Mars -Oakes! see, boss! I dun tole you the truth." - -Oakes seized the handkerchief, and we all looked inside. It contained a -few large cartridges. - -"They match the one I found in the cellar, and those of the old -revolver," said Oakes. "The man of the Mansion mysteries and assaults -_is_ the murderer of Mr. Mark." - -We were intensely excited as we stood there viewing the evidence that -was so conclusive. Not one of us made a remark, but the deep breathing -of some and the pale faces of others showed the interest that was felt -by one and all. - -Oakes discovered on one end of the handkerchief the initial "S," and we -all studied its appearance closely. Then Oakes asked Hallen if such -handkerchiefs were unusual in Mona. - -"No, not at all; there are hundreds of them sold here, especially to the -laborers on the water-works--the Italians and Poles," answered the -Chief. - -"It is a very peculiar 'S,'" said Oakes, as he folded the handkerchief -and put it in his pocket, giving the cartridges to Martin. He said -nothing more, but seemed serious and thoughtful, as usual. And then we -set out all together on a wild drive to police headquarters. - -Despite the lateness of the hour, the crowds were increasing. The -square, with the hotel on one side and headquarters on the other, was -the centre of a vicious body of men, pushing, struggling and forcing its -way along, and pausing now and again to surge around headquarters. We -could all see that Hallen was to have his hands full. - -"I should like to see Skinner very much," remarked Oakes in a sarcastic -vein. - -"I should like to see his arms," said Moore; "they might be -interesting." - -Oakes looked at the speaker with one of his undefinable expressions. We -could not tell whether the shot had been a true one or not. - - - - - _CHAPTER XVIII_ - - _Misadventures_ - - -Toward morning the crowd thinned. The street grew more quiet, although -the very air still throbbed with action, even as the heart-strokes -within us. Quickly as events had come, we were yet only in the midst of -our experiences. - -The clock in the Chief's room was striking three, and drowsiness was -stealing over me, as over the outside world, when a knock came at the -front door and Hallen admitted a man, weary-eyed and panting. I -recognized him as one of the men who had been masquerading about the -Mansion as a carpenter. He was dressed in a heavy jersey without a coat, -and was evidently suffering from fatigue. - -He walked over to Oakes and spoke to him in a low voice. The detective -asked a question or two, and turning looked at Dr. Moore, asleep in a -chair, fagged out, then at me. I was wide awake, anticipating more -trouble. "Stone," said he, "are you good for a ride with me on -horseback? We have found something important." - -"Yes," I answered, "I am ready." - -Speaking a word to Hallen and Martin, Oakes drew me aside. "Leave your -overcoat. Come, we are needed." - -We passed out into the night and down a side street, led by the man who -had summoned us. In a few minutes we reached a stable and found horses, -and I knew that it had been so arranged. We were mounted and off without -notice from any but an hostler and the proprietor, who had told me that -my horse was strong and capable. - -We pounded to the east, along the Highway, toward Lorona, for a mile or -so, then swerved into a narrow road winding across the plateau to the -south and west. I knew we were making for the River Road below the -Mansion. I had heard of this lane, which swept in a long curve around -the southern end of Mona, connecting the Highway with River Road about -two miles south of the Mansion gate. - -As we galloped along, Oakes communicated to me the cause of our trip. - -"Two of my men have located a hut deep in the forest at the south end of -the Mansion grounds. There is something going on there. They think they -have the murderer. One of the men came for me; the other is watching." - -I felt the blood surge to my brain, and the hardships of the night were -forgotten in the intensity of my anticipations. At last, and I was to be -at the finish! - -Instinctively I felt for my revolver. It was safe, and the assurance -that it was with me gave relief. - -Fortunately, I was a fair horseman and my mount was one of those animals -that respond to the rider's every command. My two companions were also -well mounted, and the long ride was soon over. Arriving at River Road, -we dismounted and left the horses in charge of the man who had -accompanied us. Another man now came from the darkness--another of -Oakes's retinue. He was to lead us to the hut. - -Then we three entered the fringe of the woods, and cautiously followed -our guide deep into the denser section. The moon was hidden occasionally -by fleeting clouds, and as we advanced farther and farther, its rays -ceased to reach us. All was gloom, deep and almost impenetrable. - -Our guide whispered: "He is in the hut, sir, waiting for someone. Follow -me." - -Then he advanced a few paces, and led us through a more open section of -the forest. Soon he stopped. - -"Stay here until you see a light flash ahead; that is his signal. He has -been here an hour, but his friend is slow in coming." - -"Perhaps he knows it is too dangerous," said Oakes. - -Our guide went from us to a short distance, to keep separate watch. - -The giant trees around were more scattered than elsewhere in the forest -through which we had passed. Occasionally the sheen of the moonlight was -visible far above us as the branches swayed in the breeze. Here below, -the air was quiet and the gloom deep. Our eyes, accustomed to it now, -could detect the silent army of tree-trunks around us for a considerable -distance. - -The air was chilly, but excitement kept us from feeling the need of our -great-coats. Beneath our feet the ground was soft but dry, and the -leaves were scattered about in profusion; for this was the fall of the -year and the woods had begun to strip at the touch of the frost king. - -Quintus Oakes stood by my side behind a tree. We were both gazing -intently in the direction that had been indicated to us. Nothing was -visible for a few moments, when suddenly Oakes pressed my shoulder with -his hand and said in a low, quiet voice: "See--off there, that flash!" - -I had noticed nothing, but as I drew breath to answer, I beheld the -diverging rays of a light--probably a lantern--play up and down a -tree-trunk at least a hundred feet away. It moved quickly, and then -jumped to another trunk; in its transit it threw a long, narrow yellow -streak on the ground between. Then it would be lost suddenly to our -view. I thought the trees intervened in our line of vision at such -times, but Oakes explained: "He is waiting and signalling with a dark -lantern; see how the light is shut off at will. He is surely within a -hut of some kind; I can see the outlines occasionally." - -"What can he be up to?" I whispered. "He is at least a mile from the -Mansion, and nearly as much from the road." - -"That light is a guide," said Oakes. "His confederate cannot find the -hut without it; the forest is too dense." - -We waited in silence, stealing very carefully nearer to the hut, and our -patience was finally rewarded. We saw the door, which was sidewise to -us, open with a quick movement and a man enter. Then all was dark within -and without, save in one little spot where, through the back wall of the -hut, a few rays found exit in long, narrow streaks of yellow light, -scarcely visible to us. - -"He has turned his bull's eye away from the window and the door, and has -not shut it. They are using the light for some purpose," said the -detective, touching my arm and motioning me to follow him. - -With utmost caution we advanced until we were near enough to hear -voices. At first they came to us as a low, indistinct muttering, but as -we neared the hut we determined that they were raised in argument. At -our distance, however, we were unable to recognize either. - -"Keep away from the front," said Oakes, "lest the door be opened and we -be discovered." - -We stationed ourselves in the shadow near the window, which was low in -the side of this curious log-cabin--for such we saw it to be. It was -boarded inside evidently, for the light was kept from without too well. - -Through the window we beheld two dim forms bending over a board table. -One was handling something like paper, in the diverging streak of -illumination from the bull's eye opening of the lantern, which was on -the table, facing the back wall of the hut, just as Oakes had said. - -The figure could not be distinguished either as to face or form, for the -light was very indistinct save in the immediate path of the rays. As we -moved ever so little from our chosen positions, our vision of the table -and the streak of light upon it was cut off, owing to the small size of -the window. I knew by the movement of Oakes's arm that he had secured -his weapon, and I closed my hand about mine, holding it--muzzle down--by -my side, ready for instant use. - -The voices within, became louder, and I distinguished the words: "You -_must_, man, you MUST get away." - -It was answered by a half-mumbled protest, and then we saw one figure -arise and stoop over the light on the table. - -"Here, take this, and go!" - -Oakes touched me. "The murderer preparing to get away," he said. - -We could see a pair of hands counting what appeared to be money; then -they extended their contents to the other hands that awaited them. The -figure who had given the money arose, and with his back to us made as if -to leave. Suddenly, without an instant's warning, we saw the form of the -other come partially into view, and an arm steal slowly upward. As the -first figure moved away, it closed about his neck and a death struggle -began, revealed to us by the blurred swaying of the two and a deep, -despairing gasp from the man being strangled. - -"Murder!" said Oakes, and we moved toward the door of the hut with one -thought in mind--the helping of a fellow being meeting his death at the -hands of what we believed to be the assassin of Mona. - -I was excited; it was unquestionably the most trying moment of my life, -and I met it as we had not foreseen. Advancing two steps hurriedly, my -feet caught in one another somehow, and with a wild war-whoop of -distress I fell forward on my face, carrying Oakes with me in a -crashing, headlong mix-up that must have been heard for a hundred yards -in that still morning air. - -It was all over! - -The two in the hut heard us, the strangler released his hold and the -light was extinguished instantly. Out of the door the figures flew like -demons. They were both anxious to escape detection--that was evident. -They must have thought it was the charge of the Light Brigade. - -Oakes and I were up and after them. He shouted a word of command, then I -heard more footsteps, and our guide answered. Instantly came the sounds -of a struggle, fierce but short, in the darkness beyond. We could see -nothing, but we heard a heavy fall, and then the rush of an escaping -man, or men. Oakes and I were quick to reach the spot, and managed to -find our forest guide groaning on the ground. - -At Oakes's suggestion we carried him back to the hut, which I -ascertained was now quite empty. It was a grewsome experience, this. -Oakes refused to allow a match to be struck, saying: "Don't draw their -fire, Stone; we may be in a nest of them." My chagrin was deep as I -thought of the opportunity that my clumsiness had brought to naught. We -soon succeeded in reviving our man; he had been felled by a fist blow on -the face, evidently. - -"Did you see the other fellow?" asked my companion. - -"Yes, sir, I saw one; he was Skinner. I caught his face in the lantern -light just as they doused it." - -"Indeed!" cried Oakes. "Skinner! You mean the man who runs the -newspaper--the one I have ordered shadowed." - -"Yes, sir; the same. It was he who was counting the money." - -"Yes, that agrees. Go on. Who was the other?" - -"I did not see him at all, Mr. Oakes, but I ran into him, or rather he -into me. I have a piece of his shirt here, sir." - -The man handed something to Oakes, and together we peered at it in the -dim morning light. We soon determined that it was a good-sized piece of -the neck of a shirt. - -Then, watching carefully the woods around, I stood on guard, while