The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1907-01-31
XII.
Wanted-A Dead Man.

For quite a long tinAe Ogledon stared
at the trembling Cripps-knitting his
brows, and biting his lips at him-the
while he turned this thing over in his
mind. And the more he stared ut
Grips the more did that gentleman
continue to babble Of Dandy Chatter
dead, and Dandy Chatter alive and with
the diamond necklace. Presently, the
strong common sense OF the bigger
man seemed to assert itself; he caught
Grips by the shoulder, and shook him
again, and compelled his attention.
"Now-listen to me, you chattering
idiot" he said. Are you certain that
you took Dandy Chater's body from
the river?"
DR.. Cripps nodded vehemently. Ger
tain of it," he replied.
"Where?"
Just below Woolwich."
Just as l thought" muttered Ogle.
don to himself. Aloud he said:
You've been drinking, O little
scoundrel, and the sight of a body has
upset you. You've been drinking
spirits and seeing 'em afterward. Now,
listen to me again; it will be worth
your while. This Dandy Chatter, being
dead, everything he possesses belongs
to me; | am the next-of-kin. I'm going
now straight to Chatter Hall; you'll
have to go with me; and your business
will be to hold your tongue, and follow
all that I do. and take your cue from
me. Dandy Chatter come to life again."
he added, with a sheer, giving Cripps
a final shake, and casting him roughly
of. You're killing yourself with all
the liquor you take, my friend"
After listening for some little time.
and hearing no disturbing sounds to
break the silence all about them, he
set of cautiously in the direction OF
the Hall, followed closely by Cripps.
And, as he went along, he reviewed
his position.
Now must not forget he NUT.
tered to himself. that I have but Just
returned from a journey, and know
nothing of what has happened In my
absence. II they know OF Dandy's
death, I must be properly Mortified at
the news; IL he has merely disap-
peared and they have heard nothing
from him-which I suspect will be the
case-I must be filled with surprise
and alarm accordingly. In any case ]
play the innocent, and take advantage
of what l know, and of what turns up.
And l must carry off everything with
a bold face"
Acting upon this resolve, Ogledon
made his way to Chatter Hall and loud
ly rang the bell. 1t being now nearly
midnight the house was in complete
darkness, but, after a time shutting
feet were heard within. bolts were
drawn. and the great doors were slow
ly opened. Ogledon, advancing boldly,
with Cripps sticking close to his heels,
confronted a couple of astonished and
s~ieepy-eyed men-servants; pushed
past them, and went into the great
dining room.
Evening, Simms. evening Baker
or, perhaps | should say almost morn
Ing" said Ogledon. pleasantly. "Pve
only just arrived from a long journey,
and am tired and hungry. You need
not disturb any one else; I daresay
you can get me-and my friend here"
he added. as an observation-disclosures
thing to eat and drink. Anything cold
will do; only be quick"
The men fastened away to do his
bidding. But, just at that moment. a
sharp clear voice sounded from up
stairs, calling to the men. and demand
ing to know who had arrived.
Ogledon. listening ~intently, heard
the men give his name, and state what
they were doing for his comfort. But
this did not satisfy the owner Of the
voice; for a few moments afterward
a rustic Of garments was heard on the
staircase and then in the hall; and the
door opening displayed the figure OF
Mrs. Dolman. the housekeeper, In an
antiquated wrapper, and with q light
shawl over her head.
Truly, Mr.. Ogledon; truly. gentle
men,"-this latter as she caught sight
of Cripps-"I trust you win excuse so
informal a reception. or course, had
We expected you. preparation should
have been made and the servants wait