 CHAPTER 10 THE MYSTERY DEEPENS Ethel Thompson came over the next day as she had promised, and the sweet-faced, gentle schoolmistress won the hearts of Uncle John's three nieces without an effort. She was the eldest of them all, but her retired country life had kept her fresh and natural, and Ethel seemed no more mature than the younger girls, except in a certain gravity that early responsibility had thrust upon her. Together the four laughing, light-hearted maids wandered through the pines where the little schoolma'am showed them many pretty nooks and mossy banks that the others had not yet discovered. By following an unsuspected path they cut across the wooded hills to the waterfall where little Bill Creek made a plunge of twenty feet into a rocky basin below. In spite of the bubbles the water here showed clear as crystal and the girls admiringly christened it the champagne cup. They shed their shoes and stockings and waded in the pool, enjoying the sport with shrieks of merry laughter, more because they were happy than that there was anything to laugh at. Afterward they traced the stream down to a lovely glade a half mile above Millville, where Ethel informed them the annual Sunday school picnic was always held, and then trailed across the rocky plateau to the farm. By the time they reached home their appetites were well-sharpened for Mary's excellent luncheon, and the afternoon was devoted to rest under the shady pines that grew beside the house. It was now, when they felt thoroughly acquainted and at ease in one another's society, that the girls indulged in talks concerning events in their past, and Ethel was greatly interested in the nieces' recital of their recent trip abroad with Uncle John. They also spoke frankly of their old life together at Elmhurst, where Aunt Jane, who was Uncle John's sister, had congregated her three nieces, for the purpose of choosing from among them one to inherit her vast estates. It seemed no source of regret to any of them that a boy, Kenneth Forbes, had finally succeeded to Aunt Jane's property, and this may be explained by the fact that Uncle John, at that interesting juncture, appeared to take charge of the nieces. It was quite evident that the eccentric but kindly old fellow had succeeded in making these three girls as happy as their dispositions would allow them to be. After the most interesting phases of their personal history had been discussed, the nieces began, perhaps unconsciously, to draw from Ethel her own story. It was simple enough, and derived its interest mainly from the fact that it concerned their new friend. Her parents had both passed away while she was young, and Ethel had always lived with her father's father, Big Will Thompson, a man reputed very well to do, for this section, and an energetic farmer from his youth. Old Will had always been accused of being unsociable and considering himself above the neighboring farmers, and it was true that Bob West, the implement dealer, was his only associate before Captain Weg arrived. A casual acquaintance with the Millville people might easily explain this. With the advent of the Wegs, however, a strong friendship seemed to spring up between the retired sea captain and the bluff erratic old farmer, which lasted until the fatal day, when one died and the other became a paralytic and a maniac. We have always thought, said Ethel, that the shock of the captain's death unsettled my grandfather's mind. They had been sitting quietly in Captain Weg's room one evening as they were accustomed to do, when there was a sudden fall and a cry. Thomas ran in at once and found Grandfather raving over the captain's dead body. The old seamen had heart disease, it seems, and had often declared he would die suddenly. It was a great blow to us all, but especially to Joe. Her voice softened at this last remark, and Petsy exclaimed impulsively, Tell us about Joe Weg. Did you like him? Yes, said Ethel simply. We were naturally thrown much together in our childhood and became staunch friends. Grandpa often took me with him on his visits to the Wegs, and sometimes, but not often, the captain would bring Joe to see us. He was a quiet, thoughtful boy, much like his mother, I imagine, but for some reason he had conceived an intense dislike for his father and an open hatred for this part of the country where he was born. Aside from these morbid notions, Joe was healthy-minded and frank and genuine. Had he been educated in any other atmosphere than the gloomy one of the Weg household, I'm sure Joe's character would have been wholly admirable, and had never blamed the boy much for his peculiarities. Captain Weg would not permit him to go to school, but himself attended to such instructions as Joe could acquire at home, and this was so meager and the boy so ambitious that I think it was one cause of his discontent. I remember when I was sent to school at Troy that Joe sobbed for days because he could not have the same advantages. He used to tell me wonderful stories of what he would accomplish if he could only get out into the world. When he implored his father to let him go away, Captain Weg used to assure Joe that he would someday be rich and there was no need of his preparing himself for either a business or a profession, but that did not satisfy Joe's ambition, as you may And, when the end came, scarcely a dollar of money could be found among the Captain's possessions and no other property than this farm, so it is evident he deceived his son for some selfish purpose. Joe was at last free, and the only thing I reproach him for is going away without a word to me or any of his friends. I heard indirectly of his working his way through a technical school, for he was always crazy about mechanics, and then he went to New York, and I lost all further trace of him. What do you suppose became of Captain Weg's money? asked Louise. I have no idea. It's a singular thing that most of my grandfather's savings disappeared at the same time. On account of his mental condition he can never tell us what became of his little fortune, but luckily the returns from the farm, which we rent on shares, and my own salary as teacher of the district school, enable us to live quite comfortably, although we must be economical. Why, it's really a romance, cried Patsy, who had listened eagerly. There are many romances in real life, added Beth, in her undemonstrative way. Louise said nothing, but her heart was throbbing with excitement and gendered by the tale, which, so strongly corroborated the suspicions she had begun to entertain. When Ethel had gone home, Louise still deliberated upon this fascinating mystery, and her resolve grew to force some sort of explanation from the smiling lips of old Hux. For the sole available witness of that fatal night's tragedy when one strong man died and another was driven mad was Thomas Hux. The old servitor was also in a position to know much of the causes leading up to the catastrophe. He having been the confidential retainer of Captain Weg for many years, Hux must speak, but the girl was wise enough to realize he would not do so unless urged by coaxing or forced by strategy. There was doubtless good reason why the old man had remained silent for three years. Her plan was to win his confidence, interest him in Joe's welfare, and then the truth must come out. The frankly related story of Ethel had supplied Louise with the motive for the crime. For that a crime had been committed she was now doubly sure. Captain Weg had money. Old Will Thompson had money. Both were well to do men. In a retired country district where there were no banks it was reasonable to suppose they kept large sums of money on hand and the knowledge of this fact had tempted someone to a dreadful deed. Captain Weg had been killed and Old Thompson perhaps injured by a blow upon the head from which he had never recovered. Any suspicion the fair young detective may have entertained that Thompson himself had killed his friend was eradicated by the fact that he had been dropped at the same time. Louise had originally undertaken her investigation through curiosity and a desire to amuse herself by unveiling the mystery. Now she began to reflect that she was an instrument of justice. For a discovery of the truth might restore a fortune to poor Joe Weg, now struggling with the world, and put sweet Ethel Thompson in a position where the necessity for her to teach school would be abolished. This thought added a strong impulse to her determination to succeed. Sunday afternoon the girl took blind Nora for a long drive through the country, taking pains to explain to her all the points of interest they came to, and delighting the old woman with her bright chatter. Louise had been kind to Nora from the beginning, and her soft sympathetic voice had quite won the poor creature's heart. On the way home in the delightful summer twilight the girl dexterously led the conversation toward Nora's past history. Was Thomas a sailor when you married him, she asked? Yes, Miss. He were Boson and Captain Weg's schooner, the lively Kate, and I were living with Miss Mary, as come to be Mrs. Weg utter word. Oh, I see. And were you blind then, Nora? No, Miss. I went blind utter our great trouble come to us. Trouble? Oh, I'm sorry, dear. What was it? The old woman was silent for a time, then she said. I'd better not mention it, I guess. Thomas likes to forget. And when I get scrying and nervous, he knows I've been thinking about the old trouble. Louise was disappointed, but changed the subject adroitly. And Miss Mary, who was afterward Mrs. Weg, did you love her, Nora? Indeed I did, child. What was she like? She were gentle and sweet and the most beautiful creature in all in the place where we lived, and her family was that proud and acrystocratic that no one could touch him with a ten-foot pole. I see. Did she love Captain Weg? Naturally, since she married of him and fit all her family to do it, and the captain was that proud of her that he thought the world lay in her sweet eyes. Oh, I had an idea. He didn't treat her well, remarked the girl soberly. That's wrong, declared Nora promptly. I had ordered the trouble come, for I'd come to the Wegs as well as to Tom and me. The captain sort of lost heart to see his merry cry day after day and never be comforted. He were hard-hit himself, you see, and that made it a gloomy house and no mistake. Do you mean after you moved here to the farm? Yes, dearie. I hear Captain Weg was very fond of Ethel's grandfather, continued Louise, trying to find an opening to penetrate Old Nora's reserve. The man's always was the brief reply. Did they ever quarrel, Nora? Never that I know of. And what do you suppose became of their money, asked the girl? I don't know, child. Are we getting near home? We are quite near now. I wish you would open your heart to me and tell me about that great trouble, Nora. I might be able to comfort you in some way. The blind woman shook her head. There's no comfort but in-forgiveness, she said, and the way to forget ain't to talk about it. The unsatisfactory result of this conversation did not discourage Louise, although she was sorry to meet with no better success. Gradually she was learning the inside history of the Wegs. When she discovered what that great trouble had been, she would secure an important clue in the mystery, she was sure. Nora might sometime be induced to speak more freely, and it was possible she might get the desired information from Old Hux. She would try, anyway. A dozen theories might be constructed to account for this great trouble. The one that Louise finally favored was that Captain Weg had been guilty of some crime on the high seas in which his boatswain, Old Hux, was likewise implicated. They were obliged to abandon the sea and fly to some out-of-the-way corner inland where they could be safely hidden and their whereabouts never discovered. It was the knowledge of this crime, she conjectured, that had ruined Sweet Wid's Weg's life and made her weep, day after day, until her guilty husband became surly and silent and unsociable. Louise now began to cultivate Thomas, but her progress was slow. Patsy seemed to be the old man's favorite, and for some reason he became glum and uncommunicative whenever Louise was around. The girls suspected that Nora had told her husband of the recent conversation in spite of her assertion that she wished to avoid all reference to their great trouble. Chapter 11 Chapter 11 of Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Cateen. Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum. Amateur Detectives Puzzling her brain what to do next, Louise suddenly decided to confide her secret to her two cousins. Not that she considered them capable of greater success than she could herself accomplish, but they might prove valuable assistance in the capacity of lieutenants. She had great respect for Beth's calm judgment and keen intuitions, and Patsy had a way of accomplishing difficult things with ease. The two girls listened to Louise with expressions of mingled wonder and amusement while she confided to them her first suspicions that Captain Weg had been murdered, and then the bits of information she had gathered to strengthen the surmise and assure her she was justified in her efforts to untangle the web of mystery. You see, my dears, she explained impressively, as the three lounged upon the grass in the shade of the right wing of the house. There's a very interesting story about these people that ought to guide us directly to a solution of the puzzle. A roving sea-captain marries a girl of good family in spite of the opposition of her relatives. His boatswain, a confidential servant, marries the girls made. The next thing we know is that a great trouble causes them to flee. Doubtless some crime committed by the captain, it may have been robbery or perhaps piracy on the high seas, who knows. Anyhow, he steals away to this forsaken spot, far from the sea or the railroads, and builds a fine house on a worthless farm showing that he has money, but that retirement is his main object. Here the Wegs make no friends, but the wife cries her eyes out until she dies miserably, leaving a son to the tender mercies of a wicked father. So fearful is he of discovery that he will not allow the boy to go to school but tries to educate him himself. Probably the captain's real name was not Weg at all, suggested Patsy, entering into the spirit of the relation. Probably not, dear. He would assume some name, of course, so that it might be more difficult to trace him, answered Louise. But now, mark me well, girls, and Nemesis was on the track of this wicked sinner. After many years, the man Captain Weg had wronged or stolen from or something, discovered his enemy's hiding place. He promptly killed the captain and probably recovered the money for its gone. Old Thompson, Ethel's grandfather, happened to be present. The murderer also took his money and—Oh, Louise! That isn't reasonable, objected Beth, who had been following the story carefully. Why not? Because you are making the wrong party as wicked as the man who wronged him. When the Avenger found his enemy, he might force him to give up his ill-gotten gains. I agree with you there. But he wouldn't be liable to rob Old Thompson, I'm sure. Beth is right, said Patsy Stoutly. But Old Thompson lost his money at the same time, you know. At least his money could never be found afterward. And I'm sure he was dealt some blow on the head that made him crazy, answered Louise positively. They thought that over. I believe I can explain it, girls, said Beth presently. The Avenger found Captain Weg all right, just as Louise has said. And when he found him, he demanded a restitution of his money, threatening to send a criminal to jail. That would be very natural, wouldn't it? Well, Captain Weg had spent a good deal of the money and couldn't pay it all back. So Ethel's grandfather, being his friend, offered to make up the balance himself rather than see his friend go to prison. That accounts for the disappearance of all the money. If that is so, observed Patsy, I don't see why the man, having got his money back, should murder one and knock the other on the head. It was a puzzle, they all acknowledged. And after discussing the matter from every conceivable standpoint, they were no nearer in explanation. That's the way with mysteries. They're often hard to understand. The only thing that occurs to me as being reasonable, said Louise finally, is that after the money was paid over, they got into a quarrel. Then the Avenger lost his temper and committed the murders. This talk about an Avenger is all guesswork, asserted Beth calmly. I don't believe the facts point to an Avenger at all. But the old crime, the great trouble. Oh, we'll allow all that, returned Beth, and I don't say that an Avenger wouldn't be the nicest person to exact retribution from the wicked Captain. But Avengers don't always turn up in real life when they ought two girls, so we mustn't be too sure that one turned up in this case. But how else can you count for the Captain's murder, objected Louise? Well, someone else might know he had money, and that Ethel's grandfather had money, too, was the reply. Suppose the robbery and murder had nothing to do with the old crime at all, but that the murderer knew this to be a deserted place where he could make a good haul without being discovered. The two old men sat in the right wing, quite unsuspicious, when in walks Mr. Murderer chokes the Captain, knocks his friend on the brain-box and makes off with the money, continued Patsy gleefully. Oh, girls, I'm sure we've got it right this time. Louise reflected a moment. This country is almost a wilderness, she mused aloud, and few strangers ever come here. Besides, a stranger would not know positively that these two men had money. If we abandon the idea of an Avenger and follow Beth's clue, then the murder is still right here in Millville and unsuspected by any of his neighbors. Oh, Louise! With startled glances over their shoulders. Let us be sensible, reasoning girls, not silly things trying to figure out possible romances, continued Louise with a pretty and impressive assumption of dignity. Do you know, I feel that some angel of retribution has guided us to this lonely farmhouse and put the idea into my head to discover and expose dreadful crime. Suck a dash, cried Patsy, irrelevantly. You're romancing this minute, Louise. The way you figure things out, I wouldn't be surprised if you accused me or Uncle John any time during the next half-hour. Adopting your last supposition for the sake of argument, I'm interested to know what inhabitant of sleepy old Millville you suspect. Don't get flighty, Patricia, admonished Beth. This is a serious matter, and Louise is in earnest. If we're going to help her, we mustn't talk rubbish. Now it isn't a bad suggestion that we ought to look nearer home for the keyer to this mystery. There's old Hux. Hux! To be sure, no one knew so well as he the money affairs of the two men who were robbed. I'm ashamed of you, said Patsy. And the man's smile is a mask, exclaimed Louise. Oh, no, protested Patsy. My dear, no person who ever lived could smile every minute, winter and summer, rain or shine, day and night, and always have a reason for the smile. Of course not, agreed Beth. Old Hux is a curious character. I realized that when I had known him five minutes. But he's poor, urged Patsy in defense of the old man. He hasn't a penny in the world, and old McNutt told me if we turned Thomas and Nora away they'd have to go to the poor house. That is no argument at all, said Louise calmly. If we consider the fact that old Hux may be a miser and have a craving for money without any desire to spend it, then we are pretty close to a reason why he should bide his time and then murder his old master to obtain the riches he coveted. Mind you, I don't say Hux is guilty, but it is our duty to consider this face of the question. And then, added Beth, if Hux should prove to be a miser, it is easy to guess he would hide his wealth where he could secretly gloat over it and still continue to pose as a pauper. I don't believe it, said Patsy stoutly. You'll never make a successful detective if you allow your personal feelings to influence you, returned Louise. I too sincerely hope that Thomas is innocent, but we are not justified in acquitting him until we have made a careful investigation and watched his actions. I'm quite sure he's connected with the mystery in some way, said Beth. It will do no harm to watch old Hux as Louise suggests. And you might try to pump him, Patsy, and see if you can get him to talk of the murder. Some careless remark might give us just the clue we need and guide us to the real criminal. That would free Thomas from all suspicion, you see. But why do you ask me to do this, demanded Patsy? Thomas and I are good friends and I'd feel like a traitor to try to get him to confess a murder. If he is innocent you have done no harm, said her eldest and if he is guilty you don't want him for your friend. He likes your dear, added Beth, and perhaps he will tell you frankly all we want to know. There's another person, though, Louise, who might tell us something. Who's that? The little man with the golf ball eyes, McNutt. Now there's some sense in suspecting him, exclaimed Patsy. We know he's a robber already, and the man who is clever enough to sell Uncle John three lives of the saints would stick at nothing, I'm sure. He hasn't enough courage to commit a great crime, observed Beth, but he may give us some information Louise asserted, so I propose we walk over to town tomorrow morning and interview him. This was promptly agreed to, for even Patsy, the least enthusiastic detective of the three, was eager to find some sort of a solution to the wake mystery. Meantime they decided to watch Old Hawks very carefully. Beth happened to be present when Uncle John paid Thomas his weekly wage that evening, and was interested to notice how the old man's hand trembled with eagerness as he took the money. How much are you accustomed to receive, Uncle John had asked? Nothing tall, sir, since Captain Wegg died was the reply. We was glad enough to have a home, nor and me, without respecting wages. And there was no one here for you to serve, mused Uncle John, but in Captain Wegg's day how much did he give you? Thomas hesitated, and his smile faltered for an instant. My old master was also my friend, he said, in a low voice, and I asked him for little money because my needs were little. Well, the conditions are now different, remarked Uncle John carelessly, and while you are in my employ you shall have your wages regularly. Will ten dollars a week be satisfactory? Oh, sir, and five for Nora? You are too good, sir, I—I— Never mind, Thomas, if you want more at any time, let me know. It was then, as the old man took the fifteen dollars extended to him, that Beth noted a flash in the mild blue eyes and a trembling of the horny hands. Hux was very glad to get the money, there was little doubt of that. She spoke of this incident to Louise, and the following morning they tested the man again. All three girls being present, Beth tendered old Hux two dollars, saying it was intended as a slight mark of her appreciation of his attention. Thomas demuried it first, but when being urged, took the money with the same ego gesture he had before displayed. Louise followed with a donation of a like-sum, and had he gave the old man still another two dollar bill. This generosity so amazed him that tears stood in his eyes as he tried to thank them all. It was noticed that the smile did not give way even to the tears, although