The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1936-05-14

MAIDEN House.
Dillon made no reply to this, and
Stone remarked, Cant that be adj
justed, Mrs. Maiden? Suppose this
man wears totally different livery;
suppose he endeavors to change his
manner in any minor way possible;
different name if you choose; I'm
sure it will not be too dofficult. And
I imagine that Dillon, because of his
devotion to your late husband, will
do all in his power to serve you sat-
isfactorily. Is not this so, Dillon?"
ooh, yes, sir! I looked forward to
serving Mr.. and Mrs. Maiden, for
we all knew that after Mr.. Corey's
marriage Madame Maiden would re-
duce her staff"
''Why didn't you mention this to
me when 1 was in Richmond" Per-
lila asked
Because, ma'am, it didn't seem
the time. You were so grieved and
worried, ~"
Fleming Stone turned a stern
glance on the man. "Stop lying" he
said.
The two men stared at each other
a moment, then Dillon said, II sup
pose, sir, you mean, was-er-wait-
ing to see if anything developed
from the fearful accusations Ma
dame Maiden made against her sons
wife. Yes, that was partially the
reason"
"Good for you, Dillon" Perilla
said. ''You owned up bravely. What
do you say, Mr.. Stone?"
II advise you to take this man on
trial. Say, a week or fortnight.
How's that, Dillon?"
"Quite all right, sir. Shall Lreport
tomorrow, madame?"
eyes, Dillon, unless change my
mind. Leave your address and tele-
phone call with Norris. You may
co."
He left the room, and Perilla
turned questioningly to her caller.
81 rather butted in, Mrs. Maiden"
he smiled, 'sbut it would help amaz-
ingly to have that man around for
few weeks. And something tells me
you'll like him well enough to con-
tinue to employ him."
II shouldn't wonder" Perilla re-
joined. dad took to him at once.
And you propose to utilize him?"
81 shall have to utilize anyone I
can fasten on to. Now here's anoth-
er thing. Is your staff sufficiently in
order to have a dinner party or a
bridge game now and then? Of
course, I know you're not entertain
ing, but it is imperative that I meet
these people we've spoen of as soon
as possible. So I thought small, in
formal affair would be convenient
for you and cause no comment, es-
pecially as Miss Sheldon is coming
and you'll have to entertain her a
little"
eyes, indeed, Mr.. Stone. I don't
propose to shut myself up. Corey
wouldn't want me to"
every well, then. AS soon as Miss
Sheldon gets here give her small
welcoming party, and invite me. I
shall not disgrace you, and any in
vestigation I may make will be en-
tirely unsupported"
II have thought of trip to Cali
fornia by motor"
Good! Do that, but not until a
little later. I can soon divide the
people I want to follow up from
those who do not interest me-"
"Hilda arrives tomorrow. Suppose
have a small bridge supper some
night early next week"
Capital Not more than eight, this
time. I'll make out the list" He jot-
ted down some names on slip of
paper. "And for heavens sake" he
:
went on, don't conclude think
these are all criminals!"
Nearly a week later, Fleming
Stone sat thinking in his study. The
Maiden matter, at the present stage,
was the most battling and absolutely
inscrutable proposition he had ever
been up against.
Nothing to it, he growled to him
self. Mand dead, nobody could posi-
bly, kill him except his wife, and she
wouldn't. If ever I trusted the love
and truth Of a human being, it's that
youngster, Perilla.
1t can't have been natural death;
all the evidence is against that. No
sign of poison; no symptoms of poi
lzoo;,oo TIp1occ ~ 1ryoc oix1ova him Of