Logansport Pharos-Tribune from Logansport, Indiana • Page 22

ORTrt OF. CLVE- TO LAND of THE. "A MUTE. A I CHAPTER body of 'ftcob Benton is found murdered on the lawn near his house. 11 ill and Mlnard Hcndricts.

a detective, takes up the case. Ho finds a notebook on the lawn belonging to Montcast.e. a revolver near the body, partly buined match and footprints leading but a short distance r.m the body, where they suddenly end. i and VU-Hondrlcks send for a bloodbound. A clock whioti a.m.

indicates rhai Mont lascle left the home at thai time, and his bed ins not been slept In. Miss Bent' Issmp'Oted. Vlll-HendrickseatchfS Kalph Benton burning- an envelope fbi bloodhound arrives. Allen declines to meet the dog, and Ralph Benton seems to avoid him The tracks the murder only a snort distance is discovered that Benton bad a lariro amount of Insurance in favor of Kalph Miss Hastings owns her sragement to alph. Xl-Hendricks and Dr.Lampkln coneult.rarn- hall, Benton's lawyer, is concerned about missing papers of Benton's.

CHAPTER XX. i The library was empty. Hendricks tossed his cigar into the grata and fiat down on a lounge. The curtains were parted, and they could see two young ladies in the lamplight at a table reading. Before aitting down Ralph to draw the curtains together, Hendricks prevented him.

"Leave them as they are," he said. "It looks cheerful to an outcast bache-1 lor who seldom catches a glimpse of home life." "All right," said Ralph, taking a near Lampkin, who sat opposite the detective. "Thanks," said Hendricks. He took out a fresh cigar and pinched the tip from it with his linger nails. Lampkin decided that he hud never seen Hen- drickV face hold such a look of mingled hesitancy and rigid determination.

He clasped bis hands together until the cigar was almost crushed. "I say, Bputou," he began. don't, take offense, but what do you know about I believe that's his name." Ralph started, returned tbe steady gaze of the detective for a minute and then answered: "What, do I know about him? Not much, I suppose. Why do you ask?" "Answer my question first. What do you know about him?" Ralph clasped his kueewith his hand and flushed.

"Hang it, Hendricks," he blurted out, "that's a beastly indelicate question, coming right when it does! You see, the "I mean no offense," broke in Hendricks, his voice still tense and firm. "But what do you know about him?" "The truth is," floundered Ralph in the rough waters of embarrassment, "the truth is, I can't say I know a blamed thing about him actually, I have only known him slightly for about three months. He and 1 have some mutual friends, but as he lives fnr Francisco is his do not know much about him. You see," Ralph glanced into the drawing room, "my sister and he are stanch friends. They have raet at Newport and in Europe, and to come right down to facts she asked me to invite him here to onr house party.

She assured mo he belonged to a good family and a gentleman. You may be sure if I had not thought he was I should not have consented to have him here. I found him a pretty good little little more English than the average New Yorker, Ralph's powers of expression seemed to fail him. Heudricks crossed his legs, leaned back on the lounge, and half of his crushed fell to the rcg at his feet. "You remsmber," hn said, "the testimony of Miss Hastings at the inquest? She stated that sbn heard your father telling some one that he would disown somebody the next day." "Yon mentioned it last night," answered Ralph.

"It was the first I had heard of it. I asked Miss Hastings about it today. She seemed surprised that I had not understood. She told roe she had plainly heard njy father say it and that she had ever since thought he was speaking to me. She appeared very much upset over it and seemed delighted to have me assure her that my father had not spoken the words to me and that I had not been in his room that night.

I then went to my sister and asked her if my father had used such to her. She refused to answer, vexed at my question and asked me if you had said anything about her and Moutcastle last night when I was under arrest. I told her you had not. She wanted to know what had passed between us, but I kept my promise to yon and said nothing about your theories. She still believes my father committed suicide, is very nervous and has rot been at all like herself since the murder." Heudricks leaned forward.

It seemed to Lampkin, who was watching his features closely, that he drew a deep breath before he began to speak. "Beuton," he said, "I am sure your father was speaking to Miss Benton that night. Moreover, I have conclusive proof that both she and Mr. Montcastle hastily packed their things that night, went in a cab to the station and tried to catch the 1:30 train for New York, I Ralph sprang to his feet. "By heavens, flendricks," he cried, "beware of what you are saying! If yon impugn the good name of my sister, if yon "Keep quiet," said Hendricks calmly, and he leaned back on the sofa.

