The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1919-02-27
By CAROLYN WELLS
CHAPTER ELEVEN (contInued.>

Pauline had been opposed to
the idea Of calling Fleming Stone
to the case, but, as she seemed
unable to put forth any valid OBJ
jections, Haviland 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 e in portraits
Of Lincoln, but his features were
Ear more harmonious than those
Of u 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 forcefnl
mouth made his face in repose
somewhat stern, but this effect
was often banished by his de-
lightful smile, which softened his
whole c%ountenance and gave him
. distinct air of friendliness.
His manner was full Of charm,
and even Pauline became fasci-
mated as she watched him and
listened to his talk.
Fully at ease and skilfully di-
recting the conversation, while he
seemed merely sharing it, Stone
was studying and classifying the
new clements 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
rication Of Tom Hardy, who
listened as a pupil at the feet of
Gamaliel.
Yes, 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 q blind,
to fog up the case. But the very
character Of the clue led at once
to q man who was known as q
scold water fiend, and a fiend
Indeed he was. He was the muir
derer. You see, he was clever, but
not clever enough. He had wit
l,enongh to think of the queer cir
cumstarce 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
ringtons murder were deliber-
ately arranged
THAT / can't tell now, Mr..
Hardy. In fact, I have not heard
= connected and circumstantial
account Of the discoveries, as yet.
SupposeW we 60 over the case, lei
surely, and let me get a complete
account by mean Of a general
conversation. / will ask questions,
Or you may volunteer informa-
tion, as seems most enlightening.
Tell me first Of the character aud
characteristics Of Miss. CARING
ton. Was she timid, Or fearful Of
burglarsa
Not at all, said Haviiand.
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 z
maraurder had appeared,