Next on the list was at O'Tabby's office at the university, I was a couple of blocks from the campus, when all of a sudden, I ran into some big goon. He had fists the size of babies. He drug me into the nearby alley and started beating me into next year.

As I lay there on the ground I thought to myself "I must be hot on the trail of something to get a beating from this guy"

I put my jaw back in place and pointed an accusing paw right at the man.

"So, I suppose you have a message for me" said Sam.

"I'm your landlord" said the man "You're two months late for your rent at the Y"

I was still trying to figure out my landlord's involvement with this caper as I walked up the marble steps to the history building. Just then, a middle-aged man came right up to me.

"Are you in charge here?" I asked.

"Yes" said the man "I am Professor Felix of the university. May I help you?"

"I'm Sam Spayed, Private Eye" Sam showed his badge.

"Nice wallet, Mr. Private Eye" said Professor Felix "What brings you here?"

"I'm here to see you about Professor O'Tabby" Sam replied.

"Yes, yes, poor guy" Professor Felix sighed "Must've fallen asleep at the wheel.I really don't know how I can help you, but I'm sure I can invite you in"

He led me right into his office, where we had a nice cup of coffee.

"So, what you like to know Mr. Spayed?" asked Professor Felix.

"Was O'Tabby in any kind of trouble you might know of?" asked Sam.

"Of course not" Professor Felix replied "He was well respected by his students and the staff, maybe you should talk to his wife"

"I already did" Sam replied "She said that you were the last person to see him. Any idea what he was doing up on Old Mountain Road"

"Indeed" Prof. Felix nodded "He was going to visit Maude O'Purr, a university alum"

"Why?" asked Sam.

"Maude is a big contributor to the university" Felix explained "Especially in the history department. Professor O'Tabby called her on that Friday night to help her in any way he could. You see, she's a widow and she prefers to not let people know of her time with the professor"

Of course! It all made sense now! O'Tabby under the guise of helping a benefactress to the university was actually having an affair with a wealthy widow.

"How old is Maude?" asked Sam.

"Ninety three" Professor Felix replied "She's really getting on in years"

"Rats!" Sam slammed his fist.

"Mr. Spayed I didnt mean to insinuate anything by my statement" said Professor Felix "Professor O'Felix had to put a woman's feelings first. He was quite popular with the ladies"

"So you don't think he gave into temptation?" asked Sam.

"Nope" said the professor "His only weakness was coffee, he was rarely without it"

"Can't say that I blame him" said Sam "We all can't live without a good cup of Joe. Thanks for the information, professor and no offense but this coffee tastes horrible"

"Yeah I know" said the professor "Our old coffee girl had left us recently. She made excellent coffee and is going to be hard to top. In fact, I've been forced to take over her duties in addition to my own"

"Work on that coffee, dude" said Sam "I'm getting back to the office"

This seemed like a bit of a lost clause. I mean, so far the only clues I had were a brown stain, some remains bound to be cremated and some weirdos. Not to mention I got some terrible coffee during the process. Still, I mustn't give up. Once a detective has started the case, he must finish.

Author's Note:

It looks like Sam is not giving up just yet. He's going to figure out the O'Tabby case if it's the last thing he does. But let's go back to US Acres and see how the election is going against Orson vs. Lord Jefferson, which is saying a lot.