The aegis & intelligencer., 1894-04-27
miscellaneous.
"DETECTIVES WANTED" "


in her big brown eyes, reaching out
trembling hand as she approached the
detective, in which was held a morn
ing paper.
Il came in answer to this, SIR" and
Barry Lawrence took the paper, as
with half-closed eyes he looked at the
girl narrowly, and after close scru-
tiny the eyes fell upon the sheet be-
fore him to few printed lines, where
the long slender finger of the girl point
ed.
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
world of appeal in the big brown eyes.
THAT is understood" he said, and
resumed his cigar.
"You want detectives, SIR" 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 a chair.
What is it you want to do?" Law
renee stirred the fire briskly.
The girl cleared her voice and look
ed more hopeful.
"Why, anything that you have to
do, sir. She paused and caught her
breath hard and continued 81 must
have work, and am not strong enough
to do hard work, and l have never
been taught to do anything in partic-
ular, and l haven't much of an educa-
tion.n
Can you read and write - the chief
asked.
"Oh, yes, sir anybody can do that"
naively, But speak of an education
that means good deal more than
that" She spoke eagerly and with
the sound of longing in her voice.
Now, what is your name and where
do you live p
Margaret Lee" the girl answered
II live at No. 251 Melon street. have
lived in the city all my life. 1 was
born here"
parents living %
my mother, sir, and have several
small sisters and brothers"
What put the idea into your head
of being a detectiveY'
The chief was apparently becoming
deeply interested, and the frightened
look left the girls face and faint
color crept into her pale cheeks.
1--we seen things at different times
in houses were I've worked and in
stores where things are missing, and
l often found out who did the wrong
and made the trouble when no one
else could, but l never told. 1t
wouldn't have done any good. And
when l was looking over the paper
this morning for work and saw your
advertisement l thought l would an
swer it,"
Hem! How old are you p asked
Barry.
"Twenty-three."
''Are you timid ~
II am not afraid of most things, but
| feel a little afraid of you, sir"
The chief laughed heartily now.
"Well, I'll tell YOU" he said. Il
have some work l believe that you
can do; at least I'll try you. There is
a good deal of stealing going on at
Potter's, on Fourth street, and so far
they haven't been able to fasten it on
any ys.1 one. aoun thoro +omorro,,,
morning and apply for position.
I'll give them tip meanwhile and
you will get the place.
Now, am not going to give you a
single direction. If you are detec
tive you know what to do. Others
are coming in now. Good morning,
and a few moments later Margaret
Lee found herself Fastening home
ward with lightened heart.
The next morning she took her
place in the great wholesale house
very quietly after few moments
conversation with one of the proprie-
tors, performing apparently the same
duties as some of the other girls.
'tIt's all nonsense-shew won't amount
to anything" said the senior partner
to Chief Lawrence as the latter stroll
ed lazily into the house a few hours
later. II wish you had put on man.
Men are sharper"
1--WE put on several men," Lawrence
answered, land so far they have
amounted to nothing. You say this
stealing has been going on systemat-
! ically for long time. You've watch
ed, I've watched, and my men
have been ON guard, and yet we are
all as much in the dark as ever. 1t is
no harm to give this girl trial.
promise you it shall not be long one. "
1t was the fourth day of Margaret
Lees trial when q sharp, decisive ring
at the telephone in his Office made
Barry Lawrence spring to his feet with
a bound.
In a few moments more he stood in
the private Office of Potter & Co.'S
wholesale house, where the senior
and junior partners and Margaret Lee
were congregated.
Mr.. Potter the senior partner, was
greatly agitated, and was pacing the
floor excitedly to and fro. The junior
partner sat in big chair behind the
desk and looking severely at Margaret
Lee, who stood in the centre of the
room, very pale, but very erect and
dignified, with her slender hands
clasped before her.
The senior partner whirled around,
hurriedly locked the door, without
looking at Margaret, snapped his fin
ger in her direction.