The evening world. Newspaper, December 22, 1914, Page 19

gues That Is ord (Copyright, 1910, oy Motiatt, Yard €0.) AYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING CHAPTERS. Mra, Mistonor, a rich younz widow, diwovers that her pricetwas diamond necklace has been ftolen and a paste necklace endstituted for it. ‘The original necklace contained the costliest dia- mond io America, a stone known as the ‘Ma barence.” Tie Maharanee was originally stolen from @ temple tn india, and several Hindus are tn New York searching for it. The police sus- poet Mrs, Misstoner's secretary, Elinor Holcombe, Hidden in ter room they find one of the miming necklace’ iis, Be is taken to Police Headquarters, whore the Chief of Detectives pre- es to put her throngh the ‘third degree.” At that moment © man enters the room and orate timmeelf in a dark comer. CHAPTER IV. ' (Continued) The Third Degree. DIDN'T steal the jewels, she said. “I had noth- ing to do with their di: appearanc The mocking laughter of three deep voices sounded in the room, “Does it well,” chuckled Donnelly. “Too bad she ain't an actress, foined Carson, The Chief's beady eyes narrowed on her as if he would read her inner- Most thoughts, “There's no use trying to Ie to nme," he onarled, “I know who's got the diamonds. The maa who hired you to steal them is locked up now, fe says he didn't know they were etolen”"— Vyho says that?” she interrupted. Donnelly and Carson nudged each other in boisterous glee. “She wants to know who says it!” piped the former. “Ain't she the slick one?” laughed hie partner. The Chief's face hardened until a menace scemed to lurk in every one of its deep cut lines. “Now, you know who says It,” he informed her. “I don't have to men- tion any names. It's simply a ques- tion of you gotng to jail or of send- ing him to jail, I don’t take any stock in what he says. He can't tell me he didn’t know you stole the Jewels, I ain't as casy as all that! No, i'm giving you a chance to make a ful' confession and save yourself. Will you confess?” “I have nothing to confess,” she murmured weakly. The Chief drew back in studied ani His fist banged the desk as ‘If the blow was meant to convey a sudden resolve, “Very welll’ he burst forth “Go right ahead and be the goat if you want to. Look here, little girl, I vas just kiddin’ you when I said we had the principal under arrest,” he sald with a quick change of tactics, “You're the only one that’s locked up, I don't believe there's any one else ‘mixed up in the case at all. I believe you did the job alone. If there's any- one behind you, you'll have to show { me. There's onty one thief involved, and that’s you.” “I haven't done anything,” ehe don’t know who took Mrs, loner’s diamonds.” The Chief turned from her wearil; “You take her in hand, Donnelly,’ be said. The detective bent over the woman, Als face so close that she felt his warm breath against her cheeks, “Don't try any nonsense down here,” gnarled. “We got the goods on you alld we ain't going to stand any fool- ing. Now, where are thoso dia- amonds?’ She eyed him in mild protest. “I don't know, sir,” she murmured ‘weakly. Donnelly shoved his clenched fist under her chin, His face contorted into an expression of tigerish ferocity; he peered at her with an intensity chilled her blood. ‘You're a liar,” he snapped. “You think you're a slick one, but you'll be sorry you was ever born if you don't cough up the goods. We know how to handle customers like you down here. We're used to ‘em. We get ‘em every day. Now, just save yourself a lot of trouble by telling the whereabouts of the diamonds.” “They ain't going to do you any good,” interjected the Chief. “They don't wear diamonds where you're going to. The less trouble you give ‘us, the less trouble we'll make for you. And we can make more trouble for you than you can make for us.” “Don't sit there like a white mum- my,” burst forth Donnelly. now," he added impatiently, exhaust our patience; we haven't treated you roughly, but we know how to bring you out of your gil- ence.” He seized her wrist, his clenched band squeezing it until she uttered a wharp cry of pain. “Are you going to answer my ques- tions?” he blurted. She sank back in the chair with a despairing moan. Her heavy eyelids dropped, a tremor contracted her ewe then her head fell limply to one side. “T guess we won't gain anything by going any stronger with her to-day. Take her back!" commanded the Chie. When she was out of the room, the silent visitor came out of the obscur- ity of his corner and seated himself im the chair vacated by Miss Hol- @omh. “What do you think of it, Brits?’ asked Manning. Detective-Lieutenant Britz stared hard, as if trying to concentrate his thoughts. His keen face, screwed into expression of uncertainty eharpiy with the big of hie superior. Side by side, the two men suggested the delicate surgeon's probe and tho heavy blacksmith's pledge. , "It's a great mystery,” Britz de- welered. “A great mystery,” he re- } ang in a tone of deep conviction most puzzling one that h vi come under by observation. weil,” the Chief drawled. “It's and ‘8, case, but you , of Headquarters A New York Detective Story | “Different” | | | By Marcin si sella me Ne neepempnnnun npn de a | \ Barber | go out and solve it—you go out and get the goods.” CHAPTER V, Remanded to the Tombs. IEUT. BRITZ, seated at the flat-top dosk of bis office peered steadily at the ceil- ing, as if he expected to! flnd written there the solu- | tion of the great mystery into which | he had been called. | The only thread that connected Miss Holcomb with the theft was the dia- mond found in her room. But to! Brite’s experienced mind, this circum. stance pointed rather toward inno-/ cence than gullt. For, he argued, If she had taken those jewels, she would not have been so careless as to leave one of them in her boudoir. That diamond, Britz was convinced, was placed there intentionally and with sinister purpose by a hand other than Miss Holcomb’ Britz rose from his seat, donned his topcoat and hay and made his way to the tler of cells one of which held Miss Holcomb, Miss Holcomb,” he said pleasantly, there will be no further inquisition | Jn the Chief's office, no more third- degree methods will be applied to you. 1t is necessary under the law to bring | you before a Magistrate within twenty-four hours after your arrest. Now, brace yourself, please, for the ordeal, If you are innocent, you have | absolutely nothing to fear. You will have an opportunity in court of con- sulting with your friends and engag- ctively, although in the gloom of her surroundings she could make out only a dim outline of his face, she felt a confidence in the detective that braced her like & tonic, “L have a carriage waiting for you, Miss Holcomb,” Britz informed her, “It will enable you to avoid the many curious eyes in the street.” ‘They were driven rapidly to the Jef- ferson Market Court and ushered into the private room of tho Magistrate. The Magistrate motioned her to a seat close to his desk, and said: “Madam, it is your privilege to en- gage counsel. I would advise you to do so at once, for anything you say may be used against you.” “I have done nothing wron murmured, “You had better get a lawyer,” the Magistrate urged. As if in response to his advice, the door opened abruptly and two men she sources of the Police Department will be used in her behalf. 1 am looking only for the real thief. It may be necessary for me to see her occasion- ally. If she ts innocent, she may be taietdnervoun, with tho unmistaka- entirely frank with me. 1 will not ble air of the lawyer. ‘The other was ff0 Nem however, until she has had a young man, his face marked with "mp to compose herself" =| heavy lines of worry, as if he had passed a sleepless night. At aight of him Miss Holcomb sprang forward onioial grade was the same as that of and threw herself in oe ee nlateneds Donnelly and Carson, but, by sheer ‘Oh, | Lawrence!” she force of his ablilty, he had lifted him- pid I have m law asothnas “Every- { so far above them that when EH RCE Date Working on a case they accepted his i orders like subordinates, be for you. I belleve “iyiy first move in the present case Donnelly and Carson asked fora Wit e SO cane LaGglite faite ein oy ‘ vork up the case ; fe mo . week jn which: to Wore UP vu nto the disappearence of the gainst the prisoner, 0 aeeullowing, the ‘vaual courses, the he explained. “Now, do