Passaic City record., 1891-10-17
THE JEWELED HAIRPIN;;
The Strange Tragedy of the
Grand Hotel.
BY ARTHUR GRIFFITHS.
CHAPTER discontinued.

lonable In late years, since the nalr Ha
been dressed upward, so to speak, and
worn high on the top of the head. Large
pins were needed to maintain the edifce,
and had seen many like the one held
in nv hands in the shop windows of the
Palais Royal. neat design in brilliants
whether they were real or false dia-
monds, I, mere uninitiated male, was
unable to declare-ornamented the cireu-
lar end of the pin; but between each
flashing stone was small turquois. The
whole appearance of the pin was that 1t
had cost money, and was a little out OF
the common run.
But it was far less valuable to its owner,
whoever she might be, than to US, eager
to snatch at any clew.
I rushed into the room, triumphantly
exhibiting my prize
See, Hasnip," cried. this was on the
natl"
He looked upon the pin with melan-
choly air, disgusted evidently that l
should have come upon such clew.
Il always said it was woman" he be-
gan.
All pure conjecture, Hasnip. you know
that, retorted.
AT any rate, my conjecture is now sup
ported by evidence. which is more than
can be said of any of yours.
ave must look for its fellow. They
generally 60 in pairs, these things. We
may find the other in the back of some
womans head here in the Grand Hotel.
He did not answer. All at once his
face had assumed fixed look; he was
listening with all his ears intently
"H-shi' he whispered, placing his
hand on my arm. was certain | heard
footstep-the rustic of dress"
The next instant the door was tried.
We heard distinctly the handle turned
once, Internationally, of course, as
the door was bolted within.
a third attempt was made--convulsive-
ly, as l thought-and then followed
sound as of some one falling to the floor
-She has tainted, said Hasn1p, taking
it for granted it was a woman. Stop!
what are you going TO do?"
rushed to the door, disregarding his
protests, opened it hastily and found it
was as Hasnip had said.
A female figure lay PROSTATE in the
passage, and I Immediately recognized
Miss Clara Bertram.
What did I tell you? l was right to
trust my luck, 1 heard Hasnip say be-
hind me, as he caught sight of the inani-
mate figure and also came to the door.
was for running on down the passage
to summon help.
Hold hard, Mr.. Leslie, hold hard.
Don't call any one. We must manage
this ourselves. Come, let us get her in
side"
@What, into that room, where the body
Is? Surely not"
Yes, yes. You lift her by the shoul-
ders, will take her feet. There!" had
the beautiful girl now in my arms, and
could look down on the fine face from
which all color had faded, and which
looked the whittier from its sharp con-
trast withIher coils of raven hair.
We carried her tenderly-at least l can
answer for mysef-into the bedroom, and
laid her upon the sofa. Hasnip, after the
most approved fashion, hastily sprinkled
water from the ever on the washstand in
her face, then took one soft hand and
rubbed it vigorously, directing me to do
the same with the other.
This treatment soon had its effect, and
Miss Bertram, with deep sigh, pite-
Gus, painful sigh, opened her eyes.
AS they fell upon two strangers, two
men, leaning thus familiarly over her,
she started with terror, half sprung from
the sofa and cried:
Where am 1? What has happened?
Who brought me here?"
We found you, fainting, at the door,
began,
&c." continued Hasnip, rather brutally,
taking the words out of my mouth.
NO 99i No. 99l" she gasped. 4Herel
Merciful Heaven! Herel Let me out. I
cannot, will not stay herei l will not.
Let me goi"
Her voice rose to q shrek almost, as
she rushed toward the door.
Hasnip interposed.
You cannot leave the room yet, he
said, firmly, but in very low voice.
There are other people outside. 1t is so,
really. Listen for yourself"
Miss Bertram put her ear to the door,
and by her next movement admitted the
truth of Hasnip's statement.
Yes; you are right. 1t is my sister
and Captain Fawcett. I hear them plain
ly; they must not find me here. Please,
/ implore you, as gentlemen. l appeal
to you.
SThey shall not come in. See, the door
is bolted. But you will betray yourself
If you speak SO loud" replied the detec-
tive.
Miss Bertram seemed to understand,
and moved at once toward tho window.
Il will go this way, sho said, placing
her hand upon the sash to lift it.
The action, betraying, as I fancied, SO
intimate q knowledge of this second exit
from and approach to No. 80, struck
cold chill into my heart. 1t was obvious
she must have Travelled this roed beIore
NO, no, madam; not yet" said the
police officor, in o peremptory way, not
to be mistaken. Il want to ask you o
question. Is this yours?"
He suddenly produced the hair-pin
which he had kept ir his hand
l was watching the girls face closely
Palo as it had been before, the evid ntly
unexpected production of the pin turned
it t., gray eshen hue of death. Her
eyeballs, round and staring with terror
at first seemed starting from her mead;
then the lips dropped over them, as with
q sudden faintness. and but for my arm
she would again have fallen to the toor.
sIs it yours?" repeated Hasnip.
NO. no, she faltered quite low. al
most in a whisper. Don't ask me-
cannot tell you.
you are quite sure? 1t has its fellow,
I beIieye"-this was a mere shot, of
course-aand know where can lay my
hands on it."
The working of her face indicated
fresh access of terror, but she could
frame no words of reply.
This is too cruel, Hasnip, / said, feel
ing bound to interfere. The mere sight
of her anguish would have stirred me to
the soul, but I was yet more moved by the
mute look of appeal-like that of the
hunted stag-in her great, sorrow-stricken
eyes.