"Don't be impulsive. If yon had known Bit longer, yon would know I do not juke raih I i iald notning against tee character ol your aigter. If you can account for Miss Benton's and Montcastle's coudnct that night, yon may do them a valuable service. For the present, however, I am bound to own that their actions, together with their evident secrecy since that night, have a decidedly ugly look." The young man's anger subsided. It was as if sudden fear and suspicion had overpowered it.

He leaned on the back of his chair with trembling hands. His face was deathly pale. "Pardon me," he said. "But yon lay you know what you have just stated? You know that they tried to catch the 3:80 train for New York?" "I do. They were not quick enough.

The nest train was not due before 3:20. Ihey came back home, bringing their luggage on a cab. Montcastle did not his bag, but Miss Benton took out her wearing apparel and hung it up." Ralph stared; his white lips parted. They could hear him breathing. "It's absurd," he trying to sqile.

"My sister would Hendricks interrupted him with a gesture of the hand. "I am not," he said, "working on the theory that your sister had a hand in the crime. But, if I may ask, do you think the relationship between Miss Benton and Montcastle is such that mind you, were to tell her he had accidentally killed your father, or did it in the heat of passion, under impulse, or in self defense, and was afraid to face the you think, I say, that she would stand by him?" An expression of vast relief trembled in the young man's eyes and passed over his face. "They are engaged to be married," he admitted, "and she thinks the world and all of him. Tbe truth is father did not like Montcastle and took pains to let him see it.

Sister thought Montcastle was not fairly treated. So you think he may have had designs on my sister's fortune, Heudricks interrupted him. "Your father was not killed till after he had declared he would disown Miss Bentou the nest day, and you say Montcastle is engaged to her." Ralph sat down. He looked as if his legs had refused longer to bear the weight of his body. "It is an awful situation," he said, almost with a groan.

"Montcastle doesn't look like a man who Again Hendricks interrupted him. "Has there been any sort of intimacy between Moutcastle and this Mr. Brooks Allen?" he asked. Ralph reflected. "I don't know," he began, "and yet Montcastle has seemed to be interested in the old man's inventions and plans is, a little more than the rest of us.

You see, Mr. Allen had got to be a sort of bore, and we didn't care to listen, but Montcastle always treated him considerately. They went fishing together once and came back from the city together two or three times, Ralph broke off suddenly. His eye began to kindle with determination. "Look here, Hendricks," he said.

"I want to get at the bottom of this matter at once and have done with it. Let me "What do you know about this Mont- castlc?" call sister in If what yon say is true, she must give an explanation. If Montcastle killed my father, I want him taken in charge." "I have no objection," replied the detective, "but if it is the same to yon I'd like to question her." "I am willing," answered Ralph, and he went into the nest room. During the conversation only a single gas jet had bc-en burning. Hendricks rose, held a match to the flame and lighted two other jets.

He had just resumed his seat on the lounge when Ralph and his sister entered. She bowed rather coldly to Hendricks and Lampkin. "You wished to see she asked the former as she sat down stiffly. "Yes, I wanted to ask you a few questions," answered the detective, eying her attentively. "It would materially aid me in my investigations to have you explain a few things concerning your actions on the night your father was killed." Miss Benton's glance fell to her lap.

"Surely you are mistaken, Mr. Hendricks," she said. Why, what can you mean?" "I have proof," said the detective, "that yon and Mr. Mont-castle packed a conple of bags and tried to catch the 1:80 train for New York that night. nearly as I can get you lert immediately after the murder.

Yon missed yonr train, and as tbe next one was net due till 3:20 yon came back home." Miss Benton's face had paled. Her shoulders rose and quivered convulsively. For a minute she continued to look down. Then an angry light began to blaze in her eyes. "Do yon mean," ebe asked, flung Hendricks with a steady you mean to intimate that yon suspect Mr.

Montcastle and myself crime?" Hendrieks' reply was skillfully evasive. "I mean that it will be far better in any case for yon or Mr. Montcastle to explain your conduct on that night." Miss Benton sneered. "I presume you are trying to play a irick on me, as you did on my brother last night. If yon find out anything about me, goelsewnere.

