Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-01-16

r.ur OF welcome went up, after which
a way was made for him TO the front
door.
EUt before he could enter some one
pluciui him by the sleeve.
"Louk up whispered a voice into
his car.
lie I'D so and saw n woman's body
hapglua halc cut Of IN upper window.
1t hung linn. and the sight made him
sick Notwithstanding his ~threescore
years of experience.
"W'bo's thatE' he cried. THAT'S not
Agatha Wchb's head and shoulders"
"No, It's Eatsy. the cook. She's dead
too. We left her where we found
her for the coroner 10 see"
"But this is h~orrlble!.' murmured Mr..
Sutherland. 'Ilas there been n butch.
or hcref'
AS he uttered these words he felt an
other quick pressure on his arm. Look
ing down. he saw leaning against him
the form of n young woman. but before
he could address her she had started
upright again and was moving on with
the thrOng. II was Miss Page.
at was the sight Of this woman
hanging from the window which first
drew attention 10 the house." volun-
teercd a man who was standing as a
sort Of guardian ut the main gateway
some Of the sailors wives who had
been TO the wharfs to see their huS-
bands Off on the ship that sailed ut day
break saw IL as they came up the lane
on their way home and gave the alarm.
Without that we might not yet have
known what had happened"
'I;ut Mrs. WcbbT'
"Comc in and see"
There was n board fence about the
simple yard within which stood the
humble house forever after ~ be point
ed out rs the scene Of Sutherland
towns most hcartrcnding tragedy. In
this fence was a gate. and through this
gate now passed Mr.. Sutherland and
his would he companion, Miss Page.
a path hordcrcd by lilac bushes led the
way To the house, the door Of which
stood wide open. AS soon as Mr..
Sutherland entered upon this path a
man appeared from the house and
came directly toward him. 1t was
Amos Fcnton. the constable.
"Ah, Mr., Sutherland" said he, "sad
business, a very sad business. But
what little girl have you thereE'
This is Miss Page, my housckcepcr's
niece. She would come Inquisitive.
ness, the cause. | do o approve Of
IT,"
Miss Page must remain on the door
step. We allow no one inside except
Ing Yourself" lie said respectfully, in
recognition OF the fact that nothing of
importance was ever undertaken in
Sutllcrlandtown without the presence
OF Mr.. Sutherland.
Miss Page courtcslcd, looking so be-
wl;ching in the fresh morning light
that the tough old constable scratched
his chin In grudging admiration. But
he did not reconsider his determination.
Seeing this. she accepted her defeat
gracefully and moved aside to where
the bushes offered her more or less pro-
lection from the curiosity of those
about her. Meanwhile Mr.. Sutherland
had stepped into the house.
lie found himself In a small hall
with n staircase In front and an open
door at the left. On the threshold Of
this open door n man stood, who at
sight of him dotted his hat. Passing
by this man, Mr.. Sutherland entered
the Don beyond. A table spread with
eatables met his view. beside which, in
an attitude which struck him at the
moment as peculiar, sat Philemon
Webb, the well known master of the
house.
Astonished at seeing his old friend in
this room and In such n position, he
was about to address him when Mr..
Fcnton stopped him.
wait" said he. "Take n look at
poor Philemon before you disturb him
He was sitting Just as you see hlL
when we broke into the house a half
hour ago. and we have let him be for
reasons you can easily appreciate. Ex-
anime him closely, Mr.. Sutherland; he
won't notice it."
But what ais him? Why does he
sit crOuched against the table? Is he
hurt. too?"
NO; look at his eyes"
Mr.. Sutherland stopped and pushed
aside the long gray locks that half con
cealed the countcnance Of his aged
friend.
why" he cried startled, they are
closed, lie isn't deadE'
NO; he Is asleep"
".ASlcCp?'
"YeS. He was asleep when we came
In and h. Is asleep yet. Some Of the
nrighhorS wanted to awake him, but
would not let them. His wits are moi
strong enough to bear n sudden shock
ma. no. poor Philemon! But that h'
should sit sleeping here while she-bul
what do these bottles mean and TIL:
parade of supper in the room they were
not accustomed to eat inf'
I'VE don't know. 1t has not beef
eaten, you see. He has swallowed
!: &