New Britain herald., 1927-05-11

whose tone was little curt.
 "Very shortly" Croydon Sears said. his face flushing with annoy anoe. T took turn or two up and down the boardwalk, watch ing the crowds, and then l went to the hotel and straight up to my loom.'
 Carrying your purchases with you?"
 'No, leaving them to be sent to me the next day-as Mir. Meeker did"
 You didn't return to the auc- tion room?"
 T most certainly did not"
 You visited any other shops?"
 "No-no other shops"
 But there was decided hesita- tion of speech, and more than one face turned curiously on, Croydon Sears as he made his denial.
 The coroner said no more, and as a glance at Miss Folsom showed no desire on her part to have this witness examined further, Sears was dismissed.
 But though his calm demeanor seemed to be unruffled, one there, who knew him well. realized only too we'll that underneath the calm there was seething tumult.
 CHAPTER XIX
 Robin Sears adored his father, and he knew every expression of that well-loved face, every telltale motion or gesture of that familiar personality, and he saw that for some reason or another his dad was very much upset.
 What the dickens ails him ?" Young Robin put the question to himself Surely he isn't going to get mixed up in that auction busi- ness if that nice Meeker person was right there with him all the time."
 Coroner Hubbard proceeded with his questioning, and though he called on everybody he could hear of or learn of who might be of any use. he discovered practically noth- ing of importance. Nothing that would offer direction in which to look for the murderer of Garrett Folsom.
 He had no wish to adjourn the inquest, for he thought it more than doubtful if any further evil dence ever came to light. He was sure that the murderer had laid his plans too well and covered his tracks too carefully to leave any clue that | detective might take hold upon.
 So he turned the case over 10 the jury, and they made short work of their decision.
 Their verdict was that Garrett Folsom was wilfully murdered by an unknown hand. and that the weapon used was probably the an- tique dagger that had been found in the ocean after the crime had been committed.
 No one was surprised at this yer dict, for no one had expected any thing different.
 Anastasia Folsom seemed in no way disturbed or disappointed, and her first remark, as the audience filed out, was to the effect that now they could get at the real work.
 First" she said, turning to the detective. Jepson, first I shall ar range for my brothers funeral"
 "You-you will take him to Chicago?" ho asked, not at all un- willing to see the last of this un- comfortable woman.
 By no means. I expect my nephew tonight or tomorrow. Then We shall have small and informal service in the funeral chapel here. My brothers remains will be sent to Chicago, but I stay here until ] have either discovered the criminal or until I have concluded that l cannot accomplish that end"
 "Yes, ma 'am," Jepson acquiesced.
 Miss Anastasia Folsom was as good as her word. She at once set about Investigating the mystery of her brothers death and she chose her own manner of procedure.
 Her first step was to demand an interview with Manager Pelham. of the hotel.
 She summoned him to her apart ment. which was, of course, the suite her brother had occupied.
 "Mr. Pelham" she began in her domineerirg way. you are in duty bound to help me in. any way you can in the work I am now under taking. I propose to discover and bring to justice tho man who killed my brother, and I am assuming that you will lend me all possible as- sistance."
 Miss Folsom" the manager be- gan, and some sort of clairyoyance told her what he was about to say.
 There's no use telling me-" she said sharply, that you prefer to hush it all up. That it is not good for your hotel business to keep up an investigation: that your guests object to hearing the subject men tioned, and all that. ] am here and here to stay, until have solved the problem or feel obliged to give it up. If you make any difficulty for me. or in any way hinder my pro- gress. shall accuse you of obstruct- ing the processes of the law. and you may find yourself in serious trouble. I also expect the assistance of your hotel detective, Mir. Dixon, and what is more. expect him 10 work under my supervision and obey my directions"
 'T understand. Miss Folsom, and while I see your position and sym pathize with your endeavor. I hope and trust you can achieve your pur- pose speedily, for. as you rightly assumed. it is not at all pleasant for my guests to have this investi- gation going on."
 "They need know little about it. don't propose to shout from the housetops the progress that l make.