You can't frighten me." Sister, this is a very serious spoke up Ralph. "Yon must explain yourself, or Montcastle, at least, will get into trouble." "Trouble?" asked the young lady angrily. 'Has this detective any right to pry into our own private affairs?" Then her face rapidly changed its expression. "Why, what can you mean? Neither Mr. Montcastle nor I could be accused.

You know you told me what you had Been." "Oh, I forgot you did not know!" said Ralph quickly. "Mr. Hendricks has proved to me that father did not commit suicide; that he was killed by some one else. We need not explain now. I am satisfied on that point, and that is why it looks eo gloomy for Montcastle.

Sister, you must really out with tbe truth. Did you and he go to the train that night? Answer me." Miss Benton seemed too much agitated to speak. She went to the bell and rang and came back to her chair. She was very white and trembling from head to foot. Presently Mary entered.

"Did you ring, miss?" she asked. "Is Mr. Montcastle in the smoking room?" said Miss Benton. "No, miss; he's in Mr. Allen's room.

Mr. Allen has had another hemorrhage, a pretty bad one. We wanted to send for a doctor, but he wouldn't let us." "Tell Mr. Montcastle to come to me at once," commanded Miss Benton. "Tell him not to wait a minute." No one spoke till Moutcastle entered.

"What is it?" he asked, looking at his fiancee in surprise. "Mr. Hendricks is about to handcuff me," explained Miss Benton, with sarcasm. "He gays he can prove that we went to the station the night father died and that suspicion has been directed against, us." "What?" thundered Montcastle. "How dare you, sir?" Hendricks faced him calmly.

"At such a time, if you refuse to explain yonr conduct when requested civilly, it is right and proper that suspicion should fall on yon. I am. simply seeking for information." "But you are going into our own private affairs," answered Montcastle. "Because Mr. Benton happened to be killed that nigbt is no reason we should make a confidant of you unless we wish to do "You can explain now or doit in court," answered Hendricks, with a smile.

"From my standpoint as a detective I am obliged to regard your conduct that night as suspicious." "He is right, Montcastlel" broke in Ralph excitedly. "As the present head of this family I insist on an explanation. If you had anything to do with the "Brother, be ashamed of yourself!" cried Miss Benton, rising and standing between the two men. "Remember that onr guest." "Do you mean to accuse me of the mnrder?" asked Montcastle, white with rage. "I'll accuse you of what I like and punch your blasted head, too, if you don't explain why you were riding in a cab with my sister at that hour of the night.

Do you understand? Out with it, or I'll order your arrest in a minute! I am tired of this mystery." Montcastle stood as if turned to stone. Miss Benton covered her face and began to sob. "Tell them," she said to Montcastle. "There is nothing else to do. Brother says it was not suicide, and I shall not feel so bad about it.

I thought I had driven poor papa to it." Montcastle leaned on a table for a minute, then cleared his throat and began. "It's a tempest in a teapot," he said. "I am willing to make a statement, but I want it distinctly understood that I am doing it at the request of this lady and not at the command of her brother. For several mouths Miss Benton and I have been engaged. I have an aunt living in San Francisco who has made me the heir to her fortune.

I wrote to her of my intentions, but she had made another choice for me and gave rue to understand plainly that if Miss Benton and I were married she would cut me out of her will. Notwithstanding this I determined to carry out my plans and formally proposed" to Mr. Benton for the hand of his daughter. He bad i never liked me, and when I told him what my aunt had written he flatly refused to give his consent. Then Miss Benton and I planned an elopement for the night her father was killed.

We would not have gone at snch a late hour, bnt it was the only time we could get away -without being seen. I hurriedly packed my things in a valise. Miss Benton put some of her things in I a traveling bag, and Mary, in whom we had confided, was to forward her trunk i the next day. We were ready to go when to appeal to her father once more." "You'd better let me tell what happened next," broke in Miss Benton. "I heard father walking in his room.

I think it was about 20 minutes before 1 o'clock. I knew he was in one of his sleepless moods and went up and found him in a frightfully nervous condition. It was about some business diipute he fcad bad that alteration with Mr. Allen. It seemed that Mr.

Allen had been trying to force him to sign some paper which would give Mr. Allen a half interest in invention which bad cost my father ten times as much as Mr. Allen had said it should. After be had told me all his troubles and had abused me soundly ou account of my engagement I implored him to reconsider his decision in regard to Mr. Moutcastle.

