The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1902-07-17

for an envelope and returned to
write the address, all with as much
speed as was consistent with gentil-
ity, and finally had the pleasure of
receiving a parting salute from the
Trotters in the hall.
In moment more Mrs. Lester
rolled back the sliding doors and
welcomed her fashionable guests.
There was no vulgar sociability,
no warming up. Everything was
cold and formal. In due season the
waiter brought in wine and cake,
and the party nibbled and slipped
little. Mrs. Lester played a waltz;
the rest said, Charming" Mrs.
Atwood sang; her friends remark
ed, Lovely, indeed"
Then Mrs. Atwood "really must
60" and the Testers must be sure
to spend an evening with u.s." and
adieus were said and the guests de-
parted, and Mrs. Lester came to the
fire yawning behind her handker-
chief AS she lifted her arm Mr..
Lester uttered an ejaculation.
'Where is your bracelet, Angus
ia %
"My bracelet? Oh, how stupid I
amp cried Mrs. Lester. II took it
off to write to that tiresome Aunt
Jenkins and left it on the table in
the back parlor.o
And she arose to find it. In a
moment she called out:
George, the bracelets gone!"
The gentleman came to her aid.
They searched the floor, the whole
room, both rooms, all in vain. The
bracelet was gone.
'sIt has been stolen" said Mrs.
Lester.
Zone of the servants must have
it, said Mr. Lester.
Mr.. Lester rang the bell.
"Sam, send all the servants here
and come yourself"
In five minutes the kitchen cabi-
net appeared, looking as though a
storm we're brewing.
Z Mr.. Lester arose to address them.
81 have something very serious to
say" he said. "I address everybody
but cook. Cook has not been up
stairs and cannot be suspected. a
bracelet has been lost" said Mr..
Lester, clearing his throat; ga dia-
mond bracelet. All of you have
been in the back parlor, where it
was left upon table, and all of
you are consequently implicated"
At this a tumult equal to that of
Donnybrook fair arose.
None of us touched your brace
let," and fists were shaken and Ian
guage not to be recorded was used.
In the midst of the tumult Mr.. Les
ter opened the window
Some one in brass buttons was
passing, and he called:
policeman, step here a minute,
if you please" and the next moment
admitted the official designated.
Rage and tears were now min
gled, and amid the partial lull Mr..
Lester explained.
You make a charge against all
of 'em, then,'' said the potceman.
Certainly" said Mr.. Lester.
sNo other mortal could possibly
be suspected" said the lady.
sThen I'll proceed to business"
said the policeman. ssMy comrade
is outside. Get your bonnets, young
women, and don't make a fuss, be-
cause, you see, it's no use."
Bridget shrieked, Ann tore her
hair, Sally sat down upon the floor,
Sam roared and cook wept aloud
from sympathy, and at that juno
ture came ring at the bell.
The policeman opened the door,
and in rushed Uncle and Aunt Trot-
tiers out of breath.
We've run the hull way" gasped
Uncle Timothy. "Openin' my valise
for to find my specs, / took out a lot
O things, and I must "a put this
back among 'em. If I hadn't been
a relation, I'd "a died"
And out upon the table came
from the depths Of the yellow va
lise Mrs. Testers diamond bracelet.
The Trotters stayed all night and
at 9 o'clock descended to the kitch-
en- to find Mr.. Lester blowing fran
tically at the fire and Mrs. Lester
staring ruefully at the coffeepot and
trying to make themselves useful III
getting breakfast. The help was
gone!