The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-01-30

ma'am"
"Indeed?" observed, with show
of Indifference; but as soon as Mary
had left the kitchen, woman, my
curiosity prevailed, and | went up
stairs TO take peep at the newcom-
ers
That 'The Beeches," the large de-
tached house opposite, was to be ten
anted proved true.
We soon learned that the occupier
of THE Beeches' was Dr. Hartnoll, .
widower and retired physician. The
establishment consisted of himself,
two women servants, and gardener;
the doctor, it was said. being en-
crossed in scientific pursuits.
It's a feminine characteristic, sup
pose, for the weaker sex to note de-
tails that men would consider trivial
and foolish. However, / could not
help feeling mystified about large
packing case that arrived two days
after the other goods.
As soon as the van drew up Or.
Hartnoll came out, giving directions
how the case should be removed. APP
parently heavy, the top was kept up
ward, and in the sides l discerned
what appeared small ventilation holes.
What could the contents be that, were
both weighty and fragile?
Another thing. too, struck me as pc
culiar. Long before the other and
vx,oro fv,,p<r<opt ~,fpdox,c xrara f,,r
nished, red blind was fitted to the
topmost room (venetians were abb
sent), and this invariably remained
tightly drawn; never once had / seen
it raised or the window opened.
My house just then was full--as, in
deed, were most Norwood boarding
houses--and when, about a week
after the doctors arrival. Carl Ber-
wertz asked me to accommodate him
had to refuse. But as he insisted,
offering exceptional terms, his stay
being only for the duration of the
Lighting exhibition at the Crystal
Palace, l agreed, moving one of the
servants from the front attic to obligs
him.
For German, Berwertz spoke ex-
cellent English, but there was little
installing his nationality. Elderly in
appearance. his voice and actions had
yet all the characteristics of youth.
My latest guest had not been with
me long. l had been spending the
day with friends. when, on reaching
home. Mary, my trusted factotum.
came up.
mr.. Berwertz wishes to speak to
you" she said.
"Oh?" answered, for was tired
out. I'll be with him presently"
But he wanted to see you the mo-
ment you arrived" insisted Mary.
Hes waiting In the morning room"
AS ! noiseIessly entered, Berwerts
was pacing the room agitatedly. His
eyes shone with excitement.
Good evening, Mrs. Burnell," he
said, starting. And, with a bow,
permit me-my nephew"
He indicated rather slim figure
behind him; youth of II or there
abouts.
&ood-evening." responded.
The boy Bonded gracefully.
want to ask favor" went on the
German. more calmly. my nephew
called here this evening. Would it be
possible for him to stay the night?"
Il think you know, Mr.. Berwertz.
we're quite full" commenced.
Pardon me, I've anticipated that
He can turn In with me, If you've no
objection.
saw none: indeed, If had, was
too tired to discuss the matter.
will you join us at supper" l
Queried. turning back
Thanks, no. My nephew's tired; II
you don't mind we'll retire early"
At breakfast next morning Ber-
/. wertz and his nephew, entering at the
last moment / made room for the
boy next to me. He seemed nervous;
l could see his delicate fingers trem-
bling; even Berwertz himself appeared
to have lost his usual calmness, al
most stolidness. of manner. ~ esp
It's as wen a womans nerves are
frequently not as weak as commonly
supposed, for I can scarcely recall how
1 got through that meal. 1t seemed
the breakfast would never end, and ]
found myself on the point of making
extraordinary replies to most com.
monplace remarks
AT length 1t was over; L rose, and
one by one the guests filed out. As
Be,wertz went to leave | touched him
on the shoulder y
"A moment. please, ~ remarked.
He turned wonderingly, his face
went white, and he glanced towart
his companion.
And your nephew, too" added
When we were alone, 4 closed The
door esN