This threw him into a terrible fury. He not only refused to give his consent to my marriage, but pushed me from the room and declared he would disown me soon as he could see his lawyer the next day. "I am sure he meant it. I-went down and told Montcastle what had taken place, and we decided to leave, as we were ready and the cab was at the door. When we got to the station, the train had just gone.

There was not another till after 3. We sat iu the waiting room for nearly an hour. In the meantime I became so blue over it all, particularly my father's health, that I changed my mind, and as Mr. Montcastle assured me we could get back home without being detected we returned. As we were entering the house we met Mr.

Stanwood and Miss Hastings coming down stairs. I suspected the next morning that my father had In the car Hendrickg tdofc a seat at a window by himself and sat looking out at the darkness all the way to the ferryboat. (TO BE She went to the bell and rang. taken his own life, and then brother confirmed my fears by telling me about the note and how he had found him. Ralph advised Tbe speaker paused and glanced at her brother inquiringly.

"Go ahead," said Ralph. "I have told Mr. Hendricks about that." He advised me not to let it be known that it was suicide," continued Miss Benton. "We did not want Aunt Martha to think so. I am glad it was not.

I don't believe we could have kept her deceived very long. She haa predicted a hundred that has nothing to do with what yon wanted to know." Hendricks rose. "I am deeply indebted to all of yon," he said. "If yon had not explained your conduct that night, I should have been off the track considerably, and the real murderer could have been half round the earth for his health before I got to work on the case." Lampkin was watching Hendricks attentively, wondering if he still suspected Montcastle. The face of the detective was a puzzle.

At the door Hendricks turned to Montsastle, who had followed him. "The maid tells me," he said, "that Mr. Allen has had a serious hemorrhage." "Frightful!" replied Montcastle. "I wanted to call in a physician, but he wouldn't allow it. He flatly refused to see one." "Would you listen to what a sick man says at such a time?" asked the detective.

"Don't you know that aman in his condition is not the best judge of such things? Do you want the fellow to die on your hands?" "I tried to get his consent," stammered Montcastle, "but he wouldn't listen to it. He is frightfully upset." "My friend here, Dr. Lampkin, is a regular physician. Don't you think it would be a good idea for him to see Mr. Allen at once?" "I think so," answered Montcastle.

"I'll show you up, doctor, if you wish." Lampkin hesitated. Professional etiquette had hitherto prevented him from appearing unsolicited at the bedside of any one. "Go up and see what ails him," said Hendricks, pinching Lampkin's arm significantly. 'I'll wait for you outside. You may savo his life." Lampkin followed Montcastle up stairs, and Hendricks joined Kola and Stanwood on the lawn.

Stanwood went into the house, leaving the two friends together. "Well?" said Kola. "Well?" echoed the detective. He sat down on a rustic bench under the trees, and, with wrinkled brow, stared at the rising moon. Kola sat down, lighted a cigar and fell into Hendricks' pensive mood.

In about ten minutes Lampkin came out. Hendricks rose, "Well," he said as they turned toward the gate, "what was the matter with Allen?" "He is bleeding from the lungs constantly," answered the doctor. "Looks like a case of consumption badly neglected. However, I could not tell anything definitely. He refused to let me touch to feel his pulse.

He looks to me like a dying man. I have just told Ralph Benton that he must have medical care at once. I think they may send him to a hospital." Hendricks made no further remark till they were half -way to the station. Then he pulled his beard nervously and said "Hang it, I can't make Allen out. If he is really seriously ill, I do not want to tackle him.

I don't want to frighten him to death unless I know more than I do. Yon are sure there is no shamming about the hemorrhage?" "Sore as I am of being here," answered Lampkin. Hendricks was silent till they reached the station. "Going in the smoker?" he asked ae the train came up. and the adept nodded.

MASONIC. of Harmony In From the Temple. There are being developed a lot cf sol- distant critics whose crassness is positively ridiculous. They give no attention whatever to the study of the spirit of Masonry, know nothing of its beauties, do not so much as attend the meetings of the lodges, yet are ready at all times to pass judgment iipon the acts of those who are faithful in the discharge of their duties, find fault with the lodge, criticise the officers and turn up their noses at those who are their superiors in moral worth. If a few of these noxious weeds were destroyed, there would be more roora for the cultivation of valuable, fruit bearing J.

