Evening capital. [volume] (Annapolis, Md.) 1922-1981, 1923-01-24
Miss Alden S Pet Cat
BY LOUISE HELEN COODHUE
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faksr ef b Hsm0n's UIs

This morning when We opened the
studio door. we found the cat had
Teen in the room all night AS viii
show you in a minute. all the clues
lead to pussy, ard" Before he could
complete his sentence DR.. Scott and
the coroner appeared on the TIRES
hold.
II will send some men to remove
the body to a different room.- the cor
oner said. and then, adding a few
more facts as to the medical nature
OF the burns. left, accompanied by
DR.. Scott
A few minutes later when the body
of Miss Alden had been carried TO
hef bedroom, the detectives began
their inspection of the studio.
NOW for the clues that lead to the
cat" said Ralston to his younger coll
league, with sort Of amused toler-
ance. I'm open to conviction"
Its all very well to joke. Herb
returned the other; but just take a
look at that shelf and tell me what
you see;" and he indicated a broad
shelf above the work table.
Ralston approached this shelf,
which was fastened to the wall where
it was within easy reach Of a per-
son at the table. 1t held several bot
ties OF oil. tubes OF paints and
brushes. He tent closer; there was
heavy layer Of dust upon the shelf
that had apparently been there for
some days. Suddenly he started !;
clearly imprinted in the dust were
the marks of cats paws.
We'll. do you see it?" asked JEFF
fries triumphantly
What is your theory inquired
Ralston.
That the cat jumped from the
table to the shelf 1t is not very
high. Miss Alden was probably seated
at the time, paying no attention to the
animal. Pussy overturned the acid
bottle, which broke when striking
Miss Alden. Notice that wherever {
drop fell it burned large holes"
Have you found the pieces of the
bottle?"
Yes" Jeffries carefully drew from
his pocket small package. showing
two parts OF wax bottle, the usua
container for powerful acids that eai
through the heaviest glass.
"Humphi Broken square in half
Ralston remarked, as he took the frag
ments. On one of the pieces was still
pasted label warning, and the nam.
OF large pharmacy in the city "Yor
may be right about the cat, Jeff. but
think it would be well TO phone tn,
Moreland Pharmacy and ask wher
and to whom they sold quantity O
hydrofluoric acid. The demand is Sc
rare that they should have record
of the order"
There is telephone downstairs
Ring them up, and taen ask Mis-:
Marshall TO come to the studio for :
moment"
When Jeffries had gone in obedi
cace to his request, the detective drew
from his pocket magnifying glas:
end began minute survey of The
dusty shelf There were four distinct
prints where the cat had oyieentl,
stood
Strange" he said to himself, 'but
would like to see that cat. VIVA,
will the fellows say when they hear
was sent out on case that ends in {
four-footed animal?" He smiled a,
seating himself, he awaited Jeffrie.
return.
what news?' he asked when thai
young man entered.
'Moreland admits selling this aciC
to Miss Alden herself a week ago
Says they are sure it was Miss Alden
as she has dealt with them for years
Have. you found anything?'
Yes, answered Ralston noncommit-
tingly What about Miss Marshall?
She'll be up in minute
JEFF, who. discovered that Miss AL
1 den was dead?"
Her maid. when she came to this
house. at six-thirty Going to call her
mistress. and not finding her in hel
room, she came to the studio"
You mentioned screams being
heard?' prompted the detective.
The neighbors say the shrieks
were awful, agonizing, but they didni
last long. She probably screamed
when she realized what had happened
What DEATH"
Terrible" admitted Ralston with a
shudder: terrible. However. il
seems strange that anyone should
choose midnight to paint china
From what hear. Miss Alden was
in the habit of doing things different
ly from others. She was known as
eccentric, and was generally disliked.
Even her servants didn't stand her
pecularities for long"
Hmm, now that you speak of Il, l
remember hearing this Marshall
Alden. the State Senator. is her broth
er, believer
"Half-brother. 20 be exact. She was
even wealthier than he. and that is
saying good deal They were not
on friendly terms. 1t is common Cos
sip that they haven't spoken to each
other for years. Some family quar-