it was tinged with a pathetic expression that proved wonderfully affecting. He concealed the offerings with a stealthy motion, as if ashamed of his weakness in accepting them, and then hurried away to his work. Well said Louise when they were alone, is Thomas a miser or not. He clutched the money almost as if he loved it, observed Beth in amusing and slightly regretful tone. But think how poor he has been, pleaded Patsy, and how destitute both he and Nora are yet. Can we blame him for being glad to earn something substantial at last? Somehow that did not seem to explain fully the old man's behaviour, and the girl who had championed him side and then gave a sudden shiver as she remembered the awful suspicion that had fallen upon this strange individual. If the proof must be accepted that Hux had miserly instincts, had not Beth accidentally stumbled upon a solution to the whole mystery? But Patsy would not believe it. If Thomas's open countenance lied it was hard to put faith in anyone. End of CHAPTER XI. CHAPTER XII. The Baiting of Peggy McNutt. By this time the three nieces were so thoroughly impressed with the importance of the task they had undertaken that more ordinary things failed to interest them. Louise longed to solve the mystery. Beth wanted to punish the wrongdoers. Patsy yearned to exonerate the friends whom she imagined unjustly accused. Therefore, the triple alliance for detective purposes was a strong one. By mutual agreement they kept the matter secret from Uncle John, for they realised what a triumph it would be to surprise the old gentlemen with proofs of their cleverness. To confide in him now would mean that he would not be able to understand the nature of the school or good-natured railery, for Uncle John had not a grain of imagination or romance in his nature and would be unable to comprehend the delights of this secret investigation. Because he was in the dark, the significant looks and unnatural gravity of his nieces in the succeeding days puzzled the poor man greatly. What's wrong, girls, he would exclaim? We are having a splendid time and would not leave the farm for anything. And he often noticed them grouped in isolated places and conferencing in low, eager tones that proved something was up. He felt somewhat grieved that he was not their confidant, since these girls and their loyal affection for him constituted the chief joy of his life. When he put on his regulation-fishing costume and carried his expensive rod no longer induced one of his girls to accompany him. Even Patsy pleaded, laughingly, that she had certain fish to fry that were not to be found in the brook. Soon three nieces made their proposed visit to McNutt, their idea being to pump that individual until he was dry of any information he might possess concerning the wag mystery. They tramped over to the village after breakfast one morning and found the agent seated on the porch before his little bed. He was dressed in faded overalls, a checked shirt, and a broad-brimmed, cheap straw hat. His off-foot, as he called it with grim humor, was painted green, and his other foot was bare and might have been improved in colour. Both these extremities rested on the rail of the porch, while McNutt smoked a corn-cob pipe and stared at his approaching visitors with his disconcerting, protruding eyes. Good morning, Mr. McNutt, said Louise pleasantly. We've come to sell. The agent drew a long breath. He had at first believed they had come to reproach him for his cruel deception, for although his conscience was wholly dormant, he had at times been a bit uneasy concerning his remarkable book trade. Uncle is making a collection of the lives of the saints, announced patsy demurely. At present he has but three varieties of this work, one with several pages missing, another printed partly upside down, another broken corner. He is anxious to secure some further variations of the deluxe lives if you can supply them. Peggy's eyes couldn't stare any harder, so they just stared. I... I ain't got no more on hand, he stammered, fairly nonplussed by the remarkable statement. No more? Oh, how sad! How disappointed we are, said Beth. We were depending so much on you, Mr. McNutt, added Louise in a tone of gentle reproach. McNutt wiggled the toes of his good foot and regarded them reflectively. These city folks were surely the easiest marks he had ever come across. If you could wait a few days, he began hopefully. I might... Oh no, we cannot possibly wait a single minute, declared patsy. Unless Uncle can get the saints right away, he will lose interest in the collection, and then he won't care for them at all. McNutt sighed dismally. He had no chance to make good money by fleecing the lambs, yet he was absolutely unable to take advantage of it. You... you couldn't use any duck eggs, could you?" he said, a sudden thought seeming to furnish him with a brilliant idea. Duck eggs? I got the dumb, twistedest, extra fine lot of duck eggs you've ever seen. But what can we do with duck eggs, inquired Beth, wonderingly, while Patsy and Louise tried hard not to shriek with laughter? Why, set them under doubt. Sir, said Beth, I strongly disapprove of such deceptions. It seems to me that making a poor hen hatch out ducks under the delusion that they are chickens is one of the most cruel and treacherous acts that humanity can be guilty of. Imagine the poor thing's feelings when her children take to water. I'm surprised you could suggest such a wicked use for duck eggs. McNutt wiggled his toes again desperately. Can't use any sass-frass roots, can you? No, indeed. All we crave is the lives of the saints. Don't want to buy no land? What have you got to sell? Nothing just now. But if you'll buy, I can get most anything. Don't go to any trouble on our account, sir. We are quite content with our splendid farm. Shoo! That ain't no good. Captain Wigg thought it was, answered Louise, quickly seizing this opening, otherwise he would not have built so good a house upon it. The Captain were plum crazy, declared the agent emphatically. He didn't want a farm when he came here. He just wanted to hide. The girls exchanged quick glances of intelligence. Why? Why, repeated McNutt, that's a thing what's puzzled us for years, miss. Some thinks Wigg were a pirate. Some thinks he kidnapped that pretty wife of his and took her money. Some thinks he tried to rob old Will Thompson, and Will killed him and then went crazy as self. There's all sorts of things going round, but who knows? Don't you, Mr. McNutt? The agent was flattered by the question. As he had said, the Wigs had formed a chief topic of conversation in Millville for years, and no one had a more vivid interest in their history than Marshal McMahon McNutt. He enjoyed gossiping about the Wigs almost as much as he did selling books. I never thought I had no call to stick my nose into other folks' private bed after a few puffs at the corn cob pipe, but they can't hide much from Marshal McNutt when he has his eyes open. Patsy wondered if he could possibly close them. The eyelids seemed to be shy and retiring. I seen what I seen, continued the little man, glancing impressively at his attentive audience. I seen Captain Wig living without working, for he never lifted a hand to do even a chore. I seen him just sitting round and smoking his pipe in a glower and like the devil on everyone that come near. Say, once he ordered me off in his premises. Me! What a dreadful man, said Patsy. Did he buy any lives of the Saints? Not a life. He made Pearl Huck's fetch-and-carry for him every blessed minute and never paid him no wages. Are you sure? asked Louise. Sure as shooting. Huck's ain't never been seen to spend a cent in all the years he's been here. Hasn't he sold berries and fruit since the Captain's death? Just enough to pay the taxes, which ain't much. You see, young Joe were away and couldn't raise the tax money so old Huck's had to. But how they got enough to live on him and Nora beats me. Perhaps Captain Wig left some money, suggested Patsy. No. When Joe and Huck's ransacked the house after the Captain's death, they couldn't find a dollar. Curious. Plenty of money till he died, and then not a red cent. Curious or yet. Old Will Thompson's havens disappeared too and never could be located to this day. Were they robbed, do you suppose? asked Louise. Naturally. But who done it? Not old Huck's for he's too honest, and hasn't showed the color of a nickel since. Not Joe, cause he had to borrow five dollars of Bob West to get into the city with. Who then? Perhaps, said Louise slowly, some burglar did it. Ain't no burglar's round these parts? I suppose not. Only book agents, remarked Beth. McNutt flushed. Do you mean as I did it, he demanded angrily? Do you mean as I killed Captain Wig and drove all Will crazy, and robbed the house? His features were fairly contorted, and his colorless eyes rolled fearfully. If you did, said Beth coolly, you would be sure to deny it. I can prove alibi, answered the little man, calming down somewhat. I can prove my old woman had me locked up in the chicken coop that night cause I wouldn't split a lot of cordwood that was full of knots. He cast a half fearful glance over his shoulder toward the interior of the cottage. Next day I split him, he added mildly. Perhaps, said Louise again, someone who knew Captain Wig in the days before he came here followed him to his retreat, and robbed and murdered him. Now you've hit the nail on the head, cried the agent, slapping his fat thigh energetically. That's what I always claimed, even when Bob West just shook his head and smiled sort of superior like. Who's Bob West? asked Louise with interest. He's our Implement Man and Hardware Dealer. Bob were the only one of the Millerville folks that could get along with Captain Wig, and even he didn't manage to be any special friend. Bob's rich, you know. Rich as blazes. Folks do say he's worth ten thousand dollars, but it don't set Bob up any. He just minds his business and goes on selling plows and harvesters to the farmers and taking notes for him. And you say he knew Captain Wig well, inquired Patsy. Better than most folks round here did. Once or twice a year the Captain would go to Bob's office and sit around and smoke his pipe. Sometimes Bob would go to the farm and spend an evening, but not often. Old Will Thompson might be said to be the only friend the Captain really hankered for. I'd like to meet Mr. West, said Louise, casting a shrewd look at her cousins, for here was another clue unearthed. He's in his store now, remarked McNutt. Last building on the left, you can't miss it. Thank you. Good morning, sir. Can't use any buttermilk or Dutch cheese? No, thank you. McNutt stared after them disconsolately. These girls represented so much money that ought to be in his pockets, and they were, moreover, innocent as turtledoves. But he could think of no way to pluck their golden quills, or even to arrest their flight. Well, let him go, he muttered. This thing ain't ended yet. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of Arn James Nessus at Millville This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Ted Nugent Arn James Nessus at Millville by Al Frank Payam Chapter 13 Bob West's Hardware Dealer A few steps down the little street, both the girls do the hardware store, or the most imposing building in town. They cross the Bob platform on which stood samples of heavy farm machinery and entered a well- stocked room where many articles of hardware and house furnishings were neatly and systematically arranged. The place seemed deserted. For at that time of day, no country people were at Millville, but on passing down the aisle, the visitor approached the little office built at the rear of the store. Behind the desk, Bob West sat upon his high stool, greatly regarding his unusual customers over the reams of his spectacles. Good morning, said Louis, taking the lead. Having was two-pan, the merchant left the office and silently walked behind the counter. Large or small means, he then asked. The girl became interested in two pans, but they were scarcely able to recognize by their official name. Mr. West offered no comment as they met their selection. Can you send this to the work farm? Asked Louis, opening her purse to make payment. West smiled. I have no means of delivering goods, said he. But if he can wait to day or two, he will catch some farmer going that way, who may be in the sand to take it. Oh, do Captain Wake purchase his supplies in the village? Asked the girl. Some of them. But it is our custom here to take goods that we purchase home with us. As yet, Merville is scarcely large enough to require a delivery wagon. Mr. West loved pleasantly and Beth said, Are you an old inhabitant, Mr. West? I have been here 35 years. The new new Captain Wake, Louis Venture. Very well. The answer was so frank and free from embarrassment that his questioner hesitated. Here was the man, wildly superior to the others they had interviewed, a man of keen intellect and worldly knowledge, who would be instantly on his guards if he suspected they were cross-examining him. So, Louis, with her usual types, decided to speak plainly. We're not much interested in the history of the Wake family, easily. And perhaps it is natural for us to speculate concerning the characters of our predecessors. It was so what that Captain Wake should build so good a house on such a poor farm. Yes. And he was a sea captain who retired far from the sea, which he must have lived, to be sure. It made him self-defined, they say, as well as surly and unshowsable. But he stuck it out even after his poor wife died and until the day of the murder. Murder? In a told mind surprise. Was it not murder? She asked quickly. He gave his shoulders a quiet shrug. The physician pleased, I believe. What physician? Hey, one who was fishing in the neighborhood for drugs and staying at the hotel, all Dr. Jackson was in Huntington at the time, I remember. The girls exchanged significant glasses and last noted them and smiled again. That murder theory was a new one to me, he said. But I see now why it originated. The employment of a strolling physician would give color to the suspicion. What do you think, sir? Asked Pessie who had been watching the man's expression closely. I, what do I think? Why? That captain would die from heart disease as he had often told me he was sure to do in time. Then what made all Mr. Thompson go mad in quiet bath? The shock of his friend's sudden death. He may be mentally unbalanced for some time previous. Not quite mad, you understand? But showing by his actions at times that his brain was affected. Can you explain what became of their money? Asked Louis abruptly. West gave a start but collected himself in an instant and covered the action with another shrub. I cannot say what became of their money, he answered. It struck both Beth and Louis that his tone indicated he would not rather than that he could not say. Before they had time to ask another question, he continued. Will you take the saucepan with you then? Or shall I try to sand it in a day or so? Will you take it if you please? Answered Louis. But as he wrapped it into a neat puzzle she made one more effort. What sort of a young man was Joseph Wick? Joe? A mere boy. Blind and unsettled. A blind boy in his way and ambitious to have a part in the big world. He is there now I believe. He spoke with an air of relief and handed Louis the puzzle. Thank you young ladies. Pray call again if I can be of service to you. He added in a brisk tone. They had no recourse but to walk out which they did without further words. Indeed, they were all through silence until they had left the village far behind and were half way to the farm. Then Pessie said inquiringly Well girls we have progressed announced Louis seriously today. Several things are impressed upon my mind replied the girl. One is Mocknuts observed in Dignation when he thought we hinted that he was the murderer. What do you make of that? Carrot Pessie. It suggests that he knows something of the murderer even if he is himself that is another absurdity. Then that the generated old hoax said Pessie relieved. Oh not at all Hoax may have committed the deeds and Mocknuts knows about it or they might have been partners in the crime. What else have you learnt Louis asked Beth that the man best knows how to become of the money. He seems like a very respectable man asserted Pessie hourly years but I don't like the cold calculating expression in his eyes he is the rich man of this neighborhood do you suppose he acquired the fortune honestly in this forsaken district where everyone else is poor as the church miles seems to me said Pessie discontentedly that the plot thickens as they say in novels if we interview many more people we shall find ourselves suspecting an army not at all my dear replied Louis coldly from our present knowledge the murder lies between the unknown Avenger and Hoax the possibility that Mocknut they simply kept it this Avenger may be the stranger who posed as a physician and said Captain Wake died of heart disease in order to prevent the simple people from suspecting a murder his fishing was all obliged perhaps Mocknut was his accomplice thus the earrings care grow would do anything for money to the robbery if Hoax did the murder he took the money and perhaps West the hardware dealer knows this or West may have arrived at the house after the mysterious stranger committed the deeds and robbed the two men himself and perhaps he didn't said Pessie skeptically do you know girls I'd like to find Joe Wake he could put us right I'm sure Joe yes why don't we suspect him for something or Ethel or old Nora do be sensible Pessie said Beth impatiently but Louis walked on away in silence presently she remarked I'm glad you mentioned Joe Wake the boy gives me an idea that may reconcile many conflicting suspicions in what way Louis I'll tell you when I've thought it out she replies end of chapter 13 chapter 14 of Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Philip Griffiths Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum chapter 14 the major is puzzled Ethel came frequently to visit the girls at the Wegfarm and at such times Uncle John treated her with the same affectionate consideration he bestowed upon his nieces and made her so cordially welcome that the little school teacher felt entirely at her ease the girls did not confide to Ethel their investigation of the Weg mystery but in all other matters gave her their full confidence together they made excursions to the falls to the natural caves on the Rocky Hill called Mount Parnassus or road on the lake or walked or drove as the mood seized them but mostly they loved the shade of the pines and the broad green beside the quaint mansion Captain Weg had built and which now contained all the elements of a modern summer home once Louise asked Ethel casually if she knew what great trouble had come to Hux and his wife in their early life but the girl frankly answered that the old people had never referred to anything of the kind in her presence finally a telegram announced the arrival of Major Doyle to join the party at the farm Patsy was in the seventh heaven of delight and drove Joe over to the junction to meet her father on the arrival of the morning train the Major was a prime favourite with all the party and his coming infused new life into the household he was the type of educated polished open-hearted Irish gentleman it is always a delight to meet and Uncle John beamed upon his brother-in-law in a way that betokened a hearty welcome it was a source of much satisfaction to lug the Major over the farm and prove to him how wise Mr. Merrick had been in deciding to spend the summer on his own property and the Major freely acknowledged that he had been in error and that the place was as charming as anyone could wish it was a great treat to the grizzled old warrior to find himself in the country away from every responsibility of work and he promised himself a fortnight of absolute rest with the recreation of beholding his beloved Patsy as often as he pleased of course the girl would tell her father about the Weg mystery Patsy had a habit of telling him everything therefore the cousins decided to take the Major freely into their confidence so as to obtain the benefit of his opinion that could not be done the first day of course for on that day Uncle John insisted on displaying the farm and afterward carrying the Major a willing prisoner to watch him fish in the brook but on the following morning the girl surrounded Patsy's father and with solemn faces recounted their suspicions the important clues they had unearthed and their earnest desire to right the great wrong that had been done by apprehending the criminal the Major smoked his after breakfast cigar and listened attentively the story told consecutively was quite impressive in spite of his long experience in buffeting the world the old soldier's heart was still as simple as that of a child and the recital awakened his sympathies at once "'Tis evident, my children,' said he in his quaint way that you've stumbled on the inside of a crime that doesn't show on the outside many of the things you mention are so plain that he who runs may read but I've remarked that it's just the things you don't suspect in real life that prove to be the most important that is true Major commented Louise at first it was just to amuse ourselves that we became amateur detectives but the developments are so startling and serious that we now consider it our duty to uncover the whole dreadful crime in the interest of justice just so he said nodding but I'm sure old Hux's innocent declared Patsy emphatically then he is asserted the Major for Patsy's always right even when she's wrong I've had me eye on that man Hux already for he's the merriest faced villain I ever encountered do you say he's shy with you girls he seems afraid of us or suspicious and won't let us talk to him answered Beth leave him to me proposed the Major but twinkling eyes upon the group to be my task to detect him leave him to me young woman and I'll put the thumb screws on him in short order here was the sort of energetic confederate they had longed for the Major's assurance of cooperation was welcome indeed and while he entered heartily into their campaign of the affair ought to reach Uncle John's ears until the case was complete and they could call upon the authorities to arrest the criminal it's me humble opinion he remarked that the interesting individual you call the Avenger was put on the trail by someone here either Thomas Hux or the Timbertoed book agent or the respectable hardware man being invited to come and do his worst he passed himself as a doctor on a fishing excursion and having with deliberate intent murdered Captain Wegg got himself called by the coroner to testify that the victim died of heart disease a very pretty bit of scoundrelism eh my dears but the robber who do you think he was that I've still to discover you inform me that Hux is eager for money and acts like a miser I've seen the time I was eager for money myself and there's not a miserly hair on my bald head but exceptions prove the rule I'll watch our smiling Thomas and make a report later within half an hour he was telling Hux a funny story and slapping the old man upon the back as familiarly as if he had known him for years he found an opportunity that same day to give Thomas a dollar in return for a slight service and was amazed at the eagerness with which the coin was clutched and the earnestness of the thanks expressed it really did seem as if the man was fond of money but when the major