Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1897-02-04
detective runs across a lot of

~ queer InlnSS Ill his lle, ana
Il somehow the queerest never find
their way into the newspapers. 1t is
difficult to say why: perhaps it is be-
cause they are too queer. For instance,
doubt if you have ever heard of a GER
tain strange incident that happened
only season or two ago in that select
section of the fashionable world known
as society"
leader of fashion, Mrs. Register, re-
queSted me TO call on her one morning
when the season was at its height.
Il want your help, Mr. Love-" she
began, and then stopped awkwardly.
"Perhaps you are not aware that at sew
eral balls and dinner parties this season
there have been jewels and ornaments
stolen. 1t has, of course, caused great
deal unpleasantness. In several cases
trinkcts have even been actually taken
from the wearers, without their know
Ing how it was done or who did it,"
| had heard several wild tales of arti-
cleS having been missed at fashionable
gatherings, and there was much specu-
latiOn as to who was the culprit. The
articles were not, as a rule, of immense
value. and they always disappeared
Singly. consequently no public notice
had been directed to the matter. In one
or two cases the police had been con-
suited, but it was impossible for them
to help. There could be no doubt that
the thief was n person who mixed in
a al In1
who had allowed her love of jewelry
TO tempt her to dishonesty.
II presume, then, that the-er-thief
is guest--a person in society?' | said,
inquiringly.
Il am afraid so. Two or three things
were missed at dance which | gave
last week. Now, am giving another
dance next Thursday, and | am, of
course, most anxious it should not Oc-
cur again, at any rate in my house. |
thought would engage your services
for the evening, to see if you detect any
he treated as guest"
We made arrangements about terms.
and it was agreed that should be in
troduced as an Englishman, by name
Captain Burke.
Il suppose. Mrs. Register" | said,
carelessly, you don't suspect anybody
in partcularY
"Oh no." she said. but noticed what
l thought was Il look of anxiety on her
face. ana made Il mental note of It,
As | was leaving. Mrs Register said:
"Of course, Mr.. Lowe YOU quite under
stand, there must be no expose If YOU
make any discoveries. they must be
treated as secrets cant have Il scene
of any kind. 1t must he hushed up"
| returned to the office impressed
with two ideas. First. that my task
was one of those delicate cases that re-
Quire all your tact and yield very little
credit; secondly, that Mrs. Register
knew more, or, at any rate, guessed
more, than she cared to tell.
Thursday evening arrived, and went
to the Register mansion. Practically,
my duty was to mlngle with the guests,
enjoy myself, and keep my eyes wide
open. Nothing seemed TO me more i'm
pTObdule lHuH luul luere SuOulu De
thief among the brilliant throng
that crowded the rooms. Everything
was conducted in the most luxurious
style, Hungarian band discoursed
the sweetest of dance music, and the
guests were among the highest in the
land.
For while nothing occurred of the
smallest significance. But at about two
O'Clock In the morning, while | was sit
ting in Il snug corner of the conserva-
tory, where cigarette smoking was per-
mitted | noticed a couple take up DO.
sition in the opposite corner. They
were both young, and evidently very
much in love with one another. The
girl was handsomely dressed. and wore
some valuable jewels. In particular
noticed a pair of diamond ear-drups,
which had just come into fashion again.
Without being connolsseur of pre-
cious stones. | understand them well
enough to know that these We're very
valuable indeed, and likely to be worth
several hundred dollars.
These two young people were sitting
out during dance, and they filrted all
through set of lapcers, without any
impatience at their length.