you Lieutenant Britz occupied a unique Position ia the Detective Bureau. His Magistrate adjourned the case for a Tecall the last time you wore the col- week. and held. Miss Holcomb in larette? $50,000 bail, There being no bonds- “It was a week ago, at dinner In my home,” replied Mrs. Missioner, “And when before that?” “About two weeks before, at a dance ome of a friend.” long have you owned the col- man present, she was committed to the Tombs. “May 1 speak with Miss Holcomb in private a few moments?” asked the young man into whose arms she had fajien. AWhho are you?” gruffly demanded Donnelly. “tm Lawrence Fitch, the flance of Miss Holcomb.” “You can see her in the Tombs,” Donnelly retorted. Lieut. Britz did not accompany Don- nelly and Carson with their prisoner to the jail. Instead, he overtook the man who was engaged to her. “Lam Lieut, Britz of Headquarters,” the detective explained. “1 am in charge of the active work on this case. I want your help.” ten years.” vas a gift from your husband, I believe?” Brits asked. t was,” the widow answered, “Where was it purchased “The Maharanee was bought in In- dla, ‘The other stones were gathered from time to time, and were strung together in the form of the collarette.”” “Since then, has the collarette been out of your possession at any time?” “I recall only one instance,’ sho re- plied. “When was that?" “My help?” A gleam of anxious «About two years ago. I sent It to Inquiry darted from the doctors eyes. the jewelers for resetting. “Don't try to get bail for the young “the substitution was hardly made woman,” said Brita, “It t# absolutely there,” he smiled. “You are abso- necessary that all euspicion be direct jiruly gure the collarette, with that ed toward her, No effort must be Gre exception, has been In no one made at the present time to clear her." else's possession? ner mat!” exclaimed Dr, Fitch, “Per- "Absolutely sure,” the widow an- mit. my flancee to suffer the tortures "MI 1 ayamine the safe?” he of this prison and live under the atig- 4. (7 ma of this terrible accusation?” “It is necessary,” assured Britz, “The two detectives who arrested her seem to be convinced of her guilt,” Fitch said angrily. “They inflicted tortures on her that might have Through a magnifying glass he studied the steel door of the compart- ment, after which the widow set the combination and swung open the safe. The interior was as bare of sus- : picious marks as the exterior, crushed a stronger wonat iook place “Donnelly and Carson are right to at the inquisition in Police Headquar- this Sxiant, It 1s an inside Job," he ters, Were you present at that brutal Pronounced. “Mr, Ranscome and I looked over scene rer an the collection before I went abroad } suspiel- elhteen months ago, saw the one eyed the detective euspicl: oiarotte at that time” “Then you, too, believe she ts “Did he observe it casually, or ex- amine it carefully?” Britz asked. “He had it in his hand, and I re- call he spoke admiringly of it,” the widow returned, “Good!” flashed Britz, lity?” he asked. wT have come to no conclusion with d to the case,” answered Britz. m simply going to ascertain the Are you willing to help?” “Of course it is a search for truth and not he sald nothing as to the jewels an attempt to convict an Innocent being paste?’ woman, I am willing.” “Nothing,” answered Mrs, Mis- “Very well,” said Brits, “I am sioner, working independently, remardiess of = ‘*Then tt 1s almost certain that the anything Donnelly and Carson, the two men who made the arrest,’ may do. They blundered grievously when they arrested the young woman. We must overcome that blunder, but the swold and Mr, Sands were time is not ripe for her release. If my escorts to the dinner two weeks she leaves the Tombs, it must be with «co, They and Miss March also were her name cleared of suspicion. my guesta at the opera.” Dr. Fitch looked gratefully at the ‘Now, please tell me exactly who tive, T know Britz," he said. de was Inthe room when you put the collarette on and when you took It off on coming home two weeks ago?” your reputation, Lieut. “This terrible blow came out of a clear sky. I feel as HBritz inquired, helpless as_@ Httle child. The first “Miss Holeomb wi intimation