Rocky Ford enterprise., 1893-12-21

It was disloverable that he was a man
approaching middle life. Then one was
tempted to look more closely and observe
few of the telltale wrinkles about the
corners of the eyes, though the teeth
were as white and sound as school
girls, and he might easily have passed
for man a dozen years younger than
himself.
Simpson made bound into the room,
flirting the door shut behind him, flung
his hat upon the bed and grasped the
hand of the surprised and delighted Man.
son. A detective in the situation of tho
latter might have resented this intrusion
on his bailiwick, but no one could resent
Simpson. He was welcome everywhere.
A few minutes sufficed to explain mat
ters. Chief Varick had learned enough
about this business to see the necessity of
employing two of his best men in unrav-
cling its mysteries. He had therefore
sent Simpson down to Ellenville to help
Manson. They were to consult together
and follow out their own plan of action,
it being self evident that the prospect of
success from such course was better
than if they were directed from head
quarters unless the chief should receive
some important knowledge that was un-
known to them.
"You can see that it was good idea
of Varick," said Simpson, in his hearty
way, as he nursed the foot resting on
his knee and puffed at ono of the most
fragrant Of perfectos, for the only lux
ury to which he was addicted was that
Of the choicest importations from the
vuelta Abajo.
"In what respecty' asked his COM
panion.
"There are two independent lines
which must be followed. There may or
there may not be something in your sug-
gestion that those two Asiatics, provided
they are such, have been sent here by
some rajah or potentate Of India to take
that wonderful ruby back to that coun-
try. 1t may be they have it with them
and are gradually working their way to
New York with the intention Of sailing
for home. You haven't seen them, and
they know nothing about you. Isuggest,
therefore, that you devote yourself to
them until the truth comes to light"
"What is the other line to be fol-
lowed?'
doctor Maidhoff."
II believe he is the only one"
sit looks that way to me. but there can
be no certainty of it until it is probed to
the bottom. If it should be that those
peddlers have secured the gem, they
must never leave the country with it,
since If thcy do SO the jig will be up.
While you are devoting yourself to them
will cultivate the doctor. You having
called there and made known your iden-;
tity, you will be handicapped on that.
account. He won't suspect me, and iti
may be that I can work him. What do
you sayr'
II agree to your PLAN"
Every well; we can't begin to soon.
I'll call en- the doctor foc prescription
at once. If we have occasion to COM
municate. we'll do it through headquar-
ters."
Folsom Simpson made bound from
his chair, snatched up his hat, jerked it
down on tho back of his head, hurriedly
shook hands with his friend and skurried
down stairs and out into the night. He
made straight for the Office of DIR. Maid
hoff and assumed wan, lugubrious ex-
preston as he walked slowly to the side
porch and rang the bell.
The pale faced lady-evidently the wife
of the doctor-who answered the sum-
mons said he was absent on professional
duty, but would probably soon return.
Would the gentleman call again or waltz
THANK you, will wait awhile" re-
piled the visitor in faint voice. II feel
the need of rest"
Fortune seemed to be with the rotund
detective that night. He expected to be
conducted to the waiting room. but in
stead of that the lady led the way to the
doctors office, turned up the dim lamp
so that it burned brightly and then left
the patient to himself.
The moment he was certain he was
alone Simpson threw OF his pretended
illness, Strengthened up and glanced
keenly about the little room in which
Manson had held his interview with the
owner less than two hours before.
II have a feeling" he muttered. that
somewhere in this office is hidden most
important evidence concerning tho ra-
jah's ruby, and if am not disturbed for
10 minutes I'll find it."
Twice 10 minutes passed, and lie was
mot disturbed