The Parma herald. (Parma, Idaho) 1903-1917, 1913-05-29

ing to catch the drift Of his questions.
Thank you." said the inspector;
land now. will you show me the place
where this curious DISAPPEARANCE oc-
curred?"
We crossed the drive, where the
snow lay torn and trampled by the
carriages, and so to the white, even
surface of the lawn. We soon struck
the trail, confused path beaten by
many footprints. Peace stopped for
moment, and then turned to the secre-
tary with an angry glance.
Were you with them?" he said.
Yes"
Then why. In the name OF COM
mon sense, didn't you keep them on
bis tracks? You have simply tram
pied them out of existence. between
you"
I'VE were In a hurry, inspector"
said the secretary, meelfly. I'VE didn't
think about it."
We walked forward, following the
broad trail until we came to a circular
patch Of trodden snow. Evidently the
searchers had stopped and stood talk
ing together. On the further side
saw the footprints of man plainly
defined. There we're some half-dozen
clear impressions and they ended at
the base of the old wall. which was
some six feet in height
II am glad to Gee that you and your
friends have left me something, Mr..
Harbord." said the inspector.
He stepped forward and, kneeling
down. examined the nearest footprint
"Mr. Ford dressed for dinner?" he
inquired. glancing up at the secretary.
Certainly! Why do you ask"
Merely that he had on heavy shoot
ing boots when he took this evening,
stroll. 1t will be interesting to discovl
er what clothes he wore"
The inspector walked up to the wall,
moving parallel to the tracks In the
snow. With sudden spring he
climbed to the top and seated himself
while he stared about him. Then on
his hands and knees he began to crawl
forward along the coping. 1t was a
quaint spectacle. but the extraordinary
care and vigilance of the little man
took the farce out Of 1t.
Presently he stopped and looked
down at US.
please stay where you are" he
said. and disappeared on the further
side.
Harbord offered me cigarette, and
we waited with due obedience till the
inspectors bullet head again broke the
horizon as he struggled back to his po-
sition on the coping Of the wall.
He seemed in a very pleasant tenn
per when he Joined us; but he said
nothing of his discoveries. and | had
grown too wise to inquire. When we
reached the entrance hall he asked for
Jackson, the valet, and in couple Of
minutes the man appeared. He was
tall. hatchet-faced fellow. very neatly
dressed in black He made a little
bow, and then stood watching US In q
most respectful attitude.
"A queer business this. Jackson"
said Arlington Peace.
Yes, sir"
"And what is your opinion on it?"
that Mr.. Ford had run away; but now
I don't know what to make Of It."
And why should he run away?"
81 have no idea, sir; but he seemed
to me rather strange in his manner
yesterday"
Have you been with him long?"
No, sir / was valet to the Hon.
John Dorm, Lord Beverley's second
son. Mr.. Ford took me from Mr..
Dorm at the time he rented the hall"
81 see. And now. win you show me
your masters room. shall see you
again later. MIR. Harbord," he con-
tinued ain the meanwhile | will leave
my assistant with you"
We sat and smoked in the secre-
tary's ROOM lie was not much of a
talker. consuming cigarette after Gig
arctic in silence. The winter dusk had
already fallen when the inspector
Joined us, and we retired to our rooms
to prepare for dinner. tried word
with Peace upon the staircase, but he
shook his head and walked on.
The meal dragged itself to an end
somehow, and we left Ransom with a
second decanter of port before him.
Peace slipped away again, and l con-
soled myself with a book in the IL
brary until half-past ten. when I walked
off to bed A servant was switching
off the light In the hall when mount
ed the great staircase.
My room was in the old wing at the
further side of the picture gallery, and
l had some difficulty in steering my
way through the dark corridors. The
mystery that hung over the house had
shaken my nerves. and | remember
that | started at every creak of a
board and peered into the shadows as
passed along with heaven knows
what ghostly expectations. | was glad
enough to close my door upon them
and see the wood fire blazing cheerful
ly In the open hearth.
CHRONICLES TO BE CONTINUED)
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