Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1913-06-19
Copyright 1912. by Journal Amencan Examiner

'I'd like To see Miss MaZuret," he
said politely, but with n certain alb
ruptness that amounted to a command.
1t had the desired effect on Mrs.
Wyatt, who was at the moment med
itating new flights Of oratory.
"Oh, well, don't know" she STAN
mered. Il mean TO say-if you want
to- suppose you must. III 60 right
to her now" And she swept out of
the room, her respect for Mr.. Kayton
vastly diminished
"Joe," said Kayton crisply, in low
voice. you attend to getting the fin
ger prints of the rest Of the family
when you're done there
Eyes, governor" replied Manning
without looking up from his work. A
moment later Finley returned with the
English footman Topp in tow. The
latter looked even more distressed than
Andy when he was dragged into the
room Of death. Andy was wounded in
his superstitions-Topp in his sensibil-
tiles. He had never heard of murders
In well regulated households. There
was no precedent for 1t.
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.
''On the contrary, sir" returned Fin
ley, "he came wild rif'rinces 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.
II doubt, sir began Finley, when
Topp by mighty effort propelled him
self forward and interrupted.
IF you halluded to me, sir" he said,
addressing Kayton. 81 kin sy for my
self that I've record in service that
any man might be proud Of"
How did YOU come to be mixed up
In this murderT' demanded the detec.
tive his dark eyebrows coming togeth-
er and his eyes darting baleful glances
at the servant. Topp gasped and grew.
whittier than his speckless collar.
"S'elp me I'd no AN In itr' he cried
excitedly.
Kayton made an inarticulate sound.
Indicative Of extreme unbelief.
THAT remains to be seen," he declar-
ed grimly. while Finley stared Won
deringly from one to the other. what
were you doing that nightT
"Me. sirT' demanded Topp, with
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 night2"
There was almost a menace In Kay
tons tone
81 go to bed to 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
sleepers, l suppose"
mo. SIR" returned Topp. I'm
very light sleeper, sir. You kin wake
me with a whisper"
How did 1t happen that you slept
through a murder, them" demanded
Kayton quickly.
II didn't say / slept through a muir
der" protested the footman.
"You say you didn't hear anything.
What did you dor
II 'ad an uneasy night" replied Topp
reluctantly, with manifest uneasiness.
sand at In the mornin' got hup and
opened me window"
did you notice anything Unusually"
Kayton.
The footman hesitated. I'll can't
say IL was unusual" he said uncer.
tainly.
Nor commented the detective, with
unconcealed interest What was itr'
TODD drew himself up. remembertng