Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-11-30

it, and after nearly a couple of hours
searching in every nook and every crack
1 succeeded. 1t was hidden in the mould
Of 2 small pot fern, standing IN the
corridor outside the room.
you examined the safe. them
"No, I didn't There might be money
and valuables within, and I had no right
to open 1t without the presence Of a wit
ness. I've waited for you to accompany
me. Well go there after luncheon and
examine its contcpts.'
But the executors might have some
thing to say regarding such an action
l remarked.
Executors be hanged, saw them this
morning. a couple OF dry-as-dIst old fos-
siIs-city nlen. 1 think, who only think of
mouse property and dividends. Our duty
is to solve this mystery. The executors
can have their turn. old chED. when
we've finished. AT present they haven't
the key. or any notion where it is One
of them mentioned it, ard said he sup
posed it was in the widows possession"
'Wel," I remarked, Il must say that
don't nalf like the idea CT turning out
a safe without the presence OF the ex-
ecutors.'
Police Inquiries cone before executors
Inventories" he replied. They'll get their.
innings all in Scod time. The house is. at
present. in the occupation ct the police.
and nobody, therefore. can disturb u.s.
Hare you told Thorpe?''
'.No. He's gore up to Scotland Yard TO
make MS report He'll probably be down
again this afternoon. Let's finish and
take the ferry scross..'
Thus persuaded. l drained my ale. and
together we went down to the ferry, land
ing at Kew Gardens. and crossing them
until we emerged by the Unicorn Gate.
almost opposite the house OF mystery
There were still lo.ters outside. men,
women, and children. who lounged in the
vicinity staring blark1v UP 1T he drawn
Blinds. A constable in unieerra admitted
us. Eie had his lunch. q pot of beer and
some bread and chess, which his wife
had probably brought nfnl, the dining
table. ard We had disturbed hin. with
his mouth full.
He was the same ran whom Amber
Jevons had seen in the morning. and as
we entered he saluted. SAYING:
Inspector Thorpe has left MESA sc
for YOU, sir He'll be back from the Yard
about half-past three. and would very
much like TO see YOU.
DO you know why he wants to see
me?''
TT appears, sir. that one of the W.T.
nesses who gave evidence this morning
Missing" he cried. pricking up his
ears. who's missIng?''
The manservant, sir. My sergeant told
me an hour ago that as soon as the man
had given evidence he went out, and was
seen hurryins towards Gunnersbury sta
ton. They believe he's apsconded's
/ exchanged Significant glances with
my companion, but neither OF us ut
tered 4 word Amber have vent to his
hah.iual srunt of dissatisfaction. and then
led the way upstairs.
& The body had been removed from the
room in which it had been found, and
the bed was disnantled When inside
the apartment. he turned to me calmly.
saying:
There seems something in Thorpe.s
theory regarding that fellow Short, after
ALL
IF he has really absconded. 1T Is an
admission of guilt remarked
Most certainly" he replied. .It's a
suspicious circumstances, IN any case.
that he did not remain until the conclu-
sion OF the inquiry
We pulled the chest OF drawers, a beau
tifu. piece Of old Sheraton. away from
the door OF the safe. and before placing
the key in the lock. my companion, ex
au:ined the exterior minutely The key
was partly rusted. and appeared as
though It had not been used for many.