The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-04-07
Continued from Page I.

cry Wei, replleu bOyd HufIicuiy,
'Tll detain you both only few mo-
ment."
q He spoke over his shoulder as he has
tened down to the bend of the stair
way, 10 a point from which he could
see the lower corridor and ascertain if
his instructions were being carried out.
With half an eye, while helping Hlxon
remove the lay-figUre. he had noted the
precise location of the latters room,
the several doors of the trust company,
somewhat removed, and the general
features of the second corridor. Yet
not for moment had his exhibition Of
nervous energy relaxed, and his every
word and move had been imbued with
a mingling of haste and perpleXlty rot
To be doubted.
As he encountered Jimmie Coleman
on the stairs near the body for mo-
mCnt. however. he muttered a few
hurried words, heard only by the cen
trail Office man, then turned quickly
away and remounted the stairs
Half a minute later he entered the
tailoring establishment of Messrs. Cur
ley e HixOn-presumablyt 10 take down
the points desired
Il
The work of Mr.. Felix Boyd that
afternoon was of the sky-rOcket order
The elimination of it came upon peo-
pie like a bolt out Of the blue, and in
his special field placed him in a class
entirely his own.
Among all his Observers-not even
excepting those who best knew him
and his remarkable methods. and who
were by far the most receptive to cor
rect impressions on such an occasion,
Ia trail Off
not one so much as vaguely imagined
that he had discovered a clue worth
following. or that he was in any way
actuated by secret designs.
Upon entering the room rented by
the custom tailors, however, his recent
excitement and Impotence appeared to
have abated. He drew a note book ana
pencil from his pocket as ne came over
the threshold, then turned and nearly
closed the door. leaving it barely aJar
with your permission, Mr.. HiXon,
I will exclude intruders while l am
making note of the facts you lately i'm
parted" said he, smiling family; then
dith a deep-dTIWn sigh: Thank good
ness, Tn relieved of the sight of that
dead body. On my word, gentlemen, II
quite unnerved me-"
He addressed himself to the only two
occupants of the room, Nj. HiXOn and
the man named Dalton. The former
was standing at the end Of a cutters
table on which apiece of suiting and
some paper Patterns were spread
Dalton occupied wooden armchair
near by.
The lay-fgure stood wher HiXon had
placed il, a feet feet to one side of the
corridor door. 1t still wore its fixed
smile, its CLASSY stare. its air and atti-
tude of utter unconcern- Yet the sight
less eyes, that lent unnatural light to
its waxy features, We're to be bent upon
as strange and sartling scene as rare
ly falls TO the lot of man.
The room was a single one, but of
good size. A long table stood at one
side. piled high with rolls of assorted
cloths. some of which We're spread
open, as if recently displayed. On the
opposite side Of the room, and nearer
the window, was the cutters broad ia
BILE, previously mentioned. In one of
the side walls was a door, evidently
Mat of a closet or laVatOry, and Boyd,
al he took IL with a glance the feat
tules noted was convinced that the
only exit from the room was that lead
ing into the corridor.
Hixon mad removed his coat and put
on a cutters apron, much as if press of
business pTecluded his longer remain
however. and rejoined agreeably:
Il don't wonder that the scene I'M
nerved you. Mr.. Boyd. 1t was shocking
enough, and the affair is most dread
full"
Indeed it is" said Boyd, leaning
YEARLY against the pile of suitings.
Were you acquainted with Debbs?"
only by sight" replied Hixon
pleasantly.
: "A fine old gentleman, very fine. One
of my clients, too. I'm quite stag
gered by his violent death. as well as
by the mystery shrouding it."
My partner, Mr.. Curley, knew him
very well"
All, you're the junior partner them
and BOYD listlessly drew out his knife
and began to sharpen his pencil.
Yes" nodded Hlxon "Curley is
quite an elderly man and doesn't enjoy
good health. He is seldom here in the
afternoon. He has profitable bust
ness established here. however, and /
bought an interest in It about two
months ago. Yet it's an open question
whether ] shall ever get back the
money l have put into new advertis-
ing"
II have frequently seen your firm
name in the newspapers" said Boyd,
still whiting his pencil
Newspapers, eh2' laughed HiXon, a
bit dryli I've launched out in nu-
merous other ways also. Deucedly ex-
pensiVe, some of them. That thing
yOnder was one of my schemes. Cur
ley takes but little stock in any of it,
however. Doesn't advocate laying out
much stuff in advertising. Old-school
merchant, you know"
Boyd glanced back at the iay-figure
indifferently indicated, and nodded ap-
provingly. AS he turned his head 10
revert TO Hixon, he heard faint
sound, as of some one tapping lightly
with a pencil against the corridor
wall, and he new closed his knife and
opened his note book.
Not q bad scheme, 1 should say"
he casually rejoined. Strengthening up
from his listiess attitude.
"Oh, good enough in a way"
We'll, I'll make my notes and be off.
I'll take merely your name and ad-