The Colfax chronicle., 1890-06-07

Convinced that the charges were true,
and that the clerks were innocent, l left
the store and returned to my Office, feel
ing that all was over between Mabel and
myself Still, concluded to follow up
the programme, and see to what extent
she would go.
That evening l called, and asked il
she had been at Smiths. She replied
she had, at two o'clock. ''Smith said
you were there" said /, watching her
closely.
"Yes; about FIVE minutes. Iexpected
to see you there"
"But you did not see me-"
"No."
"About half after two l was there.
and they say you left FIVE minutes be-
fore.'
"It was longer than that, fully twen-
ty-fve minutes, by the watch"
They say you returned to make more
purchases" said j, careless,y.
20, no; was there but once"
"You did not return then?"
Certainly not. What do they mt an
by making such assertions, I'd like TO
know, Harry?"
''Can not say" replied, knowing fl IL
well that she had returned and stolen
the piece of lace. After chatting fifteen
minutes or so, took my departure, wor-
dering how young lady of her stand
ing in society, with ample means at her
command, would stoop to falsehood and
theft. The blow was hard one, in
deed, to my ambitions.
The following day resumed my dis
guise, and appeared at Browns, although
/ felt that / had seen enough to con
vince me.
Mabel appeared at three o'clock, in.
spected some fine rings, and departed
without making purchase. Nothing
was missing; nor did she return.
She made some purchases at Smiths
next day, returning shortly to look over
some silk handkerchiefs- Directing the
clerks attention to some article in the
next case, she slipped handkerchief in
her handbag.
concluded not to call at her home
until the programme was fulfilled, and
then should bid her farewell, and leave
town forever.
Saturday came. This was her day at
Browns. Some gold watches were set
out for her inspection, and when an op-
portunity offered, she stole one. i was
now convinced that she was thief, and
following her out, determined to tell
her SO. She was few yards in advance
of me, and before reached her she got
aboard street-car. Shouting to the
driver, and forgetting for moment that
I was supposed to be an old man, ran
nAmbly enough, and caught up with the
car.
Clearing my throat-for was nearly
choked with grief-I was about to speak,
when letter upon the floor, and which
she had probably dropped, attracted my
attention. 1t lay near the door, and far
enough under the seat to escape her no
| toe.
Arising, walked over to the spot.
picked up the missive, noting the ad-
dress, and handed it to her.
so, Mabel, poor Mabel" sighed, in
wardly, s'how could 1 have mistrusted
you"
The letter had revealed ALL
With feeling of unspeakable relief.
sat silently noting the appearance Of
the lady opposite. "Why did mot think
of it before?" l asked myself. Yet,
had no reason to think she was here.
When the car stopped to let her of, ]
followed, and saw her enter neat little
cottage. Taking down the street and
number, returned, and hurried to call
on Mabel.
OF course / found her at home, and
disclosed the discovery had made.
Mr.. Briston was delighted, and in.
sisted upon an immediate marriage
when the whole thing was settled.
Mabel wept with joy, and her mother
threw her arms about my neck and
kissed me.
The lady at - street and No. =, was
placed under arrest, the following Mon
day, but at the earnest solicitation of
Mabel, was let out on bail furnished by
Mr.. Briston.
1t was Annie-my Annie of college
days gone by, who had proved such
flirt that discarded her. This was one
of my reasons for going West. She dis
covered my whereabouts and followed
me up, assuming disguise and watch
ing my movements. Hearing of my
love for Mabel Briston, and our engage
ment, she was ready to do any thing to
Illustrate the marriage.
The striking resemblance she bore to
Mabel and sufficient to deceive the store
clerks, and in turn myself, decided her
plans. She would work up charge of
kleptomania against Miss Briston by
purloining articles from the stores
where she traded.
Annie was the one who had returned
in all cases, the clerks supposing it to
be Miss Briston. Luckily, her scheme
failed to reach a climax. She it was
whom had met that morning.
Mabel, kind soul that she is, called to
see Annie, and forgave her, requesting
her to leave town, and not bring dis
grace upon all by trial
Aunia coucludad tn take Mahe1'S ad.