Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-02-20

OF the right hand glove burst open, This I
had noticed as he stroke ed his moustache. But.
even supposing the traveller to be the Lemon
fingers OF the message, what about the black
dwarf? He was alone. Alone? Yes:-but,
had he not with him small black portmanteau,
OF which he seemed to take particular care re-
fusing to let the porter so much as take it out
of the carriage for him? A theory ingenious,
but improbable, remarked to myself as put
out the gas and drew up the blind, to admit the
struggling day.
My duty was over at eight O'Clock. The
London train was about to start as I went up
the platform on my way home. Passing q
group OF people standing near q carriage door,
was suddenly startled by deep gruff voice
exclaiming to some one: I'VE shall be off in
half minute more" 81 would pick that
voice from a thousand as Mr. Darke's,'' ex-
claimed under my breath, as 1 glanced quick
ly round. The group had dispersed, except
two persons, man and q woman, who were
preparing to take their places in the train
The person whom took for Mr.. Darke was q
bulky middle-aged man, dressed in good suit
OF black clothes. He had black hair, and thick
black eyebrows; his whiskers were black meet
ing full and bushy under his chin; his face was
pale. and marked by the smallpox and his
eyes were black, bold, and cunning; altogether
a fierce follow, whom it would be unwise to en-
rage. His companions face could not see it
being concealed by thick veil; but, judging
from her figure, che could not be much above
twenty years old. She was we'll, but rather
conspicuously attired; having over her silk
dress yolumlnOus scarlet shawl, comfortable
looking enough, certainly, on a cold Christmas
morning. But see. As live, she has got on
the very pair of lemon n-oolored gloves that were
worn by the young dandy who arrived by the
night mail; the same pair of gloves without
doubt, having the out 'ide scam of the first An
ger of the right hand little torn. There, too,
Is the identical little black portmanteau, care
fully carried, this time, by Mr. Darke himself
What can it all mean?
Under ordinary circumstances should have
at once gone to bed and slept till two or three
o clock In the afternoon; but on Christmas day,
sucn proceeding was not to be thought Of
80, having breakfasted, 1 put on my Sunday
suit, and left home with the inte ntion of taking
a long stroll into the country. Before setting
out, went to the station to see if could not
induce certain friend to accompany mo; when
whom should meet on the platform but Mr..
Cho0p, the chief constable of NewstOne.
Mr. ChOop is q small, wiry active looking
man, with sauntering and negligent air, as Il
he were In want of something to do. Mr.. Choop
mas a smiling, open cOuntenance; he wears his
hat very much at the back of his head and
generally displays an ample amount of shirt
bosom; seeming, in his quiet way, to invite the
coincidence of every one. But, tell him some
thing that interests him; excite him; bring him
out of the passive into the active mood, and
you will see his eyes become keen and piercing
nis features sharpen, and his teeth glisten. He
looks at such moment, as dangerous and
mischlevous as uger-cat crouchipg for a
sprlng. Mr.. Choop is distant relative of mine
oy marriage, and was aware of the state of my
affections. He was the passive mood when
l encountered him ON the platform, and looked
the most amiable and artless of men
:" How are you this morning." he said as we
shook hands. ''And how is Garry? Have the
Ola man and you made matters up yet''
shook my head discensolately.
well, faint heart you know" he added,
with smile "What brings me down here9
Business, to be sure. The fact is, " mysterious
ly taking me by the button, there was a
daring burglary committed last night at Iron
Vile. and property to a large amount was
stolen. From information received half-an-
hour ago by telegraph, have reason to believe
that one OF the accomplices, having in his DOS
session considerable part of the stolen proper
ty, arrived here early this morning by the mail
tram. slender young man, fashionably
dressed, light faxen mOustache; wearing pair
OF lemon-colored kid gloves, and carrying q
email black portmanteau
" Mr.. Darke's friend, by Jupiter ~
=" Eh, what do you mean!" asked Choop
sharply, with his eager ferret look that changed
him at snce into another man. Three minutes
sufticed to put him in possession of all I knew
Mr.. Choop gave an almost imperceptible Jerk
OF the thumb, and a tall ungainly looking man.
having the appearance of q farm laborer in his
best clothes, lOunged up; and I recognized
Timothy, Mr.. Chops confidential subordinate
TrO BE COSTINUEpl