Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1897-11-06
ago." Hendricks told him. "I


chambermaid's bunch. When he and
Lampkin were inside, he closed and
bolted the door.
Beds been tumbled pretty WE'LL"
he remarked, "but I don't think Miss
Benton slept much on it last night. 1
wonder what she did with her satchel
or bag. She had to take something, and
trunk was out of the question.
Hendricks opened the door of closet.
"AhP' he exclaimed. "There you
are, doctor. There is a bag almost as
large as Montcastle's up on that shelf
by the bandbox. She packed it, then
unpacked it and took the trouble to re-
place it up there
care you sure?" asked the doctor.
dead sure.
DR.. Lampkin looked incredulous.
81 don't quite catch your he be-
gan.
Hendricks pointed at white under
skirt and nightdress hanging from one
of the hooks.
"Those things have never been
worm" he said.
"Well, what if they haven't?''
"The creases in 'em show that they
have been folded to fit the bag. The
wrinkles indicate that they have been
compressed considerably.
| "Ahv'
"Don't simply say 'Ahl' if you want
to talk, )" said the detective, initiating
his friends tone. "It sounds like ap-
plause from the gallery. It's loud, but
it means nothing"
"I'm doing my BEST" was Lamp
kin's rejoinder.
Yesterday or last night" pursued
Hendricks, 'she took the bag down
from the shelf, wiped it and packed it,
There is the mixture of cobwebs, lint
and dust that was on it. :" Hendricks
picked up soiled towel and exhibited
it to his companion. Then he reached
up and took the empty bag from the
shelf. "See how free from dust it is, -
he ran Oh, with a merry chuckle. "I1l
bet you dinner that the bandbox next
to it is covered with dust. ;"
cpl go you," returned Lampkin,
Though l know you will VIM
Hendricks sneezed as he drew the
box from the shelf.
"Che-hool There is enough dust to
fill the eyes of all the detectives in
America, and her ladyship did not util-
ize it except as an eye opener. She is
sharp and cautious, but not enough sc
to hide her movements.
''Do you think she is concerned il
the murder?" asked Lampkin.
''Never formed a positive opinion sc
early in game in my life,' was the
answer. eff did, I'd follow my opin-
IONS nose into trouble. 1t is because
am continually drowning that I am
able to clutch circumstantial straws.
See?''
"Have you found any motive?" ques-
toned the doctor.
"Motive enough, the Lord knows,
muttered Hendricks, '.too much mo-
tive. That's the draw back. Son is he'll
to>big fortune; daughter ditto; man il
love with her or her chances and an
other fellow as mad as blazes at thu
dead man for usurping his rights, o.
fancied rights, to certain patents ant
inventions.
"You mean that Mr.. Brooks Allen?'
said Lampkin. 81 heard the chief O.
police talking about his intimacy will
old Mr.. Benton when / went out tt
send that telegram. Shall you follow
him up?"
"Not till have cleared this rubbish
away" returned the detective, with ;
perplexed frown. He looked again a
the bed in the room. 81 wish I reall,
knew if Miss Benton slept in her bed
1t has cold, unused appearance.
she did not, she has tumbled it artistic
ally"
The door latch ratified, and voices
were heard outside in the hall.
Hendricks bit his lip and made boy
ish grimace of mock alarm. Then be
quickly glided to the closet, closed the
door and turned the key.
81 declare" sounded Miss Benton's
voice. 81 believe some one has bolted
my door on the inside.
Perhaps it may be the detective, y
said Miss Hastings. "He told me be
was going to look around the house.
"In my room? How dare-the i'm
pertinence! won't stand'-
"Shv interrupted Miss Hastings.
"They can hear you
81 don't care if they do. What
right
Hendricks stepped to the door, wink
ing over his shoulder at his companion.
1.-THE devil is to pay now" he said.
"Help me out of it,
Hendricks gave the knob warning
rattle and then slid back the bolt.
''Ahw he said in a tone of well
feigned surprise. 81 hope-I sincerely
hope we haven't got into any private
quarters. was anxious to confer with
my friend over little matter, and you
know, Miss Benton, men never can
keep from laundering. Your room, is it
not Miss Hastings?'
Its mine" replied Miss Benton,
getting her breath excitedly. She
glanced uneasily at the door of the
closet. "You are entirely welcome.
You are, of course, welcome to the use
of the whole house. was-was only
surprised to find my door bolted, and
this affair has unstrung me so that
hardly know what l am doing. You
must excuse me if l talk inco herently.
Oh, am almost crazed"
She sank into chair and covered hel
l G., l. L..