Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-18
CHAPTER XII
A Startling Statement

A good many hard working people
would have considered that after a
journey from London, an attendance
at a sitting of magistrates, and a
painstaking investigation of certain
facts of a murder, man might be
fully justified In knocking off work
for that day; but when he had
finally got rid of the chief constable
and Illingworth, Inspector Cortelyou
prepared to do some more, being a
firm believer in the doctrine that
has the chance.
There was just one little matter
that he wanted to attend to that
night, and it was one which could
be attended to in a pleasant fashion.
Now that I've finished" he said
to Dauncey, to whom he had eX-
planned the arrangements about the
rooms, II can spare few minutes
to have that little drop of something
that YOU were so kind as to offer
me. Just between ourselves, eh?"
Miss Mannersley said l was to
be sure to see that you took some
supper here, sir" said the old butler.
DO now, inspector"
Thanked" replied the detective,
DuI l. We lily supper lOL d
certain hour at the inn-give my re-
spects to your mistress all the same.
No, I've just got a bit of time to
spare for glass with you-lm bit
tired now
Then come this way, sir" said
Dauncey, and led him off to the
buffers pantry, and installed him in
an easy chair while he produced
decanters and glasses.
AYE, dare say you are tired, in
spector," he continued, as he himself
sat down and they clinked glasses,
and l wish your work had been OF
a less sorrowful nature, SIR
Inspector Cortelyou made a suit
able reply, and for a few minutes
devoted his attention to the cigar
which Dauncey had given him.
Then, with the practiced skill of an
old hand, he led the conversation in
the way he wished it to go, and by
devious and gentle paths brought
the old butler, who was by no means
disinclined to talk, to the subject of
Marshall Stead.
"A talented young man. that. I
should say, Mr.. Dauncey," he re-
marked. Much trusted by the late
Sir Robert, should think, to have
attained such a position"
Dauncey wagged his head. "Ah,
indeed, sir" he said. Yes, it's
seldom that young man gets on SO
fast. Dear me! I've thought many a
time when I've seen him dining here
for my poor master came to treat
ing him quite as gentleman, and
asked him here often-that no one
ever would have thought such thing
could be. For you know, sir, his
mother was at one time house
keeper here at the castle"
The detective pricked up his ears.
BLESS me-" he exclaimed. You don't
say SOL"
Eyes, sir. and not so many years
ago." replied Dauncey. "Ah, re-
member Mrs. Stead coming and go
ing very well, because, of course.
always understood that she was the
widow of some poor clergyman in
whom Sir Robert was interested-at
any rate, she had very superior
manners. And 1t was Sir Robert
who sent this boy to school at
Stelford and got him place when
he left school"
"Ah, in the colliery counting house,
I suppose?" said Inspector Cortel-
you.
No, sir, that was before the COL
liery was in full go. No, he got him
on the railway as a clerk" replied
Dauncey. But, of course. as soon
as the colliery started he put him in
there, and he rose from one step to
another until he's now head of the
counting house"
aye. to be sure" said the inspec-
tor. Mother still living?"
mo. sir, Mrs. Stead's dead-died q
year ago." replied Dauncey.
Young man married." asked the
inspector.
mo, sir, he's a single man: not
but what there's young women In the