Oakes -examined the inside of the hut. It was an old hunter's cabin evidently, -and had not been recently used. The table was made of rough boards, and -was supported by two stumps. It might have served as a place to lie upon -also. - -Oakes uttered an exclamation, as the guide handed him a piece of paper -money that was on the floor. Nothing else was found. The lantern had -gone with the men. - -"One man was giving money to the other to get him away, and nearly lost -his life in defense of the rest in his possession. This is a piece of a -bill torn off in the struggle," said Oakes. - -"Do you recognize this shirt pattern?" asked he. - -"Yes, sir," said our guide; "it is like what O'Brien wears." - -"Exactly!" said Oakes. "And you"--he addressed the man--"come with us to -the road. Can you walk that far?" - -"Yes, indeed. I am all right now, but I was finished for a few minutes." - -"You were knocked out well," remarked Oakes; "lucky you were not -killed." - -We returned to River Road by the way we had come, arriving there as dawn -was breaking and the sun beginning to throw his rays across the plateau -before us. We found our horses and the man who had escorted us from -Mona. - -Oakes spoke to him: "Here, Bob, let Paul ride on your horse; he has had -a smash. You walk. Both of you go to the Mansion and tell the others to -find O'Brien, if possible. Paul will explain. Make no arrests, but don't -let your man get away." - -We vaulted into our saddles and galloped ahead. As we were returning to -headquarters by way of the Corners I felt like a culprit; I was devoured -by chagrin, and thoroughly ashamed of my awkwardness. - -Oakes's face was grave--much more so than usual--but he rode his horse -with alertness and confidence, and I wondered at the endurance he -displayed--also at his consideration; for in this hour, when keen -disappointment must have been his, he did not mention my mishap, which -had so changed events. He acted as though it were beneath him to notice -it, and that made me all the more mortified; but at the same time I -vowed to redeem myself in his eyes. - -Dashing toward the Mansion gate, we both pulled up our horses as Oakes -uttered a sudden exclamation. He rested one hand on the pommel of his -saddle and pointed with the other at a man inside the Mansion gate. His -back was toward us, and he had been raking the walk apparently. - -"Look--notice!" and the voice of my companion grew sharp and -significant; "look!" - -The man was now reaching upward with one hand, the rake held within its -grasp, and with a graceful, well-calculated swing he was deftly denuding -a branch overhead of its dying leaves. - -"Well, I see," I answered; "it's Maloney cleaning up." - -"Exactly!" came the staccato answer; "but how about the strength of the -wrist that can handle such a heavy rake with such certainty?" - -"Oh, yes, he's strong," I cried. "He's got plenty of muscle, -apparently." - -"He has a strong wrist and a strong arm, and not such an awfully large -chest," answered Oakes calmly, as though speaking of the weather or of -something of no importance. Fool that I was, it was only then that his -meaning suddenly went home to my slow-acting brain. I saw a light in -Oakes's eyes that I had never seen before--cool, steely, calculating. - -"No," I whispered; "_impossible_!--but you are searching for just such a -person." - -"Yes, of course," was the laconic answer; "but let's talk with the -gentleman of the rake." - -Oakes led the way to within a few feet of the gate, then rising in his -stirrups shouted to Maloney. - -The latter turned, and with a look of recognition came quickly toward -us. "Good morning, sir;--good morning, Mr. Clark. I was going to -headquarters for you soon, sir; they told me you had gone there with -Chief Hallen----" - -"Yes! Why did you wish to go there, Maloney?" - -"Because, sir, there is something wrong--something about the mystery -here. You know, sir, you left word to report if anything unusual -happened." - -Maloney spoke quietly, and without embarrassment. We had noticed before -that he was fairly well educated--another victim of unfortunate -circumstances. - -"What has occurred?" There was a hard ring in Oakes's voice. It told me -to be discreet; I had heard that accent before. - -"Mr. Clark, I went down to Lorona last night to see my brother, who is -sick. When I returned it was late. I was on horseback, and I noticed a -man on the road lighting a lantern. I spoke to him; he would not answer, -but started into the timber at the far south end of the grounds." - -"Well, what was peculiar?" - -"It was Skinner, sir." - -"Skinner!" - -"Yes, sir; I saw his face by the light. I thought it strange, tied my -horse and followed him. He went a long way into the woods to a hut, and -waited a couple of hours with the light. Then another man came, and they -had a quarrel. There was a terrible noise, and then the light went out -and they disappeared. I went back to my horse and have just got here." - -"Who was with Skinner?" - -"I don't know, sir. I was facing the door of the hut, but it was too -dark to see. They worked with a dark lantern." - -We had quietly walked our horses up to the gate while listening to -Maloney. Oakes's eyes were upon the ground. - -Suddenly he looked up. "Thank you very much, Maloney. You have done well -in reporting to me. I will see Chief Hallen; this is a matter, perhaps, -for the police, certainly not for me, to work on." - -Wheeling our horses, we darted to the Corners and on toward Mona. - -Quintus Oakes was very quiet; he seemed annoyed--or nonplussed--and the -pace that he set was terrific. As we neared the town we slowed up, and I -asked excitedly of the taciturn man by my side: "Tell me, what's up?" - -He turned slightly in his saddle. "Maloney was there; he acknowledged -it. So far he told the truth; but he _lied_ about returning on -horseback. There were no hoof-marks going toward the stable--none -entered the Mansion gate. And he lied also about his brother in Lorona, -for there is no such relative of his there; Maloney has no brothers or -sisters hereabouts." - -I now remembered Oakes's careful scrutiny of the ground while we were -talking with Maloney, and I also realized how close was the net he had -spread about everyone at the Mansion. - -"If Maloney was at the hut, how did he get back ahead of us?" I asked. - -"Ran, of course--took the inside way through the woods; he knows the -paths well. He may not only have been _near_ the hut, Stone, he may have -been _in_ it. If so, he tried to kill Skinner, for the old man had -money." - -Then Oakes continued: "Perhaps it was Maloney who was about to get away, -if he could. But he can't," the detective added with a sardonic laugh, -as he closed his jaws firmly. - -"But," I exclaimed, "suppose it was Maloney, what of O'Brien? He was -there; we have his shirt--in part at least." - -"Oh, bother O'Brien! he makes me tired," cried Oakes enigmatically; "he -will get himself into trouble some day." - -"Yes, yes," I contended; "but he too has strong arms and a strong wrist -and could have used the revolver." - -"Surely! So could many men. These clues are merely the primary ones. -Many men answer their requirements. They are worth very little by -themselves. They simply point to a certain type of man. They are simply -_links_, as yet unforged into the chain." - -"But one thing more, Oakes," I cried, "why should Maloney volunteer the -information that he was at the place if he had no good excuse for being -there?" - -"That's it exactly. Perhaps he mistrusts he was seen and wants to get in -his story first. Perhaps he cannot hold his tongue; perhaps his mind is -weak. We are looking for a mind somewhat unusual, Stone, remember that." - -We were now at the Square in front of the little hotel and, dismounting, -we proceeded to enter the door of the inn. As we did so, I took my -companion by the arm and drew him aside. - -"Say, Oakes," I said, "don't tell Dr. Moore how I involved matters by -that stumble. I would never hear the end of it." - -Oakes looked surprised, then his eyes beamed in merriment. He smiled -ever so slightly. - -"That certainly was a beautiful charge you made over me," said he. - -He did not promise not to tell, however; but months afterwards, Dr. -Moore learned all about it from me, and I then found that Quintus had -remained silent. - - - - - _CHAPTER XIX_ - - _A Faulty Story_ - - -After breakfast, while Oakes gave the doctor a brief résumé of our -night's adventure, the two rival newspapers came out with "extras" on -the recent doings. Skinner's comments were sarcastic and bitter, and, -while not actually inciting to lawlessness, played upon the roused -feelings of the towns-people by scathing allusions to Hallen's -inefficiency, and by reiterating the story of the false Quintus Oakes. - -Our friend Dowd, on the other hand, came forward with a moderate, -well-worded article that swayed the minds of the more thoughtful. The -reading of his words won us more friends. Who does not like to hear two -sides of an argument, or to read cool words of wisdom from one whose -career entitles him to respect? - -We had learned at breakfast that Hallen had taken hold with a grip of -iron during the night. Many arrests had followed his activity, and the -quietude of the forenoon was largely due to his efforts of the night -before. - -As we stood outside the hotel remarking upon the changed appearance of -the streets, our attention was attracted to a small crowd approaching -the Square from the direction of the Corners. There were men running -ahead and shouting; then a close, compact body swaying around a central -attraction. We thought we detected a man being helped along as though he -were severely injured, and we clearly distinguished the words "Shot at!" -"The murderer!" and many expressions of anger and terror. - -Oakes looked into the mass of men and scanned the pale face of the -injured one. "It's Maloney," he said, seizing the doctor and myself by -the arm. He pushed his way forward as the crowd recognized and opened -for Mr. Clark. - -"Well, Maloney, what is it?" asked Oakes. - -"I was shot at, sir," he exclaimed, "shot at, in the very spot where Mr. -Mark was killed; and then, sir, someone hit me a blow on the head, and I -fell." - -I saw Oakes run his hand over Maloney's scalp. - -"I was dazed, sir, when these men found me," finished the gardener. - -"Yes," said two laborers, "we found him on the ground just waking up, -and acting queer-like. And here's the revolver; it was lying behind the -rock, sir." - -"How did it happen?" asked Oakes. - -"I heard a shot near me," Maloney answered, "a heavy revolver shot. I -turned, and was then hit with something like a sand-bag, I guess, for -everything got dim." - -Hallen walked him into the headquarters building, to avoid the rapidly -increasing crowd. - -"Shut the doors," he ordered. The command was quickly obeyed, and we who -had worked together were all within the building now, away from the -crowd. - -"Who was it?" asked Hallen of Maloney. - -The man hesitated a while, but upon being pressed for an answer finally -replied: "I have not dared to mention my suspicions, sir, but the fellow -looked like Mike O'Brien. At any rate, he was wounded; he was walking -with a limp, sir, and I saw blood on his trousers leg. He must have -been in a scrap or an accident." - -"When I was coming to," he continued, "I saw him hiding a revolver -behind a rock. I pointed out the place to the men when they came a few -moments after, and they found it." - -"Why did you not cry out for help?" asked Oakes suddenly, even -viciously, I thought. - -Maloney answered quickly: "Because he thought I was dead, and I let him -think so. If I had made any noise, sir, he would have finished me. I did -not move until I knew help was near." - -"Good!" said Oakes; "you had presence of mind. Let us see the revolver; -the men left it here, did they not?" - -Hallen stepped forward with the weapon. - -Oakes examined it; but his look informed us that it was not the _old_ -one taken from the wall in the Mansion. - -Further questioning failed to reveal anything of importance, but it -seemed clear from what Maloney said that the assaulter escaped on -horseback after he was seen by his intended victim, for Maloney -insisted that he had heard a galloping horse afterwards. - -"He was