Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1910-04-21

why he should rise at the unearthlv
nour OF 9. however, he explained in
quite different way. He accused a
few twittering sparrows OF waking
him. Perhaps, too, it was the snar.
rows which drove him out to make a
circuit OF the grounds. Quite Incl.
dentally he glanced up at the win.
dows ne bad watched the night before.
The closed shutters revealed nothing
FINDING bench under tree he sat
down and began to wonder how long
1t would be before he might cal, for
his breakfast without seeming unsea.
sonable. He was aroused by crunch.
crunch of footsteps on the gravel.
Some one was walking down one Of
the intersecting paths.
During the brief instant that no
stared he had glimpse of slender
big eyed young woman whose hair
hung in a thick, dark braid over one
shoulder Across the hollow Of her
left arm was sheaf of freshly cut
flowers. in her right hand a pair of
shears. And then she saw him.
"Ohv'
Down fell the roses. The shears
clattered on the stones.
By the time he could scramble to his
feet she had gathered up her flowers
and the shears. She stood quite STILL
eying him with apprehensive expecta-
ton.
"Eh?" said the Cherub.
IL said nothing" replied the young
woman.
But you squealed, didn't your
Possibly"
We'll. | was scared out of years
growth. Next time you feel like squeal-
ing you might send me word, so can
brace myself. Live here. do you?"
"Why-er-that is-not exactly
Neither do l. thank the Lord! |
just own the place. But don't mind
me. Go ahead with your posy pick.
ing"
''You-you don't object to-
Great Scott. MOI Cut 'em all If YOU
like
Only after she was out OF sight did
MIR. Devine realize that here was an.
other person whose presence at Hew.
Ilngton Ares was not fully accounted
for. She could not be one of the
servants. He was sure of that. But
when you find person about the
grounds of a private house. apparent
ly quite at home. and they reply when
asked if they live there. Not exact
~" what is one to infer? She couldn't
be a guest. Who was there for ner
to visit? Nor boarder.
STRIKES me | ought to take cen
sus," commented the CherGb.
Going back to the house. he rang a
bell until Eppings appeared, heavy
eyed and lugubrious.
breakfast ready yetY'
Breakfast. sir? It's rather early
sir, but
early! It's the middle of the fore
noon. Go stir things up in the kitch
en-"
As Eppings departed the hall CLOCK
chimed I. The Cherub grinned HI
had not breakfasted at for years. Ii
less than an hour, though. Breakfast
was an accomplished fact. and Mr.
Devine, now soothed by one of his
black cigars. set out for more ex
tended tour of the grounds. He dis
covered the path leading to the sount
and had spent some time on the porci
of the boathouse. watching the steam
ers and coasting vessels crawl pas
when Timmins came down. evidentl.
in search of him.
Maybe l didn't mention last might
SIR" began Wmmins suavely. ANY
thing about the Hewingtons?
81 guess you didn't, Timmins."
1.-The fact is, sir, they haven't gone.
Haven't gone! Why. where ar
they?"
Back at the house. sir. It's all q
account of the old lady. sir. Mr. HeW
ington's sister, who has took so ba
she couldn't be moved. Perhaps T.
Its all right. There's Mr.. Hewine
ton and his sick sister. is there? Tha
alp
And the Countess Vecchi sir"
1.-THE which?' Mr.. Devine grabbe
the cigar from between his teeth an
turned quickly on Timmins.
1.-THE Countess Vecchl, sir, as stage
to look after the aunt. The countess
the married daughter, sir. The count
been dead two years. sir, and'-her
Timmins coughed alphabetically be
hind his hand-.'the Hewingtons wan
precisely sorry to lose him."
mot bowling success. chi"
"Hardly, sir. The countess left biz
two hours after the wedding"
"She must be hummer" observe
the Cherub, and then refectiyely
"Countesses are hardly in my lint
Guess you can hook up pretty 500
and drive me back to the station.
don't want to disturb the old lady"
Lord, sir. you won't see any 9
them. No sooner did they hear 70
wore coming than they moved into tn