The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-01-21
The North Walk Mystery.
By WILL N. HARDEN.
copyright, 1897. by Will N. Harben.l


mans and cold and clammy, with beads
Of perspiration standing on it. T"
Hendricks swore softly.
"You told me not ten days ago thai
there was nothing for me 70 learn. and
yet just now was breaking my neck
to get water for a swooning man with
face as red as beet. I'm an ass.
"Who swoonedf"
Nobody, d-n it, according 10 your
own diagnosis. Ralph Benton, however.
did capital piece of acting. He keeled
over beautifully just before his name
was called as witness.
''And didn't testify"
mo; l didn't care for his testimony,
though.
well, then, what's the matter?'
Matter? Do you suppose want to
DO hopping like mad after water before
AL those people to give water 10 a
young ass who is playing off on me?"
What are you going to do about it?'
Get even with him before this thing
is done with. Let's 60 into the hall
We are losing time. Z"
The library door opened, and Miss
Hastings looked in.
"Oh, beg pardonl" she said, start
ing to withdraw
"It's all right" said Hendricks.
quickly stepping toward her. 1--WE were
Just going out. How is Mr.. Benton?"
He is better" replied Miss Has
tings. He is in his sisters room, sit
ting up"
"We were just starting to look around
sne house a bit," said Hendricks.
Would you mind telling rs which is
your room and the one formerly occu.
pied by Mr. Jacob Benton?"
"Mine is at the head Of the front
stairs on the right as you go up" re-
piled Miss Hastings. "Mr. Benton's
was next to it, between my room and
his laboratory.
"Thank you. And Miss Benton's
room isl
''On this floor, back of the sitting
room, after you cross the narrow pas
sage"
"Mr. Montcastle's is opposite hers,
l believe, went on Hendricks.
eyes. "
"Mr Ralph Benton rooms up stairs,
presume
eyes, across the hall from his IA
theirs apartment.
''Thank you, said Hendricks, with
pleasant smile and bow. ave want
to look the premises over and shall be-
gin at the bottom Come on, doctor. T"
The detective led Lampkin from the
library and down long hall into which
several doors opened. AS they were
passing Miss Benton's room they heard
voices within.
''Montcastle is there" whispered
Hendricks over his shoulder, land
while they are OBTAINING him / want to
peep into his chamber. -
The next minute he laid his hand on
the knob of Montcastle's door. 1t was
locked. The detective smiled broadly as
he took heavy bunch of keys from his
pocket and began to try them in the
lock.
'Swiped EN- from Jane during the
inquest" he laughed. ''She had 'em
tied to her waist with a string. l
shipped it with my penknife. Saw her
just now searching for them on the
front lawn. All, here we aren Hen.
bricks pushed the door open, and when
they had entered he closed and bolted it,
Don't want anybody plunging in on
Us" he explained as his eyes began to
rove about the apartment. "Ah" he
cried, pointing to good sized travelling
bag in a corner. Remember what ]
told you about the 1880 train and the
cab tracks in the rear and in the front?''
II remember, replied the doctor.
Hendricks raised the bag from the
floor to lounge.
Completely packed, he said. Now,
/ wonder if / can get into it. Abr
The catch slid back, and the bag opened.
1t was closely filled with wearing ap-
parel by Jovel II every trail was al
easy to follow as this one, blind men
would become detectives. -
What is it?" questioned Lampkin.
See that little clock in the corner
under the handkerchiefs?"
Yes"
Hendricks took it out and stood it al
on his hand. See, it is one of the lit
tie pendulum affairs that won't run nm
less it is standing up."
Il see" replied Lampkin mechanic
ally.
"You see only what q baby could see
or else you'd show more enthusiasm
over it. said Hendricks. "Montcastl
took it from his dressing table or man
tel and packed IL at exactly az min
utes after this morning. Looks lik
short leave taking, doesn't itf"
1T does, indeed" said the doctor
by Joye, r.
He didn't occupy the bed either lal
night, for it has not been touched, an
there is his nightshirt under his tenn
shoes, one Of the first things stowe
away"
1T looks as if Moptcastle knew som
thing about the murder or had som
ching to do with it. Don't you thin
snr' asked Itamnkin