wounded, you said?" queried the detective. - -"Yes, sir, quite badly, I thought." - -Moore examined Maloney's injury and took careful note of his condition; -then the gardener was told to go, and he was soon joined outside by the -two laborers--his new found friends. Together they went for the hotel -bar across the street. As they disappeared, Oakes exchanged glances with -the doctor, and I knew that something was wrong. There came a long -silence, which Hallen finally broke. - -"This is a queer story, Oakes; I don't understand it. Is it the murderer -at work again--and O'Brien accused? You say the Mansion mysteries are -the work of the same hand that shot Mr. Mark, and possibly Mr. Smith. -But those mysteries are old, and O'Brien is a recent arrival here and -knows very little of the Mansion. I cannot see his guilt. How do you -explain it, Oakes?" - -The keen man addressed faced the Chief, and we all knew the words that -were coming were valuable. - -"Chief, I have just told you of Mr. Stone's adventures with me this -morning--of my proof that Maloney lied to us. Well, he has lied again." - -"Yes," chimed in Dr. Moore, "the man's a fake. He was not seriously -injured, if at all." - -"I saw through Maloney's story instantly," continued Oakes. "He said he -was assaulted by O'Brien, who was, according to his own story, a badly -wounded man. He said O'Brien hid the revolver afterwards, while he, -Maloney, was shamming death, and that O'Brien sought to escape. It is -nonsense." - -"Why? I fail to see!" I asked excitedly. - -Oakes turned to me: "Why, Stone, don't you see the flaws? Would a -seriously injured man attempt deliberate murder? What show would he have -to escape? Then, again, if able to get away himself, would he hide the -revolver near the scene of the crime, behind a rock? No, he would take -it with him as a defensive weapon, or else hide it where it never could -be found; in the Hudson, for instance, or the brook--both near at hand." - -"True enough," cried Hallen, his face showing his admiration; "but -what's your idea, then, Oakes?" - -"Just this, gentlemen. Maloney _himself_ shot O'Brien, and seeing the -latter escape knew that his game was up, for he had been identified by -O'Brien. So he hid the revolver that he himself used, and then pretended -to have been sand-bagged and shot at. He relied on the weight of his -word against O'Brien's, not knowing anything of the evidence collected -against him or that we were anything but agents and workmen about the -Mansion?" - -The Chief looked long and half sceptically at Oakes, then asked: "Does -Maloney meet your requirements? Does he fill the bill?" - -"Well, he has a strong wrist and long arms," answered Oakes--"that -places him among the _possibles_; he also has a comparatively narrow -chest, such as the man had who wore the robe--you remember we reasoned -that out. Those three things cover much ground. Then, again, he is an -old resident, knows all about the Mansion, was here when Smith was -murdered." - -Elliott now spoke up: "Oakes, you said the murderer was a good shot. Is -Maloney a good shot with a revolver?" - -"Yes, he was; he used to belong to the National Guard years ago. He was -a splendid shot then, according to evidence procured by my men." - -"But the revolver to-day was not the old one?" queried the Chief. - -"No," answered Oakes; "but he can easily have two." - -"I had better arrest him now as a suspicious person," exclaimed Hallen -excitedly. - -"Not yet. Let us be _sure_ first--remember Skinner has a motive for -crossing us; he has tried to defeat the aims of justice right through. -He was dealing money this morning to someone; suppose it was to -Maloney--what is his reason?" - -Hallen thumped the table furiously as though a new thought had come to -him. "Skinner answers the physical requirements also, Mr. Oakes--he was -also a guardsman--a good shot." - -"Yes," answered Oakes, "but scarcely strong enough to overpower me at -the Mansion." - -"Unless he was acting while in mania, as we presume this criminal acts," -said Moore. - -I sat spellbound as these men discussed the intricacies of the affair, -realizing the truth of their reasonings and marvelling at the clues, -conceptions and brilliant memories revealed, especially by the masterly -Oakes. - -"Too bad you cannot find Skinner, and see what he is up to," I remarked. - -"We must let Hallen keep watch on him until we are ready for our final -move. It would be easy to arrest him on suspicion, but that might defeat -our object, and, again, I do not believe in making arrests until my case -is clear," said Oakes. - -"Do you not think Skinner might be the murderer?" I asked. - -"Not as I see things now. It seems more probable that he is interested -in someone whom he wants to get out of harm's way. His motive throughout -this affair has been to hide the guilty, I think." - -"And what do you make of that man O'Brien?" queried Dowd; "he seems to -be a mysterious fellow." - -Oakes and Hallen exchanged knowing glances. "He's another possibility; -he's a little Tartar," said the detective. - -"But won't Maloney get away now?" asked Elliott. - -"Nit," was the answer from Hallen. "Those two 'laborers' with him are my -'specials.'" - -I was getting entirely tied up now, but, desiring to appear erudite and -worthy of such company, I blurted forth: "Who is Mike O'Brien, anyway?" - -Oakes looked at us all coolly and exasperatingly. "He seems to be a -little extra thrown in. I'll tell you all about it when you tell me if -the 'S' on the handkerchief has anything to do with Mr. Skinner." - -An exclamation of surprise went up. We had all forgotten _that_. But -before we could resume, a message arrived for Oakes. It was brought by -one of the men whom we knew so well by sight around the Mansion. He told -of the finding of a burned tree, hidden in the forest, near the scene of -the murder of Mr. Mark. Those who were searching had discovered that the -tree was recently struck by lightning and that within its burned -interior was ash. - -The man had brought some with him, and also a small, crumpled piece of -newspaper. Oakes looked carefully at them as we glanced over his -shoulder. - -"At last!" cried he. "Here is wood ash--wet, as was that on the robe; -and here is paper like that of the 'Daily News,' which we found in the -robe; is it not?" - -"Yes," cried Moore. "It is indeed--can it be?" - -"Yes," came the answer from Oakes; "my orders to search for the origin -of the ash have been crowned with success. The robe was in that tree." - -"But," I cried, "of what value is that?" - -"Just this--the robe was not worn at the time of the murder. Remember, -Joe did not see it--it had been hidden, probably. The murderer used it -to go and to come in, but for some unknown reason discarded it at the -shooting." - -"Excuse me," said the messenger, "excuse me, Mr. Oakes--but that's about -right. The tree was beyond the stone where he crossed and lost the -handkerchief. He was running for the robe, sir; the murderer was after -his disguise." - -Oakes looked at his subordinate calmly and smiled ever so slightly. The -man bowed and retreated, abashed at his own impetuosity. - -Hallen turned to our friend Oakes and said: "I never in my life saw -anything like this--like you." - -Oakes, always ready to side-step praise in any form, answered, with one -of his chilling glances: "Oh, bother! You're young yet, Hallen; you need -age." - -Hallen half resentfully yanked his cap on his head and strode to the -door. - -"Well," he remarked, "here's where I take a look at Maloney's arms--I am -dead tired of theorizing." - -"Stop!" commanded Oakes; "you'll spoil it all." - -"I won't spoil the cross on the arm--the cross of indigo--if it's there; -and if it ain't there, it ain't. Hang it all, anyway." And forthwith -Hallen strode out the door, down the steps toward the hotel bar-room, -with Oakes and the rest of us following in a vain endeavor to head him -off. - -When we reached the bar-room, Hallen was already in the side room. We -rushed toward the little room door, expecting to see Maloney in the -grasp of Hallen; but instead, we beheld the Chief gazing in stupefaction -at his two men dead drunk, heads between their hands on the little round -table. - -"------------,----!" cried the Chief in a voice that shook the -glasses on the shelves in the bar-room and brought the white-coated -attendant with one bound to the door. "Hell--en--Maloney's escaped." - -"Escaped!" cried the bar-keeper. "Escaped!--nit. Why, he paid for the -drinks and walked out half an hour ago--said he had a job at the -Mansion. These fellows--gosh!" cried the man as he shook them--"drunk! -What's up--what does it mean, Chief?" - -Then Quintus Oakes spoke in tones of dulcet and ineffable sweetness, -cooingly, charmingly. "It means that Chief Hallen pays for a round of -the best you've got. In order to see a cross on a man's arm it becomes -necessary first to catch the man--something like the bird's tail and the -salt proposition." - -"Mix 'em up quick!" shouted Hallen, advancing to the bar. "Hell--en--be -damned! Get the two samples of Mona's police out into the air! -Hell--en----!" - - - - - _CHAPTER XX_ - - _A Man's Confession_ - - -The assault upon Maloney was now the talk of the town. Hallen, who had -enjoyed a respite from censure, was again furiously blamed for inability -and incompetence. None but our select few discerned that Maloney was -lying, for none knew as much of the intricacies of the case as did we. -All were crying out for the instant arrest of the one who had attempted -to kill him, but none but the few who had heard Maloney's statement -within headquarters knew that it was O'Brien he had accused--and only -those few knew that his story was probably false. - -Although the order had gone forth quietly, as we knew, to "find Mike -O'Brien," still it was not known to any save Hallen's and Oakes's men. - -The masses were in ignorance of the strides we had made twards -the solution of the horrible happenings at Mona, and, of course, Hallen -was getting more than he deserved in the way of criticism. - -Oakes told us that he momentarily expected some new developments in the -case, as Hallen was endeavoring to find Skinner and bring him to the -Mansion. His surmises proved true, for it was found an easy matter to -locate the old man; and early in the evening Hallen arrived at the -Mansion and joined us in the apartments upstairs, and with him were -Martin and Skinner. - -Dowd, the rival of the old man, was with us, having begged earnestly of -Oakes to be allowed to follow as close to the action as possible, and -having stuck by us like a veritable leech since the morning. Dowd was a -nice fellow, and a newspaper man from start to finish, and he seemed to -have developed a great liking for Oakes. - -We were all upstairs when Martin ushered in the tall, rather slender, -but powerful old man, Skinner. None of us, save Hallen, had seen him at -close range before; but I saw a curious expression, half of defiance, -half of dismay, in his face, that made me watch him most closely. Dr. -Moore was scanning his features carefully in a way that showed he had -detected something, but Quintus Oakes, rising from his seat and -advancing politely to meet the old gentleman, seemed neither to have -seen anything nor to know anything. He was just the polished gentleman -we all knew so well; but I noticed that, as he shook hands with Mr. -Skinner, he cast a quick glance at the man's arm and the wrist, and then -at the old man's eyes. - -Moore whispered: "He has excluded Skinner as the criminal. Look! see him -take it all in." - -Oakes was leading Skinner to a seat, and as he walked, he spoke freely. -He had discovered that which Dr. Moore had also seen, but which I had -failed to detect. - -"Mr. Skinner, allow me," said he, gracefully. "It's not well lighted -here; I imagine that little white scar on your right eye--on your -cornea, just in front of the pupil--interferes somewhat with your -vision." - -"Yes, Mr. Clark, it does interfere just a trifle." - -"Just enough to spoil duck-shooting, eh! I understand you used to be -quite fond of that sort of thing, Mr. Skinner." - -Moore and Hallen exchanged glances; and the knowledge was general to -us--the old man was _not_ the murderer, for the assassin could shoot -well, and the old scar on the eye prevented that in