Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-08-22

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regularly twice week-on Monday
and Thursday But, Mrs. Farmer, |
stopped you especially just now tc
beg you would be with me tomorrow
afternoon at 3. My windows com
mand the Bull, and these people never
/ fail to put in an appearance on Mon
days; and mind you, bring your Sis
| term law, too, won't your am going
on to ask Miss Brown, Miss Davidson
and Mrs. Barton, the new doctors
wife. I want to catch her now.
Good-by. | am glad you think with
me that it is matter TO look in as to
point Of duty. You'll promise to
Gomez All right" And the indefatig,
able Miss Newman started in pursuit
of Mrs. Barton. -,
" may congratulate myself" said
Miss Newman that night, as she laid
her bony cheek upon her pillow
may congratulate myself on having
raised the question in Ravensbourne
to the rank 1t merits-that of a burn
ing question, ," and she ran over the
points she intended to dwell upon in
the speech to be delivered on the NOR
row, when the ladies assembled in her
sitting room.
Three o'clock on Monday afternoon
saw Eliza installed in the bar of the
hotel with her niece; while Miss
Brown, Miss Davidson, Mrs. Smith,
Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Farmer, and four
or five other ladies were assembled at
Miss Newman's. Afterthe customary
greetings Miss Newman said: Il
have asked you TO meet here to con-
slider the suspicious conduct of the
visitors to that hotel opposite, and TO
determine what steps should be taken
la their regard. There may be no
disgraceful stories, but that remains
to be proved. | repeat, therefore,
what is now to be e!one2'
II must confess that | only came to
look at Il en-" said Mrs. Farmer,
after pause.
Would 1t be of any use to speak to
Mrs. Weston, of the holel2" timidly
asked Mrs. Smith.
None, replied Miss Newman, with
severity. That has been tried. You
might trust me to try all obvious
plans like that
And what is the suggestion, Miss
Newman, that you said you had to
maker Miss Brown inquired.
That we should club together to
employ a detective answered the
hostess, with decision. 1--WE must
make sure of our facts. | find, on in
quiry, that the cost Of a regular de
tective would be heavy; but there is
an ex-policeman who has been EN-
ployed on such missions, and his
charge would not exceed two guineas
a day. In about two days he thinks
that he could ascertain the residences,
occupations Gf any, and much of the
past history Of the parties"
1--WE must not get ourselves into
any scrape by paying" said Mrs
Barton.
IF there is money wanted we ought
to have had som" of our mankind
here" Miss Brown objected. eve
women are such poor and needy crea'
lures"
But the discussion was suddenly
stopped by cry from Miss Newman
of There they Gomez
"Well, she's very elegant looking"
said one There's nothing more arts
tocratic than a hooked nose, but she
must be thirty-tive if she's a day.
What lovely silk she has Ont"
BLESS me, said Mrs Barton. "Ie
is not so military looking after all
And he's good fifty five. But there's
an air about him; and as for her, she
might be duchess. Look ut the mag
niticent mantle she has on" The
couple who were causing so much eX-
element were met at the hotel door
by the obsequious waiter, who hand
ed them telegram.
"l'll run across to the postoffice and
ask what was in the dispatch" cried
Miss Newman, rushing out. Several
pairs of eyes We're turned from the
window to follow the hostess retreat
ing figure.
Mrs Farmer, is there anything the
matter?" exclaimed Miss Davidson, in
alarm, catching sight of Mrs. Farmers
pale and troubled face.
"Ees-no," stammered the little
women. II -I-don't feel quite we'll
I'm going home" And she hurried
from the room. Something like a
shrek rose at the same instant from
Miss Browns lips. She had been in
the background, but had just taken
MiSs Newman's vacant place at tho
window. why, Mrs. Farmerr'
she exclaimed, but Mrs. Farmer was
gone
"Postoilice won't tell!' gasped Miss
Newman, coming back III a very eX-
cited state. They say it's contrary
to rules"
Mrs Farmer has gone away" said
Mrs. Smith, without say wing good by,
or leaving Il message for you, Miss
Newman.
Il think can explain, d" Miss Brown
began, but she was interrupted by a
cry from two or three others. 'Oh!
lock, look, they re going" And there,
sure enough. at the hotel door, evil
IDENTIFY in a furry, were the Iandlady,
a waiter and the mysterious strangers.
\ fly then whisked round from the
yard and pulled up with jerk. The
strangers took their places in it, and
housemaid came running down
with some wraps, the lady's umbrella
and other small things in her hand.
There's an up train to London in
eight minutes, said Miss Newman,
watch and time. table in hand,
They're going to catch that. The
telegram was to give them the alarm.
Some one in on their track, and con
fcderate has given them notice"
is Miss Davidson here2' cried Eliza,
rushing in, the corner Of he shawl
filled with what seemed to be bundles
of letters, and an open telegram in
her hand. Read THAR she exultantly
exclaimed, at the same time giving
her mistress the message. Obediently,
Miss Davidson took the telegram and
read:
From Miss Iaacs, Duke street,
Paddlnston. To the lady or gentle,
man. No. sitting room, Bull Hotel,
Ravensbourne. Return Immediately.
Premises on fire.
Heavens cried Miss Davidson
piously.
"Gracious" exclaimed Miss Brown,
and a chorus of voices said: Dear
me 4" "Oh!" and "Ah,"
And now read that reiterated
Eliza, as she haaded the following
circular to MISS Davidson Il said d
fathom it, and I've done it, ma am.
Bull HOTEL, RAvENSBoURNE. Mon
DAY. MADAM:-Owiug 10 ladies and