The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1906-11-30

/ 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 candies
The surprise which she showed had
a touch of naivete in it which was very
encouraging.
.'Mr. Moore" she cried, 'the uncle
of her who-who"-
1.-The very same" I responded and
waited for her questions without add
ing a single word in way of explana-
ton.
She gave me a look-oh, what a look!
1t was as encouraging to the detective
as ii 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.
1 thanked Providence for such a self
contained little aid-de-camp and pro-
ceeded on my way in state Of great
self satisfaction.
An hour later 1 came upon her again.
1t is really extraordinary how frequent
ly the paths of some people cross.
"WellT' l asked.
"Mr. Moore deals with Simpkins,
just two blocks away from his house.
and only week ago he bought some
candles there"
I rewarded her with q smile which
summoned into view the most exasper-
ating of dimples.
"You had better patronize Simpkins
yourself for a little WHILE" I suggest
ed, and by the arch glance with which
my words We're received l 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. l cast about for means of
settling the one great question which
was a necessary preliminary to all fu-
ture action-whether the marks de-
tected by me in the dust of the mantel
in the southwest chamber had been
made by the hand of him who had late
~ 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.. 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, l ask
ed him as a personal favor to obtain
for me an opportunity Of spending an
other night there. He was evidently
surprised by the request, and being, as
/ have minated. favorabiy disposed
to me, he exerted 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 l allowed myself one short
glance across the way to see if my ap-
proach had been observed by the man
whose secret. if secret he had, l was
laying plans to surprise. / was met by
a 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 Ridge crouchine
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
h,vflI g, lod nd dod =;
to cross to his side Nothing could In.
duce the mastir to bulge from that
quarter Of the street where he felt him.
self safe.
Mr.. Moore, glorying in the prospect
of unlimited wealth. presented a 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. / own that I was half
amused and half awed by the conde-
scending bow with which he greeted
my offhand nod and the affabIe way in
which he remarked.
you are making use Of your prero2-
atives as a member Of the police, l
see"
LIE HoIdS Cduie DIS easily Ills
lips as if his practice in affability had
been Of the very longest.
II wonder how the old place enjoys
its present distinction" he went on,
running his eye over the dilapidated
walls under which we stood, with very
evident pride in their vast proportions
and the air Of gloomy grandeur which
signalized them. IF it partakes in the
slightest degree of the feelings of its
owner. l can vouch for its impotence
at the free use which is made OF its
time worn rooms and halls. Are these
intrusions necessary? Now that Mrs.
Jef-ey's body has been removed. do
you feel that the scene of her demise
need hold the attention OF the police
any longers"
That is question to put to the su-
perintendent and not to me-. was my
reply. The ma jor has is
sued no orders for the watch to be
taken of. so we men have no choice.
am sorry If it ends you. Doubt
less few dAJs will end the matter.