A MYSTERIOUS CASE; OR, TRACING A CRIME.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 228, 26 September 1893, Page 6

A MYSTERIOUS CASE; OR, TRACING A CRIME.

BY K. F. KILL.

inthor of 'The Dumb Detective," Frinw tod Peasant,' 'Tho Twin Detectives,' etc

CHAPTER XVII. DANGER. Buxn was still in New Yorlc, and aa Melville was now of ag9, sho urged her friends, the Ashtons, to mako some efforts in hia behalf.

Frank had consulted a lawyer, representing to him the case in all its bearings. 'I fear it is an awkward business,1 said

•'.he lawyer. ' You see, possession is nina points of the law, and this uncle is in pos-Bc-sion ; but don't- you think the young: lady ia mistaken ? Really, in this enlightened age, and in our matter-of-fact city of New York, that a young man should be blighted by the evil eye, Beems, to say the least of it, a little unusual.' The legal gentleman smiled as he spoke, and Frank flaw that he thought the whole story absurd. 'My friend insists thab her husband never displayed any symptoms of insanity until his undo appeared. Besides he felt and spoke of tho influence this man had over him.'

The lawyer shrugged his shoulders. 'My dear sir, tho young lady, in all probability, things her husband perfection. Vory right and proper in most cases, bub in this one particularly unfortunato, as we will nob be able to convince her to the contrary. I think tho impression the young gentleman had that his uncle was exercising an uncanny or Mephistophelean power over him, is a clear proof of insanity.' ' Well, why does nob this man place him undwr medical treatment ?' 'That is moro than 1 can tell you. If he brought doctors to the church, he may have" him under treatmenb in his own house.'

'And I can do nothing?'

' I don't admit that at all. You go on so fast. Why does not tho young wife's father come forward ?' 1 Because he is a man buried in books ; ho has students in tho house which he cannob well loave. Besides, he is the lasb man in tho world to bo of any use in a case of thiß kind.'

'Perhaps ho would nob be credulous enough to placo implicit confidence in tho evil eye,' said the lawyer with a sly smile. Frank rose to his tcot, feeling hot and angry. ' I did not come here to be laughed at,

sir.' 'And I have not laughed at you, said the lawyer. ' You a*k for my advice and I give ib you. Notify this uncle thab tho young man's wife wishes to sco him, as she haa ft'perfect right to do. Ho cannot refuse to admib her. You accompany the young lady to the house, and interview Mr Melville Norton. You can also, in behalf of Mr3 Norton, insist on calling in a medical adviser of her choice, to ascertain the montal State of her husband.' 'I will do so at once, and thank you.' Frank returned to his house, where Ruth was still a guest. He told tho ladie3 of hia interview with the lawyer, and what his advice had boen. Ruth was overjoyed to hear thab sho could see Melville onco more; her cheoks glowed and hor eyos shone brighb as stars. Mrs Ashton watehod her and sighed. Her son bad nover lovod before, and that he loved Ruth there was no longer a shadow of doubt. When ho was absent for a few hours, his first glance on his return, and his firsb words, wero for the young girl whose fair faco brightened hi 3 home, and if she was abßent from tho room, his first question was sure to bo, ' Where is Ruthie ?' Frank loved her with his whole hearb, and his mother was certain ho was nob aware of ib himself, for ho seemod anxious thab she should be restored to her husband.

'What will become of my boy?' the !oving mother askod herself.

She knew what a proud, sensitive nature Frank's was, and how deep and true his affections wevo, and she signed deeply whon she realised that t^hJs'was his tirsfc love, and would last his life-time, for ho,waa no boYi ' but a. refined man of mature judgment;.

' What a darling Ruth is !' said Frank to his mother, as they sat together in the iibrr.ry, enjoying tho firolighb and the gloaming. Ruth was up-staira enjoying bo the full the rapturous thought that she would soon see her ' husband,' as she lovingly called him in her heart.

The letter to his uncle had been written, apprising him of the visit she intended to pay Melville the following day. Ib was gone and she hoped soon to follow it right into the prosouco of the one sho loved best on earth.

' When Melville sees me all the influence that wicked man haa over him will be removed,' she said to herself, joyously. •Love conquers evorything else, and Molville loves mo so.'

