Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-12-05
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terious murder OF Sir Henry Sewerage
IN the chapel OF his ancient abbey, is Il
ne'er-do-well who has lived by his wits.
In the chapel 10 steal a ]eweled Cross.
Reid could raise no alarm at the time
of the murder for fear of incrimina1inS
himself. Before Richard Selden is sum
lnoned from Scotland Yard, Red, who
has posed as an itinerant painter work
ing at the abbey, Colonel Graham,
neighbor. and Eric Colindale. agent OF
the estate. trace Sir Henry's body to
his fathers coffin with the aid OF blood
hounds. Selden and HutchinS. the local
officer, interview Colindale and Reid,
James, the butler, and Lady Hilda, who
is in love with CoIindale. Then. when
they return to the inn. Mrs. Thornton,
the hOuSekeeper, comes TO them with
information and they question her.
CHAPTER IA
IT DID NOT see the actual
light in the corridor leading to the
chapel" Mrs. Thornton continued.
IT saw the flashes on the wall, as
1 had returned to bed"
''How long after the first light
was the second"
Perhaps an hour-I can't real
ly say as T may have dozen off.
But of course I was awakened by
the ring
"Of course, that would have
reused YOU" Selden said calmly;
and Hutchins cast q quick glance
at his young colleague, for this
was news to both of them.
Yes, the ring must have wOken
me. It was very loud"
"You have no idea who rang 2"
Mrs. Thornton took the cigaret
from her mouth and stared at the
detective in surprise. why, /
thought you knew-Lady SIEVE
ringe rang"
II wasn't quite certain" Selden
said, without flicker of an eye
lash. Only faint smile, to which
Hutchins was becoming accus-
toned, played round his mouth.
after having seen the lights,
not from vulgar curiosity, you un-
derstand, put on a dressing gown
and went to see. I thought, Of
course, that Sir Henry wanted
James"
Naturally" Selden commented.
II was going back to my room,
not having seen anyone, when the
door opened that leads from the
servants quarters to the rest of
the house. 1t is usually kept
locked at nights"
why" Hutchins interviewed,
feeling that he was rather out OF
things.
"Well"-Mrs. Thornton assumed
an air OF en1barrassment-"per-
haps should not say, but Lady
Severinge doesn't like the servants
wandering about the house at
nights, or other people coming into
our part of the house. James came
through the door,"
''It was naturally a surprise to
see him." Selden said.
1T was more than that" she
answered with heat. II had on
only a dressing gown, and my hair
II didn't know where to look.
James, must say, was most dis
Greet. He turned away and locked
the door, SO that I could at least
make my way into the shadow of
the staircase"
''He had a light, I suppose ?"
mo, he had switched on the
electric light as he came through
the door, but when he saw my con-
dition. like a true gentleman. he
switched it off. He told me very
kindly that / need not be alarmed
as Lady Seyeringe had rung the
bell, having heard some noise in
the house and being nervous. She
was afraid of burglars, but James
had treasured her and had gone
round the doors.'
And that was all ?n
"AH 1 heard, Mr.. Selden, but
can guess a lot"
Il am very much obliged. Now.
will you take q word Of advice
from me. Your information is of
the highest value, but it would be
wiser If you say nothing whatever
about it to anyone"
A look of disappointment came
to her face. But am not to
give this evidence at the INQUEST ?
I thought the coroner would want
it,"
1.-THE coroner is there to find the
cause of death, not to investigate
the crime" Selden's voice had be-
come stern and hard, in a manner
he knew how to assume.
"But why not2" the woman pro-
tested.
because, Mrs. Thornton, it is
extremely likely that if you did SO
YOU. would suffer the same fate as
Sir Henry Severinge."
Good gracious met" She turned
suddenly sallew, and her eyes
showed fright growing in thern
ike shadows on lake.
Nov you understand. What