Stodger

"I 'm a detective," I told him; "though I don't know how closely I resemble Stodger."

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

I could hear a murmur of voices across the hall, where Stodger was entertaining the reporters.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

It was only that morning, in the midst of a blinding snow-storm, thoroughly disheartened by the loss of the ruby, that Stodger and I had left the old house; but as I approached it that night, it bore every appearance of having been abandoned for years instead of only a few hours.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

I got a grip on myself, though, and Stodger was sent flying to fetch Miss Fluette.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

"Miss Belle Fluette and Miss Genevieve Cooper -- to see Mr. Maillot," announced Stodger, with all the absurd importance of a conscientious flunkey.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

Stodger, a short, fat, good-natured chap, was awaiting my arrival -- evidently with some impatience, for he was stamping to and fro before the gate for warmth.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

After we were in condition to do so, Stodger and I set about an inspection of the scene.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

I rested my forearms upon the back of one; but the instant the door closed on Stodger and Burke, young Maillot sank with a groan into a chair by the table.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

I would get only fairly absorbed in my task when Stodger would startle me with a sudden "Ssh!" or a no less startling command to "Listen!"

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk

Stodger knew nothing of my intentions; therefore he could let nothing slip that might in any way affect my future movements.

The Paternoster Ruby Charles Edmonds Walk