Love, tho all-powerful, was very noar her, but sho knew ib not. Lovo that could bring nothing but sorrow and pain—lovo thab must ecar the hearb.

Rubh did nob roturn to tho company of Mrß Ashton and Frank thab night; sho sab and dreamed her own happy dreams over the red, glowing fire in hor room.

Melviilo would see her, and tho donse cloud that obscured his mor.tnl vision would be at oncodi3polled.

Ho loved her as sho loved him, and she did not doubt bhab lovo ' conquered everything.' To-morrow'a sun would see Melville^" himself again, loving and beloved, and sho would no longor be a deserted brido.

No sleep visited Ruth's eyes thab night. She waa too happy to lose one moment in oblivion.

She watched the red glow of the firo all ni?ht, and saw bright pictures of the future in tho hoart of the ruddy coals.

' We are young and wo did wrong to disobey papa,' she said to herself. ' Perhaps it is be?t that we should be punished.'

Poor little innocent wife, how little she knew tho sorrows fate held for her.

Frank Ashton wag restless all the evening. He wanted Ruth near him; though heVas still unconscious of his love for her, be telfc that nor presence was a source of comforb, nny, joy to him. With her ha waa happy, without her miserable He wanted to watch the slight, girlish form, tho glowing: cheeks and tho earnest brown eyes. To hear tho sweat voice, and to call up tho rich, roady crimeon to cheek and lip with o few well-chosen words. Frank fancied ho wa3 interested in Faith. As yet) his heart/ had nob spoken loud enough for him to heed its voice. He had never loved in his life, and now that the sweet influence stole over every sonso he did not recognise it.

Ib was a stranger to him yet. 110 was interested in her, and pitied her for h'jr wrongs. He wished to restore her to her husband —to i?eo her happy. 1 Woll, mother,' he said, us cloven o'clock struck, '• *.ye will nob sea Ruin again m'fhb.''No, Frank,1 replied his mothor, with a Bigh ; 'and if she is to be happy we muat grow accustomed to doing without her.'

Mr3 ABhton was conscioufl of feeling a little sore at Ruth. Hero this girl had won her son's heart, and now sbo waa so Belfiahly happy in her love for another man. She could not go and witnoss l;he rounion of tho lovers ; she know Frank wcmld wakon that same moment to a full sonse of his own misery. 'Ruth, you will come often to see me?' said the old lady, overcoming heir feeling of resentment. ' Very often. Oh ! how can I tell you how I feel your kindness to mo —in having me here with yon ?—for I would have died if I had had to stay with Aunl; Agnes all thia time, aha is so rough and unsympathetic. • ; Bhe means well, but c!oe3 not express her feelings with much grace.' ' And you have boon so sympathetic ; I have never known a mother's love, but I think you are all a mothor could be to me.' lluth spoko very earnestly, and her oyoa were full of tears. ' Well, dear, I will always do my utmost for you,' replied her friend ; her conscience smiting her a little for the hard thoughts of tho morning. ' Thank you ; and when dear Melville is himself again ho must come and help mo to thank you.1 'Well, clear, I don't wish to hurry you, bub you must nob forget that' the carriage is ordered for eleven, and no dcubb you will tnako a vary careful toilet.1 Ruth smiled and blushed. ' Then I'll run away, dear MVs Ashton, for I must not keep Frank waiting.' Ruth was punctual, and tho driuo seemed a short one. She was very quietl while in the carriage, bub her feverish cheeks aijcl bright eyes bospoko intense excitement. Frank was also silunb; his heart boat, and etrange foelinga he hid not understand came over him. He had looked forward to Ruth's m eoting with her husband, and now that tho longwished for moment had como he wa b surprised that ho felt no joy or pleasure. 'How happy you aro, Ruth !' ho said, as he assisted her to alighb. 1 Nob yet, Frank. I feol a strango proByntmenb that all is nob well. I have Ibeen huppy, bub a pain has como here,' and b!io placed hor hand on her heart. They rang tho bell, and the butler opemed tho door. / ' We wish to see Mr Molvillo Norton,' said Frank. The man hesitated. Ho was an old servant, and respnetod his young mastor, bub disliked tho man who ruled tho house. ' 1 really don't know, sir,' ho stammered. 'Show tho lady and gentleman into the recaption-room,' said a loud voice. Melville's uncle stood before them. 'Good-morning. Mr Norton, I prosuixie?' Frank said, coming forward. • Ye9—Mr Norton. You are Mr Frank Ashton, I suppose ?' Ho hold an open letter in his hand, and glanced ab it. Frank recognised tho letter; \ ie was tbe one written by himsolf to apprise Melville's guardian of their visit. ' I am, and this lady is Mrs Melville Norton.' 'Indeed. Please walk in and bo seated. If I understand you aright, l Mrs Norton wishes to see hor husband ?' They were now in the reception-room, and it was rather dark there, the windows being heavily curtained. Ruth could not boo this man's face very plainly, bub cho folfc his evil gaze fastened on hor face. ' I oxpecter! you before now,' he said. Ruth bowed, and ho wenb on. 'I .wish I had boen in time to prevont the unfortunate ceremony that took place botweon my afflicted nephow and yoursolf. You were bo excited that day, which was of

