The Washington times., 1911-10-04
THE TIMES DAILY
THE MAXWELL MYSTERY
By CAROLYN WELLS
By CAROLYN WELLS
Copyright. 1911. The Frank A. Munsey Coz

outside the library window, 1 saw no
reason for changing my first conclusion.
i found nothing else of note. gave two
more bits of yellow down-one piece
IN the outside library blind and another
plt FARTHER front on the balcony. These
put away witt my first morscl, deter
mined to find out who wore such decora-
ton the evening before
by this time Mr. Hunt had arrived.
me coroner had come, too, bringing his
Jury, for 1t had been decided 10 begin
The inquest that very afternoon.
How strange II seemed to be holding
an inquest in Miss Miranda's stately
drawing room! But that was not more
strange than realizing that Philips dead
hody lay upstairs and that we had not
the faintest idea whose hand wrought
this evil.
l paused in the library to talk to Mr.
Hunt. He was not mysterious and uL-
communicative like the regulation de-
tectiVe, out was frankly at his Wits
end.
When 1 saw this and knew that 1 was
similarly unenlightened. l wondered IL 1
had done wisely in advising Mr.. Max
we'll against getting man from the
city.
Very little to worI: on. eh. Hunt?''
said.
Nothing at ALL he said, modify
staring at the carpet. ~.
But the inquest may bring out some
important facts
Il doubt it. II anyone knew any
thing. he woulc have told 1t at once.
Why shouldn't he?'
I'VE are all of one interest. The deed
was doubtless done by burglar who
was trying TO effect an entrance and
who was frightened away by his own
Shots
WELL" l responded, I'm willing to
suspend Judgment until l have some
thing more definite to base my opinions
on. Come, let us go downstairs"
A crowd had assembled in the lower
rooms, for the inquest was In a way a
public function.
/ was sure the MaxweIIs were terri
bly, annoyed at this invasion II their
beautiful home, but was also sure THAI
such thoughts were swallowed up IN
their eagerness to discover and punish
the murderer of Philip.
Mr.. Billings was calm and business
like.
He had impaneled his jury and was
already examining the first witness.
Mr.. Maxwelrs own lawyer was pres
ent. also the district attorney and sew
eraI other gentlemen of legal aspect
who were strangers to- me.
The first witness was Gilbert Crane.
To my surprise he appeared agitated
and i'll at ease In one way this was not
astonishing. for, as the first one to dis
cover the tragedy, his testimony would
be OF great Importance. But he had been
so cool and self-possessed all day that l
couldn't understand his present de-
EVENING""
viii you tell u.s." said the coroner.
not unkindly, THE circumstances which
led to your going to the library last
vening?"
said Gilbert. Il had been there alone
Tor some time, as l was troubled and
did no. care to join the merry crowd in
the music room. I heard Mr.. King
come downstairs, 90 into Mr.. Max
wells study and talk to him for few
moments. After this / heard Mr.. King
tell Mr.. Maxwell that Philip Maxwell
and Miss Leslie were in the library.
After this Mr.. King walked through
the room ! was in. but we said moth
ing to each other, and ne went on TO
the MUSHROOM. / stayed exactly where
was for some time longer 9nd then
concluded 1 would go home
Not wishing to make my 7adieux to
the guests, I thought / would merely
say good night to Mr.. Maxwell. 1
study, but as he seemed to be asleep.
thought I wouldn't disturb him. but
would just run upstairs for my banjo
and then slip away unnoticed.
Il went upstairs, and l admit It was
curiosity concerning the two people in
side that led me to pause and look
toward the library door. / heard no
sound OF voices. so I took another step
or two in that direction, and. looking,
saw Philips figure stretched out on
the floor.
Then, Of course, went into the
room. 1t has no door, and the por-
there's were but partly drawn. Seeing
what was evidently a serious accident
of some sort, I Immediately ran down.
stairs and called DR.. Sheldon to the
scene"
You saw no one else in the room?"
Mo- said Gilbert, but he seemed
to hesitate.
You are quite sure?' asked the cor
oner.
Il am positive I saw no one else IN
the room." said Gilbert, decidedly this
time.
Can you fix the time or your going
upstairs?''
Il can. When looked into Mr.. Max
Wells study noticed by his large