Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1882-04-27
AN OLD-TIME MYSTERY.
A DETECTIVES EXPERIENCE.

She was beautiful creature. thi,
fair. golden-haired girl. She was yer,
young and the petite figure looked al
most childish. But for the rounded
Hebe-like form and perfect outline
one would have thought her n child -
little girl indeed, with the SUNNY
hopes and dreaming fancies of child.
hood-but these disclosed a woman.
hood full of nameless grace. rich and
rare IN beauty. Few knew the world
as well as she, this brilliant little me.
teor, that had flashed upon society.
turning mems heads and making many
lair lady mad with jealousy.
But few months before she came
TO New Orleans, the protege of veal
thy English lady. who had for MANY
years spent her winters here. Her his
tory none knew, and until the events
which procured me an introduction To
her. none cared to inquire. 1t was ev.
1ient to all she was loved by the lady
as u daughter, but she was presented
to the world as her niece.
There was just the faintest discerni-
ole accent in the rich. mellow voice
and liquid speech. The fair Canadian
queened it royalty over the haug1ltiest
bellies. Men said that her accent
charmed as none other could: rovaI
beauties tried TO initiate it. But her
fascination lay in her winsome face
ana eyes that seemed 30 true; in the
passionate regret that appeared there
ut scene of woe; in the hand opened
as day TO charity.
As she stood before me in her fierce
anger thought had never seen a be.
ing - lovely. The golden curls shad-
ed her face and brow, and the chiseled
lips had assumed their haughtiest
curve. Proud as a queen she looked.
the indignant blood staining neck and
brow, while the chesks flushed and
paled alternately; but the blue eyes
never lost their passionate flash nor the
lips their curl of scorn.
The night before the house had been
robbed and a sasket containing dia-
monds stolen. Myself and MIR. l. had
been sent for Mrs. NJ. to investigate
the case. 1t was evidently the work
OF an experienced burglar. and as he
must have passed through the room of
Miss NJ. TO reach the apartment of the
lady from whom the jewels had been
stolen, had asked Miss NJ. if she had
heard nothing in the night to excite
her alarm. AT my question, which
was somewhat abruptly spoken, she
hesitated and appeared unduly ercit-
ed. felt surprised at this and repeat.
ed the question:
Did you hear or see anything dur
ing the nght1"
II did, SIR"
May inquire what it vast"
3" decline TO tell"
But why, Miss NJ. ."
. cannot inform you"
At all events you will tell me if
you saw or heard the person who COM
United the robbery"
Il both saw and heard him. Sir.
you will excuse me; but that may end
All interview extremely painful to HE.
will say TO you that saw the person
who came into the house. saw the rob
berry committed, but am withheld by
reasons cannot disclose from giving
you his name or description.
The avowal was made i'm a low.
,hoking utterance that showed how
the young creature felt the
shame of the disclosure. Shocked and
surprised, scarcely knew what said,
but remember appealing to Mrs. NJ.
10 unite her entreaties with mine TO
induce Miss NJ. to change her detern-
nation, or at least give reason for it.
But she did not hear me. Her eyes
we're fastened on the young girls face
with wild entreaty that thrilled me
70 the heart. She seemed to under
stand why the girl refused to tell; and.
gazing for an instant, threw up her
lands, with a wall like one broken
hearted, and sank, sobbing to the
ioor.
Miss NJ, this is very strange. You
ie not wish me to think you "A confed.
rate, and unless you tell ne, what Else
.m TO Think"
Ii was then that her expression
changed and her face lit up with indig
lant excitement.
:" will not tell you, siri"
She paused for an instant and read
Ter innocence in the look. Whatever
he mystery, she was not criminal.
Think what you please, 1 will not
ell you"
Before had time to reply Mrs. NJ.
'ose to her feet. and, taking the young
yirl by the hand, turned to lne.
You are mistaken, sir, in your i'm
preston. This is family mystery
he child is not TO blame. Had known
sooner l should have dispensed with
'our services; but you will oblige me
low BY retiring and pursuing your In.