' Oh, if she is happy, we won'b expecb to have her with us.' •No ; we musb try and be happy withoub hor as we used to be.' llb will Beem if the light had gone from the house,' said Frank, thoughtfully. 'Ib will, indeed. I must find some obher yonng face to brighten up our home.' 'A!i, mother! you will never find one liko Ruth's—never another like hers.' 'I fear not, indeed.' Mrs Ashton bade her son good-nighb. Her loving mobher's hearb was core for him and she slept but little; to-morrow held so much for them. What if Melville's insanity wore a real fact? If E,nth could be convinced of ib? Would she learn to love Frank ? The mother grew selfish in her love for her boy. 'Heaven keep me from being tempted to wish thab Melville should really prove insane,' she prayed. 'How wicked I am, God forgive me!' Frank was also too excited to sleep. Over and over he pictured the scene between Ruth aud her husband. 'To-morrow she will be happy,' he said, and wan surprised to find that no gleam of satisfaction spread over him. Ho did uob undorsband this. The day arrived, calm and brighb, a beautiful spring morning of promise. Ruth was quietly happy. Her cheeks wore their old carnation tinb, her eyes shone sofb and velvety. ' You look well to-day, Ruth,' said Mrs Ashton, as Ruth came to her side at the breakfast-table. • Yea, indeed, dear friend, I am well bocause I am happy.' 'And you will be so happy to-nighb you will not have a thought to spare for us,' said Frank, from his place at the foob of the table. A jealous pang shob through his hearb as he spoke—the firsb lie ever felt in his life. ' No thought for you I When lam so insensible as that, it will be because life has left me, and my hearo ceased to beab!' exclaimed the girl, leaving Mrs Ashton's side, and giving her hand to Frank. ' Will it, Ruth ?' he asked, in a low tono, holding tho little hand in a firm clasp, and looking into her face with such a world of passionate devotion in his eyes, that her cheeks took at onco a deeper tinb of crimaon, unconscious though she was of his lovo for her. ' Yes, Frank ; when I forgeb you, ib will be because I am cold in death.' ' Until then you will remember me?' ho asked, almost whispering tho words.- ---' Until then I will remember you,' she replied. • Thon, Ruth, I will try and bear our parting.' He pressed her hand—a long, lingering pressure—and released ib with a deep sigh. Ruth went to her place, wondering why her hearb fluttered so straugely. Frank was silenb during the rest of tho meal, which was usually co cheerful, and hia mother acarcoly spoke. Tho angel of love had troubled tho peacoful waters of their lives. 'Whon do you wish to pay your visib, Ruth?' asked Mrs Ashton, as they rose from the tablo. The girl looked wistfully at Frank. ' Can you take me this morning ?' sho asked. ' Certainly—whenever you wish;' 'Well, thon, I'll be ready at eleven.' •Very well, I will order tho carriage. Aro you going mother ?' • Nob unlees Ruth wishes it very much. I am nob feeling very well, and besides, I would only bo in the way.' 1 You could never bo in tho way, doar friend,' said Ruth, fondly. ' VVoll, dear, if you can do withoub me, I'll beg you to excuse mo.' ' If you are not well you must nob como ; tho uncertain brightnoea of those oarly spring days is nob to bo trusted. Frank will take me.' • Very woll. Como to my room and havo a lasb little chat, and then run away and drees.'

