Marion Marlowe in Columbus, or, Accused of a Crime — page 20: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘obliged to do; we have no option in the matter!” ~ “You shan’t touch them!” cried Bert, his “face flaming with anger. “Warrant or no warrant, I'll knock down the first fellow that tries it!” “Hold on, Jackson,” said Mr. Temple, “you can’t go against the law! It’s not very pleasant, but it will be over in a minute. Of course, you understand that Miss Chester is. only trying to make trouble, but Miss Marlowe will soon be able to clear herself of suspicion!” He turned to his star as he aane and the young girl stepped quietly forward. “Certainly, you may search my trunks! _ The sooner thé better! Here are the keys! It does not seem possible that any one could be so vile as to place me in a position like 4 this, but, as Mr. Temple says, the law must not be interfered with!’’ «4 She held out the keys as she spoke, and Po ointed to her trunk. As the detective looked into Bee face he seemed moved with pity. aed give a ten-dollar bill not to have to do it, miss,” he said, politely, “but, unfor- tunately, it is my bread and butter; still, as etanager says, it will be over in a min- XN 2) 1 ute ” ey. ind my enemy will be defeated, I trust,” said, Marion, sadly. “Oh, Miss Chester! “ft How revengeful she is, and yet I tried to befriend her!” Be You did, indeed,” said Mr. Meciepte. mov- a little nearer. “She must have a vicious th DOSition to resort to a trick like this, but, 1 can mark my words, I will find a way to pur ish her!” ¥¢ Tl square it with her if it takes to my d iying day!” muttered Bert. “Oh, I'll get on 2 sometime with the wicked creature!’ _ Dr. Brookes said nothing, but his face Wa ict, pale. He was watching the move- om ents of the detective, as he turned over the tents of the trunk in a half-hearted man- S tuddenty Alma Allyn moved close to him and Baise: in his ear: s ve look at Bill, the trainman, “doctor! If had brought the charge himself, he could ne et C ee more guilty!” xe e 7 “ o. ; * "A t MY QUEEN. ~*~ 17 The doctor raised his eyes and took a swift glance at the man, but just at that moment something happened that distracted his at- tention. : “A brooch, star-shaped, and containing seven small diamonds. The setting is Ro- man gold and there is a heart-shaped opal in the center.” One of the detectives was reading from a paper in his hand, and his companion stood with Marion’s jewel-box open on the upper tray of the trunk before him. Every member of the company waited in breathless silence, except the young girl who had been accused; she was smiling pleasant- iy. “There is the article,’ said the detective, picking a brooch out*of the case before him. “That answers the description, I think, Mr. Temple.” He held it up so that every one could see it. It was a brooch that they all had seen be- fore, and there was not one of the group who could not identify it as belonging to Miss Chester. CHAPTER VII. ANOTHER ARREST. Marion’s cry of astonishment was echoed by every member of the company, but, in an- other instant, they had all gathered around as if to protect her. “There is treachery here!’ cried Mr. Temple, hotly. “Some one has been making a victim of poor Miss Marlowe!” “And the culprit is our friend, Wiggin, unless | am much mistaken,’ added Dr. Brookes, quickly. “That explains the fel- low’s presence in the baggage car! Just look at that lock, Mr. Officer! Can’t you see that it has been tampered with?” The detective bent down and studied the lock carefully. “You're right, young man! taken off and put back! too, in my opinion !”’ Dr. Brookes made haste to tell them about Wiggin, and, as he talked, every one could see that Bill, the trainman, was very uneasy. Outite a crow d. had gathered Around It has been And a clumsy job,