Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1899-05-10

bank | took my departure and went
direct to "a celebrated jewelers. estab-
llshment IN Somers street. The pro
! prietor of the store knew me, and in
tuitively guessing my business. con
Quoted me to his private Office.
well, Tracy, what's up?" he in
quired, when we had become seated.
Nothing unusual" replied.
You have heard of the Clifton bank
robbery, | presume.
1.-The Clifton bank: All! yes, did
hear some one re,narking about it.
There was no account of it in the
morning papers"
"No, believe not. The affair was
not discovered in time for the repor-
ters to get hold of it. Well, sir. the
bank has been robbed to the tune of
thirty thousand dollars. and am en-
| gagged on the case"
"Hum. indeed, Hope you'll catch
the rascals, old boy. Dreadful state
of things to exist in "A small city like
this and the little man twisted un-
easily in his char.
Not SO bad as YOU may imagine.
BE calm, my friend; the parties that
robbed the Clifton bank will not be
likely to pay YOU "a visit"
"Ah, | hope your surmises are cor
rect; but pay tell me your reasons
for thinking as you do"
Certainly. In the first place the
bank robbery Is the work of one man,
aud he is not professional burglar
In the second place, that mau cares
more for greenbacks than he does
for gold ornaments, and would not
plunder your place for all there Is in
it. In fact, this very same party
owned n diamond, but threw it away
rather than carry itaround with him.
1t is very pretty, is it not;' aud |
held the stone up to him.
The jeweler took 1t, examined it
closely, and returned 1t TO me with
the remark: at is, as you remark, "A
very pretty stone, and, | might add,
very valuable for gem of its size.
That is your clue, | presume
Yes, the only clue happen to
possess. Now, then, am anxious to
find the ring to which this stone be-
longs. and you will please let me see
the rings that have been left here for
re setting since the robbery"
with pleasure. Excuse me one
moment"
My friend disappeared. Return
ing minute later, with number of
rings on a tray, which he placed on II
table, he began to examine the labels
attached.
"Some of these rings have been in
our possession number of days. All,
here is one received this morning.
January llth-diamond setting-D.
Baker"
And he read the inscription.
took the ring from his hand and
examined it. 1t was finely chased
ring of vigin gold, with the stone
missing. | fitted the diamond in the
setting, and passed it to my friend.
by Jove, Tracy, that is the very
ring you are in search of! Now, let
me see" and he went nearer the light.
Yes, there can be no doubt about
it. The stone fits into the setting
nicely, and now that | think of it, is
of the same size and quality as order,
ed"
"What name did you say the party
gave you?"
"Baker-Emily Baker"
Emily Baker! Then it was la.
dy?"
81 presume so; at all events, she
looked and acted like one"
"When is she to call for the ring?"
"To- morrow afternoon"
81 must see her when she calls, and
in order that | may play my cards to
better advantage, shall enter your
service as clerk. What do you say"
81 am perfectly willing, but take
care what you do, old boy; there may
possibly be some mistake"
THAT is very true, and if such
should be the case you may rest as
sured that | shall discover it i'll time.
Did | understand you to say that you
had promised to have the ring ready
tomorrow afternoon?7