Page 136 (2/2)

quietly "A very particular friend," he added

"I congratulate you-both"

I laughed Pickering was surveying the room as he

spoke,-and Stoddard suddenly stepped toward him,

merely, I think, to draw up a chair for the sheriff; but

Pickering, not hearing Stoddard's step on the soft rug

until the clergyman was close beside him, started perceptibly

and reddened

It was certainly ludicrous, and when Stoddard faced

his lip

"Pardon entlemen, will you kindly state your business?

My own affairs press e boxes on the

library table The sheriff, too, was viewing these effects

with interest not, I think, unmixed with awe

"Glenarm, I don't like to invoke the law to eject you

from this property, but I am left with no alternative

I can't stay out here indefinitely, and I want to knohat I'm to expect"

"That is a fair question," I replied "If it were

the terms of the will I

should not hesitate or be here now But it isn't the will,

or ive you all the annoyance possible,-to et hold of this house

until I have found why you are so much interested

in it"