The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1881-01-06

was unO bSerVed. His grace looked sur
prised when Carlton exhibited his in
spcctor's card, countersigned by Sil
Richard Mayne, by way of introduc
tion. The Duke OF Skelty was too wei
bred to make any comment, but he was
astonished beyond measure. He haC
expected to sec q respectable person
but not the polished man before him
He was considerably relieved, however
for he had dreaded that the detect, ve',
appearance would be noticed and com.
mented on.
"Eas your grace airy instructionsp'
asked Carlton.
" simply desire that you will keep
your eyes open in the interests of nv
family and my legitimate guests in case
any person outside our circle should
gain admittance."
Very good"
"Of course" continued the duke. "if
you see anything wrong you will be
careful to avoid scene-I do not desire
that under any circumstances"
Your grace can rest easy, for there
will be no scene"
May ! ask if you anticipate any
trouble, MIR. CarIton?"
" DO not, but it, may occur" was the
detectives answer.
AS you are quite a stranger, Mr..
Carlton, must see that you are treated
courte9usly," said tie duke. Come
with me-"
Inspector Carlton followed to the
drawing room where he was introduced
i'll due form to the duchess, who treated
| him with frigid courtesy. The guests
soon after began to arrive, and from q
retired corner of the room Carlton
listened othe names and keenly scanned
the features of the visitors as tney
arrived. Magnificent dowagers, queenly
wives and pretty misses filed into the
room attended by the officers of the
army and navy, dignitaIies of the
church, officials high up in the civil
service, NJ. P.'s and few cabinet
officers. Most of these personages
Carlton knew by sight and others by
name, and certainly none of them would
answer 10 the description Of "sus
| picious character"
LADY Durbin and Colonel Hethor-
ington!' shouted the lackey at the door.
| The detective looked at them critically.
| Lady Durbin was well known in the
iashiopab BILE world, but who was her es-
cortP Externally he looked like gen
tlcman, but there was not much OF the
military bearing in his walk. There was
an undefinable something about him
which caused the eyes of the detective to
luln TO him again and again. He was
! DR., ssed perhaps little too loud" for
| tie company he was in. His jeweiry
was too loud to be in keeping with
good taste. Detective Carlton con-
tinued bis watch, and as be noticed the
perpetual motion of the mans body he
Lnhesitatingly pI onounced linn fraud.
There was nothing of the grace and dig
nily Of ~ welltrained soldier in his
mo, elnebts. They smacked more OF
the genuflections of dancing master.
In fact, Colonel Hetherington was act
ing part, and Ike many another actor
he overdid it. The lynx eyed Scotland
yardman did not know that Hethering-
ton was fraud, but he concluded that
he was, and for that reason kept him
under close surveillance. Moving across
the room Carlton asked the duke in a
low tone.
Did her grace favor Colonel Hethor-
ing.on with an invitation!"
musingly. Yes, he is friend OF
young Gilman, Lord Gilman's son, who
is staying with his aunt, Lady Durbin." :"
"lndeed!" Detective Carlton had not
time TO say more for the duchess
approached and Immediately after the
duke hurried him away with the re
mark: . Let me introduce you to Mrs.
Morton"
Mrs. Morton permit me-Mr. Carl
ton"
The lady smiled, and the inspector, as
in duty bound, requested the honor OF
her hand for the opening dance. The
lady monOpolized Cartoons attention so
that, for a time, he could not follow
the movements of Colonel Hether.
ington. He was not satisfied with
the dukes answer, for he knew
that Gilman kept notoriCusly bad
company. Later in the evening
lie noticed the colonel in an alcove
quietly conversing with a lady mag
niticently attired and in whose coiffure
glittercd a cluster OF beautiful dia-
monds. A few moments afLerward they
took their places Tor a quadrille, and in-
| spectcr Carlton, being disengaged,
moved to the alcove just vacated and
watched the progress of the dance. He
saw tue gentleman slightly press the
arm Of the lady, who Immediately gave
start and q little cry. Colonel Heth-
erington supported his fair partner to q
lounge and seated himself by her side.
| The DucnesS of Skelty soon after fol-
lowed, supposing her guest was sick.
Il hope your ladyship is not indis-
posed" said the duchess.
Oh, no" was the answer, " a Slight
pain in my arm, that is all. 1t was but
momentary."
The hostess expressed her sympathy,
and retired, leaving the two alone on the
lounge. Detective Carlton noticed that
tie brilliants in the ladY's couture were
no longer there. What had become of
them? Lord VaIney, the husband of
the lady, now approached, ana Hetber-
ton resigned his charge, and moved
leisurely toward the aute-room. This
was just what the inspector supposed
he would do, and he no longer doubted
that the bogus colonel" had he dia.
monds in his pocket. The Duke of
Skelty was standing near one of the
doorways, and the detective whispered
in respectful tone: Will your grace
permit me moments conversation
outside" The duke nodded, and fol-
lowed Carlton out. What is it?n he
asked in an annoyed tone, as if antici-
patlng some Dpleasantness.
81 have no time TO explain, )" answered
the detective, "but if your grace will
kindly permit me TO meet you in the
! library in few minutes / have nc
douot shall he able to introduce an un,
worthy guest"
The Duke of Skelty moved away
without vouchsatiDg verbal reply, his
answer being n slight inclination of the
head. He had scarcely gone when Tho
colonel came jauntily down the hall witt
the evident intention OF making a hasty
exit.