The Republican., 1890-04-05
WAS 1T KLEPTOMANIA?
How the Identity Of the Thief Was
Revealed by a Letter.

I am a lawyer by profession, and,
when occasion demands, an amateur de-
tective.
In 1871, following my graduation from
a law college in the East, l started for
the West to seek good location for the
practice of my profession.
For time l had little to do, more
than earning bare subsistence. But
my patronage continued growing, until
at the end of two years | had earned the
reputation of being the best lawyer in
the place. This distinction also gave
me high place in social circles all of
which was very satisfactory to me, of
course. My income, at this time, had
reached figure sufficiently large to
warrant me taking life partner to
share my good fortune.
Mabel Briston, a handsome young
lady of eighteen summers, and daughter
of a retired merchant reputed to be
worth half million, attracted my at
tention. l cared nothing for Mabel's
wealth, her sweet disposition and unaf-
fected ways alone being the charm l
sought. 1t was love at first sight on my
part, and felt that she returned the af
fection. One invitation to call at her
home succeeded another, until my visits
became settled thing. Finally, pro-
posed, and was accepted.
Robert Briston had risen from the
ranks of poverty by his own exertions,
and expected every young man with
grit to do the same. So when l called
hioo hn hon ofb
daughter Mabel, my proposition was
met with firm refusal.
''When you have acquired reason
able amount of wealth, Harry" said he,
"you may have Mabel. just at present
you have fair income, but that is not
sufficient. have no objections to you
on any other score, and if you so desire,
you may wait upon her as usual"
Acquainting Mabel win the result of
my mission, l went home rather low
spirited and dissatisfied that night.
But a still darker cloud soon came to
cast gloom over my spirits-a cloud
with silver lining.
One morning, while on my way to the
office, l saw Mabel turn corner near
by and come in my direction, and, when
she saw me, retrace her steps and cross
60 the other side of the street
This action on the part of one dearly
loved, made me feel very uncomfortable.
Had her father turned Mabel against
me? No; she loved me too well for that,
knew. Still, it seemed very strange.
Entering my Office sat down to think
st over. A feeling of heart sickness
drove out all ambition for business that
day, so | had no sooner settled down
than l was up again, preparing to leave.
Stepping out, l came face to face with
Mr.. Briston.
"Well, Harry" saId he, extending
hand, Il called to have talk with you"
great wave of joy swept over my
soul, as l replied
please" offering him my easy-chair.
81 hope you have reconsidered your
answer, sir"
THAT is not what 1 came to talk
about, Harry, although Mabel is the
one concerned"
"You wish some legal advice, then?"
"Yes, in measure. Some curious,
and, may add, very annoying whims,
have taken possession of her lately"
''She must have had one of them this
morning, as she passed near me on my
way to the Office, and never spoke"
interrupted.
Mr.. Briston took off his specs, polished
them with pocket handkerchief, and,
replacing them, eyed me critically.
"You saw Mabel? Why, left her at
home only an hour since"
"Yes, sir, l did, and know she
couldn't help seeing me. That's what
worried me when you came. l was
about to close the Office for the day."
"Young men should never worry; it
makes them grow old so much the faster.
But to the object of my visit"
"I'm all attention, Mr.. Briston."
.Very we'll. Now, Harry, I'm worried
myself over Mabel's capers-not her
love for you, remember, but something
far worse. fear she is given TOTO
kleptomania, and"
''Whati Mabel?'' said l, Indignantly.
''How dare you accuse your daughter OF
such thing?"
THAT is what came to talk about, 81
he replied, calmly.
-'Surely, you do not mean it, SIR" said
i. in a husky voice. "There must be
some mistake"
mo mistake about it. Smith, the dry
goods dealer. and Brown, the jeweler,
have both called on me and laid charges
of theft against her--the taking of bits OF
lace. ribbons. pocket handkerchiefs, and