The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-05-07
cosyHsh.s 1912. by Journal Anp-ri-.n E..retasr-
i vou,re done there.',

when you're done there.
 "Yes. governor replied Manning without looking up from hiss work. A rnomenttIater 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-Toppi in his sensibfl- ities. He had never heard of murders in we'll regulated households. There was no precedent for H.
 He stood at attentions two .paces into the room while Finley indicated him with the air of museumcurator show ing offian ordinary specimen.
 'aThis >is Topp. sir" he said to Kay ton TheAdetective glanced at the foot man anCt@the footman stared at the detective.
 "I suppose sthis man had mo expert ence when heAcame to work here,'' re marked Kayton, addressing the butler.
 'tOn the contrary. sir" returned Fin ley, "he came wid riErinces,from some of the best families ''
 ''Why did they all discharge him?'' demanded Kayton. Topp began to quake visibly, but hisadignity was out ragged.
 ttI doubt, sir''- began Finley. when Topp by a mighty effort propelled him. self forward and interrupted.
 eff you haIIuded- to me, sir he said. addressing Kayton. ''I kin sy for my self that I've a record in service that any man might be proud of"
 How did you come to be mixed up in this murder?'' demanded the detec- tive, his dark eyebrows coming togeth- CT and his eyes darting baleful glances at the servant. Topp gasped and grew Whiter than his Speckless collar.
 "S,elp me I'd no 'an in itr' he cried excitedly.
 Kayton made an 1narticulatet sound, indicative of extreme unbelief.
 That remains to be seen,'' he declar- ed grimIy, while Finley stared won deringly from one to the other. What were you doing that night?"
 ''NIe, sir?' demanded Topp, with a start. "I'm a man of early hours and quiet 'abits. I'd read me evenin' pafpcr an was in me bed by 'a1f past TO-"
 ''Did you hear anything that night?'' There was almost a menace in Kay tons tone.
 +'I go to bed to sleep.' returned the servant doggedly. Hits not me plaice to be watchin' and Hstenin'."
 Kayton shrugged his shoulders as if to conclude the inquiry.
 You're one of these very heavy eleepers, suppose
 s'No, sir," returned Topp ''I'm a very light sleeper, sir. You kin wafke me with whisper
 How did it happen that you slept through a murder, then?" demanded Kayton quickly.
 q didn't say I slept through a mur- der,'' protested the footman.
 'FYou say you didn't hear anything. What did you do?''
 'tI 'ad an uneasy night replied Topp reluctantly with manifest uneasiness. ''And at in the mornin' I got hup and opened me window"
 "'Did you notice anything unusua1?'' demanded Kayton.
 The footman hesitated. TT can't say 1t was unusual,'' he said uncer- ta1nly.
 ''No?" commented the detective, with unconcealed interest What was it2''
 Topp drew himself up. remembering that before all else he was a servant
 Its not me plaice"- he began.
 "What= was tt?' snapped Kayton, with an energy that made old Finley jump.
 Whats the matter with ye, man?" demanded that worthy. ''Out with it!''
 Topp moistened his lips. 'I saw a light" he said in a low voice.
 'Where2" The word cracked like pistol shot.
 Topp gulped and finally burst out in desperation.
 ''WeI1, sir." he cried, gazing accus- ingly at Finley, "since you will ave it it was in tn room below.'
 What room is that?" demanded Kayton, turning also to the butler.
 "Why-why, sir," stammered the old man, aghast, that's Miss Mary's room but
 But Kayton listened to hear no more
 What did you do?'' he asked Topp
 '.I went back to me bed an I was there when they wakened me-
 Kayton thought for moment in si- 1ence, his eyes on the floor. At last he raised them and nodded to the foot man in sign of dismissal
 Well. that's all for the present" Eopp withdrew hurriedIy.. wfping the