The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1907-10-18
A I.

A CHANGE OF LODGINGS.
AS a matter of course. the affair at
the Marathon created a great public
sensation. The papers overlooked with
details. theories, suggestions to the
police, letters from interested readers.
Many OF the latter We're quite GER
tain that they could quickly solve the
mystery, but unfortunately private
business demanded their whole atten-
ton: meanwhile, the stupidity OF the
detective force was a disgrace to the
city: let the guilty parties be arrested
without further delay, whatever theil
position. 1t was remarkable how few
accepted the simple theory which Sim
mond had ~propounded; all of them,
chose to discern something deeper,
more intricate, more mysterious. II
Miss Croydon incurred much oblique
reference. This, for the most part, tooh
the form of scathing, even hysterica,
polemics against the degeneration OF
American society, the greatest peril
threatening the health and prosperity
Of the republic. At 1T was with Rome,
SO would 1t be with America; luxury,
%sensuality, a moral code growing ever
more lax, could have only one re.
suit.
No doubt these vigorous correspon-
dents enjoyed themselves and imagined
that society qutvered in CONSERVATION
under the c%astigation. Certainly they
formed a source OF exquisite amuse-
ment to the readers or the papers.
1t has long been a habit of mine,
when any particularly abstruse crim-
inal mystery is before the public, to
pin my faith to the Record. Its other
features / do not admire. but I knew
that Jim Godfrey was its expert in
crime, and ever since my encounter
with him in the Holiday case. I rave
entertained the llveliest admiration Of
his acumen and audacity. If a mystery
was possible Of solution. 1 believed that
he would solve IL, so 1t vas to the
Record l turned now, and read care
fully every word he wrote about the
tragedy.
1t is difficult for me to explain. even
to myself, the interest with which ]
followed the case. l uppose most
have a fondness, more or less unreal
lied, for the unique and mysterious.
and we all Of US revolt some times
against the commonplace Of every
day existence. We had bee having
work at the office. and l was a little
run down In consequence; l felt that
I needed a tonic, a distraction, and
I found it in The Tragedy in Suite
H." as Godfrey had christened 1t.
ova was s. sitting Ing i In my roo room ION on tbs tbs
affair. smoking a post-prandial pipe
and reading the Records s~tenographio
report of the coroner's inquest when
there came a knock at my door and
my landlady entered. She held in her
hand a paner which had a formidable
legal appearance.
Have you found another apartment.
yet, Mr.. Lester?" h asked.
NC, l haven't. Mrs. Fitch" l said
I'm afraid I've not beer as diligent
in looking for one as l should have
been"
tice," and she sighed YEARLY. They're
going to begin tearing down the house
day after tomorrow. 1 can't find an
other house. so I'm going to put my
furniture in storage. I've told the men
to come for it tomorrow"
All right" l said. If I can't find
an apartment to suit I will put my
stuff in storage. too. and stay at a
hotel for a While. I'll know by tomor-
row noon. Mrs. Fitch"
Very we'll. 1t does seem hard
though" she added, pausing on the
threshold. that we should be the ones
to suffer, when there's so many other
blocks they might ave taken"
The residents Of any OF the other
blocks would probably nave said the
same thing" I pointed out. after all
l uppose this block was better thar
the others, or 1t wouldn't have beer
chosen"
her way to notify e.ler other dodgers
of the imminent eviction.
We We're martyrs to the march Of
public improvement. The block had
been condemned by the usual Legal
process, and an rnlor was to be
ing left for US to do but move. I had
hoped that Mrs. Fitch would find an
other house somewhere In the neigh
borhood and that I could stay With
her; now, 1t seemed. l must search
for other quarters, and at exceeding
ly short notice. To find comfortable
ones, conveniently situated, and at the
same time within reach Of my modest
income would, I knew, be a problem
not easy Of solution.
1 settled back in my chair and took
UP my paper again, when a sudden
thought brought me bolt upright. Here
was an apartment. two rooms and
moreover. so situated that l should be
admirably placed for close-at-hand
study Of the tragedy. I glanced at
my watch-it was only half past sew
en-and 1 hurried into my coat in a
sudden fever of impatience lest some
one should get there before me.
Twenty minutes walk brought me
to the Marathon apartment house. and
as l stepped into the vestibule l saw
sitting by the elevator a red faced
mar whom l recognized instantly as
Higgins, the j%anitor. He rose as
approached him.
you nave an apartment here tc
rent, haven't you?" I asked.
Not jest now. sir" he answered
There will be next week-if tn walk
in delegates leaves us alone. YOU
see. tn house is bein' remodeled."
"Oh," l said. more disappointed thar
I cared to show, Il thought perhaps
there was one I could move into a,
once. Next week won't do me any
good"
He moistened his lips and scratched
his head. cycling me undoubtedly.
May l ask you name. sir?" he said
at last.
1 handed him a card. which had also
tho oddroaa Of my firm Graham o