Skinner's case. - -"But to what do I owe the honor of a request to call at the Mansion, -escorted by such a nice young man, to see Mr. Clark, the agent?" queried -Skinner. - -The old fellow was shrewd--he looked at Hallen and smiled -half-heartedly. Then he looked at me, and remarked that we had met -before somewhere, and extending his hand to Moore, he said he guessed he -was glad to know us all better. Then turning quietly to Chief Hallen, he -laughed, and gave us a shock from which we were unable to rally for a -few moments. - -"Well, Chief, they're keeping you busy. They tell me you don't like it -because I exposed that fellow who palmed himself off as Mr. Quintus -Oakes--that man Rogers, you know." - -"No, I did not like it particularly--it interfered with my plans; I am -trying to catch the murderer of Mr. Mark, you know." - -"Suppose you are! you haven't got him yet. You can search me, Chief. I -think Mr. Quintus Oakes here is entitled to all the credit so -far--eh--don't you?" - -The old fellow turned to Oakes as he spoke the words that showed he was -not to be fooled into believing Oakes was Clark. - -We moved nearer. Skinner knew all, apparently. - -Then Oakes arose to meet the occasion, and stood before the old man: -"Mr. Skinner, I thank you for warning me not to come to Mona--it was -your letter I received. But why did you warn me? Was it to protect your -secret?" - -Oakes had acted all along as though he had learned some things he had -not spoken of to us--he and Hallen had seemed to comprehend more than we -others knew; but I was scarce prepared for such a sudden revelation. - -"Stop!" cried the old man, "stop! you have no right--I did warn you to -keep away from Mona--I knew of the Mansion mysteries--I knew you by -sight in New York--I recognized you here on your first visit--I did not -want to see a good man get in trouble." - -"Thank you," said Oakes, "thank you. Your kindness was appreciated, but -you have another motive--you are shielding someone." - -"None--no one," came the answer. - -"Nonsense!" and Oakes's eyes blazed as he spoke; "you tried to send him -away this morning. You gave him money at the hut. You were nearly killed -by the man you are protecting. Can you explain it?" - -The old man was shaking violently. He arose, tottered and sat down. Then -burying his head in his hands, he remained silent for a space of -seconds. Then shaking his head, he moaned: "No, I can't explain. I had -given him all. Mr. Oakes, he was not robbing me--he seemed angry--he--I -could not understand." - -"I can," said Oakes. "The man you have befriended these many years, the -man Maloney who used to work with you in your shop, to whom you gave, -among many other things, a red bandana handkerchief with your initial -'S' upon it--one of those handkerchiefs you use about the printing -office--that man, we think, is a maniac. We surmise that he has the -killing mania. Did you not suspect it?" - -The old man's manner changed to one of terrified inquiry. "Why, I never -suspected--I--I thought he was peculiar--I mistrusted he was at the -bottom of the Mansion mysteries--I wanted to send him away to give him a -show." - -Oakes hesitated, then answered evasively, but forcefully: "Maloney is -probably irresponsible. He is the man of the Mansion--the woman, so -called, of the Smith murder--the murderer of Mr. Mark--we believe, but -we are without _proof_ as yet." - -The old man's face filled with the blood dammed back from the throbbing -heart, then paled as the heart-strokes weakened, and the cold sweat of -collapse appeared in beady drops upon his brow. - -Moore was at his side with a drink, and we all placed him on the sofa -and watched the color return to the yellow-white face, and the -respirations deepen again. - -Oakes bent solicitously above him. "There is something back of all this, -Skinner. Maloney is more than a friend." Then, as the old man rose, the -detective, in tones gentle but strong, called Skinner's attention to -the fact that his conduct in using the influence of his journal against -Hallen and the discovery of the criminal needed an explanation. - -Skinner arose, steadied himself, and turning to Hallen said, in a voice -scarcely audible: "Chief, I have always been a good citizen till now. I -wanted Maloney to get away. He would not go. I thought he might be at -the bottom of the Mansion mysteries, but I had no idea he could be a -murderer. I did not wish his identity revealed; I tried to discourage -Mr. Oakes. I tried to save my reputation, Chief--to save a name good as -the world goes; but this is my punishment. Study my face, Chief--study -my eyes, my chin. Then imagine a handsome Spanish face--dark-haired, -dark-skinned. Do you see why Maloney has blue eyes and a square -chin--with hair black as the Indian's and skin swarthy as night? -Gentlemen, do you understand? She is dead. Maloney does not know. I -cared for the lad. He is my son. He always has been eccentric, but -although perhaps insane, I had no proof. I tried to hide my secret, but -if Justice demands his capture, Chief, I am at your disposal." - -The old man extended his hands, his lips quivering with the words that -spelled ruin, and advanced to the Chief, as though expecting arrest, -while we all remained motionless, in pitying silence. - -Hallen glanced at him. Then the burly fellow turned suddenly to Martin: -"Here, you son of a dandy!" said he, as we all smiled and Oakes bit his -lip in suppressed emotion, "here! you go on down to the stable and tell -my coachman to drive round to the front door--I am going to have him -drive home with Mr. Skinner." Then they walked to the door, the old man -half-leaning on the thick-set, muscular shoulders of Hallen. At the -threshold the Chief turned quickly: "If any of you ducks say anything, -you're a lot of dudes," and the two disappeared downstairs to the -coach. - -After Hallen had returned to the room, and as the rumble of the wheels -died away in the distance, Dowd addressed a question to Oakes. He wanted -to know how Oakes had secured advance information as to the history of -Skinner and the handkerchief. - -"Well, Dowd, as soon as Skinner began antagonizing our moves, I -suspected that he was the writer of the letter of warning. Then I -ordered his history--you know those things are easily obtained. He came -here years ago it seems, comparatively unknown, and worked his way up, -employing a young fellow for many years in his office. This young fellow -went West, but returned later. He was Maloney. He had not the mental -attainments for his employer's business, but the older man kept in touch -with the younger, even after he found it necessary to dispense with his -services. When I saw Skinner, I detected some resemblance between -them--this seems to have escaped general notice, but Dr. Moore was not -deceived. A study of the eyes and the ears and the nose confirmed my -suspicions of the paternity of Maloney; but all that, while interesting, -was not so valuable as the knowledge that Maloney had several -handkerchiefs given him by Skinner. You see, Skinner's conduct was so -suspicious throughout that we have investigated him thoroughly. We found -he wore such handkerchiefs around his neck in the printing office. We -found Mrs. Cook was aware that Maloney had some of them--he told her -that Mr. Skinner gave them to him. He always was proud of Skinner's -friendship." - -"Then you knew all about it this morning, Quintus," I cried, exasperated -at the man's taciturnity; "you knew when you said you would tell who -O'Brien was, if I would tell whether the 'S' had anything to do with -Skinner." - -"No, but I mistrusted; the proofs were only more recently secured." - -"Then, as you now have the answer regarding the 'S,' it seems only fair -that you tell us who O'Brien is," I cried. - -Oakes became very serious. "I believe O'Brien was the man watching on -the balcony when Dr. Moore was assaulted; also that he was the man at -the bridge who warned you, Stone, of danger, but who has kept his -identity hidden. We had strong proof that he was at the hut watching, as -were we; he accidentally left a part of his shirt with my man, remember. -I also believe that he was wounded and is in hiding--wounded by Maloney, -on the Highway, when he was about to close in upon him." - -"What do you mean?" cried Moore. "What curious conduct for a man--to -keep in hiding!" - -"No, not at all," answered Oakes sharply. "Remember how you saw him on -horseback one night, revolver in hand. Well, he was attending to -business. _O'Brien is working on the Mansion mysteries._ I believe he -only knows half of the affair; he does not realize Maloney may be the -murderer of Mark--his conduct is in accord with that of a brave -detective working single-handed and desiring to keep his identity -secret." - -"A _detective_!" - -"Yes, I fancy so," answered Oakes, with a smile on his face. "Why not? -We are not the only bees around the honeysuckle." - -"By George! I never thought of that," exclaimed Moore. - -"Indeed!" retorted Oakes in dulcet tones. "Why should you? You have not -played this game before--it is new to you." - -"And does Hallen know, does he mistrust that O'Brien is a detective?" - -Oakes laughed. "Boys, you're slow. Of course he does. He has even found -out there is a well-known detective by the name of Larkin who is fond of -the alias O'Brien. This Larkin has a scar under his hair in front. We -will perhaps be able to identify O'Brien soon." - -"What made you first mistrust?" I asked. - -"Why, remember how curiously O'Brien acted when we hunted the robe--how -indifferent he was--how he used dialect!" - -"Yes, but why--how?" - -"Well," interrupted Oakes, "that dialect was poor--unnatural, -consequently perhaps assumed. That was the first clue to explain the -curious actions of Maloney's loving friend, who has stuck to him like -molasses to a fly's leg." - -"Let us go into town and have dinner at the hotel," I cried, disgusted -at my lack of perspicacity. My invitation was accepted with the usual -alacrity of hungry men, and we soon were striding along--Hallen, Oakes -and Moore in front and Dowd, Elliott and myself behind. We walked close -together, discussing the events and joking at one another in great -good-natured animal spirits, for things were coming to a head now and -Broadway was not so far off after all. - -As the darkness closed in upon us, relieved only by the faint glimmering -of the rising moon, we were in a compact body--an excellent target. -Strong in the presence of each other, we had for a moment forgotten that -we were in the land where a brain disordered was at liberty. We, the -criminal hunters, were but human--and this was our error. - - - - - _CHAPTER XXI_ - - _The Attack_ - - -We had advanced along River Road to its junction with the Highway, and -Martin had just closed in from behind as Dr. Moore started to say -something about the dinner that was coming, when, just as we came into -the shadows of the great trees to our left, a flame, instantaneous, -reddish-blue, streaked forth from the side of the road and a deep, -muffled, crashing sound came to our ears. Everyone recognized it -instantly--it was not the high crack of a modern weapon such as we -carried, but the unmistakable guttural of an old-style heavy revolver. - -An instant, and the voice of Oakes rang out, cool, but intensely -earnest, "To cover"--and we covered. Never before had six men melted -from a close formation so rapidly, so silently, so earnestly. - -Dr. Moore, Elliott and I reached the trees on the other side together, -and lost our identity trying to find a place for our hunted bodies. We -lay down in a heap behind a burned tree-stump, and said "damn" -together. - -Somewhere around was the fiend of Mona, and somewhere were Oakes, Hallen -and Dowd, but not with us--we could swear to this, for we were in a -class by ourselves and we knew one another even in the darkness. - -We heard a sudden scuffle in the road, and saw a giant figure rush by -us, throwing a silhouette on the roadway. It turned, faced about and -crouched as another figure darted from the woods across the road. Then -the figure crouching made a spring, and the two swayed to and fro before -us like great phantoms, and then the figures separated, and one started -down the Highway followed by the other at breakneck speed. Then we heard -the voice