The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-01-26
"What are your conclusions %

""'u '"o SHiei, iophthS dp uC ClOScly, az
though to test my penetration.
| reflected moment, and could form
but one opinion.
"There must be some person. sale
L, Figuring at present in fashionable
society, who is a second Babbington in
the lifting profession"
GA very proper conclusion" said the
chief, smiling at my simplicity ; but let
us determine on something. For in
stance, is it man or a woman :"
Most likely Il woman,'' | remarked,
cas- none but women suffered from the
thiefs adroit practice.
EThat would be the first conclusion -
said the chief: but on the other hand,
a man might perform the deed combining
his practice to females, only to throw the
blame upon one ofthem."
acknowledged the possibility of his
suggestion, though it had but little effect
upon me.
" You now have the particulars" con-
tlnued the chief. eI give you one week
to solve the mystery, and bring the adept
to justice. Here is list of the princi-
pal losers. You can take your own
course as to the plans you shall follow.
Good morning.
knew that this case had been placed
III my hands as test of my skill, and |
resolved, if within the grasp of human
ingenuity, to compass it. 1t was most
singular case-occurring as it did, in the
very heart and center of the first society.
1t was impossible to accuse any one on
suspicion there must be proof positive
before word could be uttered. How
was it to be obtained.
sat down and thought seriously, lay
ing my plans, as | graspcd each point OF
the case then arose to act.
Dressing myself in the very height of
fashion, hired a carriage and drove to
the house of the Hon. Mr.. II.
found him at home, and stating my voca-
ton and purpose, was invited into the
library.
O. fear you have assumed fruitless
task, Mr.. Brandon,'' he said, when we
we're seated.
l expressed my conviction of success.
How DO you intend to proceed :" he
asked
remarked that | should be governed
by circumstances, but desired full
list, or as near so as possible, ofall the
guests on the evening of the ball. He
went out few moments, and handed ne
a complete list, which he had obtained
from his lady. ran my eye down the
column with eager interest and many
of the persons knew either personally
or by reputation they were principally
married men and their families. One
name-a lady's seemed to make an inn
preston on my mind. | had never
heard of her, although it was q
hazardous novel ventured to ask who
she was.
"Oh," said Mr., "Madamt
Delaaney-she is anold friend. | knew
her husband, NJ. Delaney, when l was
Consul at Paris. He was second Inten-
dant OF Police, and died during my term
She is an American by birth, whom he
fell in love with while on vi sit to Paris
WIN hSi iutuCl, DOSIUll NlcICndul.-
She is very beautiful and amiabIe."
This disarmed me, for | knew another
question would give offence, and his re.
port was perfectly satisfactory. | mex
asked the names of few persons who hac
lost jewelry. He marked their names o.
paper. l took my leave, with many ex.
pressions of good will, and hopes of sue
cess, from the honorable gentleman.
My next visit was to the residence o
one of the ladies who had been a victim
to the mysterious pickpocket. Mrs
h, with whom l was acquainted
received me kindly, and eagerly gave
me all the information in her power
Her loss was a large diamond breast-pin
of which she gave me concise descrip
ton; also gold locket taken, from he
eldest daughter, containing the portal
other deceased husband. BY her kind.
ness L was introduced to several others
who had lost articles, in the way 0
breaches, earrings, necklaces, etc.
Some of these had been lost at tn,
Academy, others at Grace Church.
Having obtained all this information
sat down to consider, aud found mysel
about as wise as when | commenced
One of the ladies had lost bracelet a
the first mentioned ball, and had loane,
me the fellow to 1t. This being almos
the only clue, Iresolved to work on it.
Taking list of all the pawnbrokers
in the city, | visited each one, and mad
a thorough inventory of their reccn
jewelry receipts, but could find nothin
to match my bracelet, nor accord wit
my description of the other articles lost
What was to be done next?
l asked myself this question as I wa
seated in the office after my long an
fruitless search. In moment | was i
the carriage again, and off to Mrs
R--'s.
"What. have you gained clu'
already!" she exclaimed, as l entere
hastily.
"Not YETI" l replied "but all
not lost that's missing. Tell me-"
added, who gives the next grand con
rersationarie in your circle %
"Mrs. Johnson"
"W When ~
"To-morrow evening""
"Can't you get me billet d'entre.
Certainly"
"Then procure it Immediately for Nj
: LIE Clair, Louisiana planter of YOUR az