tried to draw Hux into speaking of his past history and of Captain Wegg's singular life and death the old fellow became reserved at once and evaded the inquiries most skillfully that night as the major strolled in the orchard to smoke his last cigar after all the others had retired to bed he noticed Hux leave the back door of the lean-to with a parcel under his arm and pass hurriedly around the barn after a little hesitation he decided to follow the man and crept stealthily along in the shadow of the trees and buildings until he found himself at the edge of the berry patch that was in the rear of the out-buildings but there he paused irresolutely for Thomas had completely disappeared the major was puzzled but decided to watch for the man's return so he took a position where he could watch the rear door of the house and smoked patiently for nearly an hour before Hux returned and let himself quietly in he said nothing to the girls next day of this mysterious proceeding but on the following night again took his station in the orchard to watch sure enough as soon as the house was quiet the old servant came out with a bundle underneath his arm but this time he led his blind wife by the other hand the major gave a low whistle and threw away his cigar the night was so dark that he had little difficulty in following the aged pair closely enough to keep their shadowy forms in sight without the risk of being discovered they passed around the barn and along a path that led through the raspberry bushes back of the yard there were several acres of these bushes and just now they were full-leaved and almost shoulder high the path wound this way and that and branched in several directions twice the major thought he had lost his quarry but was guided right by their soft footfalls the ground dipped here and there and as they entered one of the hollows major Doyle was startled to observe the twinkle of a dim light ahead a minute later he saw the outlines of a little frame building and within this old hux and Nora presently disappeared End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Philip Griffiths Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum Chapter 15 The Man in Hiding Cautiously the major approached the cabin which seemed to have been built as a place for the berry pickers to assemble and pack their fruit it was constructed of rough boards and had a little window in the side nearest the dwelling house and a door on the opposite side creeping near to the window the major obtained a clear view of the interior upon a dilapidated wicker satay which had one end propped with a box partially reclined the form of a man whose right arm was in splints and supported by a sling while his head was covered with plasters and bandages the man's back was towards the window but from his slender form and its graceful poise the major imagined him young Old Nora held the left hand of this mysterious person in a warm clasp bending now and then to press a kiss upon it while Hux busied himself opening the parcel he had bought and arranging various articles of food on a rickety stand at the head of the couch the old man's smile was more benevolent and cheery than ever and his actions denoted that strange suppressed eagerness the major had marked when he had taken the money the three spoke little and intoned so low that the spy outside the window failed to catch them soon the injured man began to eat feeding himself laboriously with his left hand but his hunger was quickly satisfied and then he lay back wearily upon his pillows while Nora tenderly spread a coverlet over him after this the old couple did not linger long poured some water from a jug into a tumbler glanced around a little room to see that everything was in order and then after he and Nora had both kissed the bandaged forehead blew out the candle and retired the major crouched low in the berry bushes until the couple had passed by then he rose and thoughtfully followed after them whatever Pat's father might have thought of the Weg Farm as a mystery before this adventure convinced him that the girls were not altogether foolish in imagining a romance connected with the place and notwithstanding Pat's loyal defence of old Hux he was evidently tangled up in the affair to a large extent and could explain if he chose much that was now puzzling the girl detectives after careful thought the major decided to meet Uncle John at this juncture rather than in the nieces since the latest developments were more fitted for a man's interference by good fortune the girls had an engagement the next day and set out together in the Surrey to visit Ethel Thompson and lunch with her in the Rosebower which was the pride of the little school teacher's garden as soon as they were gone the major hunted up Uncle John and said come with me sir I won't, was the brisk reply I'm going fishing and whoever wishes my society must come with me you'll not catch anything fishing but you're very liable to catch something as you follow my lead said the major meaningly what's up Gregory I'm not sure what it is John and then he carefully explained his discovery that an injured man was occupying the cabin in the berry patch and seemed to be the object of the Huck's tender care it's the secrecy of the thing that astounds me most sir he added if all was open and aboveboard I'd think little enough of it Uncle John's kindly interest was at once aroused and he proposed that they go directly to the cabin and interview the man in hiding Huck's being at the time busy in the barn the two men sauntered into the berry patch without being observed and then walked briskly along the winding paths until they sighted the building pausing at the window they saw the man still reclining upon his cot and holding in his left hand a book one of Pats's the major observed which he was quietly engaged in reading then they moved around to the door which Uncle John pushed open without hesitation the two men entered and stood gazing down upon the strange occupant of the place good morning said Mr. Merrick while the major nodded a greeting the man half arose moving stiffly pardon me sirs he said rather startled at the interruption I regret that I am physically unable to receive you with more courtesy the major gazed into the partially bandaged face glimmer of awakening recognition hmm ah if I am not mistaken said he it's Joseph Weg oh is it? asked Uncle John looking upon the young man curiously what's happened to you Joseph just an automobile accident sir the steering gear broke and we went over an embankment I see are you Mr. Merrick sir yes I owe you an apology for intruding upon your premises in this way and beg you to forgive the seeming impertinence but I've been rather unlucky of late sir and without this refuge I don't know what would have become of me I will explain if you will permit me Uncle John nodded after I had squandered the money you paid me through major Doyle for this farm to protect a patent I had secured I was forced to become a chauffeur to earn my livelihood I understand automobiles you know and obtained employment with a wealthy man who considered me a mere part of his machine when the accident occurred through no fault of mine I was fortunately the only person injured but my employer was so incensed over the damage to his automobile that he never even sent to inquire whether I lived or died at a charity hospital they tried to mend my brakes and tinker up my anatomy my shoulder blade was shattered my arm broken in three places and four ribs were crashed in the wounds in my head are mere abrasions of the scalp and not serious but it has taken me a long time to mend I did stuffy hospital got on my nerves and worried me being penniless and friendless I wrote to Thomas and asked him if he could find a way to get me to the old farm for I never imagined you would yourself take possession of the deserted place you had bought Thomas and Nora have cared for me since I was born you know and the old man was greatly distressed by the knowledge of my sad condition he did not tell me you were here for fear I would hesitate to come but he sent me the money you had given him and Nora for wages together with all that the young ladies had kindly given him I was thus enabled to leave the hospital which I had come to detest and journeyed to my old home I arrived at the junction on a night train and Thomas met me with your sorry drove me here under cover of darkness and concealed me in this out of the way place hoping you would not discover me I regret that I was thus foisted upon you believe me sir but being here I have no means of getting away again Thomas Hux has had little worldly experience and cannot realise the full extent of the imposition he has practised he feeds me from your table and is hoarding up his money for me against the time I shall have recovered sufficiently to leave I think that is the full explanation Mr. Merrick again Uncle John nodded how are you he asked doing fine sir I can walk a little and my appetite is improving the doctor said my shoulder would never be very strong again but I am beginning to hope they were mistaken my ribs seem all right and in another ten days I shall remove the splints from my arm you have no medical attendance not since I left the hospital but I imagined his pure bracing air is better for me than a dozen doctors was the cheerful reply and what are your future plans the young man smiled he was little more than the boy but his questioner noticed that he had a fine manly face and his eye was clear and steadfast nothing further than to get to work again as soon as I am able to undertake it he said Uncle John looked thoughtfully and drummed with his fingers upon the little table Joseph he remarked presently I bought this farm at a price altogether too small considering its value the boy flushed please do not say that I am well aware that I virtually robbed you and my only is that I believed I would win my fight and be able to redeem the place but that is over now and you must not think that because I am ill and helpless I am an object of charity poo said the little man aren't you accepting charity from old Hux but he stands as a second father to me he is an old retainer of my family and one of my ambitions is to secure a home for him and Nora in their old age now I do not feel at all embarrassed in accepting money or assistance from Thomas young man said Uncle John sternly one of the follies of youth is the idea of being independent of the good will of your fellow creatures every person who lives is dependent on some other person for something or other and I will not allow you to make a fool of yourself by refusing to let me take you in hand your brain is affected it is not you are mentally unbalanced and need a guardian that's me you are helpless and cannot resist so you're my prisoner dare to defy me dare to oppose my wishes in any way and I'll have you put in a straight jacket and confined in a padded cell understand me sir Joseph Wegg looked into the little man's round face until the tears filled his own eyes and blurred his vision won't you protect me major Doyle he asked weekly not I said the major stoutly this brother-in-law of mine who connected himself with me without asking permission is a perfect demon when round and are not meddle with any opposition to his desires if you value your life and happiness Joseph Wegg you'll accept Mr. Merrick as a guardian until he resigns of his own accord and then it's likely you'll wish he hadn't I don't deserve began the young man brokenly but Uncle John quickly interrupted him no one deserves anything said he but everyone gets something or other nevertheless in this veil of tears if you'll kindly remember that you've no right to express an opinion in the presence of your guardian we'll get along better together now then you're going