Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1885-01-14

ne abandoned his subtle design, while
a faint tinge of color came to his face.
It was not until he had been alone for
nearly five minutes that he completely
recovered his equanimity, and then he
felt unaccountably ashamed of himself.
However, his self esteem survived the
shock, and half an hour later he sailed
forth with his usual calm and conf
dent air aud manner, to make few in
quiries on his own account about Martha
Chale and her story. The latter, as far
as regarded the robbery, he found per-
fectly correct, nor did there seem any
reason to doubt that the girl was per-
feclly innocent OF the affair. The po-
lice were watching, her, it is true, but
this was chiefly owing to the instruc-
tlons of Mrs. Mortimer, and not because
they had grounds for suspecting her.
As matter Of fact, the jewels had been
taken in manner which left absolutely
no clew to the perpetrators of the theft.
For his personal satisfaction, Mr.. Gim-
blett ascertalned that Martha Chale bore
an excellent character, and when out of
situation lived with her mother, re-
spectacle woman, who had brought up
large family by her own exertions.
Fortified by these details, Mr.. CHM
blett resolved to have an interview with
Mr.. Mortimer without delay, for his sud-
den interest in Martha Chale prompted
him to lose no time in earning her graft
tude. He therefore took an early op-
portunity to pay Mr.. Mortimera visit at
his club, thinking he was more likely to
be able to see him alone there than at
his own house. Mr.. Mortimer looked
good deal surprised upon the detec
tive's being ushered into the strangers
room at the Blenheim. He received
him, however, civilly enough.
"Your card informs me that you are a
detective officer" said Mr.. Mortimer,
who was forid, overdressed, rather
handsome man of 40, with a shifty
glance and q weak chin.
"An ex-detectlve, sir, to be precise.
I thought" added Mr.. Gimblett, lower
ing his voice to confidential whisper,
"you would sooner [ called upon you
here than at your own house."
" It all depends on what you have
come about" said Mr. Mortimer, with
an uneasy laugh.
cts in connection with the alleged
robbery of jewels at your house" said
Mr.. Gimblett, with startling abrup5-
ness, looking him straight in the face.
Mr.. Mortimer dropped his eyes to
the carpet before the detectives gaze,
either from sudden nervousness or from
constitutional inability to meet a direct
v1onoo HI ,,,% h,o lov 1o -, h; k.o,,oo~
pockets, and, looking at the toes of his
boots, merely nodded.
"The fact is, there is Il young person
who used to be in your service who
seems to be unjustly suspected by the
police-or by somebody" said Mr.. CHM
blett in his most incisive tones. "She
is being watched and Inconvenience,
though she isn't the guilty party"
"You mean the girl Martha Martha
Chale, I suppose" hastily added Mr..
Mortimer. "Well, don't suspect her.
My wife sent her away. I think it was
devi]ish hard linesl"
$50 it is. In fact it is persecution,
and must be put a stop to-
1T isn't my fault, said Mr.. Mortimer,
sulkily. II can't do anything in the
matter"
"You will have to, or else"
cor else what, sir? What the deuce
de you mean?" cried Mr.. Mortimer,
blazingu up.
"Well, sir, Miss Chale don't bear you
any malice, but she does happen to
recollect yonr starting off on journey
wish a small valise on the evening of
the 7th of July" said Mr.. Gimblett,
significantly. at might be desirable to
investigate that little trip. You were
supposed to have gone to Birmingham
on business, but
The ex-detective's remarks were in
terrupted by Mr.. Mortimer suddenly
turning round and making tremend-
GUS rafting in the empty CRATE with the
poker, apparently oblivious of the fact
that there was no fire. But ere he
effected this transparent maneuver Mr..
Gimblett had remarked the guilty glow
which had suffused his brow.
1T wouldn't do, of course, for Mrs.
Mortimer to suspect" resumed Mr..
Gimblett, quietly, as soon as he could
make himself heard again.
mo, no. Come, out with it. Let us
have no beating about the bush, What
is it you want ?" inquired Mr.. Mortimer,
dropping the poker, and fidgeting about
the msntel shelf.
"Only letter to the police-inspector,
that can deliver, said Mr.. Gimblett,
readily. Nothing more than that"
Mr.. Mortimer hurriedly seated him.
self at the nearest table and took up q
pen.
"What shall I say?" he inquired.
@Only that you have reason to know
that Martha Chale is innocent of the
robbery, and request that the police
will cease to annoy her" said Mr.. Gin.
blett, gibly.
@Reason to believe-not know" said
Mr.. Mortimer, commencing to write.
"Know, " repeated Mr.. Gimblett, en-.
phatically.
~D-n it, then, havei it your own way,
exclaimed MIR. Mortimer, as he rapidly
dashed of the note. "What shall say,
though to the police if they ask me
what I mean?" he added, looking up.
"They won't sir. III manage that
said Mr.. Gimblett.
~And my wife needn't know anything
about this, suppose, he continued.
@Which, sir? Oh! you mean the note
to the police. No. sir; certainly not,
said Mr.. Gimblett.
Every well. There you are them
said Mr.. Mortimer, ainging the sheet Of
paper across the table.
cts rather delicate job, sir; may
require little oiling," said Mr.. G :
blett, coughing behind his hand.
''How much" demanded Mr.. MORT.
mer, after An uneasy pause.
well, perhaps-perhaps tenner.'
Mr.. Mortimer's only answer was "a
hand Mr.. Gimblett bank-note rathe,
tremulously, and with this the inter.
view ended. Mr.. Gimblett bowed 20
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