The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1901-11-01

soert Bonnerss Sonsl
about this; l didn't tell her why ]
came"
"An right. Miss. Don't you worry
yourself about that. / shan't put her
to much trouble. I can promise you
that. At this stage Of the business it's
only asking questions. But. Of course,
you understand that we have to make
sure we get truthful answers"
Nell looked more anxious than ever,
but she made no further objection.
do you want to ask me anything
more?' she said, quietly.
Nothing more at present. Miss. And
I'm much obliged to you for the few
minutes talk you've given me-"
He did not hide perhaps he could
not-the fact that his spirits had risen
considerably. Not only was there the
mark of the burn on her hand, but
there were a dozen signs-in her light
ness of foot. her height. her slender
ness Of figure. the softness Of her
hand. her hesitation in answering him.
by which he began to feel absolutely
sure that he was at last on the right
tack. Therefore he had to persuade
her that he was on the wrong ose.
"Of course. Mss" said he, If does
not do to say too much when one is
only investigating like. Rot l may
tell you that you've helped me consid-
erably. anc in a way you wouldn't
think, to ind out the thief who's given
US all the bother"
Again the girls face. with its deli
cate. telltale skir. blanchea with a
spasm Of terror. But he did not ap-
pear to notice It.
And now may just add. In strict
confidence. mind. as it's a thing don't
want to get known lii I've actually
nabbed the chap. that he's one of the
best-kDown thieves from the East End
Of London End has done time more
than once"
Az he said these words. with an ex-
preston Of great cunning. Nell's face,
as easily read as q book. exhibited first
astonishment, then relief, and finally
q Joy which she tried in vain to hide.
He could see. even though her eyes
were downcast and her mouth tightly
drawn. that she could scarcely contain
herself for the Wild impulse Of delight
which had succeeded to the torments
Of his interrogatory.
There was q moments pause before
she could collect herself to reply in
tranquil tones:
well. I'm sure. my uncle. and all Of
m. will be very glad when you've
caught him. WIN you 60 through this
wayT
And opening the inner door Of the
sitting room. she directed him to 60
out through the bar.
The detective smiled to himself
when. after having refreshed him.
self at the bar. and apologized to
George Claris. to whom he gave a
similar hint to that which he had CIV
en- Nell. he found himself once more on
the road to Stroan.
he had been so far eminentiy sue
but there was many a link still
wanting In ine chain OF evidence
which was to connect pretty Nell Clar-
b with the robberies at the inn. AS
be had no intention Of returning to his
hotel until he had made further in
at Shingle End. he
doubled back By way Of the fields when
be had gone short distance along
The road, and hung about between the
Blue Lion and Colonel Bostaps house,
taking advantage Of every bit of hedge
md Tree to keep out Of the range Of
chance observers.
And It was not very long before he |
Pound that rome one else was on the |
watch also. The figure OF q man. in a |
Jersey and seaman's boots. with felt |
Aat on the back Of his head, and q pine
b his mouth. soon attracted his At |
'entiou. He recognised the man a |
lem Suckels. . frequent customer at |
he Blue Lon, and . person o. whom |
pport gpoke III - Z confirmed ''loafer"
md 1dler. who only worked when he
'ould not help II. He could not be
Iuite certain whether stickels saw I
lin. but the alderman was on the
ookout for another person. and the
detective had little din1culty In guess
ng that that person was Nell. Claris.
For Indeed Jem Stickels made nc
ecret of his admiration for the young
Ady. nor Of bis determination to
bring down the hussy's pride some
ne day."
It was the intention Of the detective
% to Shingle End. to interrogate
liz Bostal on The subject Of the burn
= Miss Claris's hand But ~ he felt
M that Nell would Try to outwit him /
y seeing tie lady and preparing her
y hiB question:. he wanted to walt
ntil - had started on her journey
hat - might - with Mis- Bostal
~ the giEl arrived
- oxDoee0t1o01 ven realised - The
~. He w1s waiting behind elump
{ b1ehas ut fhr fFem tie earden-eate
ehlnoze Ia when ~ caught sight
IL girl comlpg acroos he fields a
EnDS6 49, Al nho Aruw near nj