to leave here because the place is not comfortable my guests fill every room in my house so you can't go there but the hotel in Millville is a cheerful looking place and I've noticed some vine covered windows that indicate pleasant and sunny rooms major go and tell Huck's to hitch that groaning bulky Daniel to the ancient buggy then to drive this young man over to the hotel we'll walk the major started at once and Uncle John continued I don't know whether this arrangement suits you or not Joseph but it suits me and as a matter of fact is none of your business feel able to take a ride the boy smiled gratefully yes indeed Mr. Merrick said he and was shrewd enough not to venture a word of thanks end of chapter 15 chapter 16 of Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Philip Griffiths Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum chapter 16 a matter of speculation old Huck's still smiling but dreadfully nervous over the discovery of Joe and Mr. Merrick's sudden activity in the boy's behalf speedily harness Daniel and induce the reluctant steed to amble down the path to the cabin leaning on Uncle John's arm the invalid walked to the buggy and was assisted to mount to the seat beside Thomas then away they started and although Dan obeyed Huck's more willingly than any other driver the major and Uncle John walked cross lots and reached the hotel a good 15 minutes in advance of the equipage the Millville hotel depended almost entirely for patronage upon the commercial travellers who visited the place periodically to sell goods to the merchants and these did not come too often because trade was never very energetic and orders never very large Bob West bordered at the hotel and so did Ned Long a farm hand who did sundry odd jobs for anyone who needed him and helped pay his keep by working for Mrs. Kebel when not otherwise engaged Mrs. Kebel was the landlady and a famous cook Kate Kebel, a slatteringly girl of 16 helped her mother do the work and waited on the table Chet Kebel, the landlord was a silent old man with billy goat whiskers and one stray eye which being constructed of glass usually assumed a slanting gaze and refused to follow the direction of its fellow Chet minded the billy odd room which was mostly patronized Saturday nights and did a meager business in fire insurance but he was a so eternal lazy and shiftless as Mrs. Kebel sharply asserted that he was considered more a hanger-on of the establishment than its recognized head the little rooms of the hotel were plainly furnished but maintained with exceptional neatness the one in the east corner of the second floor met with the approval of Uncle John and the major and was promptly engaged it was cheerful and sunny with outlooks on the lake and the village and contained a lounge as well as the bed when the invalid arrived he was assisted to this apartment and installed as its permanent occupant any baggage asked Mr. Merrick there's a small trunk lying at the junction said Joe but it contains little of importance well make yourself at home my boy and get well at your leisure remarked Uncle John Mrs. Kebel has promised to look after you and the major and I will stop in now and then and see how you progress then he went out engaged Nick Thorne to go to the junction for the boy's trunk and selected several things at the store that he thought might be useful to the invalid afterward he marched home again beside the major feeling very well pleased with his morning's work when the girls reached home late in the afternoon they were thrown into a state of great excitement by the news briefly related by their uncle that Joseph Weg had returned to Millville considerably smashed by an automobile accident and was now stopping at the village hotel for repairs they refrained from making remarks upon the incident until they were alone when the secret council of three decided to make Joe Weg's acquaintance as soon as possible to discover what light the young man might be able to throw upon the great mystery do you know girls said Louise impressively it almost seems as if fate had sent Joe Weg here to be an instrument in the detection of the murderer and robber of his poor father if Joe knew about it why didn't he track the villain down himself inquired Patsy perhaps he hasn't suspected the truth said Beth often those who are closely concerned with such tragedies do not observe the evidence of crime as clearly as outsiders where did you get that information demanded Patsy from one of an adorable Oppenheim's detective stories and said Beth seriously I've been reading up on such things lately detective stories said Louise reflectively are only useful in teaching us to observe the evidences of crime this case for example is so intricate and unusual that only by careful thought and following each thread of evidence to its end can we hope to bring the criminal to justice that seems to me conceited observed Miss Doyle composedly detective stories don't have to stick to facts or rather they can make the facts to be whatever they please so I don't consider them as useful as they are ornamental and this isn't a novel girls is mostly suspicion and slander you don't seem able to be in earnest about anything objected Beth turning a little red but I try to be said Patricia we're straying from the subject now under discussion remarked Louise I must say that I feel greatly encouraged by the sudden appearance of the Wegg boy he may know something of his father's former associates that will enable us to determine the object of the murder and who accomplished it catching Wegg was killed over three years ago suggested Miss Doyle recovering easily from her rebuff by this time the murderer may have died or moved to Madagascar he's probably living within our reach never suspecting that justice is about to overtake him asserted Louise we must certainly go to call upon this Wegg boy and draw from him such information as we can I am almost certain that the end is in sight we haven't any positive proof at all yet observed Patsy musingly we have plenty of circumstantial evidence returned Beth there is only one way to explain the facts we have already learned and the theory we have built up will be a hard one to overthrow the flight of Captain Wegg to this place his unhappy wife the great trouble that Old Norris hinted at there the great trouble ought to come first declared Louise it is the foundation upon which rest all the mysterious occurrence is following and once we have learned what the great trouble was the rest will be plain sailing I agree with you said Beth and perhaps Joseph Wegg will be able to tell us what the trouble was that ruined the lives of his parents as well as of Old Hux and his wife and caused them all to flee here to hide themselves it was not until the following morning that the Major found an opportunity to give the Confederates a solemn wink to indicate he had news to confide to them they gathered eagerly on the lawn and he told them of the finding of Joe Wegg in the isolated cabin and how Old Thomas and Nora loving the boy as well as if he had been their own child had sacrificed everything to assist him in his extremity so all you see may avenging angels that you run off the track in the Hux matter he added smiling at their bewildered faces perhaps he was delighted that this refutation of the slanderous suspicions that Thomas was a miser and his smiling face a mask to hide his innate villainy the other girls were somewhat depressed by the overthrow of one of their pet theories and reluctantly admitted that if Hux had been the robber of his master and Old Will Thompson he would not have striven so eagerly to get enough money to send to Joe Wegg but they pointed out that the old servant was surely hiding his knowledge of Captain Wegg's past and could not be induced to clear up that portion of the mystery which he had full knowledge of so while he might be personally innocent of the murder or robbery the police were confident he was attempting to shield the real criminal but who is the real criminal inquired Patsy let us consider answered Louise with a calm business like tone she adopted in these matters there is the strolling physician whom we call the unknown Avenger for one a second suspect is the man McNutt whose nature is so perverted that he would stick at nothing this third suspicious individual is Mr Bob West oh Louise, Mr West is so respectable and so prosperous exclaimed Patsy it's a far jump from McNutt to West added Beth leaving out Hux, continued Louise her eyes sparkling with a delightful excitement of maintaining her theories against Odds here are three people who might have been concerned in the robbery or murder two of them are under our hands perhaps Joseph Wegg may be able to tell us where to find the third they pleaded so hard with the major to take them to call upon the injured youth that very day that the old gentleman consented and without telling Uncle John of their plans they drove to Millville in the afternoon and alighted at the hotel the major went first to the boys room and found him not only very comfortable but bright and cheerful in mood at this rate sir he said smilingly I shall be able to discharge my garden in quick time I'm twice the man I was yesterday I bought some young leads to call upon you announced the major, will you see them Joe flushed at first remembering his plastered skull and maimed condition but he could not well refuse to receive his callers whom he guessed to be the three girls old Hux had praised him so highly it will give me great pleasure sir he replied an invalid is usually of interest to women so it is no wonder that the three young ladies were at once attracted by the bright faced boy who reclined upon his couch before the vine covered windows they thought of Ethel too and did not marvel that the girl grieved over the loss of this friend of her childhood Joe had to recount the adventure with the automobile which led to his injuries and afterward give an account of his life in the hospital that led naturally to the timely assistance rendered him by the faithful Thomas so that Louise was able to broach the subject nearest her heart we've been greatly interested in your old servants whom we acquired with the farm it seems and all of us admire their simplicity and sincerity she began nor is it dear added Beth and Thomas is so cheerful that his smile is enough to vanquish the hoax of the right sort and no mistake declared the major taking his cue from the others this praise evidently delighted the boy they could have found no more direct way to win his confidence nor was my mother's maid from the time she was a mere girl said he and Thomas sailed with my father many years before I was born they were a little surprised to hear him speak so frankly but Louise decided to take advantage of the opening afforded her nor has told us that some great trouble came to them years ago a trouble that also affected your own parents but they do not wish to talk about it to us his face clouded no indeed said he their loving old hearts have never recovered from the blow would you like to know their history it is a sad story and pitiful but I'm sure you would understand and appreciate my old friends better after hearing it their hearts fairly jumped with joy would they like to hear the story was it not this very clue which they have been blindly groping for to enable them to solve the mystery of the wed crime the boy marked their interest and began his story at once while the hearts of the three girls sang gladly at last at last Chapter 16 Chapter 17 of Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum Chapter 17 Joe tells of the great trouble As a young man my father was a successful sea captain said the boy and before he was thirty owned a considerable interest in the ship he sailed Thomas Hux was his