The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1904-08-04

gas?
The point aimed at was this: To oh.
tain without Mr.. Moore's know e
an accurate impression of his finger
tips.
The task presented difficulties. but
these served only TO increase my ardor.
Confding to the lieutenant Of the
precinct my great interest in the mys-
terious house with whose suggestive
under such tragic circumstances, ask
ed him as IA personal favor to obtain
for me an opportunity of spending an.
other night there. He was evidently
surprised by the request. and being, as
I have intimatcd. favorably disposed
TO me, he cxcrted himself to such good
effect that | was formally detailed to
assist in keeping watch over the prem
ises that very night.
As prepared to enter the old house
at nightfall | allowed myself one short
glance across the way to see IL my ap.
proach had been observed by the ma n
whose secret. IL secret he had, l was
laying plans TO surprise. was met by
sight had not expected. Pausing on
the pavement in front of me stood a
handsome. elderly gentleman whose
appearance was SO fashionable and
thoroughly up TO date that | should
have failed to recognize him il my
glance had not taken in AT the same
instant the figure of Rudge crouching
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 well dressed
man before me was no less a parsonage
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 u star
tling contrast in more ways than one
10 the poverty stricken old man whose
curious garb and lonely habits had
made him an object of ridicule TO half
the town. own that was half
amused and half awcd by the conde-
scending bow with which he greeted
my otfhand nod and the affable way in
which he remarked:
You are making Use of your prerog-
atives as member of the police,
see
The words came as easily from his
lips as If his practice in aifablity had
been of the very longest.
II wonder how the old place enjoys
its present distinction" he went on
running his eve over the dilapidatcd
walls under which we stood. with very
evident pride in their vast proportions
and the air of gloomy grandeur which
signalized them. If IL partaEes in the
slightest degree of the feelings of its
owner, | can youch for its impatience
ut the free use which j. made of its
time worn rooms and halls. Are these
intruSiOns 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 question to put TO the su-
pcrintcndent and not to me-" was my
dcprecatOry reply. The ma jOr has is
sued no orders for the watch To he
taken off, so we men have no choice
/ am sorry If il offcnds you. Doubt
less few days will end the matter
and the keys will be given into your
hand, suppose you are anxious to
move in?"
He cast glance behind him at his
dog, gave a whistle, which passed un-
needed, and replied, with dignity, IL
but little heart:
"When man has passed his seventh
decade he IL not apt to be so patient
with delay MS when he has a prospect
ious to enter my own hOuse-yes.
have much to do there
remounted the steps, carelessly re-
marking:
'l'll see you again after taking a
turn through the house. IL | discover
ohy thihS' khoSt uIuIhs VI uuuIuu
marks which might be Of interest to
you, I'll let you know"
1t was necessary for the success OF
my plan that some time should elapse
before ] reapprOached Mr.. Moore. !
therefore kept my word to him and
satisfied my own curiosity by taking q
fresh tour through the house. Natural.
ly, In doing this, visited the library.
Here all was dark. The faint twilight
still illuminating the street failed 10
penetrate here. was obliged to light
my lantern.
My first glance was toward the fire.
place. 'Venturesome hands had been
there. Not only had the fender been
drawn out and the crate set aside, but
the huge settle had been wrenched
free from the maDtel and dragged into
the center of the room. Rather pleas.
ed at this change, for with all my ap.
parent brayadO l did not enjoy too
close proximity to the cruel hearth
stone, | stopped to give this settle a
thorough investigation. The result was
disappointing. To all appearance--and
! did not spare 1t the experiment OF
many thump and knOck-it was per.
fectly innOcuous piece of furniture
clumsy of build, but solid and absolute.
ly devoid Of anything that could ex,
plain the tragedies which had occurred