of Oakes from somewhere: - -"Halt! or I'll shoot." - -The fugitives stopped, ducked, dashed toward us and by us, into the -woods, and after them came the report of Oakes's revolver--we knew it by -the quick, high-pitched note--and then--Oakes himself. It was evident to -us he had fired in the air, for we all saw the small flame point -heavenward as his weapon was discharged. - -Neither fugitive slackened his speed, but both rushed across the plains -east by northeast into the face of the moon as it rose off the plateau -of Mona. - -"What is who?" gasped Moore. - -"The which?" I answered, as a polar chill chased up my spine. - -"Oh, the d----l!" soliloquized Elliott. - -"See, the second man limps--he must be O'Brien; he is chasing the first -one," whispered the doctor as we gazed into the night. - -"And Oakes is cavorting after the bunch--I play him straight and place," -spoke Elliott; "he is gaining." - -We watched Oakes, fleeter than ever, steadier, disappear in the distance -as the moon entered a passing cloud-bank and all became lonesome and -dark. - -"Let's get on the plain," said Elliott, and we crawled as best we could -out of the woods toward the place where the three were last seen by us. - -"Let's be in at the finish," I cried, and we started in the dim steely -haze of the obscured moon to follow the chase. Darkness impenetrable -came on, and suddenly a wild moan of anguish reached us--an awful, -convulsive cry of terror. It neared us and was in our very -neighborhood--in our midst--and again away; and with it came the rush of -feet, heavy and tired, and soon the light tread of the pursuer--the -athletic, soft tread of Oakes. I shall never forget that cry of terror. -It was as though the soul had left the body in anguish--it was a cry of -fear greater than man seemed capable of uttering. - -From out of the darkness came the voice of Moore: "A maniac in terror!" -Then the heavy tread was upon us again, a body darted past me, and the -heavy revolver spoke again. I felt a stinging sensation in my arm, a -numbness, a feeling of dread and of fear; then I reeled and recovered, -and looking around me saw the figure dashing away like mad. The moon was -uncovering again, and the fighting instinct of the brute was aroused -within me. I knew I was wounded, but it was a trivial matter. I felt the -surging of blood to my brain, the pumping of my heart, the warmth and -glow of the body that comes when one rallies from fear or surprise, and -the next instant I was off in pursuit. - -Always a good runner, I seemed endowed with the speed of the wind; -slowly I gained. The man before me ran rapidly but heavily; he was -tired. He glanced around and moved his arms, and I realized that he was -unarmed. His weapon had fallen. I shut my mouth and saved my breath, and -loosened joints which had not been oiled since the days of long ago, -when I played on my college foot-ball team. Slowly I closed in--the -capture was to be mine--the honor for Stone, yours truly--lawyer. I -unreefed some more, and the ground went by under me like mad. I was -dizzy with elation and courage and bull-hearted strength, and then, just -as I came within talking distance of the fleeing terror, there was a -report and my right leg dragged, my stride weakened and tied itself into -bowknots, and I dropped my revolver. I realized I was done for. We all -know the symptoms--the starboard front pulley of my new Broadway -suspenders had "busted." - -The next instant the "terror" had turned and was upon me. I felt a -crashing fist in my face and another in my neck, a swinging blow on my -jaw and a quick upper cut in my solar plexus; and as the moon had just -again disappeared behind the cloud, I sank to the plain of Mona nearly -unconscious--overpowered. I felt hands with the power of ten men seize -my wrists. I felt them being tied together with handkerchiefs; I felt a -heavy weight on my stomach, and realized that I was being used as a -sofa. Then I started to call for help, to speak and to struggle; but the -terror who had murdered and frightened, and held up this part of the -State, soaked me again with both fists. I thought of home and New York -and mint juleps, and of the two dollars I spent to railroad it up to -Mona, and realized that it was cheap for all I was getting. Then I -started in to die; and the fiend struck a match in my face, and I nearly -did die. For it was that quiet, aristocratic Elliott. "You're the -darndest ass I ever saw," said he as he got off; "why didn't you tell -who you were?" - -"Couldn't," I muttered. "I was thinking of----" - -I never finished that remark, for the next instant Elliott was borne -down to the ground by the force of the impact of a great body. He -rolled about with the unknown, and tore and twisted. I heard the -deafening blows rain on his head, and was powerless to aid, for my hands -were tied and I was strangely weak--I was done for. - -"You d---- fiend! I've got you. You will murder Stone along with the -others, will you? You terror, you." - -I recognized the voice as I heard the handcuffs click on Elliott, and -realized it all. - -It was too much. "Hallen!" I murmured. "Thank God! Soak him again," and -I heard the blows descend on Elliott's anatomy. Then I relented. - -"Spare him, Chief--it's Mr. Elliott." - -Hallen roared in surprise. "Then the murderer has gotten away, with -Oakes after him. I beg pardon--I--I--ha, ha!" and then the Chief roared -again as he undid us and called for the others. - -Lanterns were now brought from the Mansion, and a crowd of Oakes's men -collected around us. I noticed that Moore and Hallen were looking at me -curiously; and then Oakes stepped to my side from somewhere out in the -darkness. - -"You're sick, old fellow!" he said softly. - -"Sick!" and then I realized that things were strangely distant, that -faces seemed far, far away, and that Moore's voice was miles off as he -rushed to my side. - -"Wounded! Look at his arm," he cried. - -"Yes," I murmured; "it was that last shot--I forgot it." - -I tried to raise the arm and saw that a red-blue stream was running down -and dripping from my hand upon the ground. - -I stepped forward to point to Hallen, and to tell about how he slugged -Elliott; but as I moved I lurched forward, and a great strong arm closed -about me and a tender voice whispered--miles--miles away. It was Oakes's -voice. - -"Here, Hallen, give us a hand," and I felt myself lifted tenderly and -carried across the plateau. I was dimly conscious that Moore was working -silently, rapidly, at my side, and that the strong, supple arm of Oakes -was about me, and that Hallen was helping. A great wave of affection -came over me for these tender, dear fellows--and I talked long and loud -as Elliott wiped my face; and I told Moore that Elliott was a past -master at slugging--and all the time the crowd grew. I heard the name of -Mr. Clark shouted, and then my own; and then, as they bore me in at the -Mansion gate, I passed away off into the distance and went into a deep, -dark tunnel where all was quiet and still. And then I again heard -Moore's voice saying: "He has fainted, Oakes. Get him to bed, or he will -faint again." - -There was such gentle tenderness in the faces around me, such gentle, -strong words, and such gentle, strong lifting of my body, that I sighed -at the deliciousness of it all--the splendor, the beauty of my -journey--and all for two dollars' railroad fare. - -I heard some curious statements about great bravery in dashing after the -unknown, and all that sort of thing--and I knew enough to realize that -the crowd had things twisted. Oakes was speaking to me like a big -brother, and Hallen had somehow quit all his bluster, and was quiet and -grave, and Moore and Elliott seemed foolishly attentive. I appreciated -their kindness, but did not quite understand, and their attentions -amused me. I should have laughed outright, but things were becoming -confused. - -Then I realized that they were worried. How peculiar it seemed! The -angel of friendship was about me. I felt a strange peacefulness as I -entered the great Mansion. It seemed like a palace with golden walls, -and the familiar voices of welcome warmed me. - -Then I heard a deep, thumping, rhythmic tremor as it was borne through -the air, and I knew that the boat on the river was passing the Mansion. -I laughed long and loud at the peculiar words it was saying. I talked to -it, commanded it to breathe more quietly, or it would disturb those -asleep on the shore. Then I tried to explain to the judge that I was not -a brave man--that it was all a mistake; that I had chased Elliott -instead of the murderer; that the jury had failed to understand--and I -laughed again. - -My merriment grew as I caught sight of Oakes's face; it was so -nonsensical of him not to have perceived that the steamer was at the -bottom of the whole mystery. I tried to explain, then I shouted at -their stupidity, and finally laughed angrily and in despair. I was in -the grip of delirium. - - * * * * * - -During the night they searched for the bullet, and found it--and some -time next day I awoke in my right mind. - - - - - _CHAPTER XXII_ - - "_The Insane Root_" - - -During the next few days Elliott called frequently and apologetically. -Although he had suffered considerably at the hands of Hallen, he -appreciated how much attention he had given me on the plains of Mona -where was my Waterloo, and he kept me informed of the doings of our -party in the search for the murderer. But it was several days before he -brought me the information that both O'Brien and Maloney had been -found--O'Brien in a farm-house, nursing his leg; Maloney walking about -town, cool and collected, apparently with nothing to conceal. I was told -that he was not yet under arrest, but had been coaxed back to the -Mansion to give evidence against O'Brien, as he was led to believe. - -"But why doesn't he suspect? He must realize that suspicion is against -him." - -"Well, Dr. Moore told me recently that the criminal, if insane as we -surmise, may be oblivious during his lucid intervals of what he has -been through during his periods of aberration." - -"I see," I answered, remembering that such had been often recorded; "and -as his attacks of mania may be unwitnessed, he escapes detection because -he carries but little ordinary evidence of these during the interval of -quiescence." - -Before my companion could frame an answer there was a sudden commotion -below--a hurrying of feet, and the quiet, commanding voice of Oakes -heard now and then above all. We knew the time had at last arrived for -the closing scene; we both felt that the hour had come when the final -settlement was to take place. - -Next moment Oakes appeared. I had not seen him for many hours. He was -changed, haggard, worn. His handsome face showed worry and loss of -sleep, but his carriage and voice were as usual--vigorous, independent. - -Grasping my hand firmly and turning a pleased glance of recognition at -Elliott, he said, "Come, Stone, you're strong enough"; and next moment -he had thrown a coat over my shoulders and was helping me down the -stairs to the dining-room. He seemed to me to have grown more serious, -more quiet than was his wont; but his actions were, as ever, strong, -quick, easy of execution, and I knew that it was the steadying of the -mind and body for the final strain. Oakes's reputation was at stake, and -he was fully cognizant that an error of judgment, a flaw in his -reasonings, a mishap in the execution of his well-formulated plans, -might readily result disastrously, not only to his reputation but to the -cause of justice. - -Then I stepped across the threshold of the dining-room, and beheld a -scene that will always linger in my mind. At the head of the table sat -Hallen, and to his right was Dr. Moore, whose dress contrasted strangely -with the Chief's blue uniform and brass buttons. Across the table from -Moore was Dowd, and here and there about the room were some of Oakes's -men, and some of Hallen's as well, lounging, looking out of the windows -carelessly, but comprehensively. - -As we entered, a deep guttural of welcome greeted me; and Oakes seated -me by Moore's side, and Elliott went over and sat with Dowd. Then the -detective took the chair at the foot of the table, near which was an -empty one. - -It was evident at a glance that Oakes was to