The Daily Alaska empire., 1934-06-22
Chapter 36 DUFRESNE AGAIN

l l Mrs. Croyden, would like to know more about the servants in this house. Has there been trouble with any of them in the past. or any trouble between themselves? don't mean petty squabbles."
 For the first time Aline Croyden hesitated, and Harper felt the low ering of an imperceptible veil of aloofness. With her hands lying mo- tionless in her lap she studied the detectives face with cool gravity. In all the house there was not a sound at that moment.
 'I am afraid there is nothing can tell you that would be relevant to the ideas you hold" she answered at last. quietly.
 "What about Andrews? l gather that he is greatly in MT. Dufresne's confidence"
 Andrews has spent his whole adult life in the service of the Du- fresne family. starting with MT. Du. fresne's father. Naturally, he is treated almost as a member of the family"
 Harper thought that over. How long have the Whitmores been em. ployed?"
 Tt must be about ten years. We wish we could find some one half so efficient and conscientious for our own house."
 What about Donaghy, the chauf- feur?"
 Mrs. Croyden shot him a quick, penetrating look, which the detec- tive did not miss, and as she thought over her reply, she kept turning that unusual ring around and around on her finger.
 Joseph is considerably younger than any of the others" she an- swered at last, Hess settled in his habits and no doubt he has more outside interests. But he is courteous, prompt, and obliging. and l believe there has been no question at all as to his conduct either on or off duty"
 "Then there has been nothing in the nature of friction or bad feeling between Andrews, say. and the Whitmores? Or between Donaghy and Andrews?"
 No, indeed"
 "What of the housemaid who was here last year. Ellen Becker? She left rather suddenly. 1 believe. Was there an undeclared reason for her departure?"
 q think not. Ellen never fitted In very well here. She was reserved. rather melancholy girl. from what saw of her. I'm sure she left of her own accord. My sister would have said something to me had it been otherwise"
 How old was this girl?"
 Thirty. or perhaps year or two older. Not an attractive girl at all. she added. and rather sullen de. meanor that did not improve her any"
 Harper rubbed his chin reflective ly. "In spite of what you say" he remarked, "all ias not been as tran quil as the surface seems to indi. cate. That much is obvious. for. aside from the murders. Mrs. Croy- den. we know there have been re- peated secret meetings held in this room. thing extremely unlikely without the help and connvance of some one in this house. value your opinion and judgment. Mrs. Croy, den. but last nights occurrences will not let me accept them at Sace value in this particular matter" "NOU must do as you think best"
 l Aline Croyden answered, in a non-committal tone. She looked down at her relaxed hands and mo- ticed Harper's eyes following the 1 flashing glitter of the twin gems. |
 q see that my heirloom has been attracting your attention" she said, extending her hand in a graceful gesture. "It came from MT. Croy- den's mother. and can't bring my. self to separate the stones or mod ernize the old setting."
 Gems are fascinating things" Harper replied. Il certainly would not diminish their sentimental value for the sake of modernized set. ting"
 They were interrupted by the ap- pearance of Richard Croyden and Pierre Dufresne. The dapper mas. ter of the house had donned a per. fectly tailored double-breasted suit. closely buttoned. so that his erect ness and swagger gave him more than ever an air of aggressive vigor. Croyden looked somewhat tired and distraught and was smoking a cig. arctic with nervous haste.