The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-10-05
THE FINGER-END.
CHAPTER VI.

THE VERY PLACE FOR A SUICIDE"
The deni2ens Of the servants'-ha at The
Grange, upon tnese occasions when 'com-
pany was kept had many easy opportuni-
ties of helping themselves to odd glasses of
wine, circumstance which Mr.. Green.
graves was not slow to notice, and profit by
in eliciting little condolences, for he had
with him wheedling way which it was
difficult to withstand.
AS, for instance, during temporary lull
after the empty tea and coffee cups had
been brought downstairs again, and Mr..
Charles had time in a quiet corner to open
bottle OF champagne, and fill Mr. Green
graves and his own glasses-"Mr. ThOmp
son." said Mr.. Charles chinking his glass
against the detectives, heres luck"
"T0a stranger Mr.. Charles" said Mr.
Greengraves, digging his friend in the ribs,
this don't seem so uncomfortable sort of
shop as 1t might be. Plenty to eat-eh, and"
tapping the bottle and winking, land drink.
Mum-eh?"
Mum Is the word" said Mr.. Charles.
And agreeable companions downstairs.
Miss Emma seems to me an uncommon fine
girl?'
Very tidy" responded Mr.. Charles
with the air of a connoisseur, "and so is Mary
Ann; but the little 'un's my taste"
1.-THE little 'un," repeated Mr.. Green.
graves; (which is that?'
"She not in tonight, though l dare say
she will be back before you 90. Her aunt
called for her yesterday while she was out
on an errand for Mrs. Gee, the h0usekeeper
and this afternoon her aunt came again, and
she got leave to 90 out for the evening.
She's rare favorte with the housekeeper.
else She wouldn't have been allowed out
but for that matter Miss Testers favorite
with every one. Think she's so superior"
But understood there were only two
females employed besides the cook and
housekecper"
"Who told you that?'
'Slr Richard mentioned it."
"Ah, very likely, but lie knows nothing
about the domestic arrangements; nor, for
that matter does my lady either. They
don't mix themselves up in the thing bit,
that's one comfort; indeed, was surprised
he sent you down, though at the same time,
Mr.. Thompson-let me fill your glass again
i am proud to make your acquaintance.
But you said you were one Of the gentle
men employed as messenger In Sir Richards
office, didn't you! That accounts for it, of
course"
Yes. What did you say her name wasp
"Hester-Hester Partridge Is her full
nasne. But look here, Mr.. Thompson no
cuttings in and cuttings out you know; I'm
rather sweetish In that quarter myself"
"Oh, honorw protested Greengrayes.
Honor among thievesW
well, as to thieves" said Mr. Charles,
Glling third glass; Il"
"A figure Of speech, my dear sir" the
other added hastily. "Your very good
health, Mr.. Charles, and long life and hap
piness to yourself and the lady"
A few minutes later the detective having,
with some little difficulty, freed himself
from the footmans company, stepped out
OF one OF the French-wlndows opening on
to the lawn at the rear of the house. aud
strolled forth to enjoy the air, and shake of
the effects Of the champagne and other
drinks he had felt himself compelled to in.
dulge In during the evening.
"Partrldgcp' he muttered. Partridge ia
not name one hears every day applied To
the ordinary male or female Christian. Lot
me see now, ought to have known Par.
fridge In my time. BY the Lord llarryr'
giving his thigh loud slap, II did too.
knew aunty's husband Joe Partridge for |
heiped 10 transport him. This, then. ac.
counts for aunty being down here. WHY
aunty must be liester's aunt, and In that
Ease, who's Hesterp "A superior person y,
Well, well see"
The still formal regularity of tho from,
garden was not noticeable IN the garden n
the back. A broad cxpanse of careful,
trimmed turf. even at this early period a
the year almost as soft and smooth as ycl
w.t. was surrounded by a plantation of ever
greens, many Of which were OF noble pro
portions. and through these shrubs an,
bushes, under the spreading branches o
yew4rees, there were twisting paths lead
n ing 10 hollow, from the sides OF which, i
summertime, huge sycamores, hazels, an
oaks cast their shadows OH a little lakc,tha
Y now showed green and stagnant In tn
moonlight that foil upon II through tn
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