The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-24

ials of New Scotland iYard, and often nation, which, in the exercise of his profession, he sometimes was able to obtain. Knowing this, I expected that this latest mystery would attract him. If so, would join forces with him, and we would no doubt be able mater tally to assist the criminal 1nvestiga- tion department in their Investigations.
 From the very outset saw that this was no vulgar murder but the result of some very cleverly planned attack, in which the unfortunate woman had lost her life. Cunliffe. who for years had been engaged an up-to-date journalist in the investigation of crime, would certainly have a theory.
 When I knocked at the door of his chambers, he opened it, and greeted me merrily. He was a youngish-looking, dark-haired man in a gray flannel suit, keen-eyed, active, with rather aquiline features and a small dark mustache. The latter had an upward trend. and he wore gold pince-nez.
 Hello Ralston!" he cried. Well, this Is pleasant surprise! [ thought it was boy over for copy. I'm on a big case. and very busy. But come in a moment, my dear fellow-not too busy to smoke cigarette with you.''
 And followed him into his rather untidy and somewhat dingy bachelors room. the big window of which looked out upon the narrow-paved courtyard of the inn.
 'What's the case you're on?" asked eagerly, as took the cigarette he of fered me.
 why, that curious affair down in Radcliffe Gardens. You saw it in the papers this morning, I suppose? My editor 'phoned me at half-past this morning, and I've been on it ever since. Makes a good story-rattling good story!"
 ''Then you've solved the mystery. eh?" I asked.
 Solved the mysteryI'' he echoed. .'I only wish had. my dear Phil. No! It's a mystery-a first class mystery! When the boys been here I'm going down there again. They're entirely puzzled at Scotland Yard. The coun- ell of seven are meeting at noon. and they'll no doubt decide upon some theory Heaven and earth will be moved to discover the assassin"
 Has the woman been identi1ed?" l
 'sNo. There's where we're all at sea. She's a foreigner. Probably only been in England few days. Looks like Spanish or Italian woman
 'Is her body still in the house?'
 "Yes Chief Inspector Daniels from Scotland Yard and I arrived at the house at the same moment. You know that owing to the information I. furnished about the great Russell street mystery I'm persona grata at the yard"
 sFYes, I know" I said looking at the thin, alert figure in the gold-r1m- med glasses. He had walked to his writing table and was gathering up some loose sheets of manuscript, the headings of which I noticed were "Redcliffe Gardens Mystery: Latest Details: Who is the Dead Woman?".
 "I wonder if I. might also come down with you?" I yentured to ask. elf you'll let me. won't be trouble some, I promise. I want so much to see how you pressmen work up story as you term it.''
 .'OhL by all means. my dear fellow; After the meeting at Scotland Yard there'n be two or three of the best men down to go over the house and Investigate. At present the search has only been a cursory one. In crime Of this kind the place is left as it is until seen by one or other of the great ex- perts. They don't allow the local and bungle. can tell you. Our police methods are very often criticised by certain section of the public. but the people who condemn them are the ignorant. tell you that in the whole world there isn't a straighter. more honest or more Intelligent body of men than the metropolitan police; and I fancy I know"
 At that moment there came another knock at the door. and a sharp lad was admitted. saying:
 Come for copy, sir.
 Cunliffe stuffed his manuscript into an envelope. and addressing it. gave 1t to him. saying:
 "Ten MT. Matthews that if he don't get anything before 8. he shall have another story. for the special I'll phone. in any case, at 3.
 And the boy put on his cap and dis appeared.