T had that my flancea was when I opened the sa’ accused of theft was when I pleked collarette lay on the table until | was up the morning papers. T could hard- fully dressed, Then Mr, Sands and ly belleve my eyes: It seemed to ma Mr. Griswold arrived and were shown my senses were deceiving me, I read into the room. I recall that I had and reread the newspaper accounts difficulty in adjusting the clasp, and until T seemed to know them by heart, Mr. iswold snapped it shut.” T could not understand why she did “Ww you out of the room for even not send for me at once." a moment while the collarette lay on “She was too dazed to think,” Britz the table?” sald. “I will pursue my inquiry on" Mrs, Missioner answered, my own Iines, and I want you to hold "Did you observe anything sus- yourself in readiness to respond to any call I may make on you. Fur- thermore, I would advise that you see Miss Holcomb again and inform her that If she is innocent, all the picious in the movements, actions or pondyot of Miss Holcomb that even- ‘Nothing.’ ree “What ocourred after you came 4 . home? Who helped you to undress?” “My maids were asleep,” said Mrs, Misstoner, “and I called Miss Hol- comb, who occupies the room next to mine. She helped me off the Jewels and she saw me place them in the safe.” “And with the exception of yourself, Miss Holcomb t# the only one who knew the combination of the safe?” Britz flashed, “Only Miss Holcomb,” responded the widow. “On the night of the opera, who was with. you when you put on the coillar- ette?? “Miss Holeomb, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Sands and Miss March," the widow informed him, “Did any of those present help you Place it about your neck “No, Mr. Sands had taken the col- larette from the table and was look- ing at It. I took it from him and fastened It myself.” “After you took the collarette from the safe on those two nights, did any vant enter the room? The footman, of course, announced Mr. Griswold and Mr. Sands, I re- member, too, that my East Indian servant brought my new dress “Do you believe Miss Holcomb ts the thief?! suddenly fired Brits. “I cannot believe her capable of It,” 6 said, “Then if we eliminate her,” Brita retorted, “we must look for the thief among Mr. Sanda, Mr. Griswold, the footman, and the East Indian vant. Miss Mafch, of course, is out ho question.” Mr. Sands and Mr. Gris- came in positive tones from Mrs, Missioner, “How long has the footman been in your employ?" “More than fifteen years,” she re- sponded promptly. “And the other servant?" “About a year. He came very high- ly recomm and 1 do not see how he possibly’ could have substi- the paste necklace for the real agreed Brits. id elther Mr. Sands or Mr. Griswold ever have oportunity to pass through Miss Holcomb's room?" “Not that L am aware of,” replied Mrs. Missioner, “We must bear in mind that who- ever stole the jewels must have been in possession of the real necklace long enough to have @ duplicate ma Either that, or he must have been so familiar with every stone in the set- ting as to enable him to have dupil- cates made from description. Th only reasonable supposition is that the was made directly from the it 1s barely possible, how- some other means were employer “That is the most puzzling feature of the theft,” said Mra. Missioner, “How long have you known Mr, Sands?" “Krom girlhood.” “And Mr, Griswold?" “About five yi “Both saw the klace on you fre- quently?" “Very often.” “The only one who could have taken the necklace out of the safe without your knowledge was Mi, Holcomb. One of the original diamonds was found in her room. It 1s absolutely clear to me that she ts in: ‘vd c do you really think 80?" the widow asked eagerly. “It is a certain as that some one stole the necklace,” answered Brits. “Then we must get her out of jail at once!” exclaimed the widow. “We must do nothing of the kind,” corrected the detective, “We must allow ull suspicion to be directed to- ward her." “But it is eruel, it 1s inhuman, to keep her in prison,” protested Mra. Missioner, sary.” assured Britz, Hrite headed : for Headquarters and en- “4 the office of the Chief, t's going to be hard work, nal “I expectgé Jt would be when I yst The Evening