The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-01-23

! ment that lay at my feet, and, as I did SO, the sparkle of gem that lay among the papers caught my eye. picked 1t up and closed my b and over it, much de- lighted at having found such an impor- tant clue. l searched the vaults, but found nothing. However. the diamond in my possession was sufficient founda- ton on which to weave network of cir cumstances.
 "Well, sir" said the president, as we went above, "have you discovered any. thing that would be likely to aid you in finding the villains ?" nodded.
 "Ahi Then you will have no difficulty in bringing the criminals to justice ?"
 None whatever" "l am glad of it. Only catch the | rogues, and they shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law" he said, ve- hemently.
 You may have occasion to retract that assertion, sir" mentally added, as l made a few notes in my diary. When l left the bank went to a jew eler of my acquaintance, who, intuitively guessing my business, condu ucted me to his sanctum.
 "Well, Tracy, what's up?" he asked, when we were seated.
 "The Clifton bank has been robbed. 1"
 "The Clifton bank2 There wasn't any account of it in the papers" "An the same, the bank has been robbed to the tune of thirty thousand dollars, and am engaged in the case"
 Hope you'll catch the rascals. Dread ful state of affairs to exist in a tiny city like this"
 "Yes, but the thieves aren't likely to call here, my friend"
 Bless mel what makes you think that2"
 We'll, the thief is not professional burglar; he likes money better than he does trinkets and would not rob this place for all there is in it. He threw his diamond away rather than carry it round with him. Pretty, isn't it2" And 1 passed him the gem.
 He examined 1t minutely.
 This is the clue. l presumew
 Yes; the only one have at present :; but want to find the ring to which this stone belongs. Will you kindly let me see all the rings left here for resetting lately ?"
 Certainly. Excuse me minute"
 My friend disappeared, but presently returned, and placed tray full of rings on the table, and began to examine the labels.
 Here is ring received this morning diamond setting-E. Baker" And he read the inscription.
 took the ring from his hand and ex- amined it. It was finely chased ring of gold, with the stone missing. fitted the diamond in the setting, and passed 1t to my friend.
 By jove, Tracy, that is the very ring you are in search of Now let me sec" He went nearer the light.
 "Yes, there can be no doubt about it. The stone fits in the setting nicely, and now that think of it, is of the same size and quality as ordered"
 "What name did you say the party gave ?"
 Emily Baker"
 Emily Baker Then it was lady ?"
 "l presume SO; at all events, she looked and acted like one"
 When Is she to call for the ring2"
 Tomorrow afternoon
 "I must see her when she calls, and in order that may play my cards to bet ter advantage, shall enter your service as clerk. What do you sayf7
 '" l am perfectly willing but take care what you do, old boy there may be some mistake"
 "That is very true, and if such should be the case, you may rest assured shall discover it in time. Did l understand you to say that you had promised to have the ring ready tomorrow afternoon ?" No, sir; said nothing of the kind. |. She said she would call for it tomorrow afternoon, and nodded assent"
 Then lay the ring aside and leave the rest to me. shall call again to-mor- row." And l passed into the street. had thus far met with better success than had anticipated. but was nowise elated nor thrown of my guard, for knew l had genuine sharper to deal with, whom it would be difficult matter to outwit.
 Early next morning repaired to my friends establishment, and was assigned position behind the counter, where, it is needless to say, felt ill at ease but years of training and patient study had enabled me to act almost any role to per- lection, and it was not long before the feeling of uneasiness wore of. The day dragged away slowly, for trade was net very brisk, and the salesmen had but little to do besides reading the pa- pers and yawning at each other over the cases.
 Four o'clock! Would the owner of the ring ever come? asked myself the question hundred times, and was on the point of doing so again, when the door slowly opened, and heavily yelled figure glided in, approached the counter and, in somewhat hesitating voice, in- quired:
 "Is MT. - 1"
 "No, madam, he Is not" replied. Can ] do anything fer you ?"
 "i dare say you can. Jeff a ring in care of MT. - for diamond to be set in, which was to be ready this afternoon. XN,, mill nlAo 1ak houA tnuaSkA~