Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1896-11-19

o"' avail. Ihe horrible truth then
"a"hed upon me; | had been robbed
fo' moment sat completely
stunned by the weight of this over.
whelminS talamn 5s1Onfv would
my dearest friend be reduced to pov-
erty through my carelessness, but sus-
piclon would inevitably fall on me.
and, with my reputation ruined, how
could expect to win Incz, who was
dearer to me than life itself
At all hazards I must recover the
diamonds.
Feeling that the robbery must have
been committed by some one who
knew the diamonds were in the safe.
l conld not suspect my faithful! old
clerk, Raphael Vega, as he had been
absent from the warerooms all morn
ing. | remembered him telling inc.
however, Of a distinguished-loo
stranger who had called while | had
| gone to luncheon. He had waited
| few minutes in the office and then LETT
! saying he would return later.
| True, General Cabanos had been
| present when the Captain had in
/ trusted the diamonds to my keeping;
| it was indeed hard for me to harbor
suspicion against the father Of the
woman | loved. Moreover, ne was a
man Of wealth and unsullied reputation
But duty compelled me to leave no
| stone unturned.
now searched the safe AGAIN. On
examining the drawer that had held
the diamonds, discovered on It's up
per edge small, red streak that re-
/ sembled blood. After much cog.ta-
ton l decided that the thief in his
haste must have grazed his hand.
Here was an important clue, and l
determined to act upon it.
Confident that I was on the right
track, l did not notify the police, but
went to my apartments and dressed
for the reception.
i On my arrival at the Generals
house the first 10 greet me was Inez.
She looked beautiful beyond descrip-
ton as she bid me welcome, and for
time her intoxicating loveliness
caused me to forget the broodiDg
trouble that haunted me. AS We sat
talking, Don Hernandez approached
and requested the honor of a dance
with Inez She consented As he
presented his arm | noticed on the
back Of his hand slight abrasion.
started. Could this be the man who
had called at tho office during my ab-
sence? If so, that trifiing scar spoke
volumes.
| determined to question him. The
opportunity soon came, as after the
dance he sauntered out on to the yer.
anua, Wnlch was deserted at Tue tlme,
and 1T "a cigarette. 7Herc was my
chance. | followed. Approaching
HIM ! said Il believe you wished to
see me today, Don Hernanez?" ''Yes, "
he replied. ~ called on a tritling mat
ter of business Shall | state 1t
now?"
That answer decided me, yet it
was a risky thing, to accuse man o1
u serious crime. on the slight evidence
possessed. But "trlhvs light as air
are often sufficient to influence one il
nv predicament, ana / now decided
TO :stand the hazard Of the die, and
accuse him point blank Of the rob
berry.
well, ii is rather late for husi
ness, replied. taking ont my watch,
:bul l will give YOU Just ten inmates
to return the diamonds YOU stole from
my safe today.
/ suall never forget the look OF rag,
and terror that came over his features
when / uttered those words. Then
with the qu'ckness and scroclly Of
wild cat. be sprang at my throat.
had drawn my revolver. but SO tierc'
and sudden was his attack that take.
ufawares and carried of nv feet