Mexico Missouri message., 1906-01-11

i
and have an eye to affairs generally
have come to you In this way,
Moffett, because I've been told that
You are a very discreet man. Unless
you repeat what have told you, no
body In the house need know OF my
remaining here, nor have any idea of
the real object which brings me-"
"But don't like, SIR" stammered
the butler. who already began to trem-
bic.
you must like 1t, Mofrett," empha-
sized the detective. II don't wish to
make any trouble or take you in
charge, but I am fully prepared to go
as far as that II you are not sensible
enough to see the 1eascnableness of my
first proposal. Therel 1 see by your
look you understand the situation.
Very good. Now, where is the best,
the most central, place in the house,
in which you can stow me, do you
think, Moffett?"
The inside. man" Oh Mr.. Paul
North's establishment was a picture of
perplexity and despair
Central placel Stow youi" he muir
INJURED helplessly, putting like a fat
porpoise; "but what will Miss Har-
wood say-and Mrs. Stackhouse. and
--and-Mr. Stackhouse? No, no; It
aln't regular. I'm afraid 1t amt reg
ulsr, sir"
"oh, I guess you misunderstood me,
Moffett; misunderstood me complete
ly," said Mr.. Lamm, calmly crossing
his legs as he sat in the buffers chair
ITS to spare the ladies worry, trou-
BILE and excitement that l came to
you. I'll be frank with you; because
l can easily see you're a man of dis
erection and can keep a secret. / am
expecting the murderer of Mr.. North
to call here, and l want to be where
can arrest him quietly and without
undue excitement, which you wouldn't
want yourself in family like this,
now, would you, Moffett?"
"But-but they-the servants-might
know you're here. They may have
seen you come in. They"
"0h, pshaw, Moffett, you can slam
the front door, and If any questions
are asked, you can say that l went
out that way. Come, come, Monett,
be a man. Don't shake 80. Every
thing will be done quietly and in or
der assure you"
"And this man, this murderer"
stammered Moffett, who was we'll
nigh frightened out of his wits; "is
he violent, sir? Won't he try to shoot
somebody elsa? Won't he-I think,
perhaps, If l went out down the street
little while SO as not to be obliged
to answer any questions"
IAN excellent idea, Moffett," inter
rupted the detective, who was really
beginning to be alarmed by the undue
agitation of the affrighted steward.
But hold on. Wait till l have done
with you. Where are the women
folk?"
In their rooms, sir, upstairs"
"Umha! Do you happen to have
any photographs of the young ladies
handy?"
There are some in the parlor Yes,
sir"
Get them for me. Bring them here
| Immediately"
Moffett fastened out, and was back
in a moment with the desired articles.
"Umha! And this roguish-looking
face is Miss Stella, eh?"
Eyes, sir"
"she doesn't resemble her sister
much, chr"
That has been often remarked,
sir"
When Mr.. Lamm had made sufficient
mental notes upon the pictures, he re-
turned them to the servant, and they
were Immediately replaced in their
customary repositories. This time Mr..
Lamm made so bold as 10 cautiously
accompany the butler to the front of
the house. The hush of great ca
lamity reigned everywhere. The house
was built on terrace, and the serv-
ants quarters were on the floor below.
That particular story was deserted.
At glance the detective took in the
possibilities Of the place. All the
rooms opened from the wide hallway,
separated therefrom by portieres.
This was excellent for his designs, If
he could find suitable hiding-place.
His restless eye lighted upon stained
glass window at the back of the hall.
What is back Of that?" he whis-
pered.
Toilet room, sir''
us that window movable?'
Il believe so, sir; but it is never
moved"
Where does that room open from?"
From the back hall"
Very well, Moffett. win lock my
self in there. If there are any in
Quiries, you have accidentally twisted
the key on in the lock, and viii 60
for a locksmith to repair the damage.
The loel1smith win not be in. You
understand"
Moflett, who was becoming resigned
TO his fate, though his teeth stIn ex-
hibited a tendency to chatter, led the
way to the room. Standing upon