The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1930-08-22

'Iney re- mere, now J!
In front of the main entrance to the
flats taxirab stood. And within it
sat woman-a tall, angular, elderly
woman. dressed In somewhat rusty
black, who stared straight In front of
her until, attracted by our mOmentary
halt and seeing our eyes turn in her
direction, she gave us quick side
glance only to withdraw 1t sharply and
to look ahead again, still more stead
lily. We passed on and entered the
door.
"Pve seen that woman before, re-
marked Maythorne, as we crossed the
hall to the elevator. "At Marras-
dale"
$50 have l." l answered. II saw
her about the Woodcock-in fact, l
took her for the cook. What can she
be doing-here?"
Mrs. Elphinstone will know" he
said. Butt shan't ask her that,
now. Well-what's this Miss Apper-
ley's number?" he went on, as we
were whirled upwards. ''Twenty-
seven? Right! Now then, HOlt-we
walk straight in! Well excuse our
selves to Miss Apperley afterward."
did as he babe me- Without cere-
mony as as much as a tap, l opened
the door Of Miss Apperley's sitting
room, and Maythorne and | entered,
abreast We plunged into the middle
Of things. An acrimonius debate was
already at it's full height. Sheila
stood, indignant and defiant, by the
center table. Mrs. ElphinstOne was en-
throned. obviously in fine temper,
In an elbow chair by the hearth. Mr..
Elphinstone was perched on the edge
of chair in another corner. nursing
the handle of his umbrella and APP
parently as uncomfortable as nervous
and peaceable man can be.
not one word. good mother. till
you tell me how you came into pos
session of that Wilt" Sheila was say
ing. and saying with emphasis, as we
strobe in. ITS up to you to speak
tirSt-yOu're -
She broke off there, or, rather, May
thorne broke things off for her. He
strobe forward and took the words out
of Sheila's mouth.
"Your daughters in the right, Mrs.
Elphnstone,'' he said in cool, even
accents IFS up to you to give ex-
plantations. Now, come, Mrs. Elphin-
stone-how did you obtain possession
of Mazaroff's will-which is now safe,
let me tell you, safe-in Mr.. Crole's
strong room. Gomez"
Mr.. Elphinstone groaned-wearily.
But Mrs. EIphinstOne showed temper
and fight
How dare you speak to meme !
like that?" she demanded. "What
right"
My dear Iady!" interrupted May
thorne BE calm, and don't be foolish.
Think little. Here Is 1. very wealthy
man murdered under most suspicious
circumstances. He has his will in his
pocket, with other papers, and with
valuables. and with money He is not
only murdered, but lie is robbed Of
everything he has on him. Nothing
can be discovered about his missing
property. Then a few nights later.
your daughter accidentally finds out
that the will is in-your hands What
do you suppose the police authorities
will say to that, Mrs. Elphinstone?
I'm asking YOU
Mrs. Elphinstone looked at him half
wonderingly, as thoroughly obstinate
and slightly stupid people will look at
questioner: | could see quite well
that she was wondering how he dared
to be so plain-spoken and uncere-
moniOus.
Mr.. ElphinstOne groaned once more
-audibly. Most distressing" he MUIR
IL think. Marion, that-er-you
know-if | were you'll think
should say how you got this-er docu-
ment-l shOuld-really."
"Mrs. Elphinstone will have to say
how she got it, and from whom" OBJ
served Maythorne. THAT will was with
out doubt Observation-Disclosures Ma
zarOff's pocket by the man who muir
dered him. And, Mr.. ElphinstOne, it
is later discovered in Mrs. Elphin-
stones keeping. How came it there?"
Mrs. Elphinstone suddenly gathered
up her wraps and her umbrella and
rose from ner chair.
"What right have you to ask me
questiOns?" she demanded. facing May
thorne. You're not policeman, as
far as I'm AVA e. and | don't know
that you've any authority. am 60
ing, and whoever wishes TO see me
will find me at Shorts hotel. You'll
find me there, Sheila-I nall not run
after you again."
That's useful hing to know. Mrs.
Elphinstone." SAID Maythorne, still
pertinacious You will no doubt be
called upon at Shorts. This is T.ss
ter of murder! And whether you lis-e
it or not, Mrs Elphinstone-or as it
should b, MerchisOn-l am going 10
know who murdered Mazaroff. Il YOU
know, you're already an sccer sdry
after the crime"
Mrs. ElphinstOne was at tie POOR
by til: time. and heI eyes vera as
hard as ever as she swept us all 18th
a half contemptu0us glance. "Are you
coming, Malcolm? AS for you. S9sila,
if you want me again, you'll haEN to
come to me. Otherwise"
She made a gesture which seessDd
to indicate II at she Washed her iialHls
of her daughter and of everybody
present, and without waiting for Mr..
ElpLinstone, she marched off down the
corridor.
Mr.. Elphinstone shook his head
YEARLY and despondently. He looked
round at all of us as il he wanted to
speak, but no words came, and he
presently turned and went after his