CHAPTER LXV—(Continued).

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 107, 20 June 1885, Page 4

CHAPTER LXV— (Continued).

" Voyle Vernellis aboutto make application for the property out of which he and his sister were defrauded. Your evidence will prove an important link," "And what the deuce are you interesting yourself in his affairs for?" queried Jonas, irritably. "Are you in love with the girl ?" He was apparently becoming impressed at last with the truth of their similar tale as to the deception which had been practised upon him, for he did not allude to Vella as his Mfe. But to neither impertinent question did Owen deign a reply. Ten minutes passed —twenty. Then there came a rap. Owen sprang up. " Come in !" he cried. The door opened to admit a little old man, weazen-faced and shrewd-eyed. He came forward and shook hands with Owen. " I didn't know you were in town till I got your note a few minutes ago. I believe it is professionally you wish to see me ? ' "Yes; Mr Claflin here— Mr Claflin, Mr Bronson," both men bowed — " wishes to make a statement as to his knowledge in a case to come up in the Chicago courts. You will please take it down, and the document shall be forwarded. Now, Mr Claflin !" He laid strong emphasis on the name. By that only would he continue to be known if he did as requested. Decidedly in this case prudence meant submission. In three-quarters of an hour it was all over— signed, attested, sealed, and Mr Bronson had orders to forward the legal testimony to Voyle's lawyers in Chicago. Then the legal gentleman bowed and departed,_and Owen remained to say a few words to Jonas concerning the day which would probably be set for the hearing of the orphans' claim. "If you turn up promptly you'll silence me forever," he declared. "I am not aching to effect your ruin — only I will stand by my friends. Well, good-night, Claflin !" and he turned away. After having held himself in check so long what demon now took possession of tho man it would be hard to gay ; but all in a tide over his brain surged the recollection of the manner in which he had been gulled by a couple of children, been reduced to absolute obedience now. The thoughts maddened him. H13 whitish, flabby face became darkly red and wrathful. His hand sought his hip-pocket. In an excess of irresistible brutal fury, he whipped out his revolver -fired. Owen, just passing out at the door, staggered, reeled. He flung up his hands. "You contemptible cur !" he cried, as be fell. Panic-stricken Claflin rushed forward, leaped over the prostrate body lying half in the chamber, half in the hall, tore down the passage, down the stairs with the speed of a madman. A few moments later guests and servants, attracted by the report, came hurrying to the ecene of the tragedy. Young Costello lay face downward, bleeding profusely from a wound in the back* Instantly all was alarm, excitement, com- ' motion. A doctor was sent for. A gentleman bent over the injured man. " Have you friends in the city ? Where are they ? Shall we send for the-n ?" " Mr Gage," he whispered. "What Gage? John Gage, of WalnufcBtreet ?" For the wealthy old merchant was well and widely known. He nodded. A messenger was immediately despatched. The doctor came in post-haste. John Gage soon followed him. He had been going out with Evelyn when the summons came. The boy had delivered his errand but imperfectly, so he was not aware of the real nature of the calamity till he stood above the stricken figure. "Can he be moved?' ha asked the physician. • ' I think so. The wound is a very unpleasant one to handle, but there is no immediate danger. He will probably continue in a stupor for some hours. You would have him taken to your house ?"' "Certainly!" "Then I would advise his removal. A crowded hotel is no place for a sick man," Up and down Gage's grand drawing-room walked Evelyn Gage. What could be detaining her father ? He had promised to be back soon. She glanced at the lit f le clock on the console. It was almost eleven. They would be shamefully late. In a big crimson chair by the sparkling fire sat Vella. She had told Evelyn of her meeting with Claflin. She was still very white, and her large eyes were shining, " You look lovely, Evvie," she said. Evelyn turned her dark head over her Bhoulder with a pleased smile. "Do I, dear? 1 wonder what that boy could have wanted with papa ?" She did look lovely. She was in full ballcostume. Out of glistening satin of blushrose pink her arms and bosom shone like marble. Far behind her trailed the rich sheeny draperies. Around her white throat a necklace of diamonds ran like a river of light. " Hark !" Vella cried, " there he is now." They could hear a carriage draw up before the door. There was quite a long pause. " What can be detaining him J" Evelyn said, standing still to listen. Slowly feet ascended the Bteps without, very slowly— the steps of several men. The bell rang. Evelyn rushed to the door, flung it wide. Into the splendid hall came four men, bearing between them a litter, on which lay the stalwart form, the handsome blonde face of Owen Costello. Evelyn shrank back with a quick, frightened cry. As they laid down their burden she hurried forward, bent ovor it. " Is he dead ?" she whispered. " No, no !" her father answered. His heavy lids lifted a moment. His grey eyes, dim with pain, brightened at eight of her. He strove to speak. She bent her ear to his mouth. " My queen !" he said. And- then his eyes closed, the deadly etupor crept over him. She rose. She was paler than even she used to be. The misty tulle about her snowy bosom was stained with crimson. Through the, group around .the litter pressed a figure. Trembling, horrified, V ella Vernell stood there,

"Who?" in a soft, shaking whisper, and then, with sudden panting vehemence : 11 If he dies Jonas Claflin will have been his murderer J" Gage fell back aghast. " It is true as God lives 1" she said.