pourse natural under such painful circumstances, that you would nob listen to reason. To-day I hope you are calmer. 11 am perfectly calm.' 'Well, you will soon be convinced of poor Melville's unhappy condition.' . • 'I wish to see him at once, said Kutn, shall. He ia a 1 ate riser, and was at breakfast when you arrived. He enjoys excellent health apart from his mental disease.1 , . ~,, •VVhab treatment haa he had? Whose professional care is he under ?' ' Tho professional care of a man in whom I have tho utmost confidence.' 'Thab is pood. Wo will also employ a physician,' said Ruth. ' That repulsive face changed; even in the dim uncertain li«hb, Ruth marked the fact. ~ . TT 'That is a matter for discusßion. Here comes my nephew.' Frank and* Ruth looked up as the young man entered. His face was perfectly vacanb. Ho noticed Deither his wife nor the stranger. His unmeaning gaze was fixed on the face of hi? uncle. ~.,,., -, .. . ' Here is your wife, Melnlle !' said that gentleman. . ~ Melville took not the slightest notice, ilo sank into a chair languidly. Rath went up to his side, and taking hia hand in hers, said lovingly : ' Melville, suroly you know me. lam Ruth. , . , He stared at her with dull eyes, and withdrew his hand from her clasp. Frank Ashton watched the painful scene with the keenest interest Ho saw that Melville had no recollection of Ruth, that ho scarcely seemed awaro of the presence of strangers. 'Ho is insane !' said Frank to himself. Knth looked deeply painod, and the undo rather triumphant. ' Melville, ia it possible bhat you do nob know me?' pleaded Ruth, the toars thab filled her oyos rolling down hor cheeks. The young man raised his head, which had been sunk on his breast, and fixing a look of intenso dißlika on Ruth's face, ho said angrily: 'Go awny ! You trouble mo '.' ' Oh, Frank!' cried the unhappy and bitterly disappointed girl. ' What do you think—is ho innane?' 'I fear so, indeed,' repliod Frank, gently. ' I told you tho truth, madam, and you rofusod to listen to rue,' said the uncle, Bternly. ' Now you are placed in the very unpleasant position of being tho wife of a man who is hopoloasly insane.' ' You forget when you roproach Mrs Norton thab tho coromony had already takon piano whon you appoarod,' answerod Frank, indignantly. ' Truo. I'on'b you think it can bo 80b aside?' ' First v/o must try if skilful treatmenb may not rostoro Mr Norton's reason. •It has boon tried.' ' Well, in tho multitude of counsellor is wisdom. We will call in tho medical mon -,vho make a specialty of montal disorders.' ' I don't wish my nephow to be made the subject of scientific exporiinonts,' said tho uncle, stillly. INo such sbep is contemplated; bub you should invite inquiry, for you bear the unonviablo roputntion of shutting your nephow up, and neglecting to take any Rtopa for hia restoration. ' I care littlo for public opinion.' • That; ia fortunate for you, for ovil tongues add that you aro also taking advnntago of your nephew's infirmity to embezzle hia fortune.' 'It is falso !' shouted tho uncle, furiously. 'If my brothor hod not the utmost confidence in mo is it likoly ho would liavo appointed mo my nephew's guardian ?' • I am only tolling you what tho common reports are.' ' I care nothing for them.' 'Well, in behalf of Mrs, Norton, I shall send Doctor l'ancroft to soo Mr Norton. I 1 rofufio to admit him.' ' Take caro. I havo consulted my lawyer and ho assures mo that Mrs Norton has a right to choose her husband's medical advisor.' The man's face changed colour; ho glanced at .Molville unoasily. ' Well, .send your doctor,' ha said, sullenly. Ruth had boon silonli during thin discusaion ; t-ho was quietly crying. 'Ruth, do you wish to remain hero? You have a right to do so,' Frank said, rising to go. •Oh, no,' sho replied with a shudder. ' Melville, lam going now. Good-by.' Sho stooped hor face to hia as sho stood before him, and softly kiesod his forehead. 'Go away, I toll you !' ho snarled like an angry dog. 'Go away !' And raising his hand ho struck her a savago blow on tho cheok. ' Como away from him, Ruth,' cried Prank, springing forward. 'Ho does nob know you and your prosonce onlyoxcites him.' •ft) has had a very bad effect on him,' said tho undo, grimly. ' I nover saw him violent before.' Molvillo's oyes glared with fury, and ho muttarod angrily to himself. Poor Ruth was completely unnorved. She sobbed hysterically, and clung to Frank's arm, too weak to stand withoub support. 'Come nwfiy from him, Ruth,' Frank aaid. soothingly. ' You can visib my nophow, Mrs Norton. but I think when you Eeo tho ollocb your presence has upon him you will remain away.' Ruth did not roply; hor spirit seemed broken, and Frank led her to the carriage. How hio heart ached for hor. And yet in his heart ho was nob sorry thab Molvillo had proved insane. Ho was not aware of this himself, but a nocreb satisfaction woke in his heart whon he found Ruth in tho carriago beside him ontfe moro, though sho cried and sobbed so he grow alarmed. Ho gently placed his arm around hor and drew her face down on his shoulder. 'Ruth, dear, do not weep any more. Wo will find a doctor who can restore Melville's reason, if it is possible that it can bo done.' Ho gontly wiped hor taar-wot faco, and tears sprang to hi 3 own eyes when he noted the bniieo on hor cheek. ' But, Frank, he hates me—he struck mo !' clio sobbed, pitifully. ' He doos nob recognise you, dear Ruth.' ' I foar ho will never get better. Oh, I nm afraid of him, and that dreadful uncle ! How bhankful I am to bo with you safely out of that terrible house !' ' Never mind, dear. Come back to my mother. Sho loves you like a daughter.' 'Bub, Frank, I havo boen there so long ! You will tiro of mo—your mother will tiro of me.' ' Never, dear. Why, the house would be desolate witboubyou.1 ' Thank you, dear friend. How liko a brother you have been to me i' ' I'll always ,be the same, dear Ruth.' Frank felt iutensely happy. Ruth's head rested on his iiearfc, hia arms clasped hor close ; and although sho thought ho folb a brother's love for hor, ho now knew thab he did nob. The sight of that sweet, tear-stained faco on\ his breast broughb with ib tho consciousness thab the love that stirred his hearb so joyfully was no fraternal love. N.o; at laab he knew himsalf—this girl whs all the world to him, and the lovo he bore hor was a giant passion, stronger than ho; ho bent and swayed ucdor its force liko a reed. And this lovo waa for another man's wife. Frank p;row dizzy ; his brain whirled, Ho know what honour dictated under euoh cir. cumstances. His course should bo to fleo from her presence—ece her no more, Bub ho resolved to win her«b any-priee.

