The Red Cloud chief., 1901-12-06
CHAPTER IX--OContinucd.)

The bracelet could not have gon,
without hands to take It, Gerard" re-
piled Lady Sarah. How else do yo,
account for its disappearance"
II believe there must be some
Misrepresentation. some great mistake
in the AFFAIR altogether. Lady Sarah. II
apears incomprehensiblc now, but IL
will be u%nraveled."
"Ay, and In double-quick time
wrathfully exclaimed the Colonel.
You must think you are talking to- a
pack OF idiots, Master Garard. Here
the bracelets was spread te%mptingly
out on a table. you went into the
room, being hard mp for money, hn-
gered it, wished for 1t, and both you
and the bracelet disappeared. Sir
turning sharply to the officer-'did a
clearer case ever go before a iury?"
Gerard Hope bit his lip. BE more
just, Colonel said he. Your W
brothers son steal a bracelet"
And I am happy my brother is not
alive TO know It," rejoined the Colonel
in an obstinate tone. Take him in
hand. Mr.. Officer; well go to Marl-
borough street. I'll just change my
coat. and"
mo, no, you will not" cried Lady
Sarah, laying hold OF the dressing
gown and the Colonel in 1t: you shall
not go nor Gerard either. Whether
he is guilty or not. 1t must not be
brought against him publicly. He
hears your name, Colonel. and so do |,
and II would reflect disgrace on us ALL"
Perhaps You are made OF money,
my lady. II so, you may put up with
the loss Of a G250 bracelet. | don't
choose to do &c."
Then, Colonel. you will. and you
must. Sir" added Lady Sarah TO the
detective, I'VE are obliged to you for
your attendance and advice. but it
turns out to be n family affair rs you
perceive, and we must decline to
prosecute. Besides. Mr.. Hope may not
be guilty"
Alice rose and stood before Colonel
Hope. Sir. II this charge were pre-
ferred against your nephew. II it came
to trial, l think II would kill me. You
know my unfortunate state OF health;
the agitation. the excitement OF ap-
pearance to give evidence, would be
IL cannot continue; | mo speak
Of it without terror: | pray you, for
my sake. do not prosecute Mr.. Hope"
The Colonel was about to storm
forth an answer. but her white face,
ner heaving throat, had some effect
even on him.
HE is 30 doggedly obstinate, Miss
Seaton. II he would but confess and
tell where 1t is, perhaps I'd let him
on"
Alice thought somebody else was OBJ
stinate.
II do not believe he has anything to
confess" she deliberately said; II
truly believe that he has not. He could
not have taken It., unseen by me; and
when we quilted the room, | feel sure
the bracelet was left in it,"
1T vas left in it, so help me heav-
en-" uttered Gerard.
And now I've got to speak," added
Frances Cheneyix. Colonel, IL You
were TO press the charge against Ger
ard, | would go before the magistrates
and proclaim myself the thief. vow
and protest | would. just to saw him.
and you and Lady Sarah could not
prosecute me, you know"
You do we'll to stand up for him."
retorted the Colonel. You would not
he quite so ready to do 1t. though, my
Lady Fanny, II you knew something
| could tell you"
ooh, yes. I should returned the
young lady with a vivid blush.
The Colonel, beset on all sides, had
no choice but to submit; but he did so
with n i'll grace, and dashed out OF
as IL he had been charging an enemy
at full tilt.
The sentimental apes these women
make Of themselves" cried he in his
polite way, when he had got him in
private. rs it not a clear case OF
gu!!t?"
Elm my private opinion, 1t certainly
is" was the reply: though he carries
1t of with a high hand. | suppose.
Colonel, You still wish the bracelet to
he searched for?"
Search In and u and high and
low; search everywhere. The rascal.
90 dare even to enter my house in
secret"
May inquire II the previous breach
with your nephew had to do with
money affairs"
No said the Colonel, turning more
crusty at the thoughts called up. II
fixed up a wife for him and he would
MT have her; so | turned him out OF
doors and stopped his allowance"
Oh" was the only comment OF the
police officer.
CHAPTER X.
1t vas in the following week. and
Saturday night. Thomas, without his
hat. was standing at Colonel Hopes