Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-05

as life"
 "Down the street?" exclaimed Sur. gis.
 'Yes, sir. And up he goes, as if noth- ing had happened, and into the Man Rattan Chemical company's place again"
 "He had put up the back-door game on you," said the reporter.
 "Yes, sir; just what I said to Conl1- lin. So, quick as wink, I sent him around the block to keep his eye peeled on the next street, and waited here. And here I've been ever since. If Conklin isn't on the block above, it must be because Chatham has made tracks again, and he after him."
 "Ill go and find out" said Sturgis. "Has anyone else called at the Man haitian Chemical company's office since you have been on watch?"
 "No, sir; but a couple of hours ago an express wagon came along and de- livered a. long wooden box; might have been chemicals for the wholesale de- partment, for it was lowered to the eel lar by the hoist in the areaway. The blond young man receipted for the yboX.''
 "Very we'll, ShraGy. Hang on little while longer, and | shall have you re- lieved just as soon as l possibly can.'
 So saying, the reporter, who had been pretending to look through his pockets for a coin, ostentatiously slipped nickel into the outstretched palm before him. The light seemed to die out of the sharp eyes of the detect i've, and it was the misera ble drunkard who staggered back to his place on the stoop next to the station, unmindful of the gibes of the young rowdies congre- gated there.
 Sturgs walked up to the next street, where he found a second detective on duty.
 "Anything new. Conklin?" he asked.
 ''No, sir; he's been lying low; looks like he knew he was spotted this time"
 Good. Stay here until I can notify the police that we have run down the quarry. It will be necessary to obtain a search warrant for the Manhattan Chemical company's place. In the meantime, if Chatham should attempt to make tracks, hang on to him like his shadow and send back word here as soon as you can.
 'All right, sir"
 Sturgis, after leaving Conklin, walkelH along the street which the de- tective was watching and carefully in spected every house on the block. Al most all were huge office buildings; but here and there an old-fashioned brown stone front stood out conspicuously against the broad expanse of brick walls and iron columns. Halfway down the street one of these old houses stood well back from the street line behind a small garden. The reporter stood near this and read the numbers on the adjoining buildings.
 This is directly back of the Man haitian Chemical company's of1ice," he unused. q wonder who lives here. It looks like a respectable place enough. One could obtain a good view of the rear of the Manhattan Chemical com pany's office from the back windows H'm-"
 He stood thoughtfully considering what pretext he could use to gain ad mission to the house, when suddenly he became aware of the presence of man who had approached with noiseless steps.
 "Ah, is that you, MT. Sturgis?" said the calm, sardonical voice of Dr. Mur- dock
 The reporter started inwardly, but gave no outward sign of surprise.
 "Were you about to do me the honor of calling?" continued the chmeist.
 "Yes,'' said Sturgis, deliberately; "I was about to seek an interview with you. Can you spare a few min utes?"
 "Who is it that asks for the inter- view?" inquired Murdocl1, with quiet sarcasm. 'Is it MT. Sturgis, gentle man; MT. Sturgis, reporter, or -"
 Sturgis met a cold gleam from Mur- docks inscrutable eyes.
 "Or MT. Sturgis, the famous de- tective?" continued the chemist with an imperceptible sheer.
 q represent the Tempest" replied the reporter, quietly.
 Murdock glanced carelessly up and down the street. There was no one in sight. "Oh. very well,'' he said, taking out his latchkey and leading the way to the house; "come into my study and let me hear what I can do for the Tempest.
 On entering the house Murdock mo- tioned Sturgis to the door leading from the hall into the drawing-room.
 eff you will step into the parlor for a few minutes, I shall be with you di- rectly," said he.
 Sturgis nodded acquiescence, and while Murdock walked toward his study, which was at the extreme rear of the hall, the reporter opened the drawing room door. He did not open it very wide, however, neither did he enter; for although the room was rather dark, his quick eye caught passing glimpse of feminine head coziy nestled upon distinctly mas culine shoulder, the owner of which had shis back turned to him. Bach elor cynic though he was, Sturgis had not the heart to interrupt so inter esting situation; and, as the couple were so absorbed that they had not noticed the intrusion upon their tete- a-tete. he discreetly retreated and