Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/302

 "The 1st of June," he repeats, as if attempting to recall some incident of the past. "Did not something peculiar occur in Raymond—that is the name of your town, is it not?—about that time?"

Mr. Felton shoots a quick, inquiring look at Van Zandt's face, but reads nothing there except disinterested curiosity.

"Something very peculiar occurred two days before that date," he replies, gravely. "On the night of Memorial day Roger Hathaway, Louise's father, the cashier of the Raymond National Bank, was found dead in his office at the bank, and the institution was discovered to have been robbed of a large amount of money. The murderer has never been discovered and presumably never will be."

An expression of self-reproach is visible in Van Zandt's face as he turns to Louise.

"Forgive me, Miss Hathaway; I was not aware"

"There is nothing to forgive, Mr. Van Zandt," Louise replies. "But I do not share Mr. Felton's opinion that the veil of mystery enshrouding the tragedy will never be lifted. Something within me tells me that one day the slayer of my father will be brought to justice."

Miss Hathaway again turns her eyes, now wet with tears, toward the sea. Mr. Felton is very pale and it is apparent that he would welcome a change in the conversation. Van Zandt, however, continues:

"Now, that you speak of it," he says, knitting his brows, "I recall that I read something about the case in the papers at the time. Was no one suspected?"

"Three persons were suspected—two of them unjustly. Derrick Ames"—with a quick glance at Louise, who flushes scarlet and bites her lips—"was one and my son the other. You may be surprised at my stating this," in response to Van Zandt's questioning gaze, "but you will understand better why I am so anxious to find Ralph. He had some motive for leaving Raymond as he did, and until that motive is discovered and his name cleared I shall be one of the most unhappy of fathers."

"And the third party suspected? You have mentioned only two," says Van Zandt.