Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-05-16
7le PicoadiLIy Puzzle.
THE STORY Oh A TERRIBLE EPISODE
In THE LIFE OF An ENGLISH
NOBLEKAN.
BY F. w. HUME
CHAPTER H.
DoWKER-DETECTIvE.


principal witness, nothing was developed
that could throw a light on the mystery.
1t was simply proved that the victim had
been wounded by some poisonous in
strument which had resultedin her death.
Mr. DOwker, of Scotland Yard was the
detective detailed to find out who the vic
tim was and if possible to bring her as
ASSN to justice.
DOwker was pleased at this tribute to
his cleverness and sighed in an approx
ing manner as he rapidly reviewed all the
evidence which had come under the eyes
of the police.
In the first place it would be necessary
TO discover the name of the deceased. and
then, by finding out the manner Of her
life, the motive of the crime might be
discovered, pointing to the criminal. The
clothing was not marked in any way, but
on examining the hat DOwker found from
ticket on the inside that it had been
purchased at the shop of Nine. Rene in
Regent street; so, wrapping up the hat in
paper, he betOOk himself to the establish
ment of that lady, as the first step in the
chain of evidence which he hoped to com
plete by the discovery of the assassin.
Nine. Rene's establishment was one of
the smartest in London, and was we'll
known to the feminine world, who were
accustomed to pay the eXOrbitant sums
demanded there for goods which could
have been bought much cheaper else
where, but then they would not have been
stamped with Mime. Rene's approval, and
that omission was to declare that the
article was questionable. Nine. Rene's
trademark being thus indispensable,
ladies never ventured to go anywhere else
if they could possibly manage it, and
Nine Rene fOurished greatly.
DOWker entered the shop and asked to
see Nine. Rene, to whose presence he was
conducted at once for the detective was
well known there, having been frequently
employed by Madame in missions of a
delicate nature, principally concerning
ladies of high rank and diamonds
Madame herself was short and stout,
with a thoroughly English face, and in
deed, she had been born within the sound
of Bow Bells, but took her French name
for trade purposes. Her voice was sharp
and shrill, and her black eyes bold and
piercing-a thorough woman of business;
who knew the value of money and time
so wasted neither.
Well, Mr.. DOWker," said madame,
when the detective had taken his seat in
her private Office and closed the door,
what is the matter now? was just going
to send for you"
What about?" asked Dowker, with
sigh. More trouble?"
Yes. Lady BalscOmbe's run away with
Lord CallistOn, and she owes me a lot of
money, so I want to know the chances of
y getting paid.
ANY security" inquired the detective.
"Oh, yes-Im not such a fool as to lend
ladies money without security" said
madame, with a shrill laugh. I've got
diamond necklace, but think it belongs
to Sir Rupert BalscOmbe-part of the
family jewels suppose I'd better go and
see him.
II think that would be the wisest plan. 4"
"Humphi" shifted the lady, frowning
Il don't know. On the one hand he may
ma W oT06 rnHaaU0 the mack
lace, on the other he may kick up a row,
and don't want my dealing in this way
made public. I'd have q whole army of
husbands down on me-just like men
they go to the Jews themselves to get
ready money and when their wives do a
bit of borrowing with their millineTs they
make a fuss"
why not sell the necklace?"
That's what ImlgOing to do as soon as
hear from Lady Balscombe. suppose
she'll be divorced and marry CallistOn-
more fool she, for he's q scamp-then
1y, but don't know whore to write to her
Where have they gone tor"
I hear in q yacht to the Azores, " said
Dowker, who knew everything; they'll
turn up again, I've no doubt-then you
can see her"
What an idiot she was to give up such
a fair pCsitiOni" said madame, who looked
point Of view. She was nobody when
Sir Rupert picked her up and he gave hel
everything-she made ducks and drake!
of his money-they fought, and the re-
suit is she's gone OFF with CallistOn,
man who is the biggest scamp in town.
Yes, l know; got little crib In st
Johns Woods, said Owker, who had Nc
hesitation in talking plainly to this WON
an, who knew as much about FAST life q!
he did.
so 1 hear; never saw his mistress, but
hear she's a beautiful woman; there vii
be a row when she hears his latest esca
pade; but he'll get tired of Lady Balls
cOmbe and 90 back to the st. ohu's Woo
establishment-they always do"
Well, the whole affair Will end a
usual said the detective with a sigh II
q public scandal and divorce; but wan
to see you about this, " and taking the ha
out of the parcel he laid it before mad
anne. 1t was rather striking-lOOking-
black straw with brown and blue velve
twisted together and caught on one sid
with a slender silver. crescent.
Yes, that's mine, said madame glanc
ing at 1t. Rather good style, think
What do you want to know"
The name of the person YOU sold it to-
~HUmph!-rather difficult question t.
answer-sOme one might have bought /
and taken it away with them, but if the
left an address I'll soon find out. F"
She touched Dell ana girl appeared
Send Miss Brazil to me-she's invalUa
BILE, explained madame to DOwker whe
the girl had vanished. Such a wonderfU
memory, forgets nothing. I find her use
ful in my deals with LADIES' milliner
business is not all bonnets and hats, a
we know"
It's more than the world does, re
sponded Dowker with as near an apprOac
to a smile as he allowed himself.
Miss Brazil made her appearance and de
cided the question at once.
1T was sold to a lady about two month
ago-somewhere in St. Johns Wood"
WAS it a real lady?" asked DOwker.
Well, she was more like a servant
responded Miss Brazil doubtfully.