The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1912-1984, 1912-04-19
CHAPTER v.
Certrude's Enasoement.

certrude's Engagement.
At ten o'clock the Casanova hack
brought up three men. They intro
duced themselves as the coroner OF
the county and two detectives from
the city. The coroner led the way al
once to the locked wing. and with the
aid Of one OF the detectives examined
the rooms and the body. The other
detective, after a short scrutiny of the
dead man, busted himself with the
outside Of the house. II was only aft.
er they had got a fair idea Of things
a. they were that they sent for me.
received them in the living room,
and had made up my mind exactly
what TO tell. ! had taken the house
for the summer. said. while the Arm
strongs were in California. In spite
Of rumor among the servants about
strange noises-I cited Thomas-noth.
ting had occurred the first two nights
On the third night ! believed that
some one had been in the house;
had hesrd Q crashing sound, but be-
ing alone with one maid had not in
vestigated. The house had been
locked in the morning and apparent.
ly undisturbed.
Then. as clearly as could, I related
how, the night before, q shot had
reused us; that my niece and ! had
Investigated and found a body; that
did not know who the murdered man
was until Mr.. Jarvis from the club
Informed me, and that knew of no
reason why Mr.. Arnold Armstrong
should steal into his fathers house at
night I should have been glad to al
low him entree there at any time.
Have you reason to believe, Miss
Innes," the coroner asked. that any
member Of your household. imagining
Mr.. Armstrong was a burglar. shot
him in self-defense?"
Il have no reason for thinking co."
I said quietly.
your theory IL that Mr.. Armstrong
was followed here by some enemy
and shot a. he entered the house?"
Il don't think I have a theory"
said. "The thing that has puzzled me
10 why Mr.. Armstrong should enter
his fathers house two nights in suc-
cession, stealing in like a thief. when
he needed only to ask entrance to be
admitted"
. The coroner was q very silent man;
he took some notes after this. but he
seemed anxious to make the next
train back to town. He set the IN
quest for the following Saturday. gave
Mr.. Jameson. the younger OF the two
detectives, and the more intelligent
looking, a few instructions. and. after
gravely shaking hands with me and
regretting the unfortunate affair. took
big departure. accompanied by the
other detective.
! was Just beginning to breathe
freely when Mr.. Jameson, who had
been standing BY the window, came
over to me.
''The family consists of yourself
alone. Miss Innssf'
my niece is here" said.
There is no one but yourself and
your niece?"
MY nephew had to moisten
my lips.
"oh, a nephew. ! should like to
see him, II he 10 here"
"He is not here Just now" said as
quietly as i could. Il expect him
at any time" \
He was here yesterday evening. !
believer"
"No-yes"
Didn't he have a guest with him?
Another man?"
He Brought a friend with him TO |
stay over Sunday. a Mr.. Bailey"
"Mr. John Bailey, the cashier OF the |
Traders bank. ] believe" And knew |
that some one at the Greenwood club |
had told. When did they leave?"
Very early-I don't know at just |
what time"
Mr.. Jameson turned suddenly and !
looked at me.
please try to be more explicit" he |
said. you say your nephew and Mr.. |
Bailey were in the house last night, |
and yet you and your niece. with some |
women servants. found the body. |
Where was your nephew"
was entirely desperate by that |
time.
II do not know" cried. but be |
sure OF this: Halsey knows nothing |
OF this thing. and no amount Of cir |
cumstantial evidence can make an In
nocent man guilty"
sit down." he said. pushing for
ward q chair. There are some things
have to tell you. and. In return.