New Britain herald., 1927-05-05

what must we do? The inevitable procedure is to communicate with the police at once. But MT. Pel- ham requested me to tell you about it first. as the nearest friend ! of the victim present"
 "Yes," Neville spoke, heavily, and as one agreeing under protest. T know enough of these things l to realize that it must be so. Go ahead, then; so far as I have any reason to sanction your procedure, I do so. But I claim no real re- sponsibility in Mr. Folsom's af- i fairs. I am only doing what can, in the interests of friendship. and also to be able to report 10 Miss Folsom. when she arrives, what has been done in the mat ter.'
 "Yes," said Dixon. noddiag his head. That is all wee want of you. Mir. Neville. And Mrs. Nal- don. also a friend Of Mir. Folsom S sister. will tell her that we-the management-have done all we can to obey the law, and also keep the matter as-er-private as pos sible."
 Carmelita Valdon smhed a little.
 Personally. should thank you, MT. Dixon," she said. flor keeping thinks quiet. But I may as well tell you that Miss Folsom is not like that. She is-how shall I put it"-rather given to pub licity, rather fond of-er-noto- riety. do not mean that she 1 would make capital of her broth- CTS death to bring herself into the limelight. but she Is not at all aversc to prominence in print" You amaze me. Mrs. Valdon." Dixon said. T had pictured the sister as . shrinking, retiring sort"
 Dixon hadn't pictured the lady at all. but be was cleverly getting all the sidelights he could on this | darkly mysterious affair.
 "Oh, mo-" Caremlita exclaimed. "Anastasia Folsom is one of the most decided characters l have ever known. She is fearless and | outspoken to degree. And you can count on her for help. if needed, in solving the mystery of her brothers death. I suppose it is mystery?"
 The most mysterious case l have ever heard of" Dixon as sured her. "Too big flor me 10 tackle. but it may be the police will make short work of it."
 How can they?" asked Neville.
 Granted that Folsom was stabbed in the ocean, that gives about a thousand possible suspects to choose from!"
 "Oh, come now, MT. Neville. we cant consider those who were too far away from him. But even talk ing the nearby ones, there may we'll be q hundred or more who can be said to have had oppor- tunity."
 Surely. Then, you have too look for motive. Now. there's the trouble. The man who had mo- tive is an unknown quantity and will, of course, remain so. I don't see where your police are going to 1 make a start"
 T confess I don't see clearly myself" Dixon agreed. But that's up to them. Now, MT. Neville, since things are as they are, the matter passes out of your hands-at least to this extent. I'll ask you to hand over to me the key to Mr. Folsom's rooms. I shall give 1t to the police | and, Of course, no one will be al- lowed access to the suite"
 What about Ross. the valet?" 1 i've sent for him. and shAll, of course, take the key he has also. The passkeys of the service will be attended to-" The hotel defective dismissed them just as Ross appeared. led by the redoubtable Hubby. The valet. his face drawn with emotion, but otherwise calm, came into the room, and Dixon closed the door.
 You have heard" Dixon said, watching him closely. that your master did not die of any natural causc?"
 Not quite that, sir. but the bellboy was so excited and queer, that l quizzed him a bit on the way down here, and I couldn't to be told more than had already heard. Then I learned that the i doctor was here. and I was sure that there was more to be told than had yet been made known"