The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1872-08-22

of Madame Ricaude, 1 thought l de-
tected something like start-it was
not perceptable-a mere shrinking
of the pupil of the eye, a double pal
pitation of the heart, as she seemed
to render my vocation at glance
and felt flash of fear. Thus may,
however, have been the result of nv
own conviction.
She was dressed in what is termed
second mourning, consisting of black
stained skirt with founces trimed and
Embroidered with green leaflets, a
pink bodice, cut low in the neck,
and bordered with dark velvet. The
sleeves were exceedingly wide, with
loose white under sleeves. She wore
no ornaments save plain breast pin,
and a solitary diamond ring upon
her little finger.
Making this scrutiny at glance
during which she seemed to have
done with mel summoned all my
resources, and at once began an at
tack in French. She seemed pleased
at my addressing her in that lam
guage, and whether the rest were
ignorant of the tonge, or from what
cause know not, we soon found
ourselves alone. The fair widow
seemed quite lively, and had it not
been from her white, ghostly, ex-
pressionless lace, she would have
been handsome indeed. But added
to this, there was wild, feverish fire
ever burning in her black, dazzling
eyes, which at every varying emo
ton seemed to throw off sparks like
that of hardened steel when smitten.
We soon became quite intimate,
and I was on the point of asking her
to take promenade in the garden,
and had just turned my head to look
at Miss NJ, when l heard slight
click, and felt gentle pull about my
waist. l did not start, for I almost
expected it; but looking around
carelessly / met the cold features
and frey eyes Of Madame Ricaude
turned upon me, and / thought l
could perceive purpling hugh rip.
ling beneath the surface of her pale
skin, like the wave ola lake. l did
uot look down fortunately it was not
necessary, for Madame Ricaude's
back was toward a pier mirror, and
as l glanced into it l beheld my
watch chain hanging from my vest
pocket. One side of it had been
cut.
was now convinced. The mys-
FERROUS adep, at pocket picking, who
had thrown the creme de la creme of
Chicago into fit Of excitement, and
made them fear to appear in public
with sheir jewelry-the being who
had caused each one of the first cir
Gle to instruct the honesty of the
other-stood before me. Yet how
was to proceede; it would not do to
arrest her on the spot. Mrs. Elm
wood would never forgive me for
the scan dial it would create, and
then the whole company would loose
their enjoyment. l was in delirium
and as one of the young lady's
friends approached. l made my
obeisance and turned away. AS l
walked toward Miss Clara, her moth
err intercepted me, and asked what
prospect was there any suspicious
person in the company.
Several, madam e. / replied with
mock gravity.
Gracious me who are they p
'Mr. LIE Clair, whom you intro
duced,' replied laughing.
NO jesting,' she replied. Have
you learned anything p
put my hand down to show her
my cut watch chain, butt was
gone. The fish had run away with
bait hook and all.
MY dear Mrs. M said 1, give
yourself no uneasinesss you will
loose no more jewelry after tonight.
Permit me to speak word to Clara.
Fastening to the side of my fair
choprone 1 whispered:
Can you be discreet?'
sAs wisdom, she said, smiling.
and play part?'
Like a great actress
'Then invite Madame Ricaude to
promenade on the rear piazza-the
night is beautiful, and from there
stray into the garden, and take po-
sition near the gate which opens into
the next street. Keep her engaged,
and be astonished at nothing that
occurs
Clara arched her brows under.
standingly.
next strobe carelessly into the
hall, opened the front door and
looked out. Raising my finger, the
driver of my own carriage ap-
preached. 1t is almost needless to
state that he was policeman in dis
gulse.
'What luck p he said.
Good. Drive down to narrow
stteet, skirting the house, and stop
at the garden gate
The house was situated at the
corner of narrow street, with high
brick wall extending from the rear
to the next house. This wall screened
the little flower garden and contained
little gate for the use of the serv-
ants.
When l returned to the drawing
room Clara and Madame Ricaude
were absent. / found them in the
garden plucking some flowers and 1
Joined them, making some casual
compliments. AS soon as was with
them Clara started off for the house.
Madame was about to follew when
quickly arrested her.
MADAME Ricaude, you are my
prisoner!
what do you mean, STRIP she
gasped recoiling from me-,
THAT l arrest you for a thief.
When you next steal a detectives
watch chain, you should be more ex-
pert
As l spoke opened the gate, and
revealed the carriage and policeman.
sCOmep
The sight made her cover before
me / then told her that her whole
career was known to me; that if she
would go peaceably she might save
much shame and disgrace. She hes.
itated for moment, and then draw
ing herself up proudly, she said:
Il will go with you, but you had
better beware when l have proved
the acquisitions false.
/ assisted her in the carriage, and
taking a seat opposite, we were
whirled rapidly away toward the Of
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