Evening capital. [volume] (Annapolis, Md.) 1922-1981, 1923-01-25

which ! should Ike you 10 compare
with those on the box | am taking
chance. but 1t is possible | may. be on
the right track"
IF you'll wait a few minutes, I'll
.see # the photographing can be done
Immediately" said Spencer.
Very we'll" his friend assented.
l"while you're gone I'll use your
l'phone IL | may"
When Spencer had disappeared. the
detective took down the telephone
and rang a number.
Hello. DIR. Scott?" he asked when
Ia voice answered This is Ralston
speaking. What? Oh, yes, every
thing Is all right. What time is the
coroner to hold his inquest"
This afternoon at two" returned
the doctor.
Doctor. ! want you to do me a
favor Take Miss Alden's finger
prints for me. and have them sent
lover to my office. Before the inquest
liz possible. Thank you" and he rang
lon.
Spencer entered the room.
1.-THE plates are being developed
lnow," he said They will be ready
lby tomorrow. Come back about ten
land we will see the result"
When. an hour or so later. Herbert
lRalston returned to the Alden house
the inquest was over. The jury hac
rendered a verdict of Academia
DEATH" for what other verdict was
possible?
lRoy Jeffries welcomed the detective
with evident relief.
You weren't at the inquest" he
said when they were alone. We'll, II
didn't bring out many new facts, an6
the coroner was as convinced as ! aT
OF the cats guilt"
Indeed" murmured Ralston with
smile. who we're the Witnesses
Besides the servants. only Miss
Marshall and Senator Alden"
What did the Senator have to
say?"
Very little" was the reply. He
stated that he was not in the city last
night, having gone to Trenton or
business. He added he had called or
his sister upon family matter anc
that they had parted on friendl,
terms"
What day did he see her on thai
private matter?"
"A few days before she died. Yor
needn't doubt his statements. they
were vouched for by MISS Marshall
and the servants"
But. Jeff." interposed Ralston
miss Marshall admitted to us that
she heard Miss Alden and her bro
Their engaged in a violent discussion
Yes" Jeffries agreed" but thu
Senator explained tina; by saying Il
had neen d fitult for them to reacf
a definite understanding on the sub
ject of this business in hand. W.
certainly can't suspect the Senator
and"
And. besides. there is the cat,
finished the other significantly.
Ten o'clock the following morning
found Ralston again seated in Thomas
Spencer's Office. the two sets OF fing
e. prints spread out on the desk.
Those on the paint-box," the ex'
pert was saying" are prints of man
The paint-Dox was new"
Yes interrupted the other; upon
/ inquiry I found that it was purchas-
ed the morning of Miss Alden's death
She had never used it"
THAT accounts for the clearness OF
the marks on the cover" pursued
Spencer. From what you said Of
the case. I considered the possibility
of the prints being those of the clerk
who sold the box"
They were not the clerks re-
turned the detective. In the supply
store they employ only women"
NO. the marks are those OF man
Consequently, they are not Miss AL
den's. as can be seen by comparing
tie prints DR.. Scott took with those
photographed. Have you any idea
whose they areg''
"A detective has many theories,
said the man from Headquarters,
"But he is never certain until his
theories become facts"
| What do YOU wish me 10 do, then2''
Come with me to the house, and
I'll show the dust prints of the cats
paws to you. took the shelf down
carefully. Dc. you think you can pho
tograph those impressions? / have
theory concerning them which ]
should like verified"
Il don't know how clear they viii
be. but We can at least try. I'll take
camera with me.
During the drive uptown neither of
| the men spoke, each being absorbed
in his own thoughts Tucker was no
longer guarding the door. which was
opened by enc of the servants. Miss
Marshall. she informed them. was out
and not expected until late
Splendid" murmured Spencer, as
they made their way to the studio.
THAT will leave us free to work with
ont interruption"
The studio had not been touched; ;