A slim young man with spectacles, a large hat, drab gaiters, and a
note-book, sat late that night with a copy of the "Times" before
him, and a pencil which he rattled nervously between his teeth in
the coffee-room of the "Blue Dragon."
CHAPTER I.
MARY JONES'S NARRATIVE.
I am upper housemaid to the family that live at No. 27 Limehouse
Road, Pultneyville. I have been requested by Mr. Wilkey Collings,
which I takes the liberty of here stating is a gentleman born and
bred, and has some consideration for the feelings of servants, and
is not above rewarding them for their trouble, which is more than
you can say for some who ask questions and gets short answers
enough, gracious knows, to tell what I know about them. I have
been requested to tell my story in my own langwidge, though, being
no schollard, mind cannot conceive. I think my master is a brute.
Do not know that he has ever attempted to poison my missus,--which
is too good for him, and how she ever came to marry him, heart only
can tell,--but believe him to be capable of any such hatrosity.
Have heard him swear dreadful because of not having his shaving-
water at nine o'clock precisely. Do not know whether he ever
forged a will or tried to get my missus' property, although, not
having confidence in the man, should not be surprised if he had
done so.
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