The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1919-02-27
CHAPTER ELEVEN (Continued.)

the idea of calling Fleming Stone
20 the case, but, as she seemed
unable to put forth any valid OBJ
Aections, Hayiland had insisted
until she gave her consent. So
Arrangements had been quickly
made, and the great detective had
reached Garden Steps on Wednes-
day afternoon, just a week alter
the discovery Of the murder.
Previously unacquainted with
Stone, the whole household was
interested in his personality, and
this preliminary conversation was
by way Of introduction.
A man of nearly, so, Fleming
Stone was tall and well proper
toned, with a carriage and bear
ing that gave an impression OF
strength. His clear cut face and
firm Jaw gave the same character
Indications as are seen ia portraits
Of Lincoln, but his features were
lar more harmonious than those
az our rugged faced president.
Stones hair, thick and dark,
was slightly grayed at the tenn
pies, and his deep set eyes were
now ~lustrous, and again, shad-
owed, like the water of a dark
pool. His lean jaw and forceful
mouth made his face in repose
somewhat stern, but this effect
was often banished by his de-
lightful smile, which softened his
whole countenance and gave him
q distinct air Of friendliness.
His manner was full of charm,
and even Pauline became fascl-
mated as she watched him and
listened to his talk.
Fully at ease and skilfully dl-
recting the conversation, while ne
seemed merely sharing it, Stone
was studying and classifying the
new elements with which he had
to deal. Not yet had he inquired
as to the details of the case in
hand, he was discussing detective
work in general, much to the graf
sfication Of Tom Hardy, who
listened as a pupil at the feet OF
Gamaiiel.
EYES," went on Stone, settling
back socially in his easy chair,
while the others unconsciously fell
Into more informal postures, eyes,
bizarre effects do often point the
way to a successful quest. Why,
once a man was found dead with
his feet in a tub of cold water. 1t
was discovered that his feet had
been immersed after death had
taken place. Obviously the tub
of water had been used as a blind,
10 fog up the case. But the very
character of the clue led at once
to a man who was known as a
cold water fiend,' and a fiend
Indeed he was. He was the muir
derer. You see, he was clever, but
not clever enough. HI had wit
.enough to think Of the queer cir
cumstance of the tub of water, but
not enough to realize that the clue
would lead directly to his own I'M
doing"
Everybody looked thoughtful,
but it was Hardy who spoke.
"Yes, Mr.. Stone" he said, "but
that clue was put there on pur-
pose. Do you think these strange
effects connected with Miss Car
rington's murder were deliber-
ately arrangedf"
"That / can't tell now, Mr..
Hardy. In fact, / have not heard
a connected and circumstantial
account of the discoveries, as yet.
Suppose we 60 over the case, lei
surely, and let me get a complete
account by means of a general
conversation. / will ask questions,
or you may volunteer informa-
ton, as seems most enlightening.
Tell me first of the character and
characteristics of Miss Caring
ton. Was she timid, or fearful Of
burglarsf"
"Not at ALL" said Haviland.
"She was careful to have the
house locked up at night by the
servants, but she had no burglar
alarms or anything of that sort
"H a marauder had appeared,
would she have been likely to
scream out in alright"
"Ne, l don't think so,' volun-
tecred Anita. "She would more
likely demand to'know what he
wanted and order him out"
"Yet the blackjack clearly in.
dicates a burglar" went on Stone.
"I cant imagine an ordinary citi.
zen, or any calling, owning or us
ing such a weapon
Have you examined the
thinGf" asked HavilanA