THE JESMOND MYSTERY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19862, 3 February 1920, Page 8

THE JESMOND MYSTERY

HEW SERIAL COMMENCING THURSDAY NEXT

By [, HEADOX HILL ■*

Author of J> " Millions of Mischief," »• "The Hidden Victim," ] "A Rogue in Ambush," • " The Cottaga in the Chine," etc. i : ❖<•»:•❖❖•>»>❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖; t' he. last in this "wilderness without? as you say outside the wood it must he snowing heavily—which way has hs gone?" " His tracks ore on the- backward trail "' "To the open country—and in a blizzard. Anderton. old man, let him go. You must guess what he is about "Maybe I do, - ' answered Anderton quietly, '"And you'll only be wasting your strength for nothing." " I hope to Gsd you're right!" broke out the policeman vehemently. "But all the same I've*got to follow him—Duty's duty—but you don't suppose; I'm keen on taking an old pal to be hanged at Regina. I'm glad Ainley had the sense and grit to take the long trail on his own. But I'm bound to try and stop him; though I thank heaven'ho nas an hour's Now I must go. Keep your eye on Chigmok; he stands ior my honour and credit much more thanAinley, because of his original crime. So long!" Ho turned away and disappeared into the forest on the backward trail with Jean Benard, and half an hour afterwards Helen emerged from her tent to find Stane bent over Ainley's pocketbook with a troubled look in his eyes. "What is it?" she asked, looking round. "Where is Mr Ainley, and where are " "Ainley went away in the night. The others have gone after him. They will not catch him—at least I pray not." "You think he will get away?" 'He has taken a trail where thoy are not likely to follow." "Oh!" cried Helen with a sob. "You mean that he—that he—?" "Yes! He hinted his intention U< me last night——" " And did you not try to stop him?" she eric 1 almost reproachfully. " No! Why should I? If yon will ■ think. Helen, you wiil find many reasons why this was the only thing for Ainley. ' Ho has left a long note in hi« pocket book and a. confession which clears me of that 'affair at Oxford There is a note also for you—perhaps yon would like to tako the book and read the note to me as well." He handed her the pocket-book and watched her as she returned to tho little tent, then began to busy himself with preparations for breakfast. Half an hour later Helen emerged again, tier eyes were red with weeping. (To be concluded.)