Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-01-09

"Scc here, Sergeant, told you that
this damned mystery cicnrct
a policeman in this house! But why,
Mr. TitheredGe. why?"
Because there have been things
going on in this house that both Rich
ard and the children desire to have
investigated" The attorney spoke
very gently. I'VE did not consult YOU
at first because we did not want to
distress you, but no time could be
lost this morning. When the por-
trait"
Mr.. Titheredgc means" oden in
terrupted hastily. that the deaths OF
Mrs. Lornc and her son, taken in
conjunction with the fall of the pic
ture last night. when your nephew
was only saved by n miracle. and the
broken stair this morning, which al
most cost Mr.. Lornc his life, may not
have been accidents after all, and /
have been engaged to Investigate the
latter two occurrences"
but this is tcrrible" Miss Meade
cried in a low tone as it NJ "a sacri-
leEc. MY poor sisters death and
Julian's were by the will of God!
Thc-the others have been troubled
by foolish. nervous fears. hut my faith
Is strong. The fall of that picture
was an unfortunate accident, and
blame myself for Eugcnc's danger
because he sat there at my suSgcs-
ton 10 reply to some correspondence
AS to the stairs giving away this
morning. that must have been an ac-
at. -
for generations back
Her voice died away us the dctec-
tive in answer turned back the car
pet once more and silently exposed
the damage which had been deliber-
ately wrought.
Miss Meade caught her breath
sharply. and her thin. delicate hands
came together in Il conclusive clasp.
"Oh, wha, does it mean? Surely
none OF the boys would attempt 10
play wicked practical joke ut such
Il time as this.'
This was not intended for joke
Miss Meade" Odell's matter-of-fac
tone seemed to make her shrink with
deliberate purpose of injury to some
member of this household. The por-
trait fell last night because the heavy
steel wires which, helped to hold il
in It's place had been hacked apart
am sorry to add To your distress
but the truth must be faced: some one
is trying to murder you all!'
"Murdcr! Her pale lips barely
formed the word. IL cannot believe
IL, There must he some hideous mis-
take. Why. we haven't an enemy IN
the world"
She swayed and would have fallen
but that Tithcredge sprang forward
and caught her.
You had better go back to your
own room and rest. Miss Meade. II
see that Dick Is made comfortable
and you will need all your strength
for what 1 am afraid lies before you.
he said. Sergeant Odell may want
to see you later on to ask you fol
some information, but he, Will no
disturb you IL it is not absolutel,
necessary"
lie led her down the ball to hc'
own room. closed the door. and came
back to the stairs head to find the
detective carefully replacing the
thumbtacks.
THAT will do. think" the latte'
observed. Now, let us go down ant
have look ut that picture"
They descended again to the library
AS they entered Nan rose, kissed hel
father on the forehead softly am
went from the room.
you've been examining the stairs?'
Richard Lorne asked, painting from
the thrusts of pain which dart
ed through his hurt ribs at eacl
breath.
Eyes. Dick. They were sawed
through. just as we imagined" Tith
erycdgc replied IF you won't q
taken TO bed just yet, lie still ant
don't try to talk; I'll keep you In
formed Of everything that goes on
I suppose you know that Peters ha:
Disappeared"
Lorne nodded.
Wen make short work of him if III
has had a hand in what has beer
going on" the attorney promised
grimly. II caught him In two direc
lies this morning before j left thu
house. but attributed them to Thu
fact that the man was added from
fright. Let me see; you've had hin
three years. haven't yom?"
-Four" came raspingiy from thu
crouch.
"Ah. yes. ! remember. Ever have
any reason to distrust him-'
Never. what's that chap doing?"
Lornc had craned his neck rs far n
his painful position would allow AM