The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1883-10-25

wise have done, because the letter arriv
ed while everyone was in Il great state OF
excitement. The discovery had Just been
made, that a large quantity OF jeWelry,
plate and other articles had been alb
stracted from a safe in Mr.. BltteSt0ns
dressing room. The loss was so cunsid
cradle that Mr. Bittleston Immediately
telegraphed to Scotland yard not caring
to entrust the matter to the local police.
In response a detective appeared upon
the scene, and made a careful inspection
Of the premises. The safe was uni iUred,
and the lock had not been tampered
with
"It was cleverly done, but there was
no magic ID it, said the Inspector, a
sharp p-eyed little man named Ilardiss
"the lock is very ordinary one and has
been opened with a key"
But who could have done it | ain
about the house and grounds all day, and
nobody could have got in and out with
out being Observed said MIR. Bttleston,
in Il great tluster.
''ltS case of burglary, ansW cred the
inspector there are no signs of a tolci-
bic entrance having been effected, hut
some OF the windows ON the ground llo0r
have no shutters, and may have been m-
locked
"lhen you don't suspect any Of the
servants said Mr.. Bittleston indeed |
can answer for them ALL"
"Nell, SAID the inspector, Smuggling
his shoulders. Il can't express an opinion
at present. Have you had amy strangers
III the house lately ;"
mo" said Mr.. Rittleston, adding as lie
remembered the Rev. Mark Avery, "hy
the-b by, q clergyman dined here night
ortWo ego d curate m a London parish.
He was the only visitor, the last few
days.
The Inspector asked no questions
about the parson, but Mr.. Bttleston re-
solved 70 make 4 journey by the East
end, and ascertain beyond doubt that
the Rev. Mark was the person lie repre-
Sented himself to be. He had no difficult
ty about this, and had the satisfaction of
feeling, upon his return, that be had not
committed anindiscretion. Ii SO happen
ed that Wien he called at the Rey. Mark
Avery'S address he met his iIirnds vicar
coming ont Of the door, Nh BittcSt"n
easily ascertained the young curatc had
gone on a boating expedition to oxford
with two companions, and this eviUtnce
appeared quite conclusive. He made d
clumsy excuse to the vicar to account for
his Sollcitude, ana made hs way hunr,
feeling ashamed OF himself
The following evening inspector llar-
diSs called to report progress, and to ask
a few further questions Mr. Bittleston
was out in the garden, and the officer
Joined him On the lawn.
FITS / puzzle, ana that's fact, said
liardiss, when his inquiries HAD been
satisfied; "I'Nc come to the conclusion
it has been done by someon" in the
house. 10 person has been in the
i1hburhoOd, and its downright impos-
aibjc that any one could have 20. away
with the sWag without being noticed in
little place like this
Nv here are the things then Y Inquired
Mr. BlttlrstOn testify.
Not very far off, | can't help think
ing," answered the Inspector: "With
your permission viii search the prcmis-
es thoroughly, including the Larrata and
cellars
While the inspector was speaking, Mr.
Butestous Youngest daughter, Il 4irl Of
fourteen, came running across the lawn
Papa. she cried 'jsin't that Mr.. Ave
rY? He is rowing stroke iM that beat.
ana ne pas tNldelll\ iofGotir! ih' h"uSe'
oHl nlS Poftmahleau is mere
'l'\ JnNe l hentNe u IS Avery ana
llis ifielI"S' clleI MF' hl'llrs'on' as me
po@' S"tlI i'lith! pdSI lht lawn Ih
InidStit''Iii y 'iie PEST pace Ihe ear rSmen
[""I,' r"Hlli"Iu' ~ you ,onl",'ilo