The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-13

ping the dish Of mashed potatoes.
At intervals during the meal Mrs.
Bowser found his eyes resting on her,
and if she had been guilty Of poison
ing her mother or cutting the cats
throat she must have betrayed herself
and asked to be taken into custody
at once.
When dinner was half over Mr..
Bowser suddenly rose up and inspect
ed the sideboard, as If suspicious that
in. Then he looked into the refriger-
ator and shifted long and suspiciously.
His victim had thus far escaped him,
but he was close on the trail.
well have you got through with
this monkey business?" tartly asked
Mrs. Bowser. as she rose up.
Lead the way, woman-lead the
way" he replied, with one long last
glance around the room, in which his
eyes took in everything, even to the
china cream pitcher with its broken
nose
Upon reaching the sitting room he
took cigar from his pocket and care
fully examined both ends of it to see
If it contained an internal machine.
The match with which he finally light
ed it was also critically examined to
see If 1t had been tempered with. Then
his eyes fell upon the cat, and for go
seconds he stood and steadfastly re-
garded her. The feline writhed under
his scrutiny, and finally made a dash
from the room.
Are you going to play the idiot all
the EVENING"" demanded Mrs. Bowser
as her eyes flashed and her cheeks
REDEEMED.
IT am ready to explain, madam" re-
piled Mr. Bowser as he took seat.
Perhaps you did not see the interview
this morning, in which he asked the CO.
operation Of all good citizens In the de-
lection of crime?"
And you are going to co-operate?'
ct am
Mr.. Bowser suddenly looked behind
him.
Then he arose and tip-toed across the
room and looked out into the hall. :.
Then he glanced at the piano as II
wondering what guilty secrets it was
concealng.
Then he spoke, and his tones were
sleuthy and his gestures dramatic as
he said:
Yes, I shall go out this evening and
hunt down the man that murdered OLD
Nancy Ray for the few dollars she had
in the house. The police believe that
he fled to Europe on sailing Vessel.
but I differ with them. I believe he Is
still in the city. Aye, he may be with.
in two blocks of us, and walking ABOUT
as free as any honest man. l am sure
I shall know him on sight, however.
"Bosh!" exclaimed Mrs. Bowser IN
contempt You want to leave the de-
tective business to those who are palo
for it. If people around here get 70
know that you are sleuth1ng AROUND
they will call you a fool
Remember who you are taking TO-
madam!"
IT shall 1 say It's the craziest notion
you ever brought home, and you've
brought hundred. Give 1t up before
you get into trouble"
Mr. Bowser took another tip-toe look
into the hail.
Then he softly opened the parlor
door and looked in.
Then he looked over Mrs. Bowser' S
head at one of the back windows. The
sash looked suspicious. The panes OF
edge.
"Sit still where you are and don't
move a finger until I return?' he
hoarsely whispered. "Remember-not-
hnger-not a thunsb-not a toe!"
You'll be moving your fingers ana
thumbs and toes towards an idiot asy-
lum before morning!" she called MIN as
he disappeared down the hall.
The minutes went on.
1t was just the night for a cold
blooded murder.
A black-visaged villain might even
then be straddle of the alley fence with
thirst of blood in his heart
Hist! Look out! Beware!
When Mr.. Bowser returned ne hao
donned an old suit Of clothes, was
wearing Scotch cap and had the raise
Wn1skers of a stage villain. He looKed
IKE a cross between Vidocq and an olo
tramp who lost his all In the great