The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1899-02-18


ceedingly liberal allowance, as / hap
pen to know from our own books. Still,
Of course, such thing is always pos
sible."
Il hope | am not wronging her lady
ship in expressing such theory" l
said. quickly; "but we all know that
women in desperate straits will do des-
perate things. My next step will be to
interview the persons who took part in
the transaction of handing over the dia-
monds last Monday morning"
Certainly" he replied; "the head
cashier and the junior strongroom
clerk"
He pressed a bell, and messenger in
uniform appeared
'Be good enough to send Mr., Sydney
and Mr.. Wilson here"
Mr.. Sydney proved to be a middle
aged, respectable looking man, whilst
Wilson was an ingenious boy of IS.
Both of them were obviously nervous
when | addressed them.
(Which of you," l asked, "saw the
supposed messenger from Lady Pol
lock last Monday?"
81 did, SIR" returned the elder man.
II was standing at my desk when car
riage drove up, and tall footman
alighted."
| describe him." said.
"He was about six feet high, clean
shaver, powdered wig, small hands, and
long, thin face-in fact, he was the
typical footman all over"
"a clever disguise doubtless" l re-
marked. What else?"
There was nothing else very notice
able, sir. He simply handed me the
letter, which | at once took in to Mr..
Reeves here (the submanager). Mr.
Reeves, having examined the note care
fully, told me to instruct Wilson, the
young gentleman here, to fetch the
case. This he did, and l at once gave
1t to the man, who went off as briskly
as though he were the honestest chap
in the city of London"
That will do" said L; land now,
what has Mr.. Wilson to tell us?" He
had nothing to say beyond confirming
his seniors words, and having thanked
the two officials for their information
| dismissed them.
Rising from my chair, told the sub
manager, in a few words, what / con-
templated doing next. l intended 60
| in.r Of ,rrI xa ho Dn11naJ,cS IN
carry on my Investigations from that
en0.
"You are quite right, am sure" Mr..
Reeves replied, land it will be well if
/ give you a note of introduction to his
| lordship"
Sitting down, he hastily scrubbed
brief note, which | placed in my pocket,
and then having shaken hands and
promised to inform him if any thing of
Importance transpired, took my leave.
The hanson was waiting at the door.
"No. 23O Grosvenor Gate" cried to
the cabby. The man touched up his
horse, which deposited the cab and me
20 minutes later at the house required.
| Lord and Lady Pollock were out, the
servant informed me, but they were
expected home shortly before lunch
con. Would l walk into the IL
brary and wait? | at once resolved to
do so, and was ushered into the apart
Inent, where sat down and took out
the open letter of introduction.
1t was very short, as such letter nat
urally would be. 1t simply stated that
| was the official from Scotland Yard 10
whom the diamond robbery affair had
been intrusted, and that any informa-
ton which could be given me at Gros-
venor Gate might probably be of service
to me.
This was all that gathered on perus-
ing the note for the first time; but, as
my eyes wandered over it mechanically
a second time, noticed. with curious
feeling of excitement in my brain,
something which had escaped me on
the first reading. Controlling
my agitation as best could, drew
from my pocket the forged letter to the
bank, and then an ejaculation escaped
me:
"By Jove; believe I'm right"
rushed to the door. There was little
time to lose, and if my theory were the
right one, my waiting to interview Lord
and Lady Pollock would be quite un-
necessary. Hailing cab l drove quick
ly to Scotland Yard, and taking up di-
rectory l found that Mr.. Reeves, of the
London and Paris bank, resided at APPS
ley mansions, Regents Park. My next
step was abrupt. Invent straight to the
chief and asked for search warrant to
investigate the residence of John
Reeves, of Apsley mansions, N. W.
He gave it to me at once, and once
more a cab bore me away. This time
my way lay in the direction of Regents
| Park.
Apsley mansions proved to be gor-
geous set of fats, and on inquiry CT the
hall porter, discovered that Mr..
Reeves fat was on the second floor.
"He is away just now" said the oblig-
ing functionary, ''in the city; but you
can leave message with his man."
l went upstairs promptly. and rang
the bell. A respectable man-servant ap-