be the chief actor, while -to Hallen had been given the chief position. - -There was a moment's silence, then Hallen turned to Dr. Moore: "Are you -positive," he said, "that Maloney is insane? I see no evidence." - -"I am not positive as yet," was the reply. "Some signs indicate that he -may be in the so-called interval between outbreaks of mental disease; -but he is clever, as are almost all the insane, and he covers his -condition well. Still, we can, and will put him to the test; we will -soon determine if we are dealing with the 'insane root that takes the -reason prisoner.'" - -"But how can it be? He is not violent. I do not comprehend." - -Moore glanced at the Chief. "Let Mr. Oakes explain--I should be too -technical, I fear; he has an easier flow of words." - -Hallen looked surprised. "Well, how is it, Oakes? How can you suspect -such a man? Nobody ever saw him violent. What reason have you?" - -Then Oakes turned. He was somewhat nettled, I thought, at Hallen's -manner, but his voice did not betray him. His words came clearly, even -curtly; but as he revealed his comprehensive knowledge of the matter in -plain, every-day language, Hallen's manner changed wonderfully. Never -before had he had such an opportunity to see the education of the man -before him. Now it came as an overwhelming surprise. - -"A lunatic does not necessarily rave or carry the ordinary signs of -rending passion," began Oakes as he turned a quiet face of -acknowledgment toward Dr. Moore. "The one who hears voices, real to him, -but really arising in the diseased mechanism of his own brain--ordering -him to be a martyr, a saviour of his country, or to spend the millions -he imagines he possesses, is usually melancholy, reserved, cautious, -ever on the watch, deceptive, but doubtful sometimes as to his own -brain-workings. - -"Likewise, the man who possesses the homicidal mania may be cautious -and quiet--to the ordinary observer a normal citizen. But the aura of -insanity is around him; he lives and moves and deceives, and hides from -the outside world the words that come to him day or night--the words -that arise not in the voice of a living man, but in his own diseased -mind. The sufferer says nothing of the voices that tell him he is -persecuted--that the world's hands are against him. By accident, in a -moment of unwariness, he may reveal that he hears such voices; but it is -an even chance that he will be laughed at and the warning fall on ears -that fail to understand. He is considered a 'crank.' - -"Then the unfortunate shrinks more into himself, becomes absolutely -dominated by the ideas and commands generated in his own false mind. He -may become violent by degrees, may scare and haunt the places where he -believes himself abused; and all the while the voices tell him he is -foolish, being put upon, and finally he becomes controlled by the -delusion that he is being persecuted. Then perhaps suddenly comes the -incentive, usually a command of false origin within his own brain, that -makes the worm turn that reveals to the world that he is a maniac--a -'killer.' He hears the word 'kill,' and his mind, no longer even -suspicions of its own disease as it was at first, becomes frenzied. He -sometimes attacks openly, but usually does so secretively, with the -cunning of the tiger, and kills and slaughters. Then he returns to his -dreams--quiet, satisfied, spent." - -Oakes paused. "You understand, Hallen," he said, "I am no expert; but -such cases have come to my notice--it is not easy for me to explain more -fully." - -"Go on," was Hallen's answer; "go on, sir. I am deeply interested--it -amazes me." - -The Chief showed his words were those of genuine interest and surprise. - -"The insane man leads a dual life," continued Oakes, "perhaps for a long -time. Such a man is not yet an inmate of an asylum. His case is -unrecognized--he is a soul battling with madness until some awful -tragedy occurs, like that of Mona, to reveal his greatest of all -misfortunes--the loss of reason." - -We were all silent when Oakes finished speaking. Not a man there but -now recognized and realized more fully what we had been fighting -against. Then Hallen rose and looked at Oakes, then at all of us. - -"Boys," he said, "according to custom, being Chief of Police of Mona, I -am to make the arrest. That I will do, but let me tell you right here it -is Mr. Oakes who will point out the culprit. I have been unable to get a -clue, and I am damned if I'll take credit from a man like that." As he -spoke he thumped the table with his hamlike fist. Hallen was not a -clever man. He was about the average, perhaps a little above; but he was -as honest as the day was long--a staunch, vigorous man--and we all -admired him. - -"Sit down," commanded Oakes harshly. "Don't give us any more such -nonsense," and the Chief sat down, while we all half smiled at the -discomfiture of both. - -"Now, gentlemen," said Oakes, "let us keep our wits about us. First let -me identify O'Brien, if possible, and let us study Maloney afterward. -Remember, if O'Brien is not Larkin the detective, my case is _not_ -ready; if he _is_ the man we suspect, then we must turn to Maloney -regardless of any presence of insanity now, as he maybe in the quiescent -period, so called, and may succeed in baffling us. Having once excluded -O'Brien from suspicion, we will be justified in action against Maloney. -We must prove his knowledge of the heavy revolver, if possible. Then if -we succeed in forging that link to our chain, we will move quickly; upon -his arm should be the cross seen by the dying Mr. Mark." - - - - - _CHAPTER XXIII_ - - _The Test_ - - -As Oakes ceased speaking there came a silence. Although we were many -there, there was not a motion for a space of seconds--not a sound save -the deep breathing of Hallen and of some of the others upon whom the -duty of the hour was to fall. Men trained for such scenes--always alive -to the possibilities, always alert for trickery or treachery--are yet -but human, and subject to the tension that is felt even by the most -courageous. - -Then, in obedience to a signal from Oakes, Martin appeared, escorting -O'Brien, who was limping, into the room, and to the chair facing Oakes. - -It soon became evident to us that Oakes's real identity was unknown to -O'Brien. Even if the latter were the detective Larkin, he had failed to -realize that Mr. Clark was anything but the agent for the property. - -"You are wounded, my man! They tell me it happened in the Highway the -other day, and that afterwards, at night, you chased Maloney on the -plains of Mona, after he had fired upon us. Tell us about it, O'Brien." - -Oakes's voice was calm and strong, but in it I fancied I detected a note -of pity. - -O'Brien hesitated, stammered. "How did you know when I was shot?" he -exclaimed. "I told no one." Oakes smiled slightly. "Out with your story, -O'Brien. Did you chase Maloney for revenge, or for revenge and -business?" - -O'Brien straightened in the chair. "Who is this man Clark? How peculiar -these questions are!" his look plainly said. - -"Why, for revenge, of course," he answered. - -"Let's see your wound," commanded Oakes. - -O'Brien bared his leg: the injury was now nearly healed; but was still -enough to make the man limp. Then, as he bent down to readjust his -trousers Oakes, accidentally as it were, brushed against his forehead, -throwing back the hair from O'Brien's brow. - -We all saw a long, white, glistening scar, now exposed to full view at -the line of the heavy hair. The man before us _was_ Larkin the -detective. - -Oakes with marvelous tranquillity apologized for the "accident," and -said: "Why should Maloney have shot you? what is behind it all? Speak." - -"I do not know." It was evident to us all that O'Brien was avoiding the -issue. - -"I see," exclaimed Oakes. "As O'Brien you know nothing; as Mr. Larkin -the detective you know more than it suits you to tell." - -O'Brien was on his feet in an instant. "Who dares insinuate--who dares -say I am a detective, sir?" - -"Nonsense! Keep cool. The Chief here has satisfied himself. Tell us--why -should Maloney hate you?" - -O'Brien glanced around and fixed his gaze on Hallen. "I am Larkin. He -hates me because I have been watching him. Maloney is the man -responsible for the Mansion mysteries, I think," he said. - -"Indeed! What else?" queried Hallen suddenly. - -"I believe he may be the murderer of Mr. Mark." - -"What proofs have you?" asked Oakes, as we all leaned forward intently. - -"No proof as yet." - -"Exactly! But, Mr. Larkin, you deserve much credit," said Oakes, as he -led O'Brien to a chair by Hallen's side. "Sit here," he continued. "I am -going to have Maloney brought in now. He has always been a good -gardener--a decent sort of fellow. I must hear his story before I give -him up to the Chief. It has been suggested that Maloney may be mentally -unbalanced; you will excuse me, Mr. Larkin, if I use you as a foil to -draw him out while Dr. Moore assists me." - -Then, by way of explanation, Oakes, whose identity was still unknown to -Larkin, went on: - -"You see, Chief Hallen wishes to be sure of some little points, and so -do I. Perhaps Maloney will not resent my questioning; he should have no -feelings against the agent of this property, whereas he might object to -Hallen as an interlocutor." - -Oakes was now a trifle pale, I thought. There were furrows on his -forehead; his manner was suave and deliberately slow. But little did I -dream the true depth of the man, the masterly manner in which he was -about to test the mental balance of Maloney. - -To one who was ignorant of the terrible events this story tells of, and -the dire necessity of discovering once for all who was responsible for -them, the efforts of these keen, scientific men to entrap a weakened -brain would have seemed unfair and cruel. - -But for those who knew the story and knew of the murderous deeds done in -Mona by some unfortunate with a cunning, diabolic, although probably -unbalanced mind, there remained only one alternative--to uncover and -catch the criminal at all hazards. - -Martin left the room, and returned escorting the suspect, who was -dressed in his working clothes, his coat covering a gray jersey. His -face was stolid, but not unprepossessing; his bearing, quiet and -reserved. His blue eyes shifted quickly. Then, as Oakes stood facing -him, he respectfully saluted "Mr. Clark." - -The detective met him cheerily. - -"Good-morning, Maloney; I have asked you as a favor to come here and -identify the man who shot at you the other day; O'Brien has reached the -end of his rope now." - -As Oakes finished his sentence, Maloney's face changed hue, but he faced -O'Brien, hesitatingly, as though somewhat at a loss. "There's the man! -Yes, he shot me," he cried. - -Then again Oakes began to speak, and we all knew that he was purposely -deceiving Maloney, playing with him--waiting for the moment when he -would make the slip; when, if of diseased mind, he would fail to -differentiate facts from fiction, when the false paths suggested to him -would hopelessly entangle him. - -"The other night, Maloney, someone fired upon us on the road. We have -well-nigh proved O'Brien is the guilty one. You chased him across the -plain. We owe our thanks to you, one and all of us. Had _you_ not been -so close behind him, he would have killed Mr. Stone here." - -Oakes motioned toward me as he spoke. I saw it all. He was twisting the -facts, drawing Maloney into a false idea that he was unsuspected--that -he was a hero. - -"Yes," I cried, seeing the point instantly. "I owe my life to you, old -man. I thank you." - -A sudden flash of remembrance seemed to cross the suspect's face. Then -his brow darkened. There was some error here--he was no hero. But what -was it? Somehow things were wrong, but where? - -Dim recollection came to him, then a calmness curious to witness; but -his eyes were shifting quickly, and the fingers of one hand were moving -silently over one another, as though rolling a crumb of bread. The man -was suspicious of something, but clever enough to be apparently calm, -although not yet able to understand the flaw in the presentation of -facts. - -Then with a supreme effort he seemed to rally to the occasion, and -cleverly evaded the issue. "I only did a little thing," he said, "you -need not thank me." - -The voice was