The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-01-19
CHAPTER XI.
a Visitor for the Barber.

% 1SAbOA III N4A[ la 49,
A CLEAN OF dismal humor came TO
Grafton, as he hurried away once more
through the quiet streets.
For the third time since midnight,
he was about 70 rouse a man from
bed in connection with his trouble
Brady and then Dobhs and now poor
Burieigh. who had been tired enough
when he left.
And after all il seemed hardly worth
while to disturb the detective again.
Canvass the situation as he would.
Grafton could see no move in the de-
tectiye'5 power to make. II might be-
as well for him 10 return alone TO the
building. TO sit there until and make
a last desperate attempt upon the COL
lector Of the mails.
He paused for a moment 70 consider
matters IN that light: he found that
he was trembling violently from head
20 foot. The nervous strain was tell
ing. and Grafton felt instinctively THAT
were he not to collapse at dawn-or
even before-he must talk over the
matter with some one and the only
nossibIe some one was BUrleigh. By
some odd chance he might be able 10
suggest a iast resort: at all events il
vas worth trying, and the detective
would have ample tine for sleep later
IN the day
Grafton rang the bell and waited,
watching the upper window. There
Burleigh would appear and inquire
what was wanted. Thereafter, he
would descend and rattle the chain and
open the door.
But Rurleigh's methods were not the
methods OF the others. Almost before
II seemed that he could have awaken
ed. the front door opened and the de-
teetiwe appeared before him
''Ah, Mr.. Grafton
Good gracious. Burleigh! You are
not awake2"
I was sleeping very lightly, sir.
more than half expected to see you
before daylight"
Then your expectations were well
enough justified, sighed Grafton, as
he entered. for here 1 am
Did you reach Brady"
Il reached him.
And you have the letter.
mot only have failed in that. but
Brady has accused me Of some sort OF
mysterious crime!"
Crime. Mr.. Grafton
.rYes-oh. I don't know what. Don't
ask ne about It, Burleigh. The whole
Internal business has passed beyond
nv understanding.
He threw up his hands despairingiy
and stared helpIessly at the detective
BlIrIeigh's expression grew very sym
pathetic. He crossed and laid hand
on Grafton's august shoulder. and the
man was grateful for the strong
touch.
There, there. sir, won't get to wor-
rying about il.
.'Burleigh, would you be worrying II
all the money you owned on earth,
all that you'd made and saved in ten
years of hard work, was hanging in
the balance. with the chances against
YOU ever seeing it again."
.Of. course would, sir, but it isn't
so had as that vet I take it that the
papers are still in the mail-box?"
.'Yes-they're still there"
Then let me understand little
more Of what has happened. There's
sure to be some way out, Mr.. Graf
ton. depend on that"
He sat beside Grafton on the sofa
and tie soothing hand shifted to his
knee and rested there.
Now. sir? You saw Brady"
Grafton told the odd story with
what conference he could muster. The
other listened attentvely putting in
a word now ana then, now and then
shaking his head or pursuing his lips
in astonishment- When the nara
tive was over his face wore a very
puzzled smile
I give ven nay word, Mr. Grafton
you seem To have stirred up such 8
mystery as I've never heard OF before
From a plain robbery it seems 10 b.
getting To a sort Of nightmare
I'D noticed that phase myself. 4"
Now. let as see. Brady didn't
know, of course, what the papers
were2'
lie had no means Of even guessing
that, Burleigh. He asked me severa
times, and [ didn't dare give him 81
much as a hint"