Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-11-13

have been folded to fit the bag. The
wrinkles indicate that they have been
oompfcssed considerably.
"AEP
Don't simply say Abr II you want
70 talk, . said the detective, initiating
his friends tone. 1T sounds like ap-
plause from the gallery. It's loud. but
it means nothing"
Pm 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 MP q soiIed 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 ia. T"
no ran on. with a merry chuckle "Fll
bet you dinner that the bandbox next
to il il covered with dust
"l'll 20 you," returned Lampkin.
though know you will win. /"
Hendricks speezed as he drew the
box from the shelf.
"Che-hool There is enough dust to
AL 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 20
to hide her movements
do you think she Is concerned in
the murder" asked Lampkin.
Never formed positive opinion 50
early in game in my life," was the
answer. III did, I'd follow my opin.
ions nose into trouble. II Is because
am continually drowning that l am
able TO clutch circumstantial strawx
Seey"
"Have you found any motivei" ques-
toned the doctor.
Motive enough. the Lord knows"
muttered Hendricks. "too much mo-
tive That's the draw back. Son is heir
TO big fortune; daughter ditto; man In
love with her or her chances and IN.
other fellow as mad US blazes ut the
dead nah for usurping his rights, or
fancied rights, TO certain patents and
inventions "
"You mean that Mr.. Brooks Allen?'
said Lampkin. II heard the chief OF
police talking about his intimacy with
old Mr.. Benton when / went out to
send that telegram. Shall you follow
him up"
Not till have cleared this rubbish
away" returned the detective, with a
perplexed frown. He looked again nj
the bed in the room. Il wish ! really
knew II Miss Benton slept in her bed.
II has cold, unused appearance II
she did not she has tumbled il 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 he
quickly glided to the closet, closed the
door and turned the key.
II declare" sounded Miss Benton's
voice II believe some one has bolted
my door on the inside.
Perhaps IL may be the detective. ;"
said Miss Hastings He told me he
was going 10 look around the house "
I'm my room? How dare-the i'm
pertinenoe! won't stand"
"Shw interrupted Miss Hastings
"They can hear you.
II don't care il they do What
right
Hendricks stepped to the door. wink
ing over bis shoulder at his companion.
The devil is TO pay now." he said
Help me out OF 1t F"
Hendricks gave the knob warning
rattle and then slid back the bolt
"Ahr' he said in tone Of well
ieigned surprise. Il hope-l 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 blundering Your room. is 1t
not Miss Hastings?'
Its mine. replied Miss Benton,
getting her breath eIcitedly 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 70 find my door bolted, and
this affair has unstruDg me so that l
hardly know what I am doing. You
must excuse me il talk incoherently.
| Oh, / am almost crazed!"
She sank into chair and covered her
face with her hands.
Perhaps you ought to take some
thing to-to steady your nerves, sug-
gested the detective seductively. You
do look worn out and unnerved. Will