World Daily Magazine. Tuesday, December 22, 1914 “The Pest” « « aptitthea, « « you on it,” the Chief replied. Brits recounted the information he had gathered from Mrs. Missioner and then walked into his own office. Summoning two subordinates, he di rected them to go to the Misstor house and trail the footman and East Indian servant. Two other men were assigned to shadow Sands and Gris- wold. “That's all I can do to-day,” he murmured, suffering to Misa Holcomb. Conscious of her own In- nocence, sho had, nevertheless, ceased to struggle against the relentions fate that marked her aa ita victim, One day she was allowed to eee Dr, Fitch in the grim “reception room.” “What a terrible blow this must be to you,” was all she could say. “It means to me only the oppor- tunity to prove myself worthy of you,” he replied, “But euppose,” she breathed, “they do not find the thief and the world is made to believe me guilty?” “I'll stand between you and the creatures who are tr: you!" he exclaimed. like @ thousand furiea! Your fight is my fight,” he whispered, bending closer to her, “and your victory will be mine.” His eyes darted points of fire that kindled @ responsive light in the glance she turned to him, “You will never desert me murmured, gratefully. “Never!” She felt his arm about her watat, and with a sigh almost of happiness she eurrendered herself to his em- brace, He pressed her close to him, his lips seeking hers in the fading light of the room. The faint kiss that broke the atillness glorified the love of these two souls and struck a divine radiance that seemed to bring a mes- nage of hope from above, “It is so good to have you near me,” me sald. “I fool as if no harm could come to me.” They becam@ vaguely consctour of ® man's form outlined in the murky light of the room, As the figure grad- ually shaped itself to Fitch's eyes hia hand slipped from her waist and he rose to his feet. “Lieutenant Brita!” he exclaimed, The detective came out of the ob- security of the opponite wall, and, Soeins his hat, respectfully addressed them: “It is unusual, I know, for a police officer to ask information of a pris- oner held for the Grand Jury. Be- fore Miss Holcomb replies to the questions Iam about to ask, I think CHAPTER VI. Word from Logan. WEEK of agontzed suspeni in the Tombs seemed drawn tnto an eternity of she it might be well for her to seek the vice of counsel,” Miss Holcomb will answer an’ questions you tnay ask,” Fitch replied, “She has nothing to hide.” “Miss Holcomb,” he began, “whe: were you last in Europe with Mri Misstoner?" ittle leas than @ year and a half ago,” came the quick response. “Was that before or after the East Indian servant entered the employ of Mrs; Miasioner?” “He was engaged after we came back.” “Did you meet Mr. Sands or Mr, Griswold abroad?” “We ma} both of them tn Londea 8. “Both call very frequently. “And their visits are inspired by a feeling that ts stronger than friend- ship?" Mise Holcomb looked at Fitch as if 1g doubt what to ra» | Rermemennenmnry By Robert Minor : T lin the crime, My bellef is that sho jtook the necklace out of the safe, | turned It over to Dr. Fitch, or some one else, to have the duplicate made, and then returned the false jewels to the safe, “Hut where were the paste gems le?" inquired Brita. ‘That's for you to find out,” snapped Chief. “L have personally visited every manufacturer of paste gems in this city and in ‘hiladeiphia, Hoston, Buffalo and Washington. My men have been to all the places in the amaller cities, Manufacturers in all the other cities of the country have been visited by the local police, and L feel absolutely sure that the dupli- cates were not made in this country. | Logan ta on the way to Paris now, and funtil we hear from him I don't think | we are safe in venturing any opinion to the identity of the thief, [am receiving dally reports of the mov: ments of Sands, Griswold, the butler and the Indian eervant, but they show nothing.” “Why do you think Logan will dis- cover anything? Has the real neck- Jace ever been abroad?” “Mra. Missioner had it with her on the other aide, but I don’t know that it ever left her possession.” Tho Chief's lips coiled in an amused th smile. “Kind 0’ looks