The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-07

face. He had not time sven to see the
mannerloss occupants face. He waited a
few moments and then the door opened
suddenly as before. n small parchment was
thrust into his hands and the door banged
to again.
and the whole affair had boon conducted
with such rapidity that Sir Barton had
hardly time to realize the strangeness Of it
when n fresh development occurred. He
was just about to knock on the door with
his hunting whip when he found himself
%pinioned from behind. his dionitied little
person moved sharply round and his hands
brought deity forward and handcuffed.
He then became aware of three great,
halking fellows ginning In his face and
assuring him quite s~uporfiuously that they'd
got him. In vain he protested that some
mistake had been made. They only
laughed in his face, while one OF them rap
idly nnfastened the little parcel that had
been wrssted from his grasp. and displayed
a case of jewels of quito extraordinary
maRnidoence.
tits q mistake. I suppose" said the one
who appeared to be their leader, shat you
had the diamond necklace OF Lady Ten
ster's in your possession. knowing il to
have been stolen? TIA q mistake, I sup
pose. that you know anything about the
crib cracking over at Carston Fens last
month? However, dom you say nothing,
for you know that anything vow do say will
be brought up against you at the trial"
It tool the bsronet some time to collect his
thoughts. but whom he did 80 he determined
to tell the detectives the whole story. and
to demand to be taken forthwith to ahackle-
ton castle, a mile and a half away. where
lived his friend Lord Parchment. j. P.
chairman of quarter sessions, who would.
of course, at once admit him to bnil. Aftcr
uorn l(ft1o HiHiAultv ho 00k tina m vYridnno
of the law to grant him a hearing, and so
impressed them with the Enthusiastically
of his story that they at length yielded to
his demand. He was then marched OF be-
tween the two subordinate officers. their
superior staying bshind to make some fur
Their inquiries.
Without much difficulty the baronot was
released from the clutches of the Law. The
two detectives returned with him to Barton
hall. but only that they might be in readi-
ness to fall upon tho stranger on his arrival
the next day al hoo Sir Barton Mt once
ives. and they recognized that It belonged
to a swell nobleman whom they had boon
trying to drop on for years.
1t appeared that after the robbery of Lady
Tenster's jewels q month before. informR-
ton had boon given to the police by a cot
taaer whom Dir Barton had visited that
MOI ming that q parcel had been left by a
stranger with instructions to kesp il until
authorized by a letter and the pay ment Of
two sovere!gns to part with II. The parcel
had been examined and proved to contain
the stolen Jewels, and the ambuscade had
been arranged into which the baronet had
curiously fallen. That evening n letter was
dispatched to the head detective. telling
him OF tho position Of affairs.
The next morning Sir Baton was be-
times Mt tho show inclosu G, with the two
dete in attendance there, for no was
anxious, il possible, TO get this unpleasant
business over before the business OF tho
day got into full swing.
rived, driving his four-in-hand provided
ton Castle. And the whole elite of tho coun-
try was present ut the opening
His lordship poked tho baronst IN the ribs
as he passed his good morning" md slyly
whispered in his ear that hs was glad to
meet him again unencumbered with the
'bracelets."
The inauguration was just over, and the
visitors had proceeded to view the exhibits,
whom Sir Barton. casting his eyes anxiously
round. found himself face to face with his
friend OF tho train. Tho strnneer was
approaching him with extended hand. The
little baronct drew himself up stiily and
said. with all the dignity he could assume:
Excuse mo, sir. Might ! not have a
word with You nphrt?"
Certainly" said the stranger. In n tons
OF some surprise. aud Sir Barton noticed
TINT no gave a quick. Suspicious look round.
as II instinctively on his guard against u
surprise or ambuaonds.
The baronet led tho way into tho COM
mitses tent. and, a. he stood aside for his