The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-11-30

| reflected moment, and could form
but one opinion.
There must be some person. said 1,
figuring at present in fashionable society,
who is a second Babbington in the lifting
profession.
"A very proper conclusion said the
chief, smiling at my simplicity. But let
US determine something For instance.
Is it q man or woman?
| Most likely woman remarked, 'as
none but females suffer from the tbief's
acroit practice
That would be the first conclusion
said the chief; hut on the other hand, a
man might perform the deed, confning
his practice to females, only to throw the
blame upon one of them
l acknowledged the possibility of his
suggestion, though it had but little effect
upon me.
You now have the particulars con-
tinued the chief. 4 give you one week
to solve the mystery, and to bring the
adept to justice. Here is list of the
principal losers. You can take your own
course as to tho plans you shall follow
| Good morning.
knew that this case had been placed
in my hands as test of my skill, and l
resolved, if within the grasp of human
ingenuity, to compass it. 1t was most
singular case-occurring as it did, in the
very heart aud centre of first society
1t was impossible to accuse any one upon
suspicion; there must be positive proof
before word could be uttered. How
was it to be obtained?
l sat down and thought seriously, lay
ing out my plans, as ! grasped each point
of the case. Then arose TO act.
Dressing myself in the very height OF
fashion, hired carriage and drove to
the house of the Hon Mr.. F. |
found him at home, and stating my voca-
tion and purpose, was invited into the
library. -..-..... -.......... .
Il fear you have assumed fruitless
task, Mr.. Brandon, he said, when we were
seated.
l expressed my conviction of success.
How do you intend to proceed?' he
asked.
l remarked that I should be governed
by circumstances, but desired full list
or as near as possible, of all his guests
on the evening of the ball He went out
a few moments, and when he returned
handed me a complete list, which he hac
obtained from his lady. l ran my eyi
down the column with eager interest; many
of the persons knew, either PERSONAL,
or by regulations; they were priEcil a !,
married men and their families. On
name-a lady seemed to make ar i'm
preston on my mind. l had never hear'
of her. and--thougb it was hazardou
move Il ventured to ask who she was.
> oh, said Mr.. F. -, Madame De
: launey-she is an old friend l knew he
husband, NJ. Delauney, when I was Con
sui to Paris. He was second Intendar
of Police, and died during my tern
e She is an American by birth, whom b
fell in love with while on q visit 10 Par
with her father, Boston merchant. Sh
S is very beautiful and amiable.'
e This disarmed me, for 1 knew anotht
question would give offence, and his rt
IS port was perfectly satisfactory. ne2
asked the names of few persons wh
IS had lost jewelry. He marked their name
IL on the paper. then took my leave, wit
many expressions of good will and hope
of success from the Honorable gent
man.
n My next visit was to the residence
y one of the ladies who had been a victi
to the mysterious pickpocket. Mrs. I
-, with whom l was acquainted, r
q ceived me kindly, and eagerly gave me q
the information in her power. Her 10
81 was large diamond breast-pin, of gret
value, of which she gave me concise d
g scription; also of gold locket, take
q from her eldest daughter, containing po
e trait of her deceased husband. BY b
g kindness, was introduced to several OF
ers. who had lost various articles, in Il
g. way of breaches, earrings, neck la-e
{. etc. Some of these had been lost at t
ID Academy, others at Grace Church.
\ Having obtained all this information,
lg sat down to consider, and found mys'
n about as wise as %hen I commenced.
ty One of the ladies had lost bracelet,
le the first mentioned ball. This being
en most nay only clue, resolved to wo
re on it. .'
Taking q list of all the pawnbrokers
the city, / visited each one, and made
u thorough inventory of their recent jew
IS ry receipts, but could find nothing to mat
ny my bracelet, nor accord with my desert
ne tions of the other articles lost. WI
zee was to be done next?
ld' asked myself this question, as 1 "
'"' seated in the Office, after my long a
ms fruitless search. In answer to it came
he idea. In moment was in the carria
&c, again, and off to Mrs. r. is.
NE What! have you gained clue alread
ch she exclaimed, as l entered hastily.
'ut Not yet I replied But all is l
me lost that's missing. Tell me- / add
'us who gives the next grand conversation
er IN your circle?'
ca stMrs Iohpcon