as if you're on the wrong acent,” he baited. Wait till we hear from Paris,” Britz returned. “It seoms to me,” said the Chief, “you have still to discover a good many things with regnrd to this case. As a matter of fact, you're as much at sea as on the day you took charge.” have only begun to throw out my lines,” Brite deciared. "I'll land the fish before I'm through, and it won't be Miss Holcomb.” An the detective left the office he could not help a fecling of depression at the slow progress of events. ‘Three weeks elapsed word came from Logan. The emissary sont | abroad was himself a diamond expert. Before entering the Detective Bureau he had been # foreign agent of the United States Treasury, Department. If the duplicate necklace was manu- factured abroad Logan would find the manufacturer. without delay. Brits had faith in his man, and he waited impatiently through three weeks of torment for the first cablegram, It came finally, and he opened it with ‘vous fingers: “Miasioner necklace manufac- tured from drawings by three firms. Original never in posseasion of manufacturers.” Brita let the telegram flutter to the floor. “Be perfectly frank,” he advised. 1 believe both have proposed mar- riage to her,” she informed him. “And Mra, Missioner—she prefers i ‘knew it!” he burst forth. “They which one? s wouldn't have dared to take the orig- I don't know,” came the prompt inal out of the safe without immedi- Teaponse. ately replacing it with the duplicate.” “You mean she has never indicated tie picked up the message and burst her preference to you? Come now, into the Chief's room. surely in @ burat of confidence ho | shard itt” he exclaimed. dropped some hint as to her inclina- phe Chief's eyes drank in the words, jonas?” = Tt'waa plain to Brite that Mise Hol- Rut his brain failed to grasp their un comb revolted againat violating the “Ve Tenth tne proves any- intimate confidences of her employer. thing,” ho remarked. “Iam not asking this out of any "sit" proves everything,” volleyed motive of idle curionity,” sald Britz. arity, “It proves that the thief was a “It le of vital Importance I should bo Ginvar draughtsman, It proves that informed of Mrs. Missioner’s rela- ha pent weeks sketching the neck- tone with Mr ganda and Mr. Gris’ tuce, atone by atone, and tt proves, wold, well as of the opportunity ;4. 4 tach ‘had of obtaining the diamonds.” {0% that he went to Parla to haveythe “I am ure neither of them would oer eae ie ei that.” agreed the ROE Could HAYS (ARS HORA” Mae Hol: Cniet, "Aut who hed the opportunity ‘i . to see the necklace a sufficient num- ‘That may be perfectly tru ber of times and long enough to make re- Piied Britz, “I do not say either of atal ° them took the diamonds, but Tmuat {¢ Ketches? Who but Mise Hol follow every jine of inquiry that re- ” Yeals iteelt to te, ‘Now, inn't ita fact, j,,t Wilt find some one who nad ate Mine Holcomb, that Grinwold was the Most am ood an op preferred suitor?” i i io “ ” ‘And if you do, what will it mean? 1 do not think #0," she ald in alow agiot the Chief, voice, t will mean somethin, “You,mean she preferred Banda?” on,” the Anutiienla “You ji ° cab! “What maxes you think sot” _ meen came tw more cablegrams. “Her genera: jemeanor towal e ” ortot Graw- big Nag nga 'Wwilh aed tomorrow woth gu mean he showed more fond- 1,7" i‘ or ut af cannot say that,” she answered. “Drawings for duplicates taken “Bometimes I thought she cared more 9 manufacturer by young women, for Mr, Griswold, and then again I ave name of Elinor Holcomb,’ would feel certain she preferred Mr. said the accond. Sands. In the main, however, I a! Britz diamissed the visitor, left the ways belleved that Mr. Sanda held her nouse, and hastened to the office of affections, while Mr. Griswold simply Jor, fitch, Taking the impor! Pleased her with his attentionag’ cablegram from his pocket, he handed Possibly Mra, Minsioner didn’t jt to the physician, ‘The doctor's eyes know her own mind? the detective iingered on word, His face paied, anked, " his eyes bulged forward, a violent “Perhaps not, tremor ran up and down his frame, comb, “This is awful!" he groaned, “Did she ever make any “It's great news for you and Mias you that led you to believe she cared Holcomb,” the detective amiled. more for one than for the other?’ Fitch eyed him in perplexity, The ‘Nbne that I recall.” detective met his inquiring 50 “Miss Holcomb, do you know the steadily, and, slowly folding the cable- Miatory of the Maharanee diamond?” gram, he 3 “Mra, Miasioner told me the history “It proves beyond question she had of the stone,” whe said. “I believe no part in the crime, there was some scandal connected “How?” Fitch deman with its purchase in India, She told “If Miss Holcomb had me that when her husband obtained {t enough to plan the theft she'd there wan some talk of it having been known better than to go about P stolen from a temple and hat the ordering the duplicates. Also, if she provincial native government tried to had taken the diamonds, she'd never Tegain possession of it, Mr. Miasioner have permitted one of them to remain succeeded, however, in retaining It ae !n her room in Mra. Minsloner’s house, Part of his collection,” No, whoever stole those gems deliber “What opportunity 414 the Indtan ately tried to throw suspicion on he servant have of obtaining the neck- “Hut who could have conceived such lace?" @ dastardly crime?” Fitch blurted, a None at all,” she answered, hope- Wave of anger aweoping his frame, lessly, “unless he broke into the safe, ,,., Whoever it was.” Brite returned, and t walleve that waatnot Aanae ‘either was actuated by enmity “Mra. Minsioner informed me that toward the younk woman or knew on one occasion, when ¢ lace hough about the Missioner house- waa lying on the table, the servant Hold to realize that suspicion would entered the room with a box. You Maturally fall on her, and therefore decided to use her as a cloak to to work agreed Miss Hol- cle hi were in the room at the time. Was he close enough to the table to touch hide his own identity, However, | the necklace?” now have something to work on, “L remember the incident very Something that will produce quick re ‘ ¥ sults, Dr, Fitch, you may tell Miss pel. Dene ee icon ate he tured Holcomb that In'my calculations #he coe eS ane 24 Jn entirely eliminated from participa- tion in the crime, You may inform OF her also that the hunt for the thief exun.”* downstairs, 1 not belleve he was within ten f the table at any time.” ‘has bi “I don't know what to think,” Britz Before the physician recovered from fter nome reflection, “Almost the pleasant shock of the detective's as soon a8 & new clew bobs up It falls f down and T have to begin all over ateps, OM HARMEN daHR the again. I have no more questions to apt to-day." He left her and went to the Chief. thing that throws any Nght on the case," he sighed, “Britz,""" the Chief remarked, as though delivering some welghty con- clusion, “I think you're working on the wrong hypothesia, You seem to have CHAPTER VII. Dorothy March Talka OROTHY MARCH was at a matinee one afternoon when @n usher handed her this dec ided that Miss Holcomb 1s innocent, note: f you will murvey the case as it" stands you will have to acknowledge / Mian March whi spare 9 foro minutes to Brite, of Headquarters, that absolutely everything in it points ’, i} fz os ahe will confer a favor and serve to her guilt, I do not undertake to gay what her motive was in .: 4 ig Jeobve was stealing her friend, Mrs, Missioner, feminine lust (vr ornaments. 1 feel Dorothy gathered her wrap, giaares, eastain, also, that she was not alone and program quickly and followed the “F det Weev's mle Novel in The Evening Word he Gun Runner | By Arthur Stringer —_ y ‘ 3 left the hous usher to the back of the theatre. The youth led her to the famous detective. * “You wished to see me?” inquired Dorothy. It was a banal question, and a flush tinged her cheeks as she realized its superfluousness could Not escape the greatest detective tn New York. But Brits seemed not to notice it, and the simple directness of his manner put the girl at her ease. “I took the liberty, Miss March,” he sald pleasantly, “because I saw you across the orchestra, and I nee@ a short course in social knowledge.” His smile robbed the reply of Sip- pancy. Fs : “How many people of your acquaint ance know how to draw?" he wenton, — “There are two or three,” she aa- swered in some