The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1893-07-28
A GIRL DETECTIVE.

A GIRL DETECTIVE.
She came into the Office of the chief, Barry
Lawrence, with a frightened look in her big
brown eyes, reaching out u trembling hand
as she approached the detective, in which
was held 4 morning paper.
II came III answer to this, sir" and Barry
Lawrence took the paper. as with one hand
lie nonchalently removed his cigar from his
lips, letting the blue smoke curl slowly up
ward, as with half closed eyes he looked at
the girl narrowly, and after close scrutiny
the eyes fell upon the sheet before him, to q
few printed lines, where the long. slender
forefinger of the girl still pointed.
THAT Is intended for men," said the
chief as he arose to his feet.
But you didn't specify, SIR" the girls
voice trembled, and there was a world Of
appeal in the big brown eyes.
Barry Lawrence laughed a little, low
laugh.
THAT is understood" he said and re-
sumed his cigar.
You want detectives, sir2" Her hands
were tightly clinched now, and the chief
noticed how cold and blue they looked and
how wan and pitiful the white, young face
Her clothing. too, looked very poor.
Come to the fire." he said kindly. and
knocking the ashes from his cigar handed
the girl chair
She took 1t gratefully and thanked him.
what is it you want to dor" Lawrence
stirred the fire briskly.
1t was a morning in early midwinter.
The chief had been alone in his Office until
the girl came. He was awaiting answers
to his advertisement for Detectives Want
ed, etc, and expecting men and half grown
boys, but not one woman or girl. Nat
urally he was surprised.
The girl cleared her voice and looked
more hopeful Why. anything that you
have to do, sir. can find out things as
well as any man." She paused and caught
her breath hard and continued II must
have work, and AM not strong enough to
do hard work, and have never been taught
to do anything in particular, and haven't
much Of an education"
Can you read and writer" the chief
asked.
"Oh, yes. sir; anybody can do that"
naively; but speak of an education; that
means a good deal more than that" She
spoke eagerly and with the sound of long
ing in her voice.
~ see" said the chief quietly. He began
to appreciate the girl.
"Now. what is your name and where do
you liver"
Margaret Lee" the girl answered. u
live at PSI Melon street. l have lived in
the city all my life. l was born here"
Parents living"
MY mother, sir, and have several small
sisters and brothers"
Amy old enough to work."
Zone brother, IA, cashboy in Merwin's."
$50 most of the support falls upon you'll"
Indeed, sir, until mother lost her health
she washed and ironed, and even now sews
when she is not able" depreciatingly.
what put the idea into your head of be-
ing detectivei"
The chief was apparently becoming deep
ly interested. and the frightened look left
the girls face, and Il faint color crept into
her pale cheeks.
"Ive seen things ut different times in
houses where I've worked, and In stores,
when things were missing, and | often
found out who did the wrong and who
made the trouble when no one else could,
but l never told. 1t wouldn't have done
any good, and when was looking over the
paper this morning for work and saw your
advertisement thought I would answer
It."
"Heml How old are your" asked Barry.
"Twenty-three.
Indeed! hardly thought that"
"Yes, sir. ! am full 49," Margaret an
swered.
Are you timid?"
~ am not afraid of most things. but
did feel little afraid of you, sir"
The chief laughed heartily now.
"Well. I'll tell you," he said. II have
some work l believe that you can do-at
least I'll try you. There is a good deal of
stealing going on ut Potter's on Fourth
street, and SO far they haven't been able to
fasten it on any one. You go down there
ton. I'll give then, a tip meanwhile, and
you will get the place. Now, Pm not 60
ing to give you single direction. If you
are a natural or acquired detective, you will
know what to do Others are coming in
now-good morning" and u few moments
later Margaret Lee found herself fastening
with lightened heart.
The next morning she took her place in
:
er a few moments conversation with one of
the proprietors, performing apparently the
same duties rs some of the other girls.
Its all nonsense-she won't amount to
anything" said the senior partner to Chief
Lawrence rs the latter strolled laZily into
the house few hours later. II wish you
had put on n man. Men are sharper"
1--WE put OH several men," Lawrence an
for hau huy tod to
nothing. You say this stealing has been
going on systematically for long time.
You've watched. I've watched, and my men
much in the dark is ever. 1t is no harm to
give this girl trial promise you 1t shall
not be long one"
VERY we'll Make 1t Short" replied Mr..
Potter, and soon after the chief TOOK his de-
parture.
II was the fourth day of Margaret Lees
ephone in his office made Barry Lawrence
spring to his feet with n bound.
"Hellol What's wantedf"
Come up to the house at once" The
number was stated. and the chief rushed
out
In a few moments more he stood in the
private Office of Potter & Co., wholesale
house, where the senior and junior partners
and Margaret Lee were congregated
Mr.. Potter, the senior partner, was great
Iy agitated and was pacing the floor ex-
citedly to and fro. The Junior partner sat
In big chair behind the desk and looking
severely at Margaret Lee. who stood in the
center of the room, very pale, but very erect
and dignifed, with her slender hands
clasped before her.
"Well, what's ups" asked the chief as he
entered the room and removed his cap.
The senior partner whirled around, hur-
riedly looked the door, and without look
Ing at Margaret snapped his fingers in her
direction.
''That girl accuses my forewoman, a lady
who has been with US for two years, with
being the miscreant. It's lie-I-," he
stamped his foot and grew very red in the
face.
But, sir" interrupted the chief. "let me
hear Miss Lees reasons"
The senior partner was furious
81 want her to clear out. Why, Miss
Ray" naming the forewoman. 'is the soul
of honor"
Margaret smiled against her will.
s'She is certainly the thief" she said to
the detective.
Can you prove its" asked Barry kindly.
feeling that Miss Lee spoke the truth
eyes, sir, without doubt"
THAT is all we want" He returned to
the junior partner.
1--WE don't want her proofs" said that
gentleman sarcastically.
But you must have them, and must
have them. This is business, not sentiment.
Miss Lee" turning to Margaret, with q
great deal Of respect. when can we have
the proofs?"
1.-THE best time is just after the closing