The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1929-03-22
CHAPTER iii


las 4 Smith, Pelham was referred by
Douglas, whom be knew. TO q Nr.
Appleton.
appleton will tell you everything"
said Douglas. "He has an amazing
memory for details. and a great af.
lection for. the Gray house. Come in.
to my office when you're through"
Frederick Appleton was a small,
plump man Of sixty. He had a dis
tinguished conservatism in dress.
florid complexion, and blue eyes
which looked more than usually large
owing TO the thickness and power OF
the lenses he wore. After little
preliminary talk. Pelham judged him
to be one Of those men in relatively
unimpOrtant offices who bring to their
tasks a certain not unpleasing pom
pousness.
Z Il have In this. book, said Mr.. APP
pleton. pointing to a ledger. "a com
plete record of the tenants and the
{ expenses OF the Gray house for al
most thirty-five years. Here you win
find the cost Of II Ia, s,nlaese az ,h.o,sae.:
grounds, and stables In my head |
have many facts concerning the peor.
pie who have resided there. which
would be out OF place in the books
OF a strictly business. firm.
y take it. them" said Pelham
"thaf you have an unusual interest
in mankind?"
Mr.. Appieton's shrewd but kindly
face beamed.
We see a great deal more in this
line II work than you would suppose
Oh. dear me, yesi Do understand
that, AR Handy desires information
about the placer
eyes. and Mr.. Douglas said that
you could fell me everything. He is
a close personal friend Of Mr.. Handy"
Mr. 'AppIeton's eyes grew little
harder.
so ! inferred from the fact that
the sale was not made through me.
knew that Mr.. Handy was interested
In the Gray house. but / admit being
staggered when Mr.. Douglas made
the, announcement that It was sold"
It was clear to Pelham that the
other man was chagrined. No doubt
It was the allowable annoyance OF
an old and trusted employee, who
having been consulted for so long, Is
suddenly left out of the firms conf
dence In the sale of property.
mot that am criticizing Mr..
Douglas" the other went on. .Oh.
dear me. moi" His manner was brisk
and cheerful again. .s,vhat can I do
for you. Mr.. Pelham?"
I did you ever know Miss Sci.
enosr'
"She occupied the Gray house for
three years. remember her we'll.
Poor lady. she Ioathed and despised
men. particularly your humble serv-
ant. We had to evict her for non
payment Of rent She had ample
warning, but we had to Gull the sheriff
in. May ! ask how you know her?"
"She called on Mr.. Handy and
threatened him with all sorts of wild
vengeances If he did not sell the
place to her."
There was no doubt about Mr.. Ap-
pietOn's interest now.
Il can quite believe IT," he said.
Il remember that when we put her
out she said that should be dead
within the year. may say that my
good wife was very much relieved
when the twelyemonth had passed. !
hear that she Inns at last inherited the
great Seienos fortune. They were
'land-poor for many years"
"You think she's not normal?n
Insanity In the family. said Mr..
Appleton firmly. "The things she said
to Inc we're most indicate. and could
only be explained by madness Of a
hereditary type" The speaker hest.
tated for a moment. Il suppose she
did not mention my manner"
Il think not. | suppose you remem,
Der Mr.. Seymour"
Now Sir Stanford Seymour. On,
dear me. yesl | ventured to call
upon him when in England two years
ago. The tragedy had left Its mark