The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-09

thought to escape before your theft was
discovered 1t was very clever scheme,
but it has failed Give me the necklace,
or shall turn you over to the police
81 stretched out my hand, thinking that
seeing the folly Of further concealnent and
the uselessness of denial she would return
the stolen property. | was wrong. She
drew herself up haughtily and looked me
full in the face. When she spoke it was in
a Voice that showed no trace of the sweet
ness which at first attracted me.
" You have brought serious charge
against me, she said and one of which
am innocent am alone and a woman,
this with momentary tremOr in her voice
that made me ashamed of the way | had
spoken to her If, as you say, you have
lost necklace, your only reason for accus-
ing me of having stolen it is that we have
been the only occupants of this co npart-
mcnt T instant you opened the box
and found it empty saw the position
was placed in Fortunately, however,
can prove my Innocence
Perhaps you may hesitate before again
attempting to blackmail an unprotected
woman. As soon as we arrive at Nice |
shall insist on going at once to the police
station, where a Thorough search of my
baggage and person shall be made shall
then ask you to prove that you ever had Il
necklace. This remark was accompanied
by a smile that was not pleasant to see
Until we reach Nice you will not addl ess
me again.
''She leaned back in her seat and turned
her face toward the window. felt rather
than saw that she was crying.
began to feel uncomfortable. What
it, after all, | had been too ready to jump
at conclusions and had been mistaken?
Was it possible that the box might have
been empty when | received it from the
jewelers.? | had not seen the necklace
after it was left to be repaired, as the box
was wrapped up when called for it. My
companion had insisted on an investigation
an investigation that guilty woman
would never have proposed. Besides this
she had expressed doubt as to the exist
nnce of the necklace and had accused me
of an attempt to blackmai. The more |
thought of it the more unpleasant my
position became.
suddenly my eyes fell on something
bright on the floor of the carriage. | stopped
and picked it up. 1t proved to be the
little heart shaped paddock had noticed
the night before on the poodles collar.
Like flash thought came to me. Here
might be the solution of the problem. At
my rate, would put it to the test. No
time should be lost AS we were just enter
ing the station, and in moment more the
guard would open the carriage door.
Reaching across the seat with quick
motion, drew the sleeping animal to my
side. The woman sprang forward to pre-
rent me, but she was too late | had
already torn the collar from the dogs neck
and vas holding it to the light that entered
,Hmly through the windows from the
station.
Il breathed Il sigh Of relief The inside
of the the collar contained hollow groove
and in this groove, securely fastened, lay
the missing necklace. | turned triumph
lntly to my companion. The door was
open. She was gone.
THAT morning as | entered Edith's
parlor the little poodle trotted contentedly
ny my side. and instead of the collar, he
wore the necklace. As for the woman
never saw her again"