Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1902-08-21
By Fred M. 0hite
CHAPTER. XXNV-(Continued.)


on, more slowly. With an eye to the
future. The man had stolen the thing
and was in position to prove it, He
would be pretty sure to pawn the star
he probably has done so by this time
and, therefore, we have him in our
power. We have only to discover
where the diamonds have been plant
eds that the correct eXpression'-l
can swear an information. and the po-
lice will subsequently search the fell
lows lodgings. When the search is
made the missing Rembrandt will be
found there. Mr. Merritt would hardly
dare to pawn that"
Even if he knew its real value,
which 1 doubt" Bell said, thought
fully. Henson would not tell his tool
too much. Let he congratulate you up
on your idea, Miss Chris. That dla-
1nond star of yours is powerful fact
or in our hands, and you always have
the consciousness of knowing that you
can get it back again. Now, what are
YOU going to do neNt?"
'sGoing to call upon Mr.. Merritt. OF
course" Chris said, promptly. "You
forget that I have his address. 1 am
deeply interested in the welfare of the
criminal classes. and you are also an
enthusiast. I've looked up the names
OF one or two people in the directory
who go in for that kind of thing, and
Tn going to get up bazaar at Littimer
Castle for the benefit of the predatory
Glasses who have turned over new
leaf. 1 am particularly anxious for
MIR. Merritt to give US an address.
Don't YOU think that will do?"
II should think it would do very we'll
'tndeed,' Bell said.
The quaint and somewhat exclusive
town of Moreton Wells was reached in
due couse. and the street where the
Rev. James Merritt resided located at
length. 1t was a modest, two-storied
tenement, and the occupier of the
rooms was at home. Chris pushed her
way gaily in, followed by Bell, before
the occupant could lay down the foul
clay pipe he was smoking and button
the unaccustomed stiff white collar
around his throat. Merritt whipped
tumbler under the table with amazing
celebrity, but no cunning of his could
remove the smell of gin that hung pun
gently on the murky atmosphere.
Merritt lodged his head back def
santly, as if half-expecting blow. His
eyes We're strained a little anXiously
over Bells shoulder as if fearful of
shadow. Bell had seen the type be-
fore-Merritt was unconsciously look
Sng for the police.
II am so glad to find you at home"
Chris said, sweetly
Merritt muttered something that
hardly sounded complimentary. 1t
~ 60
returning the compliment. He had re-
cognized Bell, and was wondering,
fearfully, if the latter was as sure of
his identity. All the same, he was fol-
lowing Merritt's uneasy eye till it rest
ed on a roll Of dirty paper on the man.
tel shelf. That roll of paper was the
missing Rembrandt, and he knew it.
won't you offer me a chair?" Chris
asked, in the sweetest possible man
ner.
Merritt sulkily emptied chair of
pile of cheap sporting papers, and de-
1nanded. none too politely, what bust
ness the lady had with him. Chris
proceeded to explain at considerable
length. AS Merritt listened his eyes
CLEANED, and a broadened grin spread
over his face. He had done great
deal Of that kind of thing, he admitted.
Since Henson had taken him up the po-
lice had not been anything like as in
Quisitive, and his present pose was
fruitful of large predatory gains. The
Natter fact Merritt kept to himself On
the whole the prospect appealed to his
'fmagnation.s Henson wouldn't like it;
but then Henson was not in a position
10 say too much.
II thought, perhaps. if you came over
and dined with US at the castle" Chris
suggested. She spoke slowly and
thoughtfully, with her eyes on the
ground. Say tonight. Will you
Gomez
Merritt grinned extensively once
more. The idea of his dining at the
castle appealed to his own peculiar
sense of humor. He was at his ease,
seeing that Bell failed to recognize
him. To dine at the castle to note the
plate. ana get minute geographical
knowledge of the place from personal
observation. His mouth watered at
the thought.
''They ought to be more carful yon-
der" he suggested. There's plate
and there's pictures"
Nothing has ever been stolen from
14ittimer Castle" Bell said, crisply
He read the leer in Merritts eyes as he
spoke of pictures. Nothing whatev-
err"
what, not lately?" Merritt asked.
@'Didn't hear tell of "a
He paused, conscious of saying too
much. Bell shook his head again. An
utterly puzzled expression crept over
Mr.. Merritt's engaging countenance.
At the present moment an art treasure
of price stood in that very room, and
here was a party from the castle ut
terly ignorant of the robbery. Chris
glanced at Bell and smiled.
II love the pictures" she said. "espe-
Gladly the prints That Rembrandt,
''The Crimson Blind for instance. I
found a fresh light on it this morning.
and called Lord Littimers attention to
1t before we started. I should lock
that up if it We're mine"
Merritts eyes fairly buged as he
listened. Had he not suspected some
deep plant he would have been vast
ly amused. But then. he had got the
Very picture those people We're speak
eng about close at hand at the very
moment.