boatswain an honest and able seaman in whom my father became much interested Hux was married and his wife was an attendant Carter a wealthy ship chandler of Edmonton the port from which my father's ship sailed Thomas had some difficulty in enjoying his wife's society when on shore because old Carter did not want him hanging around the house so Captain Wegg good-naturedly offered to intercede for him Carter was a gruff and disagreeable man and although my father had been a good customer he refused his request and threatened to discharge Nora which he did this made Captain Wegg angry and he called upon Mary Carter whose special attendant Nora had been to ask her to take the girl back Mary was a mild young lady who dared not oppose her father but the result of the interview was that the sea captain and Mary Carter fell mutually in love during the next two or three years whenever the ship was in port the lovers frequently met by stealth at the cottage of Mrs. Hux a little place Thomas had rented here my father and mother were finally married meantime Nora had a son a fine young chap I've heard and presently my mother who had a little fortune of her own plucked up enough courage to leave her father's roof and took up her abode in a pretty villa on the edge of a bluff overlooking the sea Nora came to live with her again bringing her child and the two women were company for one another while their husbands were at sea in course of time my mother had two children a girl and a boy and because the Hux boy was considerably older than they he took care of them to a great extent they were always together their favourite playground was on the beach at the foot of the bluff and before young Tom was ten years old he could swim like a duck and manage a boat remarkably well the Weg children having something of their mother's timid nature perhaps were not so adventurous but they seldom hesitated to go wherever Tom led them one day while my mother was slightly ill and Nora was attending to her Tom disobeyed the commands that had been given him and took his younger companions out on the ocean for a ride in his boat no one knows how far they went or exactly what happened to them but a sudden school sprang up and the children being missed my mother insisted ill as she was in running down to the shore to search for her darlings braving the wind and drenched by rain the two mothers stood side by side peering into the gloom while brave men dared the waves to search for the missing ones the body of the girl was first washed ashore and my mother rocked to the lifeless form in her arms until her dead son was laid beside her then young Tom's body was recovered and the horror was complete when my father arrived three days later he not only found himself bereaved of the two children he had loved so tenderly but his young wife was raving with brain fever and likely to follow her babies to the grave during that terrible time Nora who could not forget that it was her own adventurous son who had led three children to their death went suddenly blind from grief the doctor said my father pulled his wife back to life by dint of careful nursing but whenever she looked at the sea she would scream with horror so it became necessary to take her where the cruel sound of the breakers could never reach her ears I think the grief of Tomas and Nora was scarcely less than that of my own parents both men had suffered so severely that they were willing to abandon the sea and devote their lives to comfort in their poor wives Captain Weg sold all his interests and his wife's villa and brought the money here where he established a home amid entirely different surroundings he was devoted to my mother I have heard and when she died soon after my birth the captain seemed to lose all further interest in life and grew morose and unsociable with all his fellow creatures that young ladies is the story of what Tomas and Nora call their great trouble and I think it is rightly named because it destroyed the happiness of two families I was born long after the tragedy but its shadow has saddened even my own life when the boy had finished with emotion as he uttered the last words his auditors were much affected by the sad tale Patsy was positively weeping and the major blew his nose vigorously and advised his daughter to dry up and be sensible Beth's great eyes stared compassionately at the young fellow and even Louise for the moment allowed her sympathy to outweigh the disappointment of seeing her carefully constructed theory of crime topple over like the House of Cards it was there was now no avenger to be discovered because there had been nothing to avenge the simple yet pathetic story accounted for all the mystery that in her imagination enveloped the life and death of Captain Weg but stay how did your father die she asked softly through the heart trouble from which he had suffered for years and which had obliged him to lead a very quiet life was the reply that was one of the things which after my mother's death helped sour his disposition he could not return to the sea again because he was told that any sudden excitement was likely to carry him off and indeed that was exactly what happened how is that sir asked the major it is more difficult to explain than the first of the story replied the boy thoughtfully gazing through the window perhaps I do not understand it so well our simple life here never made much of an inroad into my father's modest fortune for our wants were few but Captain Weg was a poor man of business having been a sailor during all his active life his only intimate friend an honest bluff old farmer named Will Thompson was as childish regarding money matters as my father but had a passion for investments and induced my father to join some of his schemes Mr. Thompson's mind was somewhat erratic at times but keen in some ways nevertheless fearing to trust his judgment entirely my father chose to lean upon the wisdom and experience of a shrewd merchant of Millville named Robert West the hardware dealer asked Louise impulsively yes I see you have met him replied Joseph Weg with a smile at the eager pretty face of his visitor Bob West was a prosperous man and very careful about his own investments so he became a sort of business advisor to my father Mr. Thompson and arbitrated any differences of opinion they might have for several years due to West's good offices the two oddly mated friends were successful in their ventures and added to their capital finally West came to them himself with a proposition he had discovered a chance to make a good deal of money in an extensive pine forest near Armacareau just across the border in Canada West had taken an option on the property when he found by accident that the Pierce Lane lumber company was anxious to get hold of the tract and cut the timber on a royalty that would enable the owners to double their investment hold on a jiffy cried the major excitedly did I understand you to say lumber company that was the firm sir I used to overhear my father and will Thompson talking about this matter but I must admit my knowledge is somewhat imperfect because I never was allowed to ask questions I remember learning the fact that West had not enough money to swing his option and so urged his friends to join him relying upon West's judgment they put all their little fortunes into the deal although Thompson grumbled at doing so because he claimed he had another investment that was better and this matter of West's would prevent him from undertaking it the Armaco tract was purchased and a contract made with the lumber company to cut the timber and pay them a royalty of so much a thousand feet yet although the prospects for profit seemed so good I knew that for some reason both my father and Thompson were dissatisfied with the deal and this may be accounted for by the fact that every penny of their money was tied up in one investment West used to come to the house and argue with them that the property was as safe as the Bank of England and then old Will would tell him how much more he could have made out of another investment he had in mind so that the coolness grew up between West and the others that gradually led to their estrangement I can well remember the evening when Bob West's pretty financial bubble burst Thompson and my father were sitting together in the right wing smoking solemnly and exchanging a few words as was their custom when West arrived with a white face and a newspaper under his arm I was in the next room lying half asleep upon the sofa when I heard West cry despairingly RUINED RUINED RUINED I crept to the half open door then and looked in both men were staring open-mouthed and half dazed at West who was explaining in a trembling voice that a terrible forest fire had swept through the Armaco section and wiped out every tree upon the property he had the full account in the newspaper and had begun reading it when my father uttered a low moan and tumbled off his chair to the floor Will Thompson gave a wild cry and knelt beside him my god he's dead Bob he's dead and you've killed him with your good news he screamed already raving and then old huck ran in just in time to prevent the madman from throttling West for his fingers were even then twined around Bob's throat there was a desperate struggle and I remember that scared as I was I joined Thomas in trying to pull Thompson off his prey but suddenly old Will threw up his arms and toppled backward still raving like a demon but unable to move his body from the waist downward West helped us to put him in bed and said he was paralyzed which afterward proved to be the truth also his mind was forever gone and I think it was father's death that did that rather than the loss of his money they were all staring white faced at the speaker most of the mystery was being cleared away indeed there was no little of mystery remaining at all West hurried after a doctor continued Joe who was almost as much absorbed in his story as were his listeners and spoken a reflective musing way and he succeeded in finding one who was stopping for a few days at the hotel poor Bob was very kind to us in our trouble and I never heard him mention a word about his own losses which must have been severe after the funeral was over and I found I had nothing to inherit but the farm decided to go to the city and make my way there as I had long wished to do West gave me a little money to start me on my way and the rest of my story is not very interesting to anybody Major Doyle knows something of it after the time when I got through my technical school by working as a servant to pay for my instruction I am a failure in life so far young ladies I will try to do better in the future God cried the Major approvingly as he took the boys left hand in both his own and pressed it you are developing the right spirit Joseph Milad and will think no more about the sadness of the past but look forward to the joy of your future of course said Patsey, nodding gravely Joe Weg is bound to be a great man some day End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18 of Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Aunt Jane's nieces at Millville by L. Frank Baum Chapter 18 The Locked Cubbered Louise and Beth returned to the farm in dismal silence every prop had been knocked from beneath their carefully erected temple of mystery now there was no mystery at all in a few words Joe Weg had explained everything and explained all so simply and naturally that Louise felt like sobbing with the bitterness of a child deprived of its pet plaything the band of self-constituted girl detectives had been put out of business as Patsey said because the plain fact had developed that there was nothing to detect and never had been there had been no murder no robbery, no flight or hiding on the part of the Wegs to escape