South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-01-16
The Step on the Stairs
By Isabel OStrader

Professor Semyonov, the celebrat-
ed chemist whose profound knOwl-
edge of toxicology had more than
Cnce been placed at the disposal OF
the authorities in the solution of
crime, tugged at his bushy side
whiskers and gazed at Sergeant John
Barry from the Homicide Bureau.
The professors head with its
shock of white hair nodded slowly
and his shrewd eyes twinkled.
You tell me that there is now
calmness upon the waters No
crime Of more importance than the
average petty misdemeanor engages
the attention of your bureau? Is
that why you have honored me to-
night with an unexpected but most
welcome call, and in your civilian
clothes?
You've got me, Professor Semy-
onov. The detective laughed again
frankly There's no crime wave
threatening TO break over us tnat
] know of. but a rather curious case
has come to our attention at head
quarters
The roll of distant but approach
ing thunder broke in upon his words.
I'VE are going 10 have a storm"
The professor rose from his chaiJ
and waddled over TO the windows
pulled down the shades. He moved
with astonishing rapidity and vigor.
II do not like TO watch Il ap-
preach; it fills me with a sense OF
suspense. of foreboding. 1t is the
electricity in the air. I suppose. You
shall tell me all about your case
/ but first you must see my apartment
| My laboratories are quite on the
other side OF the city, you know, but
here on this old square where the
| aristocracy or forgotten generations
/ lived once upon a time 1 find the
/ absolutely different atmosphere
I which brings relaxation"
Barry followed his host through
a spacious, old-fashioned dressing
room and bath to the bedroom at the
\ back.
Here. too, the professor paused tC
| pull down the shades and then open
/ ing a door at the right displayed a
modern kitchenette.
/ Ills IOuott YOU perceive mus
I once have been a family mansion
bus il has now been made over, ar
/ apartment 10 each floor" Professor
Semyonov explained. a shop oil
/ hammered brasses and other atroci-
/ ties occupied the street level, a
young gentleman whom I do no.
I know has but lately arrived on the
! second floor His apartment is larg.
or than mine. however. for an ex.
I ira room is built out over the striT
/ of garden but the extension ends OF
\ the floor above his in a studio with
a skylight. II is occupied, that thirC
floor. by a woman who paints por.
\ traits. Mrs. McGrath tells me-
The fourth apartment. that di
/ rectly below mine here, houses Z
/ crotchety gentleman with no ear FOL
music; he raps on his ceiling wheT
play my violin at unreasonable
| hours.
Above me in an attic studio live:
one OF the feminine freaks peculiar
| to the neighborhood in its declininf
/ years; a shocked. thin, wrath like
/ creature with bobbed hair and &
pointed chin. she might be 20 OF
| 40, and Il is understood that she
writes for the eccentric little maya
zines which spring up sporadicall,
/ hereabout. SO now. my dear ser
/ geant. you are acquainted with M
home and its surroundings Whaf
\ do you think OF it?"
/ He chuckled as he led the way
back 10 the living room and Barry
/ followed at a loss what 20 reply
\ The professor was known on tire,
/ continents. his scientific discoverie,
Y had made him rich: he might hav,
\ lived in solitary state in a house o.
his own or occupied the most ex
I pensive bachelor apartment inn town
Y Why had he chosen 10 hide himself
away in such dingy. dresry Guar
/ ters7
You seem 20 be mighty comfort
able, Professor Semyonov." The &c.