Charlevoix county herald., 1918-03-08
CHAPTER VII.
Tho New Tenant.

and sat alone In my room. Marcus
had Just left, dubious, perhaps, Of the
story l told. but still willing to kesh-
en- his wits with my Scotch whisky.
To what lengths of suspicion his
doubts might grow, time would have
to prove.
"The trouble with U.S." I said .
Holme, is lack Of individual knowt
edge Of all the threads In this Casa
You hold some, 30 do I, and Marcus
has more. We can't combine them
for q solution"
II don't think 1t would be healthy
telling Marcus about the empty
she'll" said Holme quizzingly.
mo. 1t wouldn't do" ! was think
Ing more particularly of Isabelle
Reade, whose story did not intend to
tell either Marcus or Holme. II am
sure Marcus Is not 80 constructed that
he could believe In our empty she'll
theory. He is questioning my two
o'clock appetite right now, and God
knows where that is going to lead
him! I'm not bit certain I'll sail TO-
morrow morning, Holme."
you can postpone that. What We
must do is unravel this mystery"
Ipaced UP and down the floor, dodg-
ing trunks. It seemed that everything
and everybody was in league to keep
me tied here In San Francisco when I
should be at my new vocation, teach
ing steamers economy. Well, would
MT stand for It'll / would place Miss
Reade aboard her train with instruc-
tons to the conductor, and I'd sail on
the Wilton.
My mind made up. ! was perfectly
willing to help Holme at his solving
game, so long as 1t meant only the
exercise Of my gray matter. I'd 60
just that far and no farther, conjec-
ture to my capacity and stop this side
of action. Holme. his story written
and sent to the ONCE. was ready now
to theorize.
"It's another part Of the same
crime" he began, "and the man Il
probably Just az much a stranger here
as was the girl. A quick Identification
would Of course, set US gallcpinS
along the trail of both murders. but
we needn't expect that. We have to
start on the surmise that both are un-
known. or little known. in San Fran
CISCO"
you are ready to admit the muir
ders were done In the building ana
on this floor?" asked.
"Pll admit they were done here" hs
answered.
ION this floor" amended quickly
What do you know about the ten
ants up here?"
Holmes referred to his notes. There
are fourteen suites" he said. Eight
three-room and six two-room. Four Of
the three-room suites are vacant"
Been through 'em?" ! asked quick
ly.
"Sure. Empty. except for air. Want
me to read of the tenants Of the 9TH
ers?"
Yes. with all you've learned about
them. Wait till get my pipe"
I went into the rear room where ]
had left 1t on the table, swapping on
the light as ! entered, then remember
ed the light should be burning. had
not turned 1t out when left. ! stop
ped right where ! stood, making Ger
tain of my memory. had lighted up
when I set the alarm-clock. and the
light was burning when l picket w
my cap, for found It by the light:
and did not cross to the bed where
the switch was after taking my cap.
That light should be burning!
whats the matterf" asked Hoims.
who could see me plainly.
"Oh, nothing!" answered. sarcas-
tically, picking up the pipe and Q
pouch Of tobacco. Somebody's been
in here and turned OF this light, that's
ALL"
"Crispeyl" whistled Holms. ~You
sure?"
Certain: but helps bells, Holmsi
Let's not 60 nutty over this thing. SIC
down and read that list. Smoke
or drink, but keep away from these
sideshows."
who"
"Never mind who or whyl rsrgse
IL Get on that list" -----4