uncertain; the tone pathetic, groping. Oakes had befuddled -the poor intellect. Maloney was at sea and sinking. - -"Maloney," said Oakes again--there was gentleness in the detective's -voice; he knew the man before him was going down--"Maloney, when we -were fired upon you were watching the would-be murderer--this man -O'Brien. You acted with the promptitude of lightning--O'Brien dropped -the weapon he had with him. Did you see where it fell? It was a great -army revolver, a 45-calibre weapon." - -Maloney started and straightened up; there, at least, was a familiar -subject. He remembered _that_, even though his mind failed to remember -the details of the assault. - -But Maloney knew there was some mistake; it was his weapon, not -O'Brien's, that they were talking about. Suddenly, like a flash, came -full remembrance--momentarily, only--and he unguardedly blurted out: -"There is only one in the county like it"; then cunningly ceased -speaking as though he feared his tongue, but could not exactly reason -why. - -There was a scarcely audible sigh of anxiety around the room--Oakes had -_proved_ Maloney's knowledge of the old revolver. Dr. Moore was gazing -intently at the gardener's neck. The carotid arteries were pumping full -and strong, down deep beneath the tissues, moving the ridges of his neck -in rhythmic but very rapid undulations--the man was showing great -excitement. - -"Maloney," said Oakes again, quickly returning to the attack, "before we -were fired upon we fancied we heard a cry over the plain, a curious one -like someone yelling an oath or an imperious command. Did you hear it?" - -"Yes," interpolated Moore. "We thought the words were 'Fire!' or 'Kill! -kill!'" - -We all realized what the clever men were doing--telling imaginary -things, trying to draw from Maloney an acknowledgment of a delusion. -They were sounding his mind, playing for its weak spot. - -The suspect looked surprised, bewildered, then suddenly fell into the -trap. His weakened mind had been reached at its point of least -resistance. - -As in nearly all insane individuals, it took but a proper mention of the -predominant delusion to reveal that which might otherwise have gone -undetected for a long period. - -"Yes," whispered Maloney. "I heard the command. It was 'Kill!' 'Murder!' -I have heard it before. I am glad you heard it then--that proves that I -am right. I knew I was right. I can prove it. Surely it is not uncommon. -Gentlemen, I have heard it before. I know--I believe--it was meant -for--ha! ha!--O'Brien--ha! ha!--no! no!--for _me_!" - -Moore stepped toward the man, whose speech now came thick and fast and -unintelligible. Hallen closed nearer. Maloney was shaking. His face was -turning dark, his jugulars were bulging like whip-cords down his neck, -his eyes sparkling with the unmistakable light of insanity. He stooped. -"There it is again! 'Kill! kill!'" he cried in thick, mumbling tones, -and bending low. Then he straightened up suddenly and flung himself -around, felling Hallen and Martin as though they were wooden men. - -He seized a chair and hurled it across the table at Elliott, who dodged -successfully, allowing it to crash through the opposite window. Quick to -see this means of escape, Maloney followed through the smashed panes--a -raving, delirious maniac. - - * * * * * - -The test, carried out with such consummate skill, had not only proved -Maloney's knowledge of the revolver and that he was subject to -delusions, but it had also precipitated an unexpected attack of insane -excitement--an acute mania. - -And now Maloney was gone--escaped. - -As Hallen and Martin staggered to their feet, the Chief bellowed forth -an order in a voice of deepest chagrin and alarm: "Catch him!" he cried. -"If he escapes, the people will rise in fury." - -We all heard a sickening, wild yell of defiance from Maloney as he -reached the ground--a deep, guttural, maniac cry that struck terror to -my weakened nerves and which froze our men for an instant in their -tracks, like marble statues. - -Someone broke the awful spell--it was Oakes, crying out: "He is going -for the pond and the bridge." And next instant he and Hallen were out of -the front door, the men following in a rushing, compact body. - - - - - _CHAPTER XXIV_ - - _Across the Bridge_ - - -As I staggered behind the pursuers I saw the tall, erect figure of -Quintus glide rapidly across the road and disappear down the decline. In -the briefest space we were at the crest by the road, looking down upon -the pond. I saw Moore and O'Brien by my side--the latter swearing like a -trooper. - -"Who is that Mr. Clark, anyway? How did he know who I was? Since -Hallen's men found me at the farm-house this man Clark--this agent--has -had a lot to say." - -"He is a man by the name of Oakes," I said. - -O'Brien, or rather Larkin, looked at me a moment. - -"Quintus Oakes?" - -"The same." - -"The deuce you say! No disgrace to me then. I understand things now. But -I should have suspected." - -The murderer reached the bridge and, hesitating, stooped suddenly at -its near side. He had evidently picked up something from under one of -the logs that formed the span. He straightened up and, turning, suddenly -fired at Oakes, who was rapidly approaching. The deep tones of a heavy -revolver were unmistakable. Maloney had secured his murderous weapon -when he stooped; he had had it in hiding under the log. He was armed now -with a weapon of terrible possibilities. In another instant he was -across and mounting the green sunlit slope beyond. A hundred feet behind -was Quintus, untouched by the bullet that had been sent his way. A few -steps, and he reached the other side, but as he struck the ground, the -bridge--frail thing that it was--loosened from its centre support and -went crashing into the pond, leaving Hallen, who was close behind Oakes, -on this side of the bridge with the rest of us. Oakes was alone, -pursuing the murderer up the slope of the hill on the other side of the -water, facing us. We saw him turn, as the bridge fell, and look at us; -then he made a sweeping gesture toward the north and south, and turned -again after the murderer, who was just half-way up the slope now; his -body dotting the surface of the ground with a shadow at his side--a -shadow of himself--company in the race for freedom. - -We all simultaneously interpreted the gestures made by Oakes, and Hallen -dashed to the north end of the pond to skirt it, while Martin and Moore -dashed for the southern end, leaving Elliott, Larkin and myself standing -where we commanded full view of what was coming. We were conscious of -several other figures dashing by us, and we knew that his men were -straining every nerve and muscle to reach Oakes in his dangerous -position. - -It was a long run to skirt either end of the pond, and to swing around -the opposite shore, and thence up the sloping sides to Quintus's aid. We -three remaining behind were anxious beyond expression. I leaned heavily -on Elliott, and really prevented him from joining in the chase, where he -would have been useless; the others were so much fleeter of foot. - -"God--that man Oakes is alone with the murderer!" cried Larkin. "He is -too good a man to lose his life in the fight that is coming. Look!" - -We saw Maloney halt and face about. Then came a slight flash, followed -by the heavy report of the revolver in his hand. - -Quintus was running slowly up toward him and was perhaps one hundred -feet away. At the report he staggered, and dropped upon the green, -slippery sward. - -"He is wounded," cried Elliott. - -I felt sick at heart and weak, and sat down, Larkin by my side; we two -were powerless, being only convalescent. - -"An elegant shot! That Maloney is a crack one," cried the detective. - -"Yes," said Elliott; "it was determined before that Mark's murderer was -a good shot." - -Then came another report, and we saw that again the murderer had fired. -Oakes remained quiet. His body showed sprawled on the hill-side. - -"Damnation!" cried Elliott. "Is Oakes dead? He does not answer with his -revolver." - -"No," cried Larkin. "I saw him move, and see--he is braced to prevent -himself slipping down the hill. He knows he is a poor target, and is not -anxious to move lest he slide into the pond. That grass is frosty and -very slippery." - -Then came the delayed crack of Quintus's weapon, and Maloney sprang into -the air as he ran. He now went slowly and painfully, lurching forward -along the crest of the hill. - -"Slightly wounded, thank Fate--but Oakes could have killed him had he -wished," cried Larkin. - -We saw Quintus rise and follow Maloney, then drop to his chest again, as -the latter wheeled and fired three shots rapidly at him in delirious -excitement. - -Oakes remained quiet and huddled, and despite the fact that Maloney was -now an excellent target, he did not fire. - -"Oakes is hit badly," exclaimed Elliott. Then the speaker did an -unexpected thing. Seizing his revolver, he discharged the weapon again -and again in the direction of Maloney. "A long shot," he muttered, "but -I'll keep him guessing." - -We could see the bullets hit somewhere near the fugitive, for he seemed -disconcerted and turned toward the northern end of the pond, to run in -that direction; he was now outlined on the crest of the hill. We heard -another shot ring out--a shot sharp, staccato it was; and we then -emitted a yell, for we knew by it that Oakes was alive. Maloney fired -again, and again Elliott, by our side, tried two more long shots with -his revolver. - -We heard Oakes's voice, clear and firm it came, wafted across the pond. - -"Don't shoot again. He has no more ammunition. I will get him." - -And Elliott, in suppressed excitement, exclaimed: "He was drawing -Maloney's fire all the time. He was not wounded." - -"Yes, he knew Maloney had the old six-shooter, and he knows it is empty -now." - -"That Oakes keeps everything in mind," said Larkin. "He is a good one." - -Then we saw the figures of the runners skirting the northern end of the -pond. Hallen was leading. He fired at Maloney, evidently not having -understood Oakes's word, and again came that clear voice across the -pond. - -"Don't fire, Hallen; remember, he is a lunatic and he can't get away -now." - -We saw Oakes rush to close in on Maloney, but the latter met his attack, -and the detective was borne to the ground heavily. - -"Shoot, Oakes, shoot!" I yelled, as did Hallen; but Quintus responded -not. - -We saw that the fight was furious, but were unable at first to -distinguish the figures as they remained on the ground. They were locked -in one another's embrace in a deadly, awe-inspiring struggle. Then -across one man's neck we saw a forearm--the cuff was shining in the -sunlight--and Elliott cried out: "That is Oakes." - -The two rose to their feet, powerful black objects, and by the outline -we recognized the tall figure of our friend as they swayed and surged, -gradually slipping and sliding down the incline, toward the deep waters -of the pond below. - -"Oakes has got him," cried Larkin, "choking him. Look at them!" - -We saw the murderer's body arch sideways and backward, with Oakes's -hands around his neck. - -As Maloney's body came down, down to the ground again, Larkin and -Elliott by my side shouted in admiration at the power and skill -displayed. - -Suddenly like a flash the maniac turned, twisted, and next moment -encircled Oakes's body with both his arms, and rolled toward the water -with him. - -"He is going to drown Oakes--see!" - -The words came in a hurried gasp from Elliott, who was throwing off his -coat and his shoes in a movement quick as the thought that had come to -him. - -"He's too good a man," he cried, and with a sudden rush Elliott was at -the water's edge and into the pond--swimming with strong overhanded -strokes, head low and sideways, toward the opposite shore. - -Larkin and I could scarcely believe our eyes. The man was apparently -gifted with great powers, for he cut through the water steadily, surely, -with a rapidity that was amazing. Over opposite, the fight was furious, -always nearing the edge of the pond. - -Help for Oakes was no nearer than Hallen, who, we could see, was dashing -around the northern end of the pond in a desperate race to save him. On -the other end, moving like the wind, but farther away from the fighting -men, I distinguished young Martin leading several others in the race for -life. And down beneath us, quarter way across the pond was the solitary -swimmer, lifting his shoulders well out of the water each time his -stroke reached its limit--each moment advancing steadily, surely. I saw -at a glance that Oakes was doomed--Elliott could not reach him, neither -could Hallen. Larkin by my side supported me, for my head was reeling -with weakness. Suddenly he shouted across the pond--"Fight him!