River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1917-01-04

did you actually have the key in
the lock?"
LET me think" unused Excl. and he
took out a bunch of keys and dangled
them refectively before his eyes. mo.
l was fumbling for the right key when
! heard the voices above me-"
But were you facing your door:"
NO" averred Excl, perceiying the
drift of the inspectors inquiries. II
was facing the stairway the whole
time, and, although it was in dark
aess, there is a street lamp Immediate
ly outside on the pavement, and | can
swear positively that no one descend
sl-that there was no one in the hall
lor on the stair except Mr.. Leroux
and DR.. Cumberly."
Have brandy and soda?' suggest
ed Dr. Cumherly, his eyes turned upon
the pathetic face Of the novelist.
But Leroux shook his head YEARLY.
Go ahead, inspector!'' he said Il
am anxious to tell you all / know
God knows | am anxious to tell you"
sound was heard of a key being
inserted in the lock of door.
Four pairs of curious eyes were
turned toward the entrance lobby.
when the door opened, and sleek
man of medium height. clean shaven.
but with his hair cut low upon the
cheek bones so as to give the impress
sion of short side Whiskers entered in
a manner at once furtive and servile.
Affect terror was written upon his
features and for a moment the idea Of
fight appeared to suggest itself mr.
entity to him. but finally he took
sep forward toward the study.
Who's this?" snapped Dunbar with
vut removing his leonine eyes from
the newcomer
1T is Soames" came the weary voice
of Leroux.
"Butler?'
Yes
where's he been?"
Il don't know. lie remained out
without my permission"
He did, eh?"
Inspector Dunbar thrust forth q long
finger at the shrinking form in the
doorway.
Mr. Soames." he said, you will be
going to your own room and waiting
there until | ring for YOU"
Yes, sir" said Soames, holding his
hat in both hands and speaking husk-
lily. Yes. sir; certainly, sir
He crossed the lobby and disap-
peared.
There is no other way out, is
thereY'' inquired the detective. glanc-
ing at DR.. Cumberly.
There is no other way" was the
reply. "but surely you don't suspect
II would suspect the archbishop of
Westminster" snapped Dunbar, If be
came in like thatI Now, sir'-he turn
ed to Leroux-''you were alone here
tonight?'
Quite alone, inspector. The truth is,
fear that my servants take liberties
in the absence of my Wife
I'm the absence Of your wife? Where
is your wife?'
''She is in Paris
lis she Frenchwoman?
mo; oh, no. But my wife is
painter. you understand, and = er-I
met her in Paris err Must you insist
upon these-domestic particulars. Mr..
Inspector?'
IF Mr.. Excl is anxious to turn in,'
replied the Inspector, latter his no
doubt exhausting duties at the house,
and if DR.. Cumberly"-
II have no secrets from Cumberly!"
interjected Leroux. 1.-THE doctor has
known me almost from boyhood, but
er"-turning to the pOlitician-"dOn't
you know. EXel-no offense. no Of
fense"-
MY dear Leroux," responded Excl
hastily, Il am the offender. Permit me
to wish you all good night"
He crossed the study and at the door
paused and turned.
Rely upon me, LerouX," he said, ito
help in any way within my power"
He crossed the lobby. entered the
outer door and departed.
Now. Mr.. Leroux," resumed Dun
bar, about this matter OF your wife's
absence"