Part 15 (1/2)
We remained standing while we thought over the matter. There was a satisfied air about the detective that I could not quite fathom, and Dr.
Moore seemed to be quite pleased also.
”Well, what is it?” I asked.
With a voice that betrayed traces of elation, Oakes answered me: ”The man in the cellar wore this robe; if he thumbed this paper, the murder of Smith interested him. The murder of Mark was similar, and I believe our Mansion affair is going to involve us in a peck of unexpected trouble. The clues are showing now, and we must know more about the Smith murder, as well as the Mark affair.”
”Yes,” put in Moore, ”and all about the suspected motives in the Smith affair.”
Oakes smiled. ”Don't be too previous, my boy. If Hallen looks for our help, well and good. Otherwise, remember, I have given my word not to interfere with his search at present. Meanwhile, we must get into town and look around.”
”You must remain here,” said Moore. ”You cannot go out until that wound begins to heal--in a day or so.”
”That is so,” said Oakes. ”But perhaps Stone can find out what is going on.”
So it was arranged that I should call on Chief Hallen that evening and spend a few hours in Mona.
At supper, Oakes said that tomorrow he would have men from the city who would make a complete search of the walls, and perhaps tear down some part.i.tions. ”Masons, and other workmen, you know,” said he; and I saw a twinkle in his eyes and realized that he was going to surround himself with men, in case of an emergency.
”Are you expecting trouble?” I asked.
”No,” said he, grave again in a second, ”but I believe in being forearmed. This matter is capable of developing into a very serious affair for all hands, especially if we have a band of conspirators against us.”
”_A band!_” said I.
”Yes, certainly. Has it never occurred to you that there may be several desperate characters in this affair and the murder? This is no boy's play; we are facing unknown dangers. Now, Stone, go about town carefully, and send this cipher to New York first thing. When you come back, tell Chief Hallen that I want you escorted to the Mansion by two men. Remember! He will understand, for he spoke to me of the advisability of giving me aid.”
It all seemed strange to me, but I was not fearful when I left just at seven for the town.
I took the short cut over the bridge, and up the hill beyond, and they watched me as I crossed the rolling plains to Mona.
It was a clear night, and I could see well over the hills, the three-quarters moon giving me excellent light. I could not help thinking how careful was this man Oakes, and what a peculiar nature was his; alert, severe even to austerity at times; then solicitous, friendly and even fond of a joke. I was more than glad that I came, although I realized that perhaps it was foolish to interfere in such affairs. Of course, that murder of Mark had been cast upon our notice by curious circ.u.mstances, and unexpectedly.
As I walked over the rolling ground, I kept my eyes well upon my surroundings; but not a living thing did I see except myself and the night birds until I entered the town.
There was an air of subdued excitement about the place. As I walked to the post-office to send my despatches the loungers seemed numerous, and some were amiss in their greetings; others, whom I knew, approached in an affable manner enough, but there seemed no genuine friendliness.
The telegraph manager took the cipher and smiled when he saw it. Then he said to me in a whisper: ”Tell Mr. Clark there is trouble coming.”
To my look of surprise he answered: ”Oh, that's all right; I had a visit from your friend before he went to the Mansion.”
Again I recognized the work of careful Oakes, and understood why he did not hesitate to send the cipher--a thing unusual in a small town.
The indications of impending trouble in town were quite impressed upon me. The little hotel was the centre of a lounging crowd, large, and composed of representative men as well as the usual hangers-on. There were evidences of much interest around the police building also--much more than would occur under normal circ.u.mstances in a town of this size, and even more than was present the night before.
I noticed a couple of brawls, and considerable raising of voices; many men were walking about as though watching the others. The prairie fire had been lighted; the sparks were burning near the roots of the gra.s.s; the air was uneasy--ready to rush in as wind, to fan and feed the first flame.
I visited the Chief, who was with his subordinates. He invited me into the private room, and then said:
”Mr. Stone, I am doing all I can to detect this murderer and to satisfy the public demand for his apprehension, but the clues are practically worthless. The populace is uneasy and suspicious.”