Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1902-02-27

successfully hoodwinked the customs
officers. Oh. they are n smart set
of men!"
The two laughed at the sarcasm.
"A woman such as you can outwit the
whole lott" he said, CALAMITY. But
was there no %suspicion?" he added,
doubtfully.
81 was very closely searched-too
closely to please me-. Perhaps we had
better give the game a rest"
swell, let me have a look at the
stones. I suppose they are in their
usual place? I've got a knife"
"Yes, they are in" She stopped
abruptly and glanced ap~prehensively
toward the door. There was some
one just outside. Then came a knock.
'Quick!" she exclaimed. "You must
not be seen here! Into the other
room! I'll go and look who it isl"
The sound of a hurried disappearance
reached my ears, and Mrs. Wander
ton crossed to the door and threw it
wide open. A little cry escaped her
as the stranger stepped briskly inside.
1t was Fletcher!
Excuse me. Mrs. N%anderton," he
cried, coolly, but l want to have a
short chat with you. | didn't trouble
to tell the clerk l was coming up, so
we shan't be interrupted. viii you
sit down, please"?
What is the meaning of this intru-
sion?" she cried. If she had been
startled at first her nerve had now re-
turned to her. "If you do not at once
leave this room | will ring for help"
Il wouldn't do that. Mrs. Wander
ton" responded the man. I'm a
customs officer. That touches you
up, eh? You will perhaps remember
that [ came over in the same boat
as yourself, after watching you and
a man named Williams purchase rath-
er a large quantity of diamonds in
Amsterdam. You forgot to declare
those, | believe?"
II know nothing of what you are
talking. Leave this room instantly
Pardon me, madam. you must not
act foolishly. All that | have said is
correct. But l have come here to
make you an Offer"
Mrs. Vanderton was too angry for
words. She felt sure that the stran-
ger knew her secret, but having got
through safely thus far was not dis
posed to yield without a struggle.
Nova perhaps YOU will allow me to
explain my Intentions" pursued
Fletcher, enjoying her discontinue.
Il want a share in the plumber: or,
rather, profit. Let me see the stones,
please. You pay me Il good proper
ton, and | will remain silent, besides
helping you in the future"
Il know nothing of any stones,
and
The man raped out an oath.
Don't try to bluff me. Mrs. Wander
toni" he cried. savagely. Let me
look at those diamonds. 1 mean to
they are hidden. Remarkable cute.
eh?--but not smart enough to deceiv.
mel"
He took a step forward and made
a clutch al her throat-then paused
half in doubt. There came the noise
of rapid footsteps upon the corridor,
and Lucille, flushed and out of breath,
burst into the room. Il saw him in
the street" she painted. Don't talk
to him, Mrs. Nanderton. He wants
to rob you of your jewels. His name
is Heyley, and
The man crossed to where she
stood, his hand raised ready to strike.
But Lucille was not afraid of him.
shall I fetch the police?" she asked.
"Stop, stop! Lucille!" said Mrs.
Vanderton, stepping between tho
two. 81 know this man. He is"
Eyes. Lucille" interrupted Fetch
er. "Please don't fetch the police to
Mrs. Vanderton. She's one of the
coolest swindIerS that ever walked
the earth!"
But this was more than Ryland
could stand. He threw open the in
ner door and, rushing forward, thrust
Fletcher back. Clear out of this in
stantly, or I'll throw you Quit" he
shouted wildly.
Fletcher gave a gasp. He had not
expected such an interruption. "Who
are you" he cried, trying to brazen
the matter out. eff you're in the
game with Mrs. Vanderton, under2
stand this: I'm going to take a share,
and"
But this time I caused him to break
off suddenly. At the sound of Ryland's
temperance I had given the signal
to my men, and at their head, had
entered the with my revolver
leveled.
"Hands up, both of you!" I called.
And, startled into silence, they
obeyed. Smith, put the irons on
them. That's right. Now, Mrs. Van
derton, kindly give me that fox neck
let you are wearing. You still have
it on from force of habit, I suppose?
Thanks. Now, Smith, take your knife
and rip it open"
Mrs. Vanderton gave a shrek and
promptly tainted away. But Smith
did not hesitate, and the next moment
Is beautiful stones were withdrawn
from the wadding lining, for within
the skin had they been cunningly con-
cealed, the thickness of the fur pre-
venting their positions being noticed.
"You can take the two men away
with you, also Mrs. Vanderton. She
is coming around. Give her o of
the water, mademoiselle. Now, will
you accompany your friends. please"
Without a word she stood up, and
with firm step marched from the