The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1897-01-28
STORY OF A X X X X
* i: kLEPTOMANIAC.


me that that would be worse than use
less. had no proof of anything. TIL,
situation must be allowed to develop
itself before interfered.
After some little reflection, decided
to go back to the drawing-room, wher,
could see what was going on. Under
any circumstances must not lose sigh
of the girl to whom the vinaigrette be
longed.
For nearly half an hour 1 waited III
vain. She danced with two or three
different men. but did not seem to have
missed it.
At last, after one of the dances, she
appeared to be looking for something
With what was, presume, an apology
to her partner, she skipped across the
room to group of girls. Evidently she
was asking if any of them had seen her
vinaigrette. For some time she got nc
Information, but presently a girl who
was passing. leaning on n mans arm
turned round and made some remark
pointing with her fan to the conse-va.
tory door. The owner of the vinaigrette
gave little nod of thanks, and hurried
across the room.
All this time observed that the man
who had drugged the scent bottle, and
who was chatting with some of the
people standing about watched the girl
closely.
AS soon as she had left the drawing
room he broke off his conversation, and
strolled quietly toward the conserva-
tory. AS he passed through the cur
tains noticed that he glanced around
to see if he were being followed.
That settled 1t; had found my man,
and must act promptly. Mrs. Register
was standing near the piano. Remem-
bering her injunction that there was
not, under any circumstances, to be an
expose or a scene, it was necessary to
proceed with caution. 1 caught her eye
without much difficulty. She under
stood at once that had something to
say, and disengaged herself from her
friends.
"Will you come with me to the con-
servatory" said, quietly. Il believe
have solved the mystery"
She turned pale. "Very WE'LL" she.
said. Give me your arm. Be careful
what you do, Mr.. Love-" she added, in
a troubled voice; 'it must be hushed'
up"
When we reached the conservatory,
we found. just as expected, the young
lady lying back in chair unconscious.
Miss Benton has tainted" said Mrs.
Register.
Zone moment" l said; "tn..re Is no
cause for alarm. Do you see what has
Her diamond ear-drops have
do you know who it is?" she whis-
pered.
"Yes. Her vinaigrette has been drug
ged-not sufficiently to do her any
harm. saw it DONE"
"What shall 1 do? Fetch Genera,
Register, will you? He must advise
me-"
(which is General Register?'
She came to the curtains and pointed
him out to me.
Every WELL" said. "Chafe Miss
hands, and try to bring her
round, but don't send for any help at
present"
don't think ever felt so reluctant
to proceed with a case as did at thai
minute. The man whom Mrs. Register
had pointed out as her husband was the
man who had drugged the vinalgrette
who had followed Miss Benton into
the conservatory. In word, General
Register was kleptomaniac.
"Will you come with me into the con-
General?" said. As spoke
looked him sternly in the face. He
turned deadly white, and his eyes shift
ed nervOusly about the room.
whats the matter?" he said, husk-
ly. "Is anything wrong?"
Miss Benton has fainted.'
oh" he murmured with relief.
"And her ear-drOps have disappear
ID" added. For Il moment thought
he was going to drop down. put my
lrm through his, and led him toward
he conservatory. He was trembling
ike leaf.
When we got well into the shadow Of
he curtains stopped. General Regis
er," said. quietly, "take my advice,
md give them up to me at once"
what do you mean?" he SAID,
loarsely.
"The ear-drops. 1t will prevent 4
cene'
He put n trembling hand into the
,reast pocket of his dress coat anG gave
ne the ear-drops. He did 1t like man
II dream, and l really believe that
or the time being he was unconscious. |
rhen he turned away and left the
Ira wing-room hurriedly.
'Will he not Gomez" said Mrs. Regis |
er. with an awful look of terror in her |
yes.
General Register is not WELL" re-
lied. Here are the ear-drops."
The poor woman went scarlet. She
new what meant, and l was deeply
rieved for her. From the first she must
ave had faint suspicion of the truth,
nd was anxious to save him from pub
c disgrace and scandal.
She was thoroughly unnerved. Miss
Benton showed signs of returning con.
ciouSness.
"NOw," | said, put the ear-drops
ack into her ears She won't know
What has happened"
Mrs. Register replaced them will
fingers.
''Send someone to look after this girl;
ii stop with her till help comes. But
ou must go and find your husband.
lake haste" l added. significantly,
or you will be too late"
My work was not quite over When
Irs. Register found her husband in his
ressing-ro0m he was. as l feared, on
he point Of committing suicide. She
aved him. \ number of trinkets, some