She could easily geb her marriage seb aside, and be free to wed the man who loved her so passionately. With these thoughts rushing through nis brain, Frank forgob prudence ; he pressed Ruth closer to his breast, and stooping bis head, laid his cheek against hers. ' Ruth, my darling !' he murmured, and their lips met ia one long kiss. Frank felb as if his soul had been lifted from this dull earth to a heaven of pure, unalloyed delight. 1 My darling!' Again his )ips sought hers; bub Ruth now realFsed her danger. ' Release me, Frank,' she said, withdrawing from his embrace. 'You are not angry, Ruth 2' pleaded Frank, humbly, his eyes fixed on her downcast face, which was covered with a hot flush. ■ 'Nob angry, Frank; only very, very sorry.' As she spoke, the carriage stopped; they were homo. 'You have returned, Ruth?' Baid Mrs Ashton, in surprise. 'Yes, mother; don't question her: I'll explain everything to you,' replied Frank, wishing to'spare Ruth tho pain of an explanation. 1 Here is a telegram for you, dear. Ib came just after you lefb.' 'Oh, givo ib to me. Papa !' She tore it open with trembling fingers ; then sprang up excitedly. 1 Papa is .very ill. I musb go ab once.'_ Mrs Ashton took up the despatch, which had fallen on tho floor, and road: •Come ab once. Your father is dangerously iIL F. Gibson.1 (To be Continued.)