Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1910-12-29
CHAPTER 3vu-continued

CHAP Elk 6sU-Continued
was ~ name Riakeley?1 1 asked.
II might have been, can't say.
Pvt the man wasn't there. and there
vas a lot OF noise couldn't hear
well Then in half an hour down came
the other twin to say the gentleman
vas taking on awful and didn't want
the message sent
Hes gone, OF course?'
Yes I.imped down here in about
three DAYS and took the noon train for
the city
1t seemed certainty now that our
man, having hurt himself somewhat
in his jump, had stayed quietly in the
farm house until he was able to trav-
ell. But, to be positive, we decided to
visit the Carter place
| gave the station agent five-dol-
lar bin, which he rolled up with a
couple of others and stuck in his
pocket. turned as we got to a bend
In the road, and he was looking curl
ously after US.
II was not until we had climbed the
hill and turned onto the road to the
Carter place that ] realized where we
were going. Although we approached
II from another direction, knew the
farm house at once 1t was the one
where Alison West and had break
tasted nine days before. With a new
restraint between us, did not tell
Mcknight. wondered afterward If
he had suspected it, saw him look.
ing hard at the gatepost which had
figured in one of our mysteries, but he
asked no questions. Afterward he
grew almost taciturn, for him. and let
me do most of the talking.
We opened the front gate of the
Carter place and went slowly up the
walk Two ragged youngsters, alike
even to freckles and squints. were
playing In the yard.
IL your mother around" | asked.
I'm the front room Walk in they
answered in identical tones.
AS we got to the porch we heard
voices. and stopped knocked, but
the people within, engaged in animal
H..
not answer
In the front room. Walk in =
quoted Mcknight. and did so.
In the stuffy farm parlor two PEG
pie were sitting. One, pleasant
faced woman with checked apron,
rose. somewhat embarrassed, 10 meet
US. She did not know me, and | was
hay p,tl
eted on little man who was sitting
before table. writing busily. 1t was
Hotchkiss,
He got up when he saw us, and had
the grace to look uncomfortable.
Such an interesting case" he said
nervously. Il took the liberty
Look here said Mcknight sud
denly. did you make any inquiries
at the station?"
"A few" he confessed Il went to
the theater last night felt the need
OF a little relaxation-and the sight of
picture there. cinematograph at
fair. started new line of thought
Probably the same clew brought YOU
gentlemen. learned good bit from
the station agent
The sonof-a-gun." said Mcknight
And you paid him, suppose?"
Il gave him five dollars" was the
apologize answer.
Mrs. Carter, hearing sounds OF
strife in the yard. went out and
Hotchkiss folded up his papers.
u think the identity of the man is
established" he said What number
of hat do you wear. Mr. Blakeley?"
Seven and quarter" replied.
Well, it's only piling up evidence
he said cheerfully. "On the night OF
the murder you wore gray silk under
clothing, with the second button OF
the shirt missing Your hat had u
b. in gilt letters inside, and there was
very minute hole in the toe of one
J black sock
4 Hush" Mcknight protested. I'll
word gets TO Mrs. klopton that Mr.
! Blakeley was wrecked, or robbed. OF
whatever 1T was with a button miss
4 ing and hole in one sock, she'll re
tire to the Old Ladies' home. Eve
heard her threaten it,
Mr.. Hotchkiss was without sense
of humor. He regarded Mcknight
gravely and went on:
I've been up in the room where tn.
man lay while he was unable to ge
away. and there is nothing there. Blu
found what may be possible clev
In the dust heap.
Mrs. Carter tells me that in un
packing his grip the other day sh'
shook out of the coat of the pajama
some pieces of a telegram. AS fig
ure 1t. the pajamas were his own. HI
|. probably had them on when he et
fected the exchange
] nodded assent. All had retained
OF my own clothing was the suit o
!. pa1amas ! was wearing and my bait
robe.
!. Therefore the telegram was his
: not yours. have PIECES here. blu