The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-03-23
THE STORY OF A TERRIBLE EPISODE
In THE LIFE OF An ENGLISH
N0BLEMAN.
BY F. w. HUMR
CHAPTER Ii.
DowKER-DETECTIvE.

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 herapidly reviewed all the
evidence which had come under the eyes
of the police.
In the first place it would be ary
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.
Rent Of that lady, as the first step in the
chain Of evidence which be hoped to COM
plete by the discovery of the assassin.
Nine. Rene's establishment was one of
the smartest ip London, and was we'll
known to the feminine world, who were
accustomed to pay the e1orbitant sums
demanded there for goods which could
have been bought much cheaper else
where, but then they would not have been
stamped with Nine. 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 60 anywhere else
n th:y could possibly manage it, and
Nine Rene fourished greatly.
Dowker entered the shop and asked to
See Mime. Rene, to whose presence he was
conducted at once, for the detective was
we'll known there, having been frequently
employed by Madame in missions Of o
delicate nature, principally concerning
ladies of high rank and diamonds.
Madame herself was short and stout,
with q 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 shrin, and her black eyes bold and
piercing-a thorough woman of business;
who knew the value of money and time,
so wasted neither.
well, MI. 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 sbout?" asked Dowker, with o
sigh. More trouble?"
Yes. Lady Balscombe's run away with
Lord Calliston, and she owes me lot of
money, so want to know the chances of
getting paid.
ANY security?" inquired the detective.
.Oh, yes-I'm not such fool as to lend
ladies money without security" said
madame, with shrill laugh. I've got a
diamond necklace, but think it belongs
to Sir Rupert Balscombe-part of the
family jewels-I suppose I'd better 60 and
see him.
Il think that would be the wisest plan. 1"
-Humphl' shifted the lady, frowning,
Il don't know. On the one hand he may
pay no my money and redeem the neck
lace, on the other he may kick up row,
made public. I'd have a whole army Of
husbands down on me-iust like men
they 60 to the Jews themselves to get
ready money, and when their wives do q
bit Of borrowing with their milliners they
make FUSS"
why not sell the necklace?"
That's what 1'mlgoingto do as soon as
I hear from Lady Balscombe. I suppose
she'll be divorced and marry Calliston-
more fool she, for he's scamp-then
she'll want to redeem the necklace quiet
ly,but don't know where to write to her.
Where have they gone to?"
Il hear-in 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
fair rposition!" said madame, who looked
at the whole affair from purely worldly
point of view. She was nobody when
Sir Rupert picked her up and ne gave her
everything-she made ducks and brakes
of his money-they fought, and the re-
suit is she's gone off with Calliston, a
man who is the biggest scamp in town.
Yes, know; got little crib in St.
Johns Woods" said Dowker, who had no
hesitation in talking plainly to this wom-
an, who knew as much about fast life as
he did.
so I hear; never saw his mistress, but
hear she's beautiful woman; there will
be row when she hears his latest esca-
pade; but he'll get tired of Lady Balls
combe and 60 back to the st. Johns Wood
establishment-they always do"
Well, the whole affair will end as
usual" said the detective with sigh In
public scandal and divorce; but want
to see you about this, " -od tnking the hat
out Of the parcel he lad it before mad
anne. It was rather striking g-lookirg-
black straw with brown and blue velvet
twisted together and caught on one sid3
with slender silver crescent,
Yes, that's mine," said madame glanc-
ing at it. Rather good style, think.
What do you want to know"
The name of the person you sold it to. !"
"Humph!-rather difficult question to
answer-some one might have bought it
and taken it away with them, but if they
LETT an address I'll soon lind out"
She touched bell and girl appeared.
Send Miss Brazil to me-she's invalua-
ble," explained madame to Dowker when
the girl had vanished. Such a wonderful
memory, forgets nothing. find her use
full in my deals with ladies--s milliner' S
business ls not ali oonnets and hats, as
We know"
Its more than the world does, re-
sponded Dowker with as near an approach
to smile as he allowed himself.
Miss Brazil made her appearance and de-
cided the question at once.
1T was sold to lady about two months
ago-somewhere in st. Johns Wood.
Was it real LADY," asked Dowker.
We'll, she was more like a servant,
responded Miss Brazil doubtfully. I
should say lady's maid.
WAS it sent?" asked madame impa-
riently.
.. -Yes-the address is in the book" an
swered Miss Brazil. and went outto get the
book. In q Jew moments size returned
and announced:
LYDIA Fenny, Cleopatra Villa, St.
Johns Wood"
In en;te of mis- babitual phlegm Dowkel