Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-02-12

These did not draw my attention now
beyond sweeping glance
turned to Mr.. Ketcham, who had 81
lently entered the room, closing the door,
and stood beside me
@YOu are wondering why I brought
you here, Doctor"
Il admit It, sir.7
Before we go any further wish to
say few words. In my experience you
can we'll understand l have seen some
strange things, many Of which bOrdered
on the impossible, and yet, Doctor, 1 can
solemnly assure you, that In this room
have come across one, which, all things
considered, promises to be the most pro-
found mystery that has ever crossed my
path"
1 started at his words.
Their impressiveness lent a new inter
est to the affair
The lamp flickerea, as a light draught
from an open window struck it
I took a step in that direction, with
the intention OF closing the window, but,
comprehending my intention, the de-
tectiYe laid hand on my arm.
Leave 1t open, Doctor. I have
reason for such thing. 1t affords me
clue TO the crime-D
Crimel
Then some evil deed had been done
murder perhaps!
I set my sachels down, ready for bust
ness when the detective chose to act
He dropped into a chair.
Turn the lamp up, Doctor
examined the remarkable lamp, that
certainly had been imported, for its like
had never been seen in this country be-
fore, and finding out that touch on a
little silver ball was all that was neces-
sary, soon accomplished his desire.
@Now, please step over to the bed
yonder, and quietly draw back the cur
TAIN
His voice was calm, but could detect
an undercurrent of excitement in it
something 1 had never imagined q man Of
his iron nerve and infiexible purpose al
lowed himself to indulge in.
My thoughts were running riot as ad-
vanced toward the tapestries that served
as curtains to the bed
What was about TO meet my eyes?
Was there a horrible sight presented
behind that screen?
The rich Oriental figure Of the tapes
try to my excited gaze seemed to be-
come a Writhing mass Of silver and gold
serpents twining about each other, and
the rustling Of the autumn-tinted leaves
outside the open window resolved itself
into their kissing.
With an effort Of my will laid hold
~Draw it back, Doctor" said Mr..
Ketcham, quietly.
did so.
The curtain was hung upon rings that
glided along a silver rod attached TO the
side Of the canopy overhead, for the bed,
although massive and richly carved, was
OF an antique pattern
It was occupied
Upon the pillow rested the head Of an
RIdnFIW with a gnnNgT-VVhffe hear
and grand face, which seemed stamped
with the seal of death
In that minute of silence felt that
could hear the beating OF my heart,
while the ticking of the little ormOlu
clock upon the ebony secretary in one
corner Of the chamber sounded as the
pounding of great hammer.
For a short space of time I gazed al
most in stupefaction at the face Of the
dead.
Then, breaking from the spell that
had come upon me, started back with
a low cry.
Mr.. Ketcham sat there by the table,
his hand toying with q paper cutter in
the form of a dagger, and his eyes fixed,
not on me, but upon certain spot upon
the ceiling.
This was a favorite attitude OF his,
and he assumed it generally when cross
questioning a man.
Then, again, he had q way of bring
ing those keen Orbs Of his suddenly to
bear upon the face of tho party opposite
him, and at such times they seemed to
blaze and pierce into the very soul, as
though he strove to read ones thoughts
Controlling myself as well as I was
able under the peculiar circumstances of
the case, walked toward the table and
quietly sat down in chair that seemed
to invite occupancy.
doctor, you are surprised" he said.
at last, coolly, as he turned his head and
looked at me with smile.
might have denied the soft impeach-
ment, but Of what avail?
@Mr. Ketcham, admit it. am both
surprised and mystited.
HYou are no worse of than myself.
Remember what 1 told you. There is a
strange marvel here that viii require
much hard work to solve it."
@Will you throw some light upon the
subject-why am brought here?"
"All in good time, Doctor. You have
! seen the old gentleman who lies yOnder2H
with q motion of the thumb toward the
bed
%I have"
ado you recognize him?"
Certainly"
Beyond all reason of doubt?"
at is DIR. Seabury himself
Mr.. Ketcham rubbed his hands and
smiled.
CHAPTER II.
In the daily pursuit of his business
the old detective saw so much of death
that he was not apt to be deeply i'm.
pressed in the presence Of the grim
monster.
soon discovered this fact
when you mentioned the name Of the
| old Doctor / Thought Won were takina
me to have q consultation with him.
A dry chuckle was the only answer.
IF he is dead, do not see what good
q doctor would be. A detective might
prove of more assistance TO you. sir"
His eyes were searching the figures OF
the paper on the ceiling.
THAT Is where you mistake, Doctor.
never yet called on a detective to aid
me in a case, but more than once I have
been well assisted by a lawyer or doc
tor. In the present instance you have
made a mistake which I hasten to cor.
rect. / did not call you in to consult
with the old physician, nor even to ad-
minister an antidote, as you may have
thought from my asking you to fetch
along your case, for even at that mo
ment I knew, beyond all shadow OF
doubt, that the renowned old DR.. Sea
bury was q dead man.
pardon me, then, Mr. Ketcham, but
what In the deuce did you call me In fori
A doctor is pOwerless after death comes.
@PoWerless to save, perhaps, but not tC
aid the stern arm Of legal vengeance"
His impressive words sounded like the
striking Of a gong
There was something back Of this
had believed it natural death, or, al
the worst, suicide. His words suggested
| 3 deeper vein.