The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-11-04

which seemed to Mrs. Sidney to Justi-
fy his going at once. Mrs. Sidney, at
my request, made the same explana-
ton later, and Mr.. Sidney accepted it.
This explanation seemed very lame to
me, but 1t served. Mr.. Sidney did not
know of any reason why Jed should
disappear. We offered him an expla-
nation Of the servants absence, and
he accepted 1t.
1t was apparent that the Spanlard
and the lawyer had been two Of the
men concerned in Jed's plight, and l
thought it best to telephone a discreet
detective agency and have the lawyer
put under scrutiny. Mrs. Sidney
thought this was proper course-or
at least that no better one was avail
able.
Two days later the detectives report
ed that the lawyer had disappeared
from all his accustomed places and
that it might require some time to get
trace of him.
Jed had been gone four days when
one of the maids asked for a months
leave. Her mother was very sick, she
said. Mrs. Sidney agreed willingly, al
though disliking to have an unfamiliar
servant in the house to fill this maids
place for the time she would be gone.
Anna, the maid, said that very close
friend Of hers would be glad of an OPP
portunity to have month in the coun-
try. Mrs. Sidney took Annals recon-
mendation with some relief.
The day Anna went away very
pretty girl was met at the train by the
chauffeur. She was the thirty day
maid. L saw her as she came in.
thought her manner did not indicate
domestic service, but afterward
found that in spite of appearance she
was very deft and competent. with
Jed gone, -such of his duties as could
be done by the maids were given them;
and this new servant, Agnes, was so
efficient in the dining room that she
took over what Jed had done there
Mr.. Sidney liked attractive women
about him, and Agnes pleased him with
her bright, pretty appearance and good
humored serviceability. In three or
four days he was glad to have her as
signed to duties which Jed had done
for him. In little over week Agnes
had fitted into the routine of the house
perfectly.
Up to this time nothing had been
heard of Jed, but on the ninth day of
his disappearance the detectives tele-
phoned that they had the lawyer. Nc
CURE was the neutrality-suspicious.
ent's name.
81 am not to understand what IL
back Of this case" he suggested, tele-
phoning.
"It is not necessary" l said. IF he
is willing TO come here in your Gus
tody, that is enough"
The next day Mcclure, the detec-
tive, came with the lawyer, who APP
parently was trying to keep from
looking as frightened as he felt.
"Tll have you understand I came
of my own volition," he said.
'With Mr.. Mcguire representing
your volition," / suggested.
ST think I'll look about the grounds
for a while" said MCGUIRE.
"What do you expect to gain by
this?' the lawyer asked when the de-
tective had gone.
"What did you fear to lose by not
coming?" / asked Suppose we make
our dealing plain. You were one Of
party of three that abducted the
servant Jed. We want him released
and returned here where he is needed"
"You are talking nonsense" said the
lawyer. II came with your detective
because / thought that at last this
household was prepared to deal rea-
sonably with a reasonable man."
'Where is jedi" I asked.
THAT'S none of my business"
"It will be made yours"
Barking dogs-moonshine-
to scare babies" said the little man.
MCGUIRE came back.
81 guess I've seen all I want of the
grounds" he said, "and there's train
back in half an hour. We've our rig
waiting"
I'm not going back" said the law
yer. II stay at Hartley
"What is he to do?" asked Mcclure.
MERELY leave the house," / said, and
/ rang for maid.
"Pll not be bulldozed." said the
lawyer.
"You are not being" I suggested.
"The maid will show you out"
He was at a loss but had nothing
else to do but go when the maid came.
/ held Mcclure for only moment and
asked him to have operatives. watch
the lawyer constantly, with an idea
that he actually would remain in Hart
Hey, and to continue to search for Jed.
Mr.. Sidney, Isobel and had cheer
full dinner that evening. Worried as
Mrs. Sidney was by Jed's disappear
ance, she was relieved by his absence.
I had a pleasant two hours with Mr.
| Sidney, and after that the night pro
duced an occurrence.
Ever since Jed had disappeared
had been accustomed to taking certain
responsibilities with regard to the
house. The element of security en-
tered as a question. / knew we We're
in circumstances which demanded--ai
least Misrepresentation. So went
about the house at night to see tc
locks, in a supervision of the duties
the servants performed in closing the
place-one I took on myself without