San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1895-09-08
mem a faint knock at one nam door.

luu LII. l<tCltIC.
"Odd," said the young man, as he
entered the hall, 'that it is I who
should have been summoned here Who
or what is it now?"
The inspector briefly told him who
the patient was, and indicated as we'll
as he could the condition of Steinworth,
and then the two men assembled the
stairs.
While Leclerc was silently examining
his patient Briggs took the detective
aside
"It's rather awkward, but / shall
have to hook it right off, only wish
you could come with me while the
traces are fresh-a burglary in the main
road-Crescent road Young has been
out on the hunt for me.
SIS it serious job?"
"Seerns like it, but Young has no
particulars. Couldn't we leave this half
dead creature here for the night if the
young medical would promise to look
after him?'
II suppose you might if you got one
of your men to keep house for you. But
don't let meadvise you, inspector. am
now in an utterly limp condition. My
work is done here, and the reaction has
already set in"
"Au the more reason you should
come with me now to the scene of the
new job 1t will freshen you up"
"See what the doctor says. He ap-
pears to have satisfied himself now."
"Well, DOCTOR" said the inspector,
addressing himself to Leclerc, what do
you think of your patient?"
HE is very low, indeed" said Le-
clerc, thoughtful shadow ON his pale
face. 'You may discuss his condition
freely. He is deaf to everything at the
moment.
SIS he fit for removal?"
"No; was going to suggest that /
should stop up with him through the
night. He may tGLo sudden change
for the worse-or for the BETTER" he
added, Though l fear change for the
better is not vecy likely prospect. a"
"Of course you viii have no objection
to having constable i'll tho house?"
"Not if he doesn't interfere with
me"
''No objection to his taking up his
quarters in the adjoining room-where
Mr.. Vickery used to sleep. You see, we
have to be careful of our witnesses,
explained Inspector Briggs.
II have no objection to anybody who
will not hamper rae. l will be very glad
to have constable handy-I may want
assistance during the night But if Mr..
Steinworth shows any symptoms of re-
turning to full consciousness it will be
better he should not have his mind dis
turbed at the sight of policeman. He
is in very critical condition
"Very well, !" said Inspector Briggs
II will install my man in the next
room, and you will pass your word to
keep watch and guard over your patient
until we claim him.
"Yes If he is not claimed beforehand
by the higher powers "
''It is possible then" said Goringe,
"that the worst may happen before
morning"
"Quite possible.
''Or that he may recover"
sit is possible he may recover"
"He has made a certain statement
which it would be most desirable he
should sign. Will you take charge of
this statement, and get him to sign it if
he does return to full consciousness"
81 will do my best
Leclerc stood with folded arms as he
spoke to the two officers, his eyes fixed
all the while on his patient. There was
no trace of uneasiness in his voice or on
his features
"The document will interest you con-
siderably if you would care to read it
over for Mr.. Steinworth before he puts
his name to it.
Indeed"
81 should think it would, doctor"
Inspector Briggs emphatically declared,
as Goringe passed some sheets of paper
to Leclerc.
'My interest for the present is cen
tered in the man here, >" said Leclerc,
quietly-"not in his statements.
About 2 O'Clock in the morning there
was a knock at the door of 10 Felspar
road, and Constable Young admitted
his inspector and Detective Goringe.
"You have been doing, Young"
said the inspector, sternly, as soon as
the hall door was closed. Don't deny
it, you yawning idiotp
The inspector as a rule did not give
way to violent language, but sleeping
sentinel was more than flesh and blood
could stand
1T must have been the smell of the
gentleman's chloroform, SIR" said
Young, at loss for an excuse.
'Boshp" said Inspector Briggs.
us all right here?"
All right, sir. Z"
where is DIR. Leclerc?"
Asleep ON. the lounge in the back
roorn-the dining room. F"