The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1898-04-07
CHAPTER VIII


been slept in. Miss Benton is suspected.
CHAPTER VIII.
Hendricks and Lampkin had Just left
the presence of the two young ladies
and were going toward the drawing
room, where a constant stream of peo-
pie was coming in and going out, when
Hendricks pudged his friend in the side
and looked up toward the front stair
case Ralph Benton was ascending,
sliding his hand ON the railing.
"Going to his room, "said Hendricks
in a whisper. HE has heard of our be.
ing in his sisters apartment. We must
keep peeled eye on him. haven't
liked his looks since he swooned on me
80 beautifully. He's got his sisters dis
position to cover up tracks, and if am
not mistaken he is the more expert of
the two. Well loiter here a minute.,''
"You were searching for powder
marks on Miss Benton's wrist Just
now" remarked Lampkin, with tone
of conviction, as the detective paused
. and leaned against the wall.
Exactly. wasn't trying to make a
mash, you may bet your hat on that
''How did you know she hadn't wash
ed her hands?"
81 didn't think she had People
never do under great excitement. There
was no water in her jug on the wash
stand or any in the slop jar. Besides.
powder stains blown in the skin are
hard to obliterate.
Ibid you find them?"
mo" .. .....
"Then she is innocent of the actual
crime ........ ........
If she didn't wear gloves when she
pulled the trigger interrupted Hen
bricks. with little laugh. Come on;
times up. We must surprise that fell
low in his room. -
Hendricks bounded up the thickly
carpeted stairs, taking four steps at a
stride Pausing at Ralph Benton's door,
he grasped the knob firmly and turned
it without making sound. Then he
pressed against the door steadily.
LOCKED" he grunted. The word
, had scarcely left his lips when his
shoulder came against the door with
the force of battering ram. The frail
fastenirgs gave way, and Hendricks al
most fell into the room.
Ralph was standing in corner,
holding an envelope over low turned
gas jet.
Il beg pardon'' exclaimed Hen
bricks. IAN accident, assure You My
foot slipped. and l tumbled against
your door I'm devilish awkward.
Hope haven't done much damage.
''It's all right, stammered the young
Eian AS he spoke the burning envelope
went out, and the crisp black remains
were blown across the room. IL was
just trying to clean up some old rub
bish in my desk. / suppose you want to
look about here. really have no objec-
tion-anything that will help You get
at the facts OF course the whole place
is at your disposal. p"
'Thank you,'' said Hendricks, step.
ping between him and the ashes OF the
envelope. My friend and myself would
like to use your desk see materials
for writing are here-that is, if it is no
intrusion.
Ralph shrugged his shoulders.
"You are quite welcome" he re-
turned, with "a u.--.-.-.. aogged EXPIRE
sion.
Hendricks sat Gown at the desk,
picked up pen aud dipped 1t into tn'
Ink we'll Now, Doctor he began
"Thompson said he would take $4,0oS
. for the corner lot. but would not give
me later than tomorrow to decide. NOW
] intend to offer him
Hendricks paused and glanced up a
Ralph. II beg your pardon. Nh. Ben
ton. hut this is-er-a little private dea
we were about to make. and il you ha'
Just as SOON
"Oh, Pm going!'' exclaimed Ralph
q smile and q sheer blending on nj
handsome face. 81 am really sorry If
have intruded on you. !"
Hendricks seemed to enjoy the situa
ton.
'.Call again. Mr.. Benton" b
laughed. Sorry we are busy today :
IT like your cheek, remarked u
Lampkin when the young man had lei
the room.
face 1t was tense and serious he ros
softly, tiptoed to the door. opened
slightly ard looked out.
"Can' t be- too cautious, he remarke
q be leaned chair against the door
keep it closed. ''Yes, ! admire N
cheek, " he went on as he came nae
to the doctor, ''but like his more.
fall x,o,, bo,c oCrEn7s -
II dropped ON to yonr rusa TO 9
him ont of the room, said Lampkii
81 knew of no Thompson or any corn'
Lot. .
Better to do it decently. I" returnt
the detective. Never give 'em chan
TO be defiant and tell you to min yo'
own business Ny idea is to keep
friendly terms with the whole lot.
was that fragments was after. He
bricks pointed to the charred remains