Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-01-27
quick enough" remarked Hendricks to
the doctor as they started down the
stairs
CHAPTER TX.

CHAPTER TX.
As they descended the last flight they
saw johnson in the front yard, holding
Nebo by a chain. Instead Of going di-
rectly out to him the detective turned
into the library, where they found Miss
Hastings and Miss Benton in conversa-
tion with heavy set, gray haired man
about 60 years Of age.
"Mr. Allen, Mr.. Hendricks" said
Miss Benton. II don't believe you have
met
Hendricks gave his hand to Mr..
Allen.
"You live in the house, I believe,
Mr.. Allen" he remarked.
eyes" said Mr.. Allen-"that is, I
was living here till quite recently"
II didn't see you at the inquest, l
think"
"No," stammered Allen. ell have
just learned of the murder through
morning extra. It is horrible affair"
II presume you were surprised to
hear of such thing happening to your
partner" remarked Hendricks tenta-
lively.
The spot where Allen stood was
rather dark owing to tho window cur
tains being drawn, and Lampkin could
not see the old mans features clearly,
but he fancied that his voice betrayed
decided nervousness.
II was, of course. lit was all like
IA blow. don't you know" said MIR.
Allen. "He was the last man.
There was loud barking Of dog
outside. Hendricks stepped quickly to
O window aud parted the curtains.
"It's my bloodhound" he remarked.
his gaze bent on Aliens face, which
was now exposed to the full light from
the outside. II sent to New York for
him. He Is fine English dog and can
scent down the murderer if he is any
where near here"
Allen turned his face from the light.
Lampkin thought he looked i'll.
"What are you going to do with
himl' asked Miss Benton.
1--WE will all go out to tho north
walk II you don't object" returned the
detective, land then I'll show you how
keen his scent is."
"Oh, I don't want to see it'll" cried
the young lady. 1.-THE idea is horrible.
You gentlemen may 60, but Julia and l
will stay here"
Allen said nothing, but Lampkin no
ticed that he put his hand on the edge
Of table and leaned on it, quivering
nervously.
"All right, then," said Hendricks.
"Come on, gentlemen.
Again the barking Of the dog was
heard. This time it was nearer.
"Ah, there he isl' went on the de-
tective enthusiastically. He threw up
the window sash and called, Here,
Nebo, here!' Miss Hastings and Miss
Benton drew near to Hendricks and
looked out. A man was holding by
chain great animal, with dripping
jaws and tapping ears. The skin hung
In loose folds OIL the hounds neck, and
his eyes were deep set and dashed with
red.
Here, Nebo!' called Hendricks,
making a chirping sound with his lips.
The dog saw his master and bounded
toward him So quickly That the chain
was jerked from his keepers hand. The
next instant the dog had his fore paws
on the window sill, was barking JOY
ously and trying to climb into the room.
Uttering little screams of fear, the
ladies retreated from the window.
"Catch his chain, Johnson" ordered
the detective. "If he gets into this
room, he'll smash every piece of bric-a-
brao in it. He's great on breakdown.
johnson caught the chain and drew
the animal down from the window sill.
"No cause for fear, ladies'" Hen
drioks assured them. He is as gentle as
q lamb except when he smells blood on
the trail. Come, Mr.-er-Allen, don't
you want to see an exhibition Of his
skill?"
II hope you will excuse me-" said
Allen. ~ am really not we'll, and the
news Of my old friends death has
frightfully upset me. I wish you all
possible success, but ! would not care
to witness your Investigations unless
unless were feeling better or could be
of assistance. think shall go to my
old room and lie down. was with my
physician last night, or, rather, he
came to see me-.
Hendricks was surveying the man
studiously as he spoke, and when he
kol Er,rhoI ho ocIyoH c,,lIon1us
"Who is your physician?"
Allen sat down on lounge and
clasped his hands between his knees.
"Why. DR.. Dr.-er-Burton, was his
slow reply.
"Think / have heard Of him, )" said
the detective. Madison avenue, eh?"
Allen hesitated, and as he did so his
eyes roved uneasily about the room.
mo; he is not on Madison avenue,'
said be presently, and his gaze met that
of the detective steadily, almost logged
ly. 1t seemed to Lampkin that Hen
bricks had not heard Allen 3 last words.
He had turned smilingly to Miss Ben
ton.
"You'd not be the least bit afraid Of
Nebo If you knew what friendly fel.
low he is," he said and bowed as he
left the room.
Outside the dog sprang joyfully to
his master, climbed upon him with his
fore paws and tried to lick his face.
"Do you think he will be Of use?'
asked the doctor when johnson and the
animal had fallen behind as they went
toward the north walk.
II don't know yet" answered Hen
bricks, "but I am afraid not. However.
he may bring some little light to me
when see him at work.
When they reached the srot in the