an injured enemy nothing even mysterious in the light of the story they had just heard it was dreadfully humiliating and thoroughly disheartening for all their earnest endeavour to investigate a crime that had never been committed Uncle John rallied his nieces on their somber faces at the dinner table and was greatly amused when the major despite the appealing looks directed at him gave Mr. Merrick a brief resume of the afternoon's developments well I declare said the little man merrily didn't I warn you Louise about the new farm how you foolish girls could ever have imagined such a carnival of crime in connection with the Wegs is certainly remarkable I don't know about that sir returned the major seriously I was myself inoculated with the idea and for a while I considered myself and the girls the equals of all the Pinkertons in the country and when you come to think of it the history of poor Captain Weg and his wife and Thomas as well is out of the ordinary entirely and without the explanation contained all the elements of a first-class mystery how did you say the Wegs lost their money inquired Uncle John turning the subject because he saw that it embarrassed his nieces why forest fires at Almakul in Canada burned down the timber they'd bought replied the major and by the way John you're interested in that matter yourself what do you mean Lumber Company in which you own a lot of stock had contracted to cut the timber on a royalty how long ago three years sir well we've been cutting timber at Almakul ever since said Mr. Merrick Louise dropped her fork with a clatter disclosing in this well-bred young lady an unusual degree of excitement then there is something to detect she cried hey what do you mean if you've been cutting timber at Almakul for three years the trees couldn't have burned down Louise declared triumphantly that is evident said the major dryly I've had it in my mind Louise to take that matter up for investigation but you're so imbued with the detective spirit that there's no heading you off a trail before the dessert comes on announced Uncle John impressively I want to make a statement you folks have tried your hands at the detective business and made a mess of it now it's my turn I'll be a detective for three days and if I don't succeed better than you did young women we'll mingle our tears in all humility eh major put me in the bunch sir said the old soldier I was as bad as any of them and go ahead in your own way if you like it's my humble opinion John that you're no Sherlock Holmes but you won't believe it until you satisfy yourself of the fact next morning the loungers around Sam Cotting's store were thrown into a state of great excitement when the Nabob came over from the Weg farm and held the long distance telephone for more than an hour while he talked with people in New York the natives knew that their telephone which was built into a small booth at one end of the store next the post office boxes was part of a system that made it possible for one to talk to those in far away cities often the country people would eye the mysterious looking instrument with awe and whisper to each other of its mighty powers but no one had ever before used it to telephone farther than the junction and then only on rare occasions it'll cost a heap of money Sam said McNutt uneasily while Uncle John was engaged in his remarkable conversation they could see him in the booth through the little window it will Mack was a solemn reply but the full Nabob may as well spend it that way as any other it's mighty little of his capital or surplus gets into my cash drawer and that's a fact Uncle John came from the booth perspiring but smiling and happy he walked across the street to see Joe Weg and found the youth seated in a rocking chair and looking quite convalescent but he had company in a chair opposite sat a man neatly dressed with a thin intelligent face a stubby grey moustache and shrewd eyes covered by horn-rimmed spectacles good morning Mr. Merrick said Joe cheerly this is Mr. Robert West one of the Millville merchant who is an old friend of our family I've heard of Mr. West and I'm glad to meet him replied Uncle John looking at the other calmly but not offering to shake hands I believe you are the president and treasurer of the Armaco Timber Tractor Company are you not? Joseph looks startled and then embarrassed as he overheard the question West without altering his position of carelessness glanced over the rims of his glasses at the speaker I am the humble individual you refer to Mr. Merrick he said briefly but the Armaco Timber all burned down remarked Joe thinking an explanation was needed that's a mistake returned Mr. Merrick my company has paid Mr. West as treasurer of his company more than $50,000 during the last three years West's jaw dropped your company he exclaimed as if mystified yes I own the controlling interest in the Pierce Lane Lumber Company which has the contract to cut your timber answered Mr. Merrick the hardware dealer slowly arose and glanced at his watch I must get back to my store he said you are somewhat in error about your company Mr. Merrick but I suppose your interests are so large and varied that you cannot well keep track of them good morning sir I'll see you again soon Joe glad you're improving so rapidly let me know if I can do anything to help you with these quiet words he bowed and left the room and when he had gone Joe said in a deprecating tone poor Bob must be very unhappy about having lost my father's money in that speculation for he advocated the plan very strongly believing it was a good investment I'm afraid your mistake about paying him all that money upset him don't mind if he was a little brusque sir Bob West is a simple kindly man whom my father fully trusted it was he that loaned me the money to get away from here with tell me said Uncle John thoughtfully did your father receive stock in the Armaco Timber Tract Company in exchange for his money oh yes I've seen it in the steel cupboard replied Joe where is that why it is the cupboard in the right wing of our house which was the captain's own room it was one of his whims when he built to provide what he called his bank you may have noticed the wooden doors of a cupboard built into the stone wall sir yes I occupy the room behind the wooden doors are others of steel the entire cupboard is steel lined near the bottom is a sliding plate which when pushed aside discovers a hidden draw a secret my father never provided to anyone but me he once told me that if his heart trouble earned him off suddenly I ought to know the existence of this draw so he showed me how to find it on the day after his death I took the keys which he always carried on the small chain around his neck and concealed underneath his clothing and opened the cupboard to see if I could find anything of value it is needless to say I could not discover anything that could be converted into a dollar the captain had filled the cupboard with old letters and papers of no value and with relics he had brought from foreign lands during his many voyages these last a mere rubbish but I suppose he loved them for their association in the secret drawer I found his stock in the timber company and also that of old Will Thompson who had doubtless left it with my father for safekeeping knowing it was now worthless I left it in the drawer I'd like to see it announced Uncle John Joe laughed I've lost the keys he said how's that my lad why on the day of the funeral the keys disappeared I could never imagine what became of them but I did not care to look in the cupboard a second time so the loss did not matter Mr. Merrick seemed thoughtful I suppose I own that cupboard now he remarked of course said Joe but without the keys it is not serviceable if you drill through the steel doors you destroy their security true but I may decide to do that if you do sir I'd like you to clear out the rubbish and papers and send them to me their family matters and I did not intend to sell them with the place you shall have them Joe just underneath the left end of the lower shelf you will find the sliding steel plate it slides towards the front in the drawer you will find the worthless stock and a picture of my mother I'd like to keep the picture you shall Joseph how are you getting on why I'm a new man Mr. Merrick and today I'm feeling as strong as a buffalo thanks to your kind guardianship don't overdo sir take it easy there's a young lady coming to see you today Ethel the boy exclaimed his face turning crimson yes returned Uncle John tersley you've treated that girl shamefully Joseph Weg try to make proper amends I never could understand said Joe slowly why Ethel refused to answer the letter I wrote to her when I went away explained everything yet I'll bet the farm against your lame shoulder she never got your letter declared Uncle John she thought you left her without a word I gave it to McNutt to deliver after I was gone but you say she's coming today that is her intention sir Joe said nothing more but his expressive face was smiling and eager Uncle John pressed the boy's hand and left him promising to call again soon now then muttered the little millionaire as he walked down the street to beard the lion in his den the den proved to be the hardware store and the lion none other than Robert West Mr. Merrick found the merchant seated at his desk in the otherwise deserted store and with a nod helped himself to the only other chair that little office contained sir said he I'm here to demand an explanation of what asked West coldly of your action in the matter of the Armaco timber tract company I believe that you falsely asserted to Captain Weg and Mr. Thompson that the timber had burned down and their investment was therefore worthless the news of the disaster killed one of your confiding friends and drove the other mad but that was a consequence that I'm sure you did not intend when you planned the fraud the most serious thing I can accuse you of is holding the earnings of the Weg and Thompson stock and big earnings they are too for your own benefit and defrauding the heirs of your associates of their money West carefully balanced a pen holder across his fingers and eyed it with close attention you are a queer man Mr. Merrick he said quietly I can only excuse your insults on the grounds of ignorance or the fact that you have been misinformed here's the newspaper report of the Armaco fire which I shared my friends the night of Captain Weg's sudden death he took a clipping from a drawer of the desk and handed it to Uncle John who read it carefully as a matter of fact continued West you are not cutting that portion of the Armaco tract which this fire refers to and which Thompson and Weg were interested in but the north half of the tract which they had never acquired any title to I suppose the stock will show that suggested Mr. Merrick of course sir I will look it up West smiled you will have some trouble doing that he said why? Weg and Thompson had transferred the entire stock to me before one died and the other went mad was a quiet reply oh I see the lie was so evident that Uncle John did not try to refute it I am rather busy Mr. Merrick anything more sir? not today bye and bye Mr. West he marched out again and climbed into his buggy to drive home the interview with Bob West had made him uneasy for the merchant's cold crafty nature rendered him an opponent who would stick at nothing to protect his ill-gotten gains Uncle John had thought it an easy matter to force him to disgorge but West was the one inhabitant of Millville who had no simplicity in his character he was as thoroughly imbued with worldly subtlety and cunning as if he had lived amid the grill of a city all his life Uncle Merrick was by no means sure of his own ability to unmask the man and force him to make restitution