THE GODDESS: A DEMON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2410, 10 May 1900, Page 53

THE GODDESS: A DEMON.

By RICHARD MARSH,

Aulhor of "In Full Cry," "The Beetle: A Mystery," " Tho Crime and the Criminal,"' "The Datchet Diamonds," '"The Duke and the Damsel," &c, &c.

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SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

Chapters 1 to 111. — The narrator of the story, John Ferguson, tells how one evening he and his friend, Edwin Lawrence, had been playing cards. Cutting the cards for a " double or quits" for the amount he (Ferguson) -had lost, £340, ho notices that Lawrence slips a card and wins the cut, making the amount owing £1880. Somewhat intoxicated, he retires to bed only to dream frightful dreams. He goes, or dreams he goes, in the direction of Lawrence's room, and hears a strange scuffling and noise inside. Looking inside he sees a strange creature, apparently half human, half beast, dragging Lawrence ftbout the room and showering heavy blows upon him, at the same time making most; unearthly sounds. Some little time afterwards he is awakened by the entrance of a strange woman, evidently a lady, through the casement. On. speaking to her lie discovers that she is apparently an imbecile, as she does not know how oho camo there or whence she came. Neither does she know her name. She is covered with a robe which is stained with blood, and there is blood on her hands. He persuades her to take off her outer garment, which he promptly conceals. A portrait of Lawrence falls from the cloak. After washing her face and hands she is persuaded by Ferguson to place herself in the hands of Mrs J?eddar, who keeps the Mansions, occupied by Lawrence, Ferguson, and otherSj and she retires to rest.

Chapteis IV and V. — Next morning Lawrence is found in his room very mysteriously murdered. Dr Hume, who also resides in the Mansions, is summoned. Ferguson finds a pair of white kid gloves ni the room, which he conceals, as well as a letter to a George Withers, which he pockets. Dr Hume is told by Ferguson that the porter had stated that Philip Lawrence, the brother of the murdered man, was the last to see him in his room, but any suggestion that he is responsible for the death is indignantly repudiated by the doctor.

Chapters VJ and Vll.— Hume, who is no friend to Fejguson, accuses him of having taken some means to compass Lawrence's death. During the interview, Morloy, an old servant of Philip Lawrence, arrives and tells -Ferguson his suspicions that his master has Leen the means oi his brother's death. The dear! man had been v, soures of great amiojvuco to him, and Philip had frequently thicaientd him.

He was now missing.

Chapter VIII und IX. — Ferguson, acting promptly, takes a cab and drives to the photographer who had taken a, photograph of the lady he had found in the room of the murdered man. lie discovers that her name is Miss Bessie Mooie, and she is an actress. He interviews Miss Adair, -with whom slic lived, and as he is domg so a Mr George Withers presents hinisslf. Seeing her not alor.e Withers attempts to run, but Ferguson follcv. a him and brings him back. He elicits iVom him that Mif-s Bessie Moore, whom he acknowledges as his sister, had visited Lawrence ia his chambers for the purpose of begging forgiveness for him ("Wither*!), y/lio had been euilty of some shady coadect with, regard to Lcwrenco. Ferguson sqi h.oV'i o° hira aucl shook him like a rat.

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