Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-07-06

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
a touch of naivete in it which was very
encouraging.
'NIr. Moore" she cried, "the uncle
Of her who-who''-
"The very same" responded and
waited for her questions without add.
ing single word in way of explana-
rtion.
She gave me took-oh, what a look!
1t was as encouraging to the detective
as it was welcome to the lover, after
which she nodded, once in doubt, once
in question and once in frank and
laughing consent, and darted off.
thanked Providence for such self
contained little aid-de-camp and pro-
ceedcd on my way in state of great
self satisfaction.
An hour later came upon her again,
1t is really extraordinary how frequent.
ly the paths of some people cross.
"WellY' / asked.
"A1r. Moore deals with Simpkins
just two blocks away from his house
and only week ago he bought some
candles there"
I rewarded her with smile which
summoned into view the most exasper
ating Of dimples.
you had better patronize Simpkins
yourself for little WHILE" l suggest
ed, and by the arch glance with which
my words were received l perceived
that my meaning was fully understood
Experiencing from this moment al
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 flu
ture action-whether the marks de
tected by Inc in the dust Of the mantle
in the southwest chamber had beer
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.. NIoore's knowledge
an accurate impression of his finger
tips.
The task presented difficulties, bu
these served only to increase my ardor
Confding 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 u personal favor to obtair
for me an opportunity Of spending an
other night there. He was evidently
surprised by the request, and being, as
have intimated, favorably disposed
TO me, he eXerted himself to such gOot
effect that was formally detailed t.
assist In keeping watch over the prem
Uses that very night.
AS l prepared to enter the old house
at nightfall allowed myself one short
glance across the way to see if my ap
proach had been observed by the mar
whose secret, If secret lie had, was
laying plans to surprise. l was met by
sight had not expected. Pausing or
the pavement in front of me stood q
handsome, elderly gentleman whose
appearance was SO fashionable and
thoroughly up to date that 1 should
have failed to recognize him If my
glance had not taken in at the same
instant the figure Of Ridge 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 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 mnstiff to bulge from that
quarter of the street where lie felt him
self safe.
Dir Moore, glorying in the prospect
OF unlimited wealth, presented n. 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 half
the town. l own that / was half
amused and half awed by the conde-
scending bow with which he greeted
my otfhand nod and the affable way in
which he remarkcd:
You are making use of your prerog-
atives as member of the police, l
see."