Duncan. The proposition which originated with Colorado that the Freemasons of the United, States, by delegates from grand lodges, unite in the year 1899 in a centennial memorial of the death of Washington is meeting with general favor, and unless Elgns fail the century promises to wind up with one of the most notable Masonic gatherings that has ever been held. The new Masonic temple at Williamsport will be one of the most imposing structures in central Pennsylvania. Bro. Thomas Flint, is now grand master of Masons in California and Bro.

George Johnson grand secretary. The grand master of Indiana has decided that where one has received the Fellow- craft degrea and then lost his right hand except the thumb he is not disqualified to take the Master Mason's degree. Right, because he was "made a Mason" when he was initiated. The general grand chapters of Royal Arch Masons was formed in Boston Oct. 24.

1797. The organization was formed by representatives of the chapters at Boston, Albany, New York and Newburyport, Mass. Bradford Nicbol ot Tennessee is general grand master of the general grand council of Royal and Select Masters and Christopher G. Fox of Buffalo general grand secretary. Tbe Masonic Collectors' association is devoted principally to the collection of data throughout the United States and Canada from which to compile and publish a complete history of the Masonic fraternity on this continent, as well as the collection of relics, suvenirs, emblems, etc.

Bro. Edward Cook is now grand master of Masons in Illinois and Bro. J. H. C.

Dill grand secretary. There are 15,000 Masons in Chicago in 64 lodges, and in Illinois 03,000 in 800 lodges. There is in England a "lodge of research." Symbolically and practically every Mason should be aman of research, for in this world more of truth ever is to be discovered. Sir Gillies, grand commander of Knights Templars in Missouri, has issued an order requiring strict compliance with the law of the jurisdiction concerning Templar uniform. Every Mason is duty bound to attend the meetings of his lodge.

ODD FELLOWS. Rich liOdgen In tlie Indlaua Jurisdiction. LinkletB. Indiana has one Odd Fellows' lodge that reports more than 860,000 in resources. 1 more than $50,000, 2 more than $40,000, 7 more than 830,000, IS more than $20,000, and 51 more than $10,000, all inclusive.

Its average resources per lodge are more than per member, $56.37. Rebekah lodges cannot legally pay regular sick benefits to their members, but may donate a reasonable sum for relief. Consolidate the weak lodges and hold biennial or triennial sessions of the grand and sovereign grand bodies, and there will be no further complaint heard of any lack of prosperity among subordinate lod'ges, says the Philadelphia Press. Mrs. B.

Tolshaw is president of the Xebraska Robekah assembly. The fund for the Kentucky Odd Fellows' widows and orphans' home now amounts to 822,000. A band has no right to use the name of the Patriarchs Militant, cither with or without permission of the Patriarchs Militant authorities, and if the persons composing the band are members of the order charges can be preferred against them in their lodges and encampments. Trustees and committees are the creatures of the lodge and are at all times subject to instructions from the lodge. The Ohio Odd Fellows' Orphanage at Springfield, now shelters 51 children, ranging from 10 to 16 years of age.

No subordinate or grand lodge, Rebekah lodge or assembly, subordinate Or grand encampment, and no member of the above organizations, shall hold any anniversary, excursion, picnic, where the name of the order is used, without first- obtaining the consent of the executive grand officers of their jurisdiction. By all means have an organist. Music lends much to the beauty of the work. A man cannot build up his character without fulfilling his social obligations. He cannot progress in solitude.

He cannot attain his highest good without furthering that of others. The worker is the ideal member in our order He loves the order, and particularly his lodge, and is willing to do anything that will promote its prosperity. Within another year there will be 200 fhildren in the Ohio Odd Fellows borne, which, figuring it at a conservative estimate, will cost about S150 per child, making the sum of necessary to maintain this benevolence. Knights of Honor. The work of Bros.

Paul Gantert and Henry Sanders of New York has been of benefit among the German lodges during the past few weeks. Pennsylvania has lost some members within the last two years, but since July 1 has instituted three new lodges, and ev- ery indication points to many more to follow. Do you appreciate the fact that the initiations are the life of the lodge? A lodge thai goes along for sis months without ac initiation becomes as dead as a doornail. Dr. J.

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