The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-10-16
NEW YORK JUNGLE
BY WRAY WADE SEVERN

Barkes, Togi?" Sidney asked.
 Togi's almond lids lifted dlspar- ing. Henry Barkes think self big man. Too much good to work like should in private family"
 Hasn't he always been @ private chauffeur?"
 Maybe not. I get through agency. Reference very good"
 What did he say when you told him about MT. Langdon2"
 'Henly Barkes very busy just now. He bling in packages. not tell him MT. Langdon shot,"
 'T1l speak with him." Sidney said.
 AS the only member of the house hold who had not been on the Jungle side of the locked door, Barkes commanded unusual inter- est.
 Sidney was surprised to find that he knew him. The man had been brokers clerk for years and they had frequent contacts. Then the firm had failed and Sidney had taken his patronage elsewhere.
 How do you do, MT. Braitwood," Barkes greeted the lawyer uncom- fortably, after the valet had left the two men alone. You must be surprised to see me here, in this capacity"
 How did it happen?" Sidney asked sy1npathetically.
 "I'd been unemployed for nearly a year, when one of our old GUS toners offered me an opportunity to drive for him. The he couldn't af- ford 8 chauffeur and landed here."
 "The times are unusual" Sidney agreed. "The house was robbed while you were away. You won't mind answering some questions?"
 Certainly not. Fire away" Barkes flushed nervously.
 Seen anyone loafing about the place since you came?"
 "No. There haven't been any strangers here since I came until today, when the house party ar- rived"
 Have you noticed anything un- usual in anyone's behaviour"
 Barkes paused. T certainly haven't seen much of what you'd call honeymoon stuff" between the Langdons," he replied. "They are the most unusual bride and groom I ever saw. Not that that has any bearing on a robbery"
 Sidney made no comment and the man houndered on as if he felt that more was expected of him and he wanted to deliver.
 T never liked that Togi," he add ed. "He has charge of the entire He-even engaged me, before MT. Langdon landed. And he signs checks for the household ex- penses."
 "Togi has been with MT. Lang don for years," Sidney explained Did you pass any cars as you drove home?"
 "Only one. As I turned off the state road for detour green sedan shot passed me. It's wonder that it kept the road at all in that wash out and at the speed it was making. One of the men in 1t was looking out the rear window. But it was too dark to identify him."
 'Then you didn't notice the n- cense number?"
 "Never thought of it." Barkes 'I, myself, can account for every moment since I left this house." he said nervously.
 T had several errands to do, sup plies to buy. Stopped at an elec- trical repair shop. Chatted with a friend of mine when I first came to the village. Dropped in for a beer at the tavern-just one, but didn't hurry drinking 1t. The grocery clerk, the bartender, this friend, they'll all remember"
 He laughed nervously. Couldn't make much time, driving in this storm, with the detour and all. Why, what's happened, MT. Braitwood?"
 He was nice-looking, Sidney de- cided. Decent, if trifle weak. He chewed his lip nervously, and twisted button on his cap.
 We all heard you drive of and CO1AlC OdGh, koAAlIACy 1CdoouCQ HILL But when it comes to murder every person in a household must account for his time"
 "Murder!" The color drained from Barkes' tanned face. "Who-who was murdered, MT. Braitwood?"
 Adam Langdon."
 Barkes' eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
 Murder on my first job in a year." he groaned. "I'll never get another place."
 Buck up, man. There is nothing criminal in working in a house where a man was murdered"
 Sidney gave Barkes 8 brief ac- count of the tragedy.
 Sounds like the work of a maniac to me-" Barkes suggested. Do you know all the people here, MT. Brait- 
 50 far as I know all are as nor- nal as you or l." Braitwood re- piled.
 Normal? Well, I wouldn't be too sure of it." He glanced apprehen- sively over his shoulder. T haven't