The Washington times., 1905-12-31

my pocket now. But some one gave
the game away to him. for his yacht
is living on the beach there. with a
boat from her waiting at>she foot OF
the cliff. But we've no time to lose
come along
Before the big garden porch The in
spector's two companions were wait
ing. He drew them aside for a min
.ute's whispered conversation before
they separated. and Disappeared into
the night What had they done with
the oocy2 1 had not the courage. 10
inquire
We entered the house. moving very
sortly. In the hall Grey took me By
the arm.
You're bit shaken. Air. Philips,
and I'm not surprised But-zF want
your assistance badly Can. you pull
yourself together and help me 10 see
this througn?p
I'm do what L can
Take me up TO your room, then
We were in luck. fer We tip-toed up
the great stairs and down the long
passages without meeting a guest
or servant Once in my room, the in
spector- walked across and pushed
the electric bell. Three or four min
utes went by before the summons
was answered, and then il was by q
flushed and disordered footman who
bounced into the room and halted,
staring Open-mouthed from me 10 my
companion
Sorry to disturb your dance" said
Grey. beaming upon him
Beg pardon, sir. but you. startled
in the servants all; but It's OF no
consequence, sir"
"A slippery floor. eh. with so much
French chalk on it2'
The young man glanced at the
powder on his shoes and grinned-
so you are all dancing in ths
servants hall. are your
Il believe so, sir. barrin' Edward.
who is waiting on the party, and
Mr. Henderson
'And where is Mr.. Henderson,
He's the baron's. man. sir. I
should not presume to inquire where
he was. Beg pardon. sir. but are you
staying here tonight?"
This is a friend OF mine, L inter-
posed He viii stay the might: but
you need not trouble about that now"
"A smart fellow like you can keep
his mouth shut" continued the inspect
or. sweetly. You wouldn't go shout
ing all over the house if you We're let
into secret-now. would you?''
''Oh, no, sir; on my word I wouldn't
And so Grey told him OF tha project
ed arrest. OF the murder, and OF his
own identity The color faded from the
young mans cheeks, but be stood stiff
and silent, never taking his eyes from
the little detectives face
And what can 1 do, sir?" he asked,
when the tale was over. He was a
good master to US, sir; whatever there
was against him. he was good 10 us.
You can trust me to help catch the
scoundrel who killed him. if can
Il see this room is warmed by steam-
heat. Is that the case with al the bed
rooms and passages?"
Yes, sir The only open fires are
in the reception rooms. When the
baron made the alterations last year,
they left the CRATES for the sake. of
appearance; but they, are never lighted,
save on the ground floor
And in what receptionroom are
there fires at the present moment2.'
The diningroom fire has died out
by now," said the young man. ticking
of the numbers on his fingers. But
there is one in the big hall. one in the
library. where the party is playing,
one in the little drawingroom, and one
in the baron'S room"
And the kitchen"
''Of course. sir. one in the kitchen
and one in the servants hall
That is all Are you eertain2''
Quite certain. sir
Good: and now for the bathrooms"
The bathrooms, sir?''
Exactly"
There are two bathrooms in each
wing; some Of the gentlemen have tubs
in their own rooms besides
Now. I think we know where we
are,'' said the inspector. briskly. NO
chance of the roulette party breaking
up. is there2"
"oh. no. sir; not for another two
hours. at least
1 want You TO return. Mr. Phillips.
and try your luck at the tables for a
spell he said. with a quick glance at
me- 1t Is now 1880; be back in tbIz
room at 12:15. 1 am going to take a
walk around the house with your friend
here In the meanwhile The haron had
a secretary. 1 believe2''
Yes. man called Terry
Bring him up with you when voD
come. 1 shall want a talk with MIN
Is all quite plain?'
Yes, l told him; and so we parted
When I stepped into the roulatta-
room 1 stood for a moment hIinlzip,-
at the players like a yokeI at a psn+o-
mime The scene was to me somer1,ns,
unreal. a clever piece of stage eracr
with its flushed and cOvetous faces its
frocks and its diamonds. its niles ~
sparkling gold and the cry of tbe
banker as he twirIed the wheel How
could they be doing this with tbs4
bloodstained patch on the ciir efes
with that unknown horror sIinxfns.
through the snOw-hOw could they ba
doing this If they were not acting a
part? An odd figure 1 must have look
ed. II there had been anyone 10 notice
me But they We're too eager in tbs
game TO hear the opening of the door
or TO see who went and came. vyalLsi
over 10 the fireplace. lit q Cigarette
ana watched them. my nerves grou,iro
steadier in the merry chatter OF tons,,aS
They were all there. the men 49,,
women of the careless house Dartv