The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1926-08-19
other OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.

a note.
1T is not a parlor, retorted Con-
stance coldly. "Parlors are vulgar
Nevertheless. the maker of notes
made no erasure. Instead he stepped
across the room and paused on the
threshold of a smaller apartment
"A music-room." explained Con
stance. Beyond is 4 conservatory
Mr.. Hedge made additional notes.
Il wish to see the library again.
he said.
The procession retraced its steps,
Mr.. Hedge pausing at the hallway to
eXtinguish the lights.
1T is customary to leave them
burning. said Constance.
Evidently" But he did not turn
them on again.
The library. that apartment into
which the efficiency man had made
his original entrance, afforded him
an extended opportunity for study
He inspected it more infinitely than
the rooms on the other side of the
hall He walked from end to end
and side to side. stopping occasional
ly to examine a shelf of books.
He took note of the great table in
the center and of two writing-desks
that stood near a window.
He observed with a slight frown
an innumerable number of electric
bulbs, all glowing softly through
their translucent glass. Several of
them he turned out as he passed.
A Circassian-walnut phonograph
arrested his attention.
1t plays tunes explained Alic.
sweetly.
You have music here?' asked Mr..
Hedge.
When we desire it" replied Con
stance,
And in the MUSHROOM also?"
Certainly. I also have a piano
upstairs"
lie made another note.
Il suppose that's 100 much music
sroNvled Rilly, with i eltHce at his
sisters.
Exactly" said MI Hedge evenly.
lie continued his exploration and
presently arrived at a small button.
let into the wall.
What is that for?" he inquired.
1T calls the butler"
The efficiency man pressed it, then
took u his watch and kept his eye
on the dial. He looked up as Horace
entered the library and stood at at
tention.
''Thirty-two seconds he observed.
Whore did you come from, Horace?"
Il was in the dining-room, sir"
"A distance of some twenty or
twenty-five yards. You occupied
shirty-two seconds in walking that
distance. Now, while I do not re-
Iuire you to run, hereafter l shall
Expect you to cut your time in half.
That will allow you sixteen seconds
ample. Pleas. call the other
servants and have them all report to
me here at once"
| 1t was a wide-eyed company that
faced the efficiency man, with
Horace standing a little in advance
and at one side, like a non-commis-
| stoned officer. They stared at the
stranger with frank wonder written
on their faces.
IAN here?" asked Hedge with faint
sarcasm.
There-were eight n line.
My own maid is away for the
evening"" said Constance.
Very well; who are the others. If
you ~please?"
Horace, the butler, you know,
began Constance, after a rebellious
I instant of hesitation. Next to him
is Mary, the cook; next to her, FL
vira, the second cook; the next Is
Frank, the chauffeur; next are Min
ME and Ruth, housemaids; next tc
Ruth is Fanny, the l~aundress. The
one on the end is Giovanni. the fur
mace man.
Giovanni glowered as his name
went down in the little book.
This completes the list, them
asked Mr.. Hedge.
Il forgot; there is another" said
Constance, counting. George, tn
footman."
"He had an evening off, miss" ex.
planned Horace quickly.
I'VE will do without him for the
present" said the efficiency man as
he reached into his pocket and drew
forth a document that was already
ominously familiar to the thret
Brookes. You will now give me
your close attention"
NEXT CHAPTER, A truce a
breakfast.