The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-08-16

dubbed the Silver Spring, cool and
limpid. source OF health, as the pro-
lessor firmly believed. Had not the
nymph of the fountain spread her wings
in startled flight in the disastrous
change from rural tranquility to fash
ionable resort? The professor leaned
on the parapet and peered into the crys-
tai depths of the spring, musing in this
vein. As he did so he perceived two
persons advancing from opposite direc-
lions to meet q few yards distant from
himself. They proved to be man and
a woman, and they scarcely paused be-
fore separating again with the same
rapidity of movement as they had met.
Professor Horton was the first votary
of the Silver Spring abroad next morn
ing, If he was feverish and haggard,
with slealthy, even furtive aspect. the
boy at the fountain did not notice the
circum stance. Always an early riser.
the professor slipped glass OF the spar
king water, and then walked along the
upper paths of the grounds. Cautiously
,, he skirted the rustic seat beneath the
larch tree and approached the larch. A
short, dry laugh of triumph escaped the
lips of the usually undemonstrative stu.
dent. A leather bag, half pouch, lay,
concealed by the long grass, beneath the
spreading toughs. The larch tree had
kept its secret we'll. The bag remained
where il had fallen from the professor
wide pocket He clutched it, returned
to his room, and proceeded to investi-
gate the contents. The little bag held
the Delaunay diamonds. Necklace,
bracelet, butterfly ornament-nothing
was lacking in this precious heap swept
hastily from cumbersome case and cas-
ket.
Five minutes later the rosy landlord
was seized by the collar, dragged into
his private office. and confronted by
Professor Horton whose agitation verged
on sheer lunacy. The latter took from
bis pocket little bag and poured ont the
Delaunsy diamonds, telling wild and
incoherent tale meanwhile about la1ch
tree and midnight rambles.
Nobody would believe it, you know"
said the colonel, coolly. The hotel pro-
prietor is never surprised in this world.
"Take the trinkets and restore them in
your own way. Do not mention me in
the transaction" retorted the professor.
He stopped and plunged his fingers once
more into the rainbow OF precious stones
with sort of intoxication; the starry rays
of rose and blue dazzled, blinded him.
Beautiful and fatal gift to man. he
murmured, with parched lips.
The colonel closed one eye, with the
aspect of ssgacious bird.
Professor Horton sought his bed and
slep ,heavily until four o'clock in the
afternoon. He was awakened by voices,
and peered through the shutters of his
window. A carriage waited to take the
Delaunay party to the steamboat on the
lake. Mr.. and Mrs. Delaunay were al
ready seated, while Alice, the maid. had
paused to reply to the head waiter, after
which she re-entered the hotel. At this
moment Professor Horizons door was
opened, and the colonel entered with the
bouncing swiftness of moment peculiar
| to fat men in haste. If the conduct of
| the professor had been extraordinary in
| the morning when he had restored the
| Jewels, that OF the colonel was not less so
| in the afternoon. He locked the door,
made warning gesture to the professor,
and stole on tiptoe to second door at
the extremity of the large -oom, where
he 10y down on the floor and applied eye
and ear to the crack. Voices became
audible in the adjoining chamber.
~ was there at one o'clock and gave it
to you," said woman.
"A lie! l waited all night. and you
did not come" said man.
Il gave it to q person under the tree,
and he took it," gssped the woman.
Fool! Then the game is up. Get
yourself dismissed at Newport, and cut
to New York. II l believed You were
tricky, my girl, it wou!d be the worst for
you"
There was q sound of footsteps, and
Immediately afterward the Delaunay
| carriage rolled away.
The colonel rose to his feet, chuckling
at the success Of his stratagem.
"Set thief-ahem II mean a woman
to catch woman. My wife thought OF
having tho English maid sent back in
search of the missing bag, in order to
communicate with her accomplish in the
hotel, if she had one. The bag was
dropped in the empty room next to you,
for the purpose, and a mar joined her
there. Your story is amply corroborated
You see, by the few words exchanged.
II believe the Marquis de Ratti is the
accomplish, and no moro q Frenchman
than yUu are," exclaimed the professor.
$50 do; but how to prove it?' re-
joined the colonel.
"You should have them arrested
urged the professor.
"What is the charge? Your adven-
lures of the night? The noble marquis
in cauuht vhisperinp with q pretty