The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-04-30

reach over that barrier, around m,
and cut my watch chain withou
either me or any one else seeing
him is more than | can understand
He must have cut it when yot
were pushing through the crowd to
the robing room, suggested someone
No, it could not have been then
argued Potts, because | wen
through the bar door.
But the bar door was crowded
was the reply.
Yes, but only by solicitors.
How do you know? queried Tom
Brightley, with laugh. He would
be a cute fellow who could distin
guish at a glance between solicitor
and a thief.
There was a general litter around
the table at this sally.
Have you the violated cross with
you2 some one then asked Potts.
Yes, l told you | didn't lose it.
Let us see the article.
Potts took it out OF his pocket and
handed it to the person desiring to
see it. This gentleman was greatly
struck with its peculiar workman
ship, and made some remarks to
that effect. Several other members
of the mess thereupon asked to see
it, and The Jewel was handed to the
nearest of them. This one passed
it on to the next, and SO it began
making the circuit OF the table.
Meanwhile Mr.. Borman, who posed
as an authority on Jewels and jew
eller's work, as he did on almost
every other topic, entered upon a
long discourse upon the peculiarity
OF the workmanship displayed in the
cross, which he described as unique
in character, he himself having only
once before seen one similar.
Well, Herman Potts then said,
now that we have heard about all
the different schools of Italian,
Flemish, French and German jew
ellers, perhaps the person who has
possession OF my cross will hand me
it.
There was a pause. Nobody
handed him the jewel.
Who has got ii? demanded Potts
a little impatiently. No jokes now.
Really, l don't know, said one, l
gave it to Barrassis.
And l gave it to Kidd, said Bar
assis, Q. C..
And l gave it to Brown, said
Kidd.
And l gave it to Hisluok, said
Brown.
And l gave it toto Mr.. BlightIey
said Hisluck.
And-and-did | not return it to
you? Brightley asked Potts.
You certainly did not, replied
Potts.
That's queer, said Brightley, a
little bit startled. | remember look
ing at it, but what l did with it after
ward I'm blessed if | know.
Perhaps you put it into your
pocket? suggested Kidd.
This is no laughing matter
snarled Potts angrily. I want te
know where the cross is.
think | remember, after looking
at it, laying it down on the table
here, said Brightley, and he pointed
to spot on the table, between him
self and Hisluck. Hisluck had tha
night taken his seat next to his pro
| tector.
Well, it's not there now, answered
Potts.
Perhaps it has fallen on the floor
suggested some one.
A search was thereupon made
but without result.
This is very awkward, said Bright
ley, with evident annoyance.
1t is, was Potts reply.
You have no idea where it wen
tor Brightley asked Hisluck.
No, no, answered Hisluck hastily
at the same time turning very red.
Of course not, sneered Potts; Just
as little as you.
What do you mean! demanded
Brightley angrily.
Oh, nothing, replied Potts, only
that between you and your trienc
the cross has disappeared.
Look here, Potts, said Brightley
if you think | have your contoundec
trinket you can search me thi
minute.
Don't talk nonsense, Tom, criec
Barrassis, who was leader OF the cir
cult; we haven't come down to tha
yet.
Well, then, let Potts make no NOR
insinuations, answered Tom Bright
ley.
! made no insinuations, said Pott
l merely stated fact, namely, tha
between you and Hisluck the eros
has disappeared, and look you
you'll have to find it again.
Tom Brightley stared Al Pottsf q
sonae minutes 81 speeclless passion
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