Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-02-01

you and are such good friends, want
to ask you a few questions. I hope you
will be willing to answer Them"
"If they are proper, sir"
"You don't imagine that would ask
you any other kind? First of all, We're
you at home the night that the robbers
visited the house in Ellenville?'
Her embarrassment of face and man.
ner did not escape the notice of the de-
tective. His suspicion that there was
something back of this strange business
which had not yet been touched upon
was confirmed.
"Yes, sir; was at home," she replied
after moments hesitation.
"Did you see anything of the bur-
glar?"
'Mcrcy, no! If 1 had, never would
have lived"
eyes, you would. You are drawer
girl than you give yourself credit for.
Did you hear anything of the burglar!"
"Yes; heard some strange noises in
the night, which must have been made
by him."
'tAnd you found your mistress in ade-
plorable state-very much frightened
and distressed because of the visit OF the
burglar"
Eyes, indeedy. l never seen her so
bad"
"And you made all haste for DR.. Maid
hoff, who is your family physician"
Eyes, went US fast as my legs could
carry me-"
"Did he come ut once?'
"He was there in few minutes and
did all he could for her."
"But was unable to save herr"
Instead of making direct answer to
this question, Martha said:
"Dr. Maidhoff has been our doctor for
a good many years, and of course he was
the one / went for as quick as knowed
how"
"Most certainly. Nothing could have
been more proper. And he did all he
could for her!''
"Why shouldn't he? OF course he
did,
At that moment football was heard
overhead, as though some one was walk
ing lightly and hurriedly across the floor.
The sesvant started and looked with an
alarmed expression at her visitor, who
quietly said:
81 understood you to say that Miss
Glider is at Ellenville."
$50 she is, but we expect her home to-
day."
"Aro you not the only servant in the
house,"
'.Yes, -bu-oh, Mr.-that is
please don't ask me so many questions,
for don't know what to say"
81 wouldn't hurt your feelings for the
world, Martha" remarked Simpson in
his kindest tones, for he knew unerring-
ly that ho was on the verge of important
information. He had but to use his adj
vantage wisely, and he would extract
knowledge from this simple minded
young woman that would amply repay
him for the method he used to obtain it.
"But there are, you know, good
many things which shouldn't tell, now
that Miss Glider is away. Why not wait
till she comes and see herr she asked,
with start of relief.
81 am afraid would not find her as
considerate as you are. Now. don't feel
offended if ask you few things which
you may not like to answer; would be
willing to pay you well"-
"No you wouldn't" she interrupted
pay for answering questions!
'"You didn't hear me through" T" blandly
interposed Mr.. Simpson. Il was about to
say that would pay you well for doing
as ask were you an ordinary servant that
could be hired to do such things, but
knowing you to be true lady would
not insult you by such proposition. It
is upon your ladyhood and goodness of
heart that place my reliance"
All, but Folsom Simpson knew how to
fiatter. This sentiment did its work.
Martha blushed with pleasure and was
sure that in all her life she had never
seen such splendid man as this one.
Who could say that he was not hopeless
lyimpressed with her charms, and that
but no. she must not build such gor-
geous air castles--that is, not just yet.
The detective saw his advantage and
pressed it with cleverness.
Martha, my dear, / see how delicate
and refined your mind is, SO will ask
you only single question, but before
do so You must promise me that you
will answer it. What do you say now:'
81 don't know about that" she replied
coquettishly, but I guess may mako
the promise, knowing You to be the gen
tleman you are. Yes, will promise to
answer truthfully."
"Who is that person l heard walk
across the floor mp stairs few minutes
ngoT
The girl seemed about to faint. She
turned pale, and for full minute did
not speak.
Don't be afraid" added Simpson,
leaning forward kindly and lowering his