The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1907-03-12
Below Stairs
BY VIII a. Page.
coDyrish'. 1901. BY c. H sutplIns-

timer, the coaehman. was mending his
whip.
''The daring robbers then bundled up
their booty and decamped." the POM
pous butler read very loudly, leaving
the detective officers bafled without a
clew. AS there was NO evidence that
the doors had been forced or locks
tempered with, the detectives were at
first inclined to suspect the servants.
but as Mr.. walcott declared he had the
utmost faith in them the police were
not allowed to search their rooms"
Mortimer, oblivious of the newspaper
item, did not reply when Evans stop
ped reading as though expecting some
comment
Il say, Mortimer. old chap, that isn't
such a bad haul, is it? The paper
says they got away with 5000 worth
Of silver"
bad haul?' queried Mortimer.
''What are you talking aboutT'
Talking about? repeated Evans.
Disguised. "Why, what else should
be talking about but the big robbery
down the street at old man Walcott's
house?"
"oh, I'm sorry. didn't know You
were reading anything of importance"
II should say it was Of Importance
As the servants there are suspected,
that naturally places us in an awkward
position"
What DO you mean?"
"Aren't we all servants2 And IL one
of the fashionable families takes up u
fad don't all the other fashionable fam
lies follow sultY'
Nonsense, Evans. You're an old
fool"
Il tell YOU persisted Evans, "that If
the Walcott servants are suspected Of
dishonesty the servants of every fash
ionable family in the city win have to
clear their characters"
Why, we are well known to tie
mlssus. have been with her six
years, yet you dare And Mortimer
rose, fiourishing his whip.
II don't mean YOU" sneered Evans.
ITS Miss Charlotte who is more like
ly to be suspected"
Mortimer resisted the inclination to
strike the fellow. though he was strong
" tempted The doorbell sounding
then, Evans, with muttered impreca-
ton, rushed to small mirror hanging
on the kitchen wall, primped himself
and disappeared. bowling deliberately to
Charlotte, the maid newly come to
service, who happened to be entering
the kitchen at that particular momcut.
Now, then, you stupid" broke in
Charlotte, you almost made me drop
the chinaware'
Charlotte bowed, without speaking.
to Mortimer, who commenced 60 mend
the whip with redoubled anxiety. She
busted herself at the gas stove making
chocolate. and neither spoke word
for several moments. Then Evans
broke in hurrledly upon them.
Its a detective" he cried, rushing
across the room toward the door which
led into the front basement. IL seen
1t on the card he sent up to the missus.
"A. L. Walker, Detective ucadquar-
ters;' that's what the card said" He.
opened the door into the basement
But what does he want? inquired
Charlotte.
That's just what I'm going 10 find
out There's furnace pipe in there
that is loose, and 1t opens right under
where the detective is sitting. can
hear every word" And lac disappeared
into the cellar.
I'm afraid Mr.. Evans Is not trou.
bled by scruples, Mr.. Mortimer" said
Charlotte, turning to the gas stove
again. Il always thought buffers a
bad lot"
I'm glad you think 50" began Nor
timer
why, Mr.. Mortimer, what do you
meanY'
"of course one can't be jealous OF a
butler" broke in Mortimer, dropping
the whip.
Jealous? Well, like that!''' with a
toss of the head.
Perhaps l shouldn't say jealous"
continued Mortimer, abashed. But.
you see, wanted to ask you
'WeIlg"
-''if you'd spend your next evening
out with me, unless you have some
other engagement"
Next week, on Thursday2" said
Charlotte coquettishly. mo, don't
think have anything on my card"
Then I'll put you down for next
Thursday, Miss Charlotte. Thanksn'
"Did You say 1t was for the grand
opera, Mr.. Mortlmerf7
NO, Miss Charlotte; for the coach
mems ball.
1.-THE coachmen's ballY' repeated
Charlotte enthusiastically. "oh. how
jolly! I've always wanted to go to a
coachmen's ball. LISTS rather ex-
elusive, isn't IT."
Il should say So" answered Mord-
mer proudly. only those who drive
for the west end families are eligible"
The sudden boiling over OF the milk
interrupted these pleasant anticipa
tons of future happiness, and Mort.