Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1929-05-07
CHAPTER xxxv


During the supremely uncomfor-
table moment that followed. MI.
Bones had one consolation. If one
only. The old mar who abruptly
confronted him at the foot or the
stairs seemed hardy less astonished
at the meeting than himself.
But the old man was the first 10
recover his composure. He recovered
it rapidly, as though composure
were a necessity that should never
be relinquished for more than a sec
ond. while the new caretaker was
still gaping at him.
Pardon me, sir. but where did
you spring from7"demanded Brill.
The question came crisply and
sharply. and the crispness and the
sharpness. although they alarmed
Mr.. Bones. helped to bring him
around.
Come TO that-where did you
spring from?" ne mumbled in re-
ply.
Where did I spring from7" snap
ped the old man. I'm not con-
vinced yet that where I came from
Is any concern Of yours You will
allow. at any rate. that I asked the
question first-and ! am still walt
ing to hear the answer"
Mr.. Bones thought. He decided
to be discreetly informative.
II came from upstairs" he said.
Upstairs, eh?"
Yes"
and what were you doing up
stars?"
Mr.. Bones thought again. This
old man had no right to cross-ex-
anime him. Sometimes. however, IL
Is difficult TO enforce the law of
rights. Still Mr.. Bones put UP q
bit Of a fight.
II don see what that's 10 do with
you" he remarked.
We'll, perhaps I dol"
yes, sir. You seem to. But,
come to that, what is 1t to do with
you? Is this your house?"
Mr.. Bones was becoming bold. The
old man frowned heavily at him
mo, 1t Is not my house-in the
sense you imply" ne retorted. But
Is 1t yours?"
mo, sir. Just the same. I've q
right to be here"
Whats your right7"
I'm the new ~caretaker."
This information momentarily sil-
enced Mr.. Simon Brill. He took a
step forward. and peered more close
ly into the others face. The heavt-
ness OF the frown increased.
New caretaker?" he muttered. at
last. / didn't know there were 60
ing TO be any more caretakers."
"If the house isn't yours, sir" Mr..
Bones pointed out, battling bravely
on. how would you known"
Does IL strike you that you are
being confoundedly impertinent?"
mo sir. What strikes me Is this.
It strikes me that, as I'm the care
taker, I've q right to ask you to an
swer my question. II you please. II
I'm the caretaker, ! s'pose it's my
duty to take care of the house"
IF you're the careaker!"
We'll, come to that. I can show
you that / am" retorted Mr.. Bones,
and suddenly produced his letter
from Messrs. Spriggs and Spriggs. Il
was engaged this morning. and I've
Just come from Newcastle. That's
right. You'll read 1t all there"
Brill took the letter and read IL,
then handed IL back.
"Of course, sir, II you've come to
look over the house?" suggested Mr..
Bones, after q pause.
We'll. that Is an idea. isn't it?"
answered Brill. sarcastically-
Yes. sir. Can't I zee your Order
to View'2"
10 seemed for a moment as though
Simon Brill were going to lose his
temper. but again his philosophy Of
composure came to his aid. and in
stead OF flying into a rage he flew
abruptly to the other extreme. and
smiled almost sympathetically.
II have no order 20 view. Mr."
Bones" i~nterposed the new care
taker. rather quickly. Ernest
Bones
Thank you. Mr.. Bones" replied
Brill. mo ! have no order to view.
But I am here in the interests Of
psychic research. and as / propose
conducting some rather exhaustive
experiments here toniEht-expert.