The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-05-24

| spirit W are SILL tuc AuCLic vi uiu IL
temper, if in nothing else. Bus listen t.
me. I've reckoned on YOUR help, and
mean to have it. Mrs. Vanderton would
not employ you if she were aware of the
character you bear. I DON t feel anxiou.
to inform her, but if you prove obstinate
-" He paused, meaningly.
A shudder passed over the girl. He
saw his advantage and pressed her fur
Their.
sThere is no need for us to quarrel,
he said, quietly. "You will take no part
in the business at ALL l shall attempt
nothing on board this vessel All / re.
quire from you is Information about what
you will do upon landing at New York. =
She stood silent moment, deep in
thought. "I will tell you tomorrow, y
she answered, slowly. Then without
another word she turned and hurried away.
From the conversation / gathered what
she had been, and as she had attempted to
rise from criminal sphere 1 would see
that Fletcher should not be the one to
drag her down again.
IF the man you overheard was correct
in his statement, Anderson, said my
chief, ssthen Mrs. Vanderton is the wo-
man we are in search of. Sts only de-
clared small quantity of jewelry.'
Just so, was my reply. 81 have
traced her to small hotel and have left a
man on the watch. had intended going
there this evening and noting the events.
This fellow Fletcher is on the track of the
diamonds also, but with very different
object to ours :"
ssDo as you wish, Anderson. The case
is in your hands. And with that the
chief dismissed me.
So it came about that at dusk | and two
of my comrades were safely installed in a
room next to that occupied by Mrs. Van
derton. A ventilator communicated be-
tween the two, and by standing upon a
table I was able to hear, and in some meas
ure to see, all that took place. Evidently
the lady was expecting visitor, for to
Lucille she complained more than once that
certain person was very late.
ssYeu must 60 out of the room when he
comes. Mr.. Ryland and l have some bus
mess to consider.
GAS you wish, y was the girls quiet
reply. Gin fact, if you will allow me, |
should like to go now and take walk in
the avenue. y
ssBy all MEANS" Mrs. Vanderton ac-
quiesced; and shortly afterwards Lucille put
on her hat and went out. Left alone, the
lady began to read paper, and just when
| was becoming tired of the slowness of
the affair there came sudden sharp rat
tat upon the panels of the door,
GA gentleman wants to see you, called
out the hotel boy.
'sIt's quite right, / heard deep
masculine voice say. Mrs. Vanderton
is expecting me.
He brushed past the boy and entered
the room.
Good evening" he went on; so you
have reached the States in safety? Unjust
congratulate you most heartily. And he
shook hands with her.
s'Safsly enough, was the lady's smil-
ing reply; eof that I can assure you. Ev-
erything has worked splendidly. This is
the fourth time have successfully hood
winked the customs officers. Oh they
are smart set of men ?
The two laughed at the sarcasm. GA
woman such as you can outwit the whole
lot r he said, calamity. "But was
there no suspicion p he added, doubt
fully.
II was very closely searched-too close
ly to please me. Perhaps we had better
give the game rest.
sWell, let me have look at the stones.
I suppose they are. in their usual place
I've got knife. -
Eyes, they are in She stopped
abruptly and glanced apprehensively to-
ward the door, There was someone just
outside. Then came knock.
ssOuick p she exclaimed. "You must
not be seen here Into the other room
I'll go and look who it is p The sound
Of a hurried disappearance reached my
ears, and Mrs. Vanderton crossed to the
door and threw it wide open. A little cry
escaped her as the stranger stepped briskly
inside. 1t was Fletcher
s'Excuse me, Mrs Vanderton," he
cried, coolly, sbut want to have short
chat with you. I didn't trouble to tell
the clerk was coming up, so we shan
be interrupted Will you sit down, please?'
ssWhat is the meaning of this intru-
sion p she cried. Ifshe had been startled
at first her nerve had now returned to her.
eff you do not at once leave this room
will ring for help"
ssI wouldn't do that, Mrs. Vanderton, :"
responded the man. sI'm a customs Off
GER That touches you up, Ell? You
will perhaps remember that came over in
the same boat as youself, after watching
you and man named Williams purchase
rather a large quantity of diamonds in
Amsterdam You forgot to declare those,
| believe"
~ know nothing of what you are talk
ing. Leave this room instantly Or
Pardon me, madam, you must not act
foolishly. All that | have said is correct.
But | have come here to make you an
offer.
Mrs. Vanderton was too angry for words.
She felt sure that the stranger knew her
secret, but having got through safely thus
far was not disposed to yield without a
struggle?
"Now, perhaps you will allow me to
explain my intentions, pursued Fletcher,
enjoying her discontinue. 81 want a
share in the plumber; or, rather, profit
Let me see the stones, please. You pay
me good proportion, and | will remain
silent, besides helping you in the future. -
~ know nothing of any stones, and
The man ripped out an oath. Don
try to bluff me, Mrs. Vanderton!' he
cried, savagely. 'tLet me look at those
diamonds | mean to have them for my
self. I know where they are hidden.
Remarkable cute, eh?-but not smart
enough to deceive me T.
He took step forward and made q
clutch at 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