The morning call., 1893-01-25

The gas was lit In the room. and two ladies
sat at a table at some distance frcm the
nook in which | lay-shOwy women. who
did not look. thought, too respect able
- No wonder they are at a loss, said the
younger. i went across the balcony and
slipped in at the window while the boy was
asleep. | took the things from under his
very nose. l suppose you telegraphed to
me. What did YOU telegraph
Child dying Uttered the old woman.
Come at once.
livery well. That makes the best ex-
cuse,' said the younger one. Wen order a
carriage TO 60 10 the park, keep it waiting
till the telegram comes. then off. Here,
give me your petticoat'
"Peeping from behind the curtain that
draped the alcOve, | saw the old woman
hand black slk-qullted skirt to the young
one. who began 10 patch it on the wrong
side. laying notes and papers in the black
silk squares.
"A fter a while she said:
"'That girls miniature set In diamonds
must go in too. Give me that and the emer-
aids. They say they have sent for Smith to
work up the case. He's not here. for /
know him and he knows me, Well, I'm
generally lucky.
"These words were the open sesame that
revealed the truth. understood 1t now.
There was another John Z. Smith, and
be was a detective. had been mistaken
for him. Under the influence Of champagne
/ had entered the wrong room, by chance
that of the woman who had robbed the
young noDleman.
Il bad one chance Of concealing myself
to roll off behind the lounge, which had no
back.
"Being slim as an eel at the time, l con-
triyed to do this silently and waited the re-
suit.
flake advantage of your opportunity
says | to myself. Don't give yourself
away
II saw how everything was packed. l
saw the old woman take the skirt and put it
on and come and aud lie down on the lounge
above me with cloak over her. / saw the
lights lowered and heard the other woman
lie down on the bedstead.
The thief above me groaned first and
snored after ward. Then the young woman
was as quiet as if she were dead.
Il erept out, crawied on my bands and
elbows to the door. found the key In the
lock. opened the door and was safe.
81 found the night watchman walking the
house In list slippers, aud sigma ling him to
silence, said:
Call the proprietors. Tell them Mr..
John 7. Smith wants them instantly, and
bring them here"
Gentlemen | said. with an air they had
not yet seen, my mission is accomplished.
The thieves occupy that room. They are
lady and young woman who passes for her
elderly servant. They are professional
thieves. The young woman crossed the
balcony and committed the robbery while
Lord Lampkins slept. The booty is stitched
in quilted Detticoat on the old WON an S
person.
'rhe women were arrested. Lord Lump
kins got his property back-Lady Catherine
and all-and was very generous. The hotel
men paid me spendidly, and after another
dinner | went away with a little fortune in
my pocket.
II read of The bright work OF John p.
Smith in all the papers and tile other fellow
was welcome to the reputation.
II took my little pile TO Montana, bought
ranch and made my fortune. Well good
by, sir. Haven't minute"
The little jeweler stuck his head out Of
the window to look after him. but he was
gone. with fash from his collar button and
n fash from his tiageT.
He looked lucky, and perhaps his story
Is true" thought the ieweler.
Who can teIl?--Black and White.