Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-09-09

too, without arousing suspicion or con-
promising either of US where Mr..
Moore Of Waverley avenue buys his
groceries, and, when you have done
that, whether or not he has lately re-
supplied himself with candles"
The surprise which she showed had
touch Of naivete in 1t which was very
encouraging.
'Mr. Moore" she cried, 1.-THE uncle
Of her who-who''-
'The very same" responded and
waited for her questions without add
ing single word in way Of explana-
ton.
She gave me look-oh, what lookl
1t was as encouraging to the detective
as 1t was welcome to the lover, after
which she nodded, once in doubt, once
In question and once in frank and
laughing consent, and darted of.
l thanked Providence for such a self
contained little aid-de-camp and pro-
ceeded on my way in a state of great
self satisfaction.
An hour later came upon her again.
1t is really extraordinary how frequent
~ the paths of some people cross.
"Well?" asked.
"Mr. Moore deals with Simpkins,
just two blocks away from his house,
and only week ago he bought some
candles there"
l rewarded her with a smile which
summoned into view the most exasper-
ating Of dimples.
"You had better patronize simpkina
yourself for little WHILE" suggest.
ed, and by the arch glance with which
my words We're received I perceived
that my meaning was fully understood.
Experiencing from this moment an
increased confidence, not only in the
powers Of my little friend, but in the
line Of investigation thus happily es
tablished, cast about for means OF
settling the one great question which
was necessary preliminary to all fu
ture action-whether the marks de
tected by me in the dust Of the mante
in the southwest chamber had beer
made by the hand of him who had late
ly felt the need Of candles, albeit hil
house appeared to be fully lighted BY
gas?
The point aimed at was this: To OBJ
tain without Mr.. Moore's knowledge
an accurate impression Of his finger
tips.
The task presented difficulties, but
these served only to increase my ardor
Confiding to the lieutenant of the
precinct my great interest in the mys
FERROUS house with whose suggestive
interior had made myself acquainted
under such tragic circumstances, ask
ed him as personal favor to obtair
for me an opportunity Of spending an
other night there. He was evidently
surprised by the request, and being, al
I have intimated, favorably disposed
to me, he exerted himself to such goot
effect that was formally detailed K
assist in keeping watch over the prem
ises that very night.
AS prepared to enter the old house
at nightfall I allowed myself one shor
glance across the way to see If my ap
proach had been observed by the mai
whose secret If secret he had, wal
laying plans to surprise. I was met b,
sight had not expected. Pausing OF
the pavement in front Of me stood
handsome, elderly gentleman who's,
appearance was SO fashionable anl
thoroughly up to date that shoult
have failed to recognize him II m,
glance had not taken In at the sam,
instant the figure Of Ridge crouchipl
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 noNess personag,
than the whilom butt Of all the boy,
between the capitol and the treasury
building, signaled and commanded hin
to CROSS to his side. Nothing could In
duce the mastif to bulge from that
quarter Of the street where he felt him
self safe.
Mr.. Moore, glorying in the prospect
of unlimited wealth, presented 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. own that I was hall
amused and half awed by the conde
lcsudinR how. With .Mhikh. be- srastsd