Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-12-30

out 70 tninK over tnlS-ueW Ieau. 30 the
only other copy OF this book was in the
Manhattan library. Then whoever had
copied 'Daisy's Quest" must or may
have done SO at the Manhattan library,
unless he or she had q private copy of
the book, which was not likely.
In half an hour was at the library,
where my story was told to the head
librarian, who was quite friend OF
ours and more than willing to help the
Gazette. The system pursued at tho
library made il easy to find out when
book had been used, and by whom
Every reader had TO fill up n blank card
with The name OF the volume wanted
and sign it. Each days cards, several
hundred in number. were preserved II
would be matter of time and patience
to wade through this mass, beginning
few days before Danders' letter to the
Gazette and going back, but this was
one of the tests of born detective; he
ought to shadow a man for months
without complaint; go without food or
sleep for a week-in fact, make a per-
feet martyr of himself and enjoy it,
The librarian was willing to allow
me to search the cards for what
wanted, and began work at once,
sticking to it until the closing gong
rang through the building. In the three
hours so occupied 1 went over the cards
of two weeks without finding that any
one had called for the Londoner. 1t was
quite possible that there might be other
volumes of that copy floating about
the city; the rascal who called himself
Danders might have picked one up for
a few cents. 1 went home in discon-
ISOLATE mood. going mile out of my way
to stop Mt the saloon in Thirteenth
street, where my bsrkeeping friend told
rue that Danders had not reappeared.
'sTll give five dollars TO get two
minutes glance at Danders. There's
my address Send a messenger for me
when Dsnders comes, and the money
will be yours"
The man understood. Walking home
an idea came to me. If the Manhattan
library's copy of the Londoner for 1s4s
had been used within month or two,
the dust upon it would not be so thick
as upon volumes that were never dis
turbed, say the volumes OF that bril-
liant periodical, the Congressional Rec
ord.
A good nights sleep put new heart
into me, and before the doors Of the
library opened 1 was there. So were
eight or ten other eager workers, evil
IDENTIFY professional readers, to whom
the Manhattan's books were tools. One
man, whom recognized as designer
/ of theatrical costumes, told me he came
to look for ideas in the great art works
! of France and Germany, and seldom
came away from his days work without
| sketches enough to provide a whole
/ burlesque company with costumes;
( which, however, to those who know the
! sort of costumes affected by bur
I lesquers, IS not, perhaps, saying much.
/ Several of my companions on the steps
might have been students; one was a
tramp, who wanted a days rest in a
/ comfortable chair; and another, with
whom scraped acquaintance day or
two later, was clerk in big publish
ing house.
One figure in the little group partic-
ularly interested me, that of a dark
young girl, apparently not more than
is or 10 years Of age, who seemed out
Of place among these workers. There
was nothing of the student about her,
and not much of the worker; her dress
was extremely neat, and, to my mex
pert eyes, even fashionable. Slender,
dark. quiet, decidedly pretty and de-
cidedly lady, her one idea seemed to
be TO get into the library as soon as pos
sible and without attracting attention.
1t was something of surprise to me 10
note later in the day that this young
woman, instead of porting over a novel
was copying extracts from volumes al
most as big as herself.
Nine o'clock struck, the big doors OF
the library swung open, and our little
group, now numbering at least a score
of persons, fled in and scattered.
took up my pile of cards where hao
left off, and went at it pending the ar.
rival Of the librarian That gentleman
smiled at my suggestion to examine
the copy of the Londoner for 1s4S, but
eood-naturedly led the way to an alcovs
in the second story. In the semi-darl1
ness l almost ran over a young fellow
carrying an armfui of books, one of the
attendants of the library. The partic
ular copy of the Londoner was found
and no second glance was needed tC
show that it had been taken down NOR,
recently than any of its fellows upoI
the same shelf. Plainly it was worth
while TO keep on with my search among
the cards.
When noon came stopped, tired anS
hungry, having gone back fun montl
without finding what 1 sought. AS
crossed the main hall of the library I,
leave for luncheon, the young girl
had noticed at the door was carryin.
one of her big books back to the desk
She staggered under the weight
> "Win you allow me TO help you?''
whispered, for loud talk is forbidden in