The Wilmington morning star., 1940-01-04
WNTTN FOE AND RE1k
AprrR

T stood there and listened to those
voices coming from the office at
this early hour of the morning. IT
wasn't yet seven o'clock. What
could it mean? I listened, the voices
continued. Low and ven they SEEM
ed to be absorbed in their converse
tion.
I wanted my rings. Also, I was
consumed with curiosity to know
who were behind the closed doors.
I stretched out my hand the Sec
ond time and lightly raped.
'Come in"
1t was Lancy's voice, slightly rails
ed in tone which reached my ears.
1 opened the door and walked in.
He was seated at the desk, beside
him his assistant, Scott, with a note
book in his hands. AS well as though
had been with them, I knew what
they were doing. Scott was giving
an accurate report of the search of
Hill House.
Lancy greeted me with a cordial
glance and rallying smile.
Have you remembered some
thing else this early in the morn
ing?" he said.
1 shook my head and smiled back
at him.
mot for you. / left my. rings on
the table last night and came to
get them"
"All right. Go ahead, Scott
Without a breath of hesitation,
Scott picked up the thread of the
report where he had dropped it, at
my entrance, and continued:
There's a picture there I'm sure
is he, but the hair is white.'
Hair can be Dyed" retorted
Lancy.
I had found my rings and was
going noiselessly toward the door,
when Lancy's words jolted my
memory back to Rhoda's experience
at the Cape Cod Salon. I stopped
short and swung around to face
Lancy. AS he glanced inquiringly
at me, I demanded:
Are you talking about Joseph
Barry?"
The abrupt question, coming
from me, must have startled the
detective. 1t certainly startled me,
myself. A week ago I wouldn't have
dared interrupt a conference between
two business men. Now I had non
chalantly disturbed the police at
work. At that moment I realized
my stodginess was gone. I had
been pitch-forked into the Hill House
situation, but it had changed my
whole life.
Lancy's eyes narrowed specula-
lively:
1--WE are"
Then I've something to tell you.
Listen" In detail l related Rhoda's
experience, ending with:
"She told 1t to me yesterday"
Scott was looking at me in open.
mouthed amazement.
DO you always come across with
the exact information needed at the
moment?" he quizzically demanded.
"She does" Lancy replied for me
IF 1 don't solve this case, it won't
be because she hasn't done her full
share"
I looked for a teasing smile on
each face, instead I met sincere ap-
proval. They meant what they said.
"Oh, please" I cried. I looked
from one to the other, took to my
heels and ran. I couldn't bear to
have them praise me for something
which had casually been tossed in
my lap.
Saturday morning was a busy time
at Hill House. I don't know if Mrs.
Peake were as fussy about every
thing as Chloe. That woman went
over the house with dry mop and
while I did the busting.
When she finished each room was
immaculate. She sent me out to cut
fresh roses, while she did the amount
of baking which she considered pro-
per for over Sunday. When I came
in, with my first load, she met me
with as long a face as it vas posi-.
BILE for her pleasant one to be.
Miss Gordon" she began, II can't
get into that office. I've been to
the door three times an each time
that detective man JUS waved me
away, like I don't have no right there
at ALL"
He's probably busy, Chloe, and
doesn't want to be, disturbed" I re.
piled soothingly.
HE may be busy, I don't know
nothin' about that, but he's atalk-
in over that phone. That's what
he's adoin'. An he's been doin' the
same thing every time I opened the
door,"
IT suppose that a great deal oil
their work is done that way" I an
swered. I was talking as much tc
myself as to Chloe. I was consum-
ed with curiosity myself.
THAT rooms got to be done!'
Chloe planted herself squarely be
fore me. Miss Peake always cleaned
every room in this house on Friday
an Satday, an now that she's
gone, it's goin' to be JUS as clean
as II she was aQOln 1t ner OWE
self"
Chloe's lips were set in a mutt
nous line and her Eyes sparkled dan
gerously. 1t was up to me to soothe
her ruffled feelings. I took thu
first way which occurred to me.
And it shall be. Chloe" I re.
sponded placatingly. Every othel
room is in apple pie order" (Why
annle.pie. WHY not lemon 81