Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-31
was no precedent for il.


He stood at attention two PAGES into
the room while Finley Indicated him
with the air of museum curator show
ing Off an ordinary specimen.
This is Topp. sir he said TO Kay
ton. The detective glanced at the foot
man and the footman stared at the
detective.
81 suppose this man had no expert
ence when he came TO work here" re-
marked Kayton. addressing the butler.
ION the contrary, sir" returned Fin
ley. "he came wild rifrinces from some
Of the best families"
why did they all discharge him?"
demanded Kayton. Topp began to
quake visibly. but his dignity was out
ragged.
81 doubt. SIR began Finley. when
Topp by a mighty effort propelled him.
self forward and interrupted.
"If you halluded to me. sir" he said.
addressing Kayton. 81 kin ST for my
self that I've a record in service that
any man might be proud Of
How did you come to be mixed mp
al lllS hGlndHuCu Tue UGICC-
tive his dark eyebrows coming togeth.
er and his eyes darting balefuI glances
at the servant Topp gasped and grew
whittier than his speckless collar.
,"Selp me I'd no AN in itr' he cried
excitedIy.
Kayton made an inarticulate sound,
Indicative of extreme unbeIief.
co ha ho
ed grimly. while Finley stared won
deringIy from one TO the other. What
were you doing that night?'
Me, sir?" demanded Topp, with a
start. I'm a man of early hours and
quiet 'abits. I'd read me evenin' paper
an was in me bed by 'alf past 10.'
Did you hear anything that night?"
There was almost a menace in Kay
tons tone.
81 go to bed 10 Sleep" returned the
servant doggedly. Hits not me plaice
to be watchin' and listenin'."
Kayton shrugged his shoulders as if
TO conclude the inquiry.
You're one of these very heavy
sIeepers. suppose"
NO. sir" returned Topp. I'm a
very light sleeper. sir. You kin wake
me with a whisper"
How did it happen that you slept
through murder, them" demanded
Kayton quickly.
II didn't say I slept through a muir
der" protested the footman.
you say you didn't hear anything
What did you do?"
II 'ad an uneasy night" replied TopF
reluctantly. with manifest ureSsiness
"And at In the mornin' got hup and
opened me window"
Did you notice anything unusual?'
demanded Knyton.
The footman hesitated. II CAM
say it was unusual" he said uncer
tainly.
} MOI" commented the detective, witt
uncOncealed interest What was it?"
Topp drew himself up. remembering
that before all else he was a servant
IFS not me plaice"- he began.
What was it?' snapped Kayton
, with ain energy that made old Finle!
jump.
whats the matter with We. MANI
demanded that worthy. "Out with it,
Topp moistened his lips. Il saw ;
: light" he said in low voice.
"Where?" The word cracked like
; pistol shot
Topp guIped and finally burst GU
in desperation.
: well. sir" he cried. gazing accus
ingly Mt Finley. since you will ave
it was in tn room below"
What room IS that?" demanded
Kayton. turning also to the butler.
"Why-why. SIR stammered the oil
man. aghast. that's Miss Mary's roor
but
But Kayton listened to hear no more
What did you do?" he asked Topp.
81 went back to me bed an l wa
there when they Weakened me-"
Kayton thought for moment in 8
Ience. his eyes on the floor. At las
he raised them and nodded to the foo
man in sign OF dismissal.
well. that's all for the present
Topp withdrew hurriediy. wiping tn
Precipitation off his forehead. and IA!
ton asked Finley to get the maid. Xxi
ty. The old butler slowly moved owe
to the bell and rang it and then swift
ly faced about.
Il might say. sir" he said. with
mixture OF Difference and defiance,
think it would be nothin' unusual Il
Miss Mary to have a light in her room
Ye're wanted by tn effective, girl"
anded as the maid entered. She w,
a pretty. blue eyed Irish girl. and b.
pretty eyes opened wide with alarm
the buffers words.
What for?' she cried.
Kayton barely glanced at her. M
Finley, will you please bring II
COOKE" he asked. with a certain er
phasis on the bring"
p yell be wastin' yer time, sir" Il
butler warned him. Mrs Beauregzl
l. 10 the only INTELLIGENT member OF Il
:, household that sleeps below stairs, a
? she's been pestered by the police d
= she's all OF a futter"
II It'll have TO see her." said Kaytt
CURLY. and Finley went out to get L
d cook.
lie kayton nodded to the frighten
r maid and made a swift mental a
praisement He decided TO pIupge ii