Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-06-27
had contained, among its various stores,
some forty or nity pounds IN gold.

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some forty or flity pounds In gold.
"Eally Lightdngsrs, % We call her
she says her name IL Quickly, but shs
inyents new names every time shs
wants an aiias-Miss Sally was at the
station, and is suspected Of stealing the
necklace" said Mr.. Doughty, watching
tho movements Of the unhappy traveller
attsntively, and with some professional
interest. "If . young woman such -
described has been with you, and
gave you the necklace, 1t was Sally, 10
al likelihood. and she saw mo plain
enough, though I couldn't spot her
anywhere, and she was afraid Of falling
into my clutches, especially as I want
her about another similar affair.""
Oh, horrible, most horrible 1t Was
but too clear; the Rev. Septimus Has.
lipgdean was now convinced that he had
been most cruelty duped. played upon
by q base, designing, artful wretch.
81 must be So" he meekly assent
ed. sis there-is there any chance Of
my being able to recover my things !"
81 can't say. We must dispose Of
this other little business first. I quite
believe you have had nothing to do
with the affair beyond what you say,
but it is deucedly unlucky for you.
Who are you, may l ask?"
The unfortunate victim mentioned
his name and place of abode, gathered
his remaining properties together, and
rose, as q martyr might prepare to go
the stake. Mr. Doughty made q sign
to one Of the porters to assist, and
melancholy, almost funereal, procession
was formed.
He felt assured be could easily ex-
culpate himself, and throw off the
frightful imputation Of being common
thief, but the sense of his own morti-
flying loss, the feeling that he had been
duped like the simplest Moses Prim-
rose, was too much to bear with calm
ness.
A gentleman was with the station
master-the Earl of Airly. He had
come by the train which had conveyed
the rector and his too-bewitching fel-
low-passenger. In few brief words
Mr.. Doughty explained the state
of affairs. The Earl lifted his hat with
kindly courtesy to the hero of the I'M
lucky adventure, who drew forth the
case containing the necklace.
Il have not the slightest doubt all
IS as you say" observed the station
master gravely; shut l must not act
on my own responsibility, sir. / have
only your own word-you do not seem
to have any credentials proving that
you are really the Rev. Mr.. Hasling-
dean-and we get SO imposed upon"
81 have letters in my pocket direct
ed to me-" pleaded the Rev. Septimus.
"Well. That is something. But
this is a serious matter. l should
probably get myself into trouble if |
let you 60 without being absolutely
sure you are what you profess to be-"
demonstrated the station. master.
"See. have only one more station
to reach if you require positive proof
will you let one of these gentlemen
come with me? My trap will be in
waitiDg-I have only about half a mile
to drive; if he can come with me be
can drive with me to my house, said
the rector.
"Yes. I think that would do. |
feel sure it is all as you say, but you
know, sir" apologized the station
master.
81 should prefer to have the matter
properly cleared up" said the Rev.
Septimus, with some dignity. "And |
have to request advice with regard to
recovering my own property which has
been stolen"
"As for that, sir, l fancy you have
but a poor chance" observed Mr..
Doughty. III it is Madam Sally who
has played you this trick, / give you
next to no hope Of hearing Of the watch
OF anything else; she is one Of the most
artful minxes ever heard Of. We will
do our best, but" He shrugged his
shoulders. "Mr. Stanmore, here, will
90 with you, and he can take down all
necessary particulars"
81 regret exceedingly this unfortu-
nate affair, my dear SIR" remarked
Lord Airly, although l am thankful
to regain possession of my wife's neck
lace, not only for its own value, but be-
cause it was a gift from her father, who
is dead. Good day, Mr.. Haslipgdean.
| for one do not doubt for q moment all
has happened as you say. l trust you
may be able to trace the real culprit
and recover your own property"
THANK you," said the rector, in
more or less hollow voice. Then he
went out again. the station-mastor walk
irg beside him, the two detectives fol-
lowing at a short distance, the porter,
carry ing the rector's wraps and other
belongings, bringing up the rear.
But as they passed down the plat
form big, burly individual, recognized
by the station-master as one Of the chief
directors, met the group. He CHANGED
by good fortune to be an intimate friend
of the rector's; he had been an old
college chum.
"Hello, my dear Haslingdean," he
cried, seizing him by the hand. swell
met. / am delighted to see you.
Where are you coming from: Been
INDUCING in one of your rare holidays.
Ell? You don't often afford yourself
that negligence"
II have been staying with some
friends for a short time, and am now
returning home,' said the Rev. Septi-
mus. ~ have just met with an I'M
Piles SAINT adventure, however, and
hail you as q kind Of deliverer." In
few hasty words he explained the di-
lemma in which he found himself. His
friend, while sympathizing with his
griefs, could not help bursting into
hearty fit Of laughter.
"You are not the first fellow who
has been made fool Of by pretty
woman, and | suppose you won't be the
last but it is deuce Of bother for
you, especially about the watch" said
his friend, still laughing. sits all
right" be added to the station. master,
who touched his cap lightly and retired.
Z" am going on to London will 20
ms th IA So