Darke Darrell, the Boy Detective — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

20 DARKE DARRELL, «There was a burglary committed last night at the place written on this card,” he said. ‘‘ Visit the house and re- turn with the result of your observations.” g ‘Written out?” asked Darke. ‘“Tf you please. Hlaborately concise,” laughing. ‘‘T may not be admitted,” suggested Darke. ‘I’m but a boy, you know.” ‘My name ison the card. Hand it to the owner of the house. I visited the place this morning, and simply wish to see how far your observations will correspond with my own.” Darke started for the place named on the card. He re- turned in an hour, wrote down the result of his observa- tions, which he handed to Mr. Marks. The latter read the paper, his face manifesting surprise and approval. ‘‘'There are men on the force,” he said, ‘‘ who, after two years’ experience, could not have done this as well. I must say so, in justice to you, though I hope it wiil not arouse your self-conceit. Your observations correspond with mine, except in one grave particular. You conclude that the robbery was committed by some one belonging to the house- hold” ‘¢ And give my reasons,” replied Darke. ‘“‘A wrong deduction, my boy. A grave error, for we would be looking for the thief in the wrong direction. He made his exit through the house, and that misled you. He entered it from the outside, through a second-story window.” “‘T think you are wrong age, Darke said, shaking his head. Mr. Marks smiled confidently. ‘‘Here are my notes,” picking up a slip of paper from his desk. ‘*‘ Arbor slat broken; vines bruised; tin leader scratched; side yard; entrance by climbing to cecond-story GComiebooks: com