Smyrna times., 1893-02-15
THE RICHARDS MURDER;
Or, A CECIL COUNTY MYSTERY.
A Detective Story, By G. ". McLain.
CHAPTER XXI.
Continued.
A TRIP TO OXFORD.

l must have an interview with Mrs.
Langdon-but how? that is what puz-
zled me quite little. Sure, my Look
racket would not do there, and to be
an apprentice and learn harness max
ing under Mr.. Langdon might take too
long to gain her confidence. Let's see,
said the blind man, hcw will this do:
Go tell her the way 1t now stands
it looks a little
also -- ---, and for her to come
out like woman and say it was thus
and so, which would exonerate her
from any shadow, as well as relieving
Mr.. Richards of any strain.
That might workout hold on!
have better one, that cannot fail, so
here you go, hit or miss. Then
wrote a young lady that had met at
the camp, telling her to meet me at
the depot in Oxford that night about
- o'clock; that would be up on
the Gilligan train, how l would be
dressed, and with a satchel, and for
her to hang out IA certain sign, so that
there would be no mistake in our rec.
ognizing each other
That afternoon l visited the barber.
getting a close shave and my hair cut,
foretop and all, having my neck and
temples shaved we'll up, so as to wear
wig without detection. Then packed
my necessary outfit into large grip
and was soon on my journey. Then,
what do you think happenedP Well,
l am sure you could not guess so 1 will
tell you that upon my word and honor
l entirely forgot the girl that 1 had
written to for the express purpose of
plotting me around the town.
They sang out Oxford, the train
stopped and stepped eff. A stout
man in his shirt sleeves grabbed hold
of me, saying, This way, please" No
wonder l forgot the girl. Said l, "who
are you"
II am porter from the Oxford
House."
well, l don't want to go TO the
hotel: want to go to H. NJ. Davis"
"Very well, do you know the way ?"
"No." "All right, follow me-"
Of course l wanted a pilot and he
wanted u quarter, so went. But on
the way, to save my quarter, said to
him, "how many photograph galleries
are there here ?" Two" "Any
room for another ?" "Oh yes; always
room for more"
"Well, am looking for a place to
pitch tent, and will be here in day
or two. Come around and see me, and
l will make it right with you"
"All right, l will. Here is Davis
place"
THANK you. Good night"
Going in found a small store with
a lady in attendance. Setting down
my grip, said, "Is there anything l
can sell you?" Said she, l don't
know"
Then drawing picture from my
pocket, and handing it to her, l said,
did you ever see that lady ?" "Yes
indeed, l should say I had"
"Well that is my sister, and l have
heard her speak of your kind hospital
ity toward her, so if agreeable l wish
to spend the night with you" All
right, just pass right through in the
other room, and make yourself at
home. Haven't been to supper, have
you"
"Yes, ma'am where are ail of your
boys?"
II have no large boys" "Well,
where is your husbandY" "There he
sits"
Good evening, Mr.. Davis, put on
your coat and let's go up town. I
want to go to the PostOffice before it
closes"
Soon we were at the Office. caught
sight of the big horse in the window.
"By Gum that is a fine place; who
runs that" "Mr. Langdon." "Whsrs
does he live?" Around on -
street." "Well, there is where I want
to CO."
HE is in there, if you want to see
him."
"Yes, but don't; ] want to see his
wife" He looked queer--maybe he
felt SO.
Said 1, "Come on and I'll tell you all
about it. am . detective and want
to consult her on the Richards muir
der"
'Very well, l am with you" We
soon reached the house. He hid,
while / went to front door and rang
the bell. was answered by an elderly
lady, that l afterwards learned was
Mrs. Langdon's mother, who said Mrs.
LangdOn was not in. / doubted her,
but did not say it, but told her that l
had an important message to deliver,
and if possible / wanted to make the
next train for Baltimore.
81 can't help it, she is not at home"
"Over to some OF the reighborss Is