surprise—"Teddy Lote imer and Mr. Griswold, and thet queer little Frenchman, Ana Anatole—oh, you know whom mean?” ‘Anatole Daubigny?” i “Yes—he draws the funniest, deat eat little dogs. “Thanks,” said Brits, “I won't keep you from the play any longer.” @ “But, Mr, Brits,” she cried, “there _ was something you wished to ask me —something that was to help you find the diamonds?” , “Some other time, Miss March, thank you,” said Brits, smiling, “I won't detain you now. Good after- noon.” “Good afternoon, then, Mr. Brits.» “Yos, thank you so much, . March!" murmured Brits as he Daft the theater and merged himself with the afternoon tide in Broadway, A dark-blue limousine standing @& the corner of Forty-fourth Street caught his attention, Mrs. Missioner and Griswold were entering @ restau- rant together, Brits waited until they came out. With them, as they emerged was Bruxton Sands. “Home,” said Mra. Missioner to her chauffeur. Brits could not hear the word, but he read it from her lips. He saw the widow step into her limou- sine, saw Sand: Griswold follow, saw the chauffeur throw his cluteb, » saw the bi Al acl thee ith to noi jorard trip alon Fences 6 SEs ent! the det rg sprang into a cab, whispered an ped to the driver, and added in a low ne: . “Double your fare for aj 7 ou at least can stop for a minute of gossip,” said Mrs. Missioner tnd Griawold into her Horery. “Wwe and rl ol into her a ance and club affairs can wait @ little while, and—oh- She stopped in the act of thr off ber furs, and stood gazing at middle of the room. There, in his task, at ease in a big chair be- fore the crackling grate, sat Lieutenant Brits. Pad in one hand, pean in the other, he was eketchizig \ 7 uusily, ] i Mrs. Missioner extended a hand be- hind her to silence her compantous. She turned her head with a emile al- mont as mischievous aa Dorothy could “Hush!” @he whispered. She ané the others watched Brits quieth; his pencil moved slowly, over the paper. From his freq glances at the end of the room held the bigpeafo, it was evident wes foaking: & @ ering of Je jaborious dragging is pencil point proved he was not accustomed to such work—at least, #o it seemed to one ef the three who watched bim. “I told your man to let me come madam, because I ao time spare,” said the sleuth, M laeioner inclined her head ia nase “You wish to see me?” ebe eure iy “There is something more you know?" “I want @ pla Brits at length, too, One of m: made draughts he smiled slowly at his poor manship, “I'm doing the beet I Sands bardly glanced at the drawing. But Griswold took it aad stared at it in contempt. Ever hear of such @ thin; spective, detective?” descendingly. Ho began to eketch. Brits watched him in open-eyed admiratio: you are an artist, Mr. Gris- remarked the sleuth, his eyes on re paper under the clubman’s pencil, As Griswold moved away, oritt, unnoticed, pocketed the sketch, Was he mistaken, Brits asked him- if as he walked quickly along the assAge, OF did he see a pair of eyes neath towering turban peer at him from the corner of a cros- corridor? ‘The detective strolled into the flung himself on a bench and po the day's developments. He lighted @ cigar, broke the match med- itatively into a dogen bite and onge more took up his stride, . Ho stopped under the low-hanging bough of a great oak tree to get & better light. As he was about to strike @ match his use for that particular cigar suddenly ceased, for, ‘pping. clinging, strangling, someting t and silky was drawn tightly about Bis neck, his elbows were jammed agaipat his sides, his knees were squeezed §o- gether a0 closely he could not take @ step, and in another minute he found himself bound, gagged, helpless, with three men sitting on him, bowling rapidly in a cab along the park drive in a direction which, owing to the swirling seconds, he could not ascertain, Adt he knew was that he was a captt that he had been seized in a way for the present # would be simply a useless— erbage worse than useless—expenditure of strength, Once he reali: the futility of re sistance, Britz busied himself with @f- forts to get a line on his direction, He Was in an ordinary brougham, drawn by a pair of high-stepping hoi He was lying on the floor, but on a