Griggs courier., 1895-09-06

He looked up. what in the worlds
the matter with Van Straaten?"
The old German, with his plnce-nez
awry pinching the end of his nose, was
coming excitedly up the gangway.
"Vere is the captain?' he screamed.
"Pring me all at once the captain"
The captain of the Bengal hurried
up. In few words of mangled
English Mr. Van Straaten explained.
A group of interested passengers stood
around.
II talk to Miss Norman for leedle
time," cried Mr.. Van Straaten. II 90
then to my CABIN; I find there my
precious diamonds-vanished."
''They can't have gone far, sir" said
the captain.
'They have no need to go at all.
Eight tousand bounds worth all gone.
must know now queekly who has
stole them alretty."
ANY suspicion?" asked the captain.
II am not so sure. am not so sure. u
"Anybody on board seen them?'
"Von person only. Mr.. Greig, if you
please, come here. I show you my
precious diamonds, amt it, two days
after we leave Calcutta?"
THAT is so," said Greig, cheerfully.
''And very magnificent diamonds they
were. remember telling you that I
wished one or two were mine then, so
that I might give them to-"
He stopped.
IL suppose we shall have to search
the cabins" said the captain of the
Bengal ''It's q fearful nuisance,
ladies and gentlemen; but it can't be
helped. May we begin with yours,
Mr.. Greig%'
II really don't know" protested
Greig, "why I should have my cabin
upset and turned out just because"
II desire that Mr.. Greig's cabin
should be searched" said Mr.. Van
Straaten, insistently.
THAT settles it, then," said Henry
Greig, carelessly. Fire away. I'll
come down with you."
The crowd went below and stood in
the corridor while the examination
was progressing. Elsie Norman, hear
ing the noise, left her aunt, and, rather
red at eyes. came forward. The cap
tain, Mr.. Van Straaten, the chief stew
ard and Henry Greig reappeared at
the door of the cabin. The old Ger
man bore leather case very carefully
in his arms.
"The diamonds have been found" +"
announced the captain of the Bengal,
seriously. 1--WE shall not have to
trouble you, ladies and gentlemen"
They were only ordinary folk, rath.
cred bored by the tediousness of the
journey from Calcutta. and they could
not help showing certain relish over
the diversion.
"Most painful affair. really"
"Case found under the pillow in the
berth"
''Seemed such an honest fellow,
too"
my DEAR" said Mrs. Renton bitter
ly, lit doesn't do to trust anyone now
adays. You never know who's who."
But you'd think really on P. & o.
steamship"
"rm sorry for that poor Miss Nor.
man. She was engaged to him, you
know"
"Oh, that's broken off quite definite
ly. I heard her telling the old Ger.
man SO. The old fellow asked he,
what was the matter, and she told him
He was a partner of her fathers, yor
know, and he seemed much concerned
about it. You see, dear, I wasn't ex
actly listening, but"
but you heard, dear-that's tn,
main point. Come into my cabin ant
see my new serge dress"
They went aft, leaving Greig at tn
door of his cabin. He was holding tn,
sides to prevent himself from falling
Other passengers went past his cabin
keeping carefully to the other side O
the narrow corridor. Not one of then
: spoke to him, but they all spoke t
each other.
"What does this mean?" cried Henr
Greig. do they suspect me Of"
a "Harry!"
Q A soft white hand on his arm with
kindly pressure. He turned and seize
II gladly.