The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-07-02

he asked.
 "why nots" asked the girl V surr prise. I've come here all my iite'R
 She twisted the iron knob Of the doorbell. The faint sound og tne peh ringing could be heard in the otlll- ness, then footsteps. Presently tne door opened Q crack and Q eharp- nosed man peered out.
 "oh you, claireP" His voice had an odd croaking sound.
 Hello, Eb," the girl greeted him as she went in.
 "H was jest settin' out in the kitchen, smokin' . last pipe Afore goln' to bed" Eb explained. 'Xou didn't come up by yourSelf2"
 No, Eb. But I was aloEe when I started" answered Claire. My cars down at the bottom of the hill, smashed up. Someone put big log across the road where it cuts ots from the main highway and hit t. Two men coming along heard me and brought me on up here. hap- pened to know one of them"
 "A log across the roadi" Ebs voice sounded genuinely surprised. T wee down that way myself just afore supper and there want no log"
 "Well, there certainly was one when I got there," Claire replied with conviction.
 Before Eh could express any fur ther opinion, his sister, Susie, came hurrying down tho stairway, her plump figure wrapped in Q dressing gown, lnnumerable curl-paperH Wagged about her round face tnat still retained traces of . one-time babyish beauty.
 "Ciairel" She threw her arms about the girl and kissed her. "Have you had your supper2 Eb, stir up the kitchen fire quick. ClaireN want something hot after her drive"
 Footsteps sounded outside and ID went to open the door. He admitted the strangers with q sour look. After Claire had presented the newcomers and explained agaln about the ace cident she dispatched the Spratts kitchenward to prepare supper. Then she looked rather curlously At the young men. Bob Steele was hand- somer than she had thought, while Pat Magan was--well, sttll Just Pat.
 I'm sure glad to sec you again, Claire" he was saying. "0olly, you're looking wonderful"
 You haven't forgotten you've kissed the Blarney stone have you, Pat2" laughed Claire.
 "pat always gets little groggy when he's excited about something, Miss Fosdcs," Bob Steele explained, Ills own blue eyes rested on her ad" miringly.
 The girl turned away with a laugh. I'm Claire to you, too, Bob. Ana now while we're waiting, let's go into the library, That was the room Uncle Lyman loved best. Everything has been kept just as it was when he was alive"
 CHE led the way down the hall - and opened door. A musty odor of heavy velvet hangings and old upholstered furniture hung over the place. Claire walked across to window to open 1t.
 "Ha, there might be clew or two right here" exclaimed Pat, ruoplng his hands gleefully. He fingered the stone blocks of the elaboratey carved mantelpiece. "In these old houses, it's practically Q rule that something must slide open about the flreulace, isn't it?" Then he added, gay, don't think your man cares much for us, Claire"
 Claire smiled. "Oh, Eb's all right, He's that way with Susie end Dan' too"
 who's Danp" asked Pat.
 "Dan Dallas, the extra man Eb hired to work here. ED always speaks of him as "A number one, so we take 1t for granted nc likes Dan. But you couldn't tell that rom Eb's manner, He's so anxious over the life hereafter he hasn't much time for anything else. what are you staring at, Patp
 "I was wondering why that stone block with the broken arrow carved on it wasn't the same color as the rest of this gingerbread stuff on this fireplace. It's lighter"
 Looks as though it might have been added later. doesn't it?" bop came over and ran hls finger along the stone tracery.
 'Its been there as long as l can remember" Claire told them. 'Are you trying to imagine it might nave been put there for a purpose, Fatf
 Well, we're looking for some thing aren't we7" he defended him- self with a laugh.
 Susie. fully dressed now. but stiii wearing her crown or curl-papeks hustled in carrying a big trap. Han and eggs. rolls and coffee. Clare. she announced as she drew slnhb table up before the fireplace. "WMnl Fb should lay a fire in heref My. you'll freeze with that window open that way. Land sakes. Danl" Her voice sounded surprised. "Whas ever do you wantp
 In the doorway stood man about 70 years old. carrying . black mola- Rrel dog. The mans forehead DOTS a wide scar that twisted one eye. brow into a perpetual drOop, but ule eyes that looked out from under h A .Naaaam