Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-05-18
CHAPTER XIII.

NV intention was to seek out Abner
Ketcbam, the great detective, and laying
all had learned before him, ask for ad'
vice in the premises.
My mind had become so confused thai
hardly knew what l was about.
Most certainly 1 needed a consultation
with some one.
knew where his office was, and in
this direction l bent my steps as soon as
had left young Seabury
Although / was seeking aid, had rea-
son to be proud Of my work Perhaps
the old detective might feel called upon
to compliment me, something he seldom
did.
reached his office.
A rap on the door brought him out.
"Ah, Doctor, is it you?" he asked,
while his grim face lighted up.
He ushered me into his "den." 1t was
really the first time l had ever been
within the sanctum, and l must confess
that looked around me with great
deal of interest.
The room was a regular old bachelors S
apartment. Besides this, it had an In
terest for me on account of the many
queer trophies hung upon the walls
things that were doubtless connected
with all the greatest criminal cases for
many years past, in which Mr.. Ketcham
had figured prominently.
| looked around me for a short time,
and then coming to my senses, realized
that Mr.. Ketcham was watching me.
snow, Doctor, what do you come
after?"
81 have been uneasy, sir, with regard
to Leonore. Tell me, have you made
out the case any worse against her?"
He smiled peculiarly.
"Your interest in her is pardonable,
Doctor l really hope you will not be
disappointed in your expectations. L
have discovered certain new things, but
cannot say that they settle the case"
81 am glad to hear that"
"Meantime, now is it with yOu?"
"What do you mean Mr.. Ketcham?"
"You have made some discoveries"
"How do you know that?"
"Perhaps | guessed at it from your
manner, or, TO get nearer the truth, L
have run across your trail several times. "
saw that there was no use trying to
keep anything back from this man. For
the first time the thought came into my
head that perhaps he would be able to
return my Roland with an OliVer-that
he already knew much more than would
be able to tell him.
At any rate he would have to give me
credit for my discoveries.
SO | began the story. Nothing was
withheld, from the time ] had left him
up to my meeting with Theodore.
The old detective evidently enjoyed
the story. He lay back in his chair,
with his eyes fastened upon me. Now
and then, at some interesting part of my
story, his face would light up and per-
haps he would put few questions to
me-
His interest was greatest, however,
when told how had succeeded in find
ing Theodore, and the manner in which
| sent the question home to him.
Then Mr.. Ketcham leaned forward in
his chair and seemed to hold his breath.
| could feel rather than see his eyes
fixed ntently upon me.
As | revealed TheOdore's secret he
chucked as though greatly ticked.
"GOOd, Doctor; | commend your skill
at running trail" he said.
1 finished, at length, and told him why
/ had sought him out.
"What you have given to me, Doctor,
Is not all news, and yet there have been
some points in it of great value Again
allow me to commend your qualities in
the detective line. You have met with
astonishing success"