The Raymer enterprise., 1913-10-23

he remarked. "A blush is not much
to go upon. I'm afraid we shall have
to resort to the shadow business and
that is your work, not mine."
But here the door opened and a
boy brought in line which had been
left at the desk. 1t related to the
very matter then engaging them. and
ran thus:-
u see that information is desired as
to whether any person was seen to
stoop to the lobby floor last night at
or shortly after the critical moment
of Miss Challoner's fall in the half
story above. l can give such infor-
nation. was in the lobby at the time,
and in the height of the confusion fol-
lowing this alarming incident, I re-
member seeing a lady--one Of the
new arrivals (there were several com.
Ing in at the time)-stoop quickly
down and pick up something from the
floor. thought nothing OF 1t at the
time, and so paid little attention to
her appearance. I can only recall
the suddenness with which she
stopped and the color of the cloak she
wore. 1t was red. and the whole gar
ment was voluminous. If you wish fur
ther particulars-though in truth,
have no more to give, you can find me
in room 356. ..... ...r...
HENRY A. M'ELROY."
"Humph! This should simplify our
task" was Mr.. Gryce's comment, as
he handed the note over to Sweetwa.
ter. "Yoq can easily find out IL the
lady, now on the point Of departure,
can be identified with the one de-
scribed by Mr.. McElroy. If she can,
am ready to meet her anywhere"
And SO 1t happened that Just as Mrs.
Watkins was watching the wheeling
out OF her trunks. there appeared in
the doorway before her, an elderly
gentleman. whose expression. always
benevolent, save at moments when
benevolence would be quite out Of
keeping with the situation. had for
some reason, so marked an effect up.
on her, that she colored under his eye,
and. indeed, showed such embarrass-
ment, that all doubt OF the propriety
OF his intrusion vanished from the old
mans mind. and with the ease OF one
only too well accustomed to such
scenes. he kindly remarked:
"Am ! speaking to Mrs. Watkins
OF Nashville?"
"You are" she faltered, with anoth.
er rapid change Of color. IL am
Just leaving. hope you will excuse
me. u
81 wish ! could" he smiled, hobbling
In and confronting her quietly In her
own room. But circumstances make
1t quite imperative that l should have
few words with you on topic which
need not be disagreeable to you, and
probably will not be. My name Is
Gryce. A beautiful and charming
young woman died here last night.
May l ask II you knew herr"
81? never saw the young lady.
Why do you ask? do not recognize
your right. II"
Mr.. Gryce made one Of his low bows
and propping himself against the
table he stood before, remarked
civilly:
Il had rather not force my rights.
thought perhaps you could tell me
something which would aid me in my
effort to elicit the real facts of the
case. You were crossing the lobby at
the time"
Yes" She raised her head. so
were a dozen others"
"Madam'-the interruption was
made in his kindliest tones, but in n
way which nevertheless suggested au.
thority. Something was picked up
from the floor at that moment. Am
not correct? Didn't you see certain
person-I will mention no names
stoop and pick up something from
the lobby noor?'
NO" The word came out with
startling violence. But her lips quiv.
cred. and her cheeks were white, too
white now for simple indignation.
Then have made big mistake"
apologized the ever.courteous detect.
i've. "Will you pardon me? 1t would
have settled a very serious question II
1t could be found that the object thus
picked up was the weapon which
killed Miss Challoner. That Is my ex.
cuse for the trouble have given you"
The door burst open, and a young
girl bounded into the room, with the
merry cry:
"All ready. mother. I'm glad we
are going to the Clarendon. hate ho.
tells where people die almost before
your eyes,"
The cloak which envcloped the girl
was red. and full enough to be called
yoluminous.
"Who is thls?" demanded the girl.
her indignant glnnces flashing from
one to the other.
Il don't know" faltered the mother
In very evident distress. "IIe says
he has right to ask us questions
and he has been asking questions