--fight -him! Oakes, strangle him." - -I could see now that, somehow, Oakes's arm was around the maniac's neck, -and that they were on their feet again. Neither had a weapon--they had -long since been lost in the hand-to-hand fight. - -"Oakes can't do it. Why, in the devil's name, did he try to capture him -alive? Why did he not shoot to kill instead of to wound simply?" cried -my companion. - -Now Maloney was surging, dragging Oakes close to the water's -edge--closer, ever closer. - -Suddenly Oakes weakened and half stepped, half retreated, to the water's -edge; then as suddenly the two figures swayed up the hill a few feet -again, and with a quick, cat-like movement Oakes was free. It was his -one supreme effort, a masterly, wonderfully executed, vigorous shove and -side-step. It was evident Maloney was dazed. Oakes's strangle-hold had -told at last. - -We heard a mighty shout from Hallen, and another from the swimmer now -rapidly approaching the bank. - -Maloney faced Oakes a moment; his chest heaved once or twice as his -breath returned; he crouched, then sidled into position for a spring and -launched himself toward Oakes, who, pale as death, stood swaying, his -arms by his side, apparently all but done for. - -Then we all witnessed that which thrilled us to the heart--the sudden, -wonderful mastery of science, aided by strength, over sheer brute force. -Maloney came toward Oakes in a fearful rush that was to take both -together out into the pond to death. - -Instantly Oakes's swaying body tightened and steadied. I knew then, as -did Larkin, that Oakes had been deceiving Maloney--that the detective -was still master of himself. As the heavy body closed upon him, Oakes -stepped suddenly forward. His left arm shot upward with a vicious, -swinging motion, and as his fist reached the jaw, his body lurched -forward and sideways, in a terrible muscular effort, carrying fearful -impetus to the blow. - -Then instantly, as Maloney staggered, Oakes swung himself half around, -and the right arm shot upward and across to the mark, with fearful speed -and certainty. - -The on-rushing maniac was half stopped and twisted in his course. His -head swung sideways and outward with the last impact upon the jaw; his -legs failed to lift, and with a wabbling, shuddering tremor the body -sank to the water's edge. The next instant Hallen came tumbling on to -the murderer. I heard the click of handcuffs; I saw the white shirt and -black trousers of Elliott squirm up the bank, and next moment the -vigorous swimmer, the aristocratic, great-hearted club-man, caught Oakes -in his arms as the detective lurched forward and fell, momentarily -overcome by his last supreme effort. - -A great, rousing cheer reverberated from bank to bank. We took it up, -and sent it back in lessened volume, but undiminished spirit. - -They now came back from the other side of the pond by the way of the -north end, the men assisting Oakes carefully up the incline to us, and -bringing also Maloney. - -His eyes were bloodshot--his features squirming in horrible movements; -and through it all he talked and talked; his brain was working with -great rapidity; he was shouting, declaiming, laughing, and all the while -his sentences were without significance, without lucidity. - -Oakes pointed to the maniac. "I regret extremely," he said, "that I was -forced to wound him slightly. I could not let him escape with that -weapon in his hand." - -An approving murmur rose from the men, but Oakes checked them, frowning -his displeasure. Then he turned to Martin: - -"Look at his left arm, boys." - -Hallen and Martin ripped off the sleeve, and Dowd, after peering at the -arm, excitedly exclaimed: "The blue cross! Quintus Oakes, you are -right." - -Yes, surely, there on the left arm, just below the shoulder, was a cross -done by some skilled tattooer's hand in days long past--a cross of -indigo. - - * * * * * - -Then in the road a team appeared from the Mansion, and Dowd jumped in -and waved his hand as he started. - -"Where are you going?" cried Hallen. - -"To Mona to get out an extra--to tell how Clark, Mr. Clark of the -Mansion, has captured the murderer, aided by Hallen of Mona." - -As the team started, Dowd yelled back again: "And I am going to tell -Mona that Clark is QUINTUS OAKES." - -Hallen waved his arms, while we all again cheered the name of our -friend, as we bore him in triumph back to the Mansion. - - - - - _CHAPTER XXV_ - - _The Man of the Hour_ - - -Soon we heard the tones of a bell from far away--one, two, three--then a -pause, then a few quick strokes, followed by a low, single deep note. -Hallen answered our looks of astonishment. - -"That's the old bell of headquarters. The Mayor promised to ring it, day -or night, when the mystery was solved, and Dowd has carried the news." - -Then again came the deep tones in quicker rhythm, and we knew it was all -the old bell could do in the way of joy. - -We scarce had time to congratulate Oakes on the splendid termination of -his work before Hallen was away with his men, taking Maloney to town by -a roundabout way. - -Then came the crowd to besiege the Mansion and to call for Oakes, and -for Hallen; in fact, for us all. The growling and discontent had -vanished; the past uneasiness was gone. Oakes and Hallen were now the -heroes of Mona. Oakes spoke a few words of thanks to the crowd and tried -to dispose of it by saying that Hallen had returned to town with the -prisoner; but it lingered long before the Mansion, discussing the -successful termination of Mona's woes. - -Now that a master had unravelled the mystery, details were not difficult -to supply. Many recalled, suddenly, that they had always thought Maloney -"queer," though they had never considered as significant the points that -might have been vital. Such is always the case with untrained observers. - -We made our farewells that night, for we were to return to New York next -day; but Quintus kept the hour of our going private, for, as he said to -us, he had had too much of the kindness of Mona already, and there were -whispers of an ovation or something of that sort reserved for our -departure. - -"You know, Stone," Oakes said to me, "we really don't deserve all this -good feeling; these people will never stop. I am going to slip out -quietly tomorrow, and you and Dr. Moore can come later." - -"Nonsense," said I, "stay and let them show their appreciation of what -you have done. Why, old man, you have changed the course of events in -Mona--you cannot help being in their minds." - -"You don't understand," said he. "I dislike heroics. Mona overestimates -matters. I am going away unexpectedly." - -Here he set his jaws hard and looked determined, self-reliant, -half-disgusted. I knew that he was in earnest and that his nature was -calling once more for action and not for praise. - -At eleven o'clock next morning Oakes walked over to the police -headquarters, while Dr. Moore and I remained in the hotel, casually -watching him. He was going to make a short call on Chief Hallen, as he -had frequently done before, and it was to be his farewell. He had -planned to have a horse at the proper moment, and to mount quickly and -leave for the station alone, thus avoiding notice and any demonstration. - -Since we remained at the hotel, he hoped that the people would be misled -into thinking that he would return to us, and that we would all go -together. - -But for once Quintus Oakes was wrong. Mona was on the lookout for him, -and he had no sooner gone into headquarters than some one started the -rumor that the man was going away quietly. In a minute the place was the -centre of a seething, happy, expectant crowd. When Oakes finally -appeared at the steps, instead of seeing his horse rounding the corner -as he had planned, he beheld the crowd in waiting. - -He made a step back to enter the headquarters door, but Chief Hallen -laughingly held him, and Quintus Oakes was cornered. - -Moore and I were now with the crowd, and joined in the laugh at his -expense. A deep flush appeared on his face, but we all noticed a merry -twinkle in his deep blue eyes, nevertheless. - -Somebody cried for a speech. Oakes hesitated and again tried to retreat, -but at that moment all eyes were turned suddenly to a wagon coming down -the side street and accompanied by a small crowd. - -It turned into the Square and a hush fell over all, for there in the -vehicle was Maloney--the murderer, and an old gray-haired man--Skinner. -The murderer of Mr. Mark was handcuffed, and sat heavily guarded; but -the old man was not a prisoner--his head was bowed in silent grief, as -he sat by Maloney's side. It was evident to all that the prisoner was -being removed from headquarters to the court-house for trial, and that -the father was bearing his burden before the world. - -Quintus Oakes gave a glance of pity at the prisoner, and an extremely -sorrowful expression crossed his strong, handsome face as he recognized -the old man by Maloney's side. - -The populace, recovering from its surprise at sight of the wagon, -changed its mood, and surrounded it with angry demonstrations, hissing -and threatening. The face of the prisoner was calm, proud, defiant--the -face of a man in triumphal entry. He was unconscious of his awful -position, his awful crimes. He saw only the notoriety. - -Dr. Moore turned to me. "See Maloney--see his face; he thinks himself a -hero--he is too insane to appreciate the truth." But Skinner looked out -upon the crowd and paled; then glancing up, he caught the eyes of -Quintus Oakes, and with a harrowing, beseeching expression, bent his -gray head into his hands. - -The populace in fury tried to stop the wagon; but now, at this instant, -Oakes rose to the occasion, and the _man_ showed the mettle and the -humanity that was in him. - -Rising to his full height, he spoke: - -"Stop! This is no time to hiss. Remember, the murderer is irresponsible; -the other is his father--an _old, old man_!" - -As Quintus's voice rang out in its clear, strong notes, with a -marvelously tender accent, and as the full meaning of his words became -apparent, a sudden silence seized the crowd--a silence intense, uneasy, -sympathetic. Quintus Oakes was single-handed, alone, but the master -mind, the controlling man among us all. - -The silence deepened as men glanced about with ill-concealed -emotion--deep, suppressed. - -The wagon moved on, and the stillness was broken only by the crunching -of the wheels and the occasional sighing, heavy breathing of the -populace. Over all was the suspense, the quick, awe-inspiring change -from vicious hatred to pity and grief, blended instantly in the hearts -of all by that strong, vigorous, quick-minded man of action and of -justice--OAKES. - -Taking advantage of the lull, Quintus stepped into the crowd, and before -any could foresee his purpose, he threw his coat over the pommel of a -saddled horse just being led around the corner--his horse--and springing -lightly, gracefully to the saddle took the reins. - -The crowd, divining his intent, closed about him, but with horsemanship -beautiful to behold he forced the animal to canter to one side, and then -to rear, making an opening in the crowd. The next moment he darted -forward--away--as the people, realizing the tenderness of his speech and -that he was leaving them, perhaps for always, bellowed a reverberating, -tumultuous _farewell_. - -Chief Hallen shouted a hurried command, and the next moment we were all -electrified to hear the deep tones of the bell of headquarters ringing -out its ponderous "God-speed." - -Oakes turned in his saddle at the first stroke and, with blazing eyes -and suppressed pride, waved a last vigorous acknowledgment. - - -FINIS. - - -Transcriber's note: A few printer's errors in the punctuation have been -corrected as has the spelling of 'possibilties' which is now -'possibilities'. 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