Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1904-08-19


was a necessary preliminary to all fu.
ture action-whether the marks de.
tected 3y me in the dust of the mantel
in the southwest chamber had been
made by the hand Of him who had late.
ly felt the need of candles, albeit his
house appeared to be fully lighted by
gas?
The point aimed at was this: To OBJ
tain without Mr.. Moores knowledge
an accurate impression Of his finger
tips.
The task presented difficulties, but
these served only to increase my ardor.
COntiding to the lieutenant Of tho
precinct my great interest in the mys-
FERROUS house with whose suggestive
interior l had made myself acquainted
under such tragic circumstances. ask
ed him as a personal favor to obtain
for me an opportunity Of spending an
other night there. He was evidently
surprised by the request, and being, as
1 have intimated, favorably disposed
to me, he exerted himself to such good
effect that was formally detailed to
assist in keeping watch over the prem.
Uses that very night.
As I prepared to enter the old house
at nightfall allowed myself one short
glance across the way to see II my ap-
proach had been observed by the man
whose secret, If secret he had, was
laying plans to surprise. I was met by
a sight had not expected. Pausing on
the pavement In front Of me stood q
handsome, elderly gentleman whose
appearance was SO fashionable and
thoroughly up to date that I should
have failed to recognize him II my
glance had not taken In at the same
instant the figure Of Ridge crouchina
obstinately on the edge Of the curb,
where he had evidently posted himself
In distinct refusal to come any farther
In vain his master. for the we'll dressed
man before me was no less parsonage
than the whilom butt Of all the boys
between the capitol and the treasury
building, signaled and commanded him
to cross to his side. Nothing could In.
duce the mastiff to bulge from that
quarter Of the street where he felt him
self safe.
Mr.. Moore, glorying in the prospect
of unlimited wealth, presented a star
Ting contrast in more ways than one
to the poverty stricken old man whose
curious garb and lonely habits had
made him an object of ridicule to hall
the town. I own that I was half
amused and half awed by the conde
scending bow with which he greeted
my Offhand nod and the affable way In
which he remarked:
You are making use of your prerog.
atives as a member Of the police, !
| see"
The words came as easily from his
lips as II his practice in affability had
been Of the very longest.
Il wonder how the old place enjoys
its present distinction" he went on
running his eye over the dilapidated
wallis under which we stood, with very
evident pride in their vast proportions
and the air Of gloomy. grandeur which
signalized them. If it partakes in the
slightest degree Of the feelings of its
owner, can vouch for its impotence
at the free use which Is made of its
time worn rooms and halls. Are these
fntrusions necessary? Now that Mrs.
Jeffrey's body has been removed, do
you feel that the scene of her demise
need hold the attention Of the police
any longerT>
THAT Is a question to put to the SUI.
perintendent and not to me-" was my
deprecatory reply. THE major has is
sued no orders for the watch to be
taken of. SO we men have no choice.
l am sorry II 1t offends you. Doubt
less a few days will end the matter,
and the keys will be given into your
hand. I suppose you are anxious to
move in?'
He cast a glance behind him at his
dog, gave a whistle. which passed un-
Needed, and replied, with dignity. IL
but little heart:
when a man has passed his seventh
decade he Is not apt to be SO patient
with delay as when he has a prospect
OF many years before him. I am anx-
ious to enter my own house-yes. 7
have much to do there"
remounteda the. steps, carelessly re-.
marking:
I'll see you again after taking n
turn through the house. If I:discoyer