Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-01-22

i've.
81 mean, Mr.. Barnes, that you forgot
that was looking into a mirror.
"Your remark indicated that meant
to steal"
Ibid it? I am sorry. But really You
should not adopt a thief's stealthy
methods if you are so sensitive. When
invite gentleman into my private
room, l do not expect to have him fin
gering my clothing while my back is
turned.
Take care, Mr.. Mitchell, you are
speaking to detective. If did stretch
my hand toward your clothing, it was
with no wrong intent, and You know it. "
Certainly do. and what is moro I
know just what you were wishing to do.
You must not get angered SO easily. I
should not have used the words which I
did, but to tell you the truth I was
piqued."
81 don't understand.
'It hurt my feelings to have you treat
me just like an ordinary criminal. That
you should think would let You como
in here and make whatever examina-
lions you have in your mind right be-
fore my very eyes wounded my pride.
never should have turned my back upon
you except that faced a mirror. told
You know what you wished to do. 1t
was to examine the buttons ON my vest,
was it not:''
Mr.. Barnes was staggered, but did
not show it. Calmly he said:
CAS- you know. overheard your con-
versation On the train. You spoke of
having a set Of five curious buttons
and
Pardon ne, said six, not five. "
Once more Er. Barnes had failed to trap
the man. He suggested five, hoping that
Mr.. Mitchell might claim that to have
been the original number, thus elimi-
mating the lost one.
"Of course you did say six, now I re-
member" he continued, land think
you will admit it was not unnatural Gu
riosity which led me to wish to see them,
that-that-well, that l might recog-
nize them again.
"A very laudable intent. But, my
dear Mr.. Barnes, have told you that
you may call upon me at any time and
ask me any questions you please. Why
did you not frankly ask me to show you
the buttons:'
81 should have done so. do SO now :"
| "They are in the vest. You may ex-
anime them if you desire it
| Mr.. Barnes took up the vest, and was
puzzled to find six buttons, three of Ju-
liet and three of Romeo. Still he was
satisfied, for they were identical with
the one in his pocket. 1t occurred to him
that this man who was SO careful in his
precautions might have lied as to the
number i'll the set, and have said six
when in reality there were seven. A few
questions about the buttons seemed op-
perfume.
"These are very beautiful, Mr.. Mitch
ell, and unique too. I have never heard
of cameo buttons before. think you
said they were made expressly for you. u
Mr.. Mitchell dropped into cushioned
rocker before he replied:
"Thesa buttons were made for me,
and they are exquisite specimens of the
graver'S art. Cameo buttons, however
are not SO uncommon as yOu suppose
though they are more usually worn by
women, and, i'll fact, it was a woman I
idea to have these cut. I should no,
have''-
"By Jove!" said Mr.. Barnes, "tht
Romeo buttons are copies from YOU
likeness, and good portraits too
"Ah! You have noticed that, have
you?"
Eyes, and the Juliets are copies Of
| Nv,
excited, for if these buttons were per
traits, and tho one in his pocket wa.
that of the woman whose likeness stood
on the easel, it was evident that they
were connected. Mr.. Mitchell eyed him
keenly.
"Mr. Barnes, you are disturbed. Wha
il it?"
II am not disturbed"
"You are, and it is the sight of thos'
buttons which has caused it. Now tel
me your reason for coming here thi
morning"
Mr.. Barnes thought the time hat
some to strike a deciding blow.
"Mr. Mitchell, first answer one cues
tion, and think well before you reply
How many buttons were made for thi
set:'
"Seven," answered Mr.. Mitchell. s,
promptly that Mr.. Banies could onl,
repeat, amazed.
Seven? But you said six only mo
ment agor'
81 know what said. never forge
any statement that make, and all N,
statements are accurate. said that 81:
is the entire set. Now you ask me wha
was the original number, and / repl,
seven. Is that clear:'
Then the other button has been lost:'
mot at all. know where it is.'
'Then what do you mean by sayin,
that the set now is only six:"
Excuse me, Mr.. Barnes, if declin
to answer that question. have reptile,
now to several since I asked YOU VIII
you came here this morning"
81 will tell you,' said the detective
playing his trump card, as he thought
Il have been examining the place wher
your crime was committed, aud hav
found that seventh button." If Mr.
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