The National tribune., 1882-02-18
THE DETECTIVE.

splendid residence standing open, although he
had closed it securely upon his departure. Pro-
ceeding further, he at once perceived by the
empty wine bottles and costly yiands scattered
overthe magnificent satin furniture that the house
had been burglarized in his absence 1T seems
strange that burglars should always scatter costly
vlands about when they rob place, but accord
ing to the papers they will do it. A ponderous
hair-trunk, in which he kept his valuables had
been opened, and a set of shirt studs and a mil
lion dollar package of four per cents removed.
1t was impossible to tell exactly when the rob-
berry had occurred, but the excited millionaire at
once started for the office of the "Prefect of Po
liee," as they say in all the French plays.
On the steps OF the office he encountered a
keen-looking man, with the eagle nose and hawk
eye peculiar to detectives, who inquired if he
wished to see the chief.
Immediately :" said the millionaire
"He is in New York, replied the man on the
steps, "but if it is anything of Importance | will
attend to it in his place"
II have been robbed" said the victim
Il knew it" replied the police attache with the
true promptness Of the profession. "Let Us at
once to the spot
"The plumber led the way to the house.
II trust nothing has been moved since the
crime was discovered said the dective, as they
entered the house.
absolutely nothing" said the old gentleman,
who had read Gaboriau's IN Lecocq" four
times.
Because" said the detective, much depends
upon careful study Of the surroundings" and he
again began his investigation by measuring a
square inch of the dust-covered lid of trunk.
He then produced a small pair of scales, and
scrapng off the inch of dust referred to, carefully
weighed the same.
"Let see" he muttered making calcula-
ton; "dust settles at the rate of 948-10O0ths Of
an inch per hour. 1t is therefore certain that
the burglary was committed last Thursday, at
quarter past 1 a. No."
Dear me-" said the old gentleman; "how
wonderful"
The detective now approached the remains Of
the robbers repast. There were three robbers"
he said
Yes; but here are four glasses used, excIaim-
ed the old gentleman.
The fourth was merely used to pour the corky
top from the bottles" explained the detective,
who gave his name as Kickshaw. Zone of them
bitten cracker wears the marks of six decayed
teeth. The second one was dandy with long
nustache, for you can here perceive he has re-
peatedly wiped it this napkin. The third
burglar was Enthusiastically woman
"a woman ?" gasped the houseowner.
Precisely. You see she has eaten nothing
save pickles, and the icing from this cake In
ler nervousness she has upset the salt and spilled
1er wine on the cloth. 1t was her first affair of
The kind
eyes, see' said old Boody, much interested
"And pretty woman as well" went on the
detective. You noticed she has brushed the
lust from every mirror in the room to look at
lerself. Next, we find that they divided the
,lunder on the spot. Look! were not these
broken tapes the ones with which your bond
'ackage was tied?"
"They are"
During the division they quarreled."
But how do you know that?" said Boody
By the overturned chair. Besides, the piano
S open and marks of fingers are on the bass keys
Women always sit down and thump on that end
f the piano when angry"
even when burgling?" said the old party
AT all times replied Kickshaw; 1t makes
~ uiiAOiOuCO: Nu"lChc1 1uc nOuau HIS IcO
air"
Had eh?"
"Yes-she threw that book in the corner at
he old man and made his nose bleed See this
owel stained with blood? No one but red
aired woman would have done that
How do you know it was the old mans
ose?"
Because" replied the detective using mi
roscope, 1.-THE blood globules are those of an
lderly person"
Il suppose they did not remain hereabouts
'ng?" queried the plumber.
No; they left the next morning for Chicago"
Great Heavens, what do you mean?" said
ne old party. "Are you magician?"
1t is very simple" replied the human "sleuth
ound" "On this crumpled scrap of paper you
i'll see some figures. Of course the thieves
'uld not realize on the bonds at once. They,
lerefore, made computation to discover how
i their immediate cash would take them
hicago was the result, as the total arrived at is
lie fare to that city multiplied by three"
Il see-I see," said the plumber.
Il start for Chicago on the next train, contin-
ed the thief taker. "Let me see perhaps you
Id better let me have five hundred dollars for
,penses."
The other instantly passed over the amount
% Pops on, hor cold tho dotactiye he departed.