The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1902-08-21
By Fred M. Whae
CHAPTER. xxxv-tcontinuea.)

on, more slowly, with an eye to the
future. The man had stolen the thing
and was In position 20 prove II. He
would be pretty sure to pawn the star
---he probably has done so by this time
land, 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 IL he knew It's real value,
which I doubt" Bell said. thought
fully. Henson would not tell his tool
too much. Let he congratulate you up
on your idea, Miss Chris. That dia-
mond star OF yours Is powerful fact
or In our hands, and you always have
the consciousness of knowing that you
can get II back again. Now, what are
you going to do next?"
''Going to call upon Mr.. Merritt, OF
course" Chris said, promptly. You
forget that I have his address. 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
I'm going to get up bazaar at Littimer
Castle for the benefit OF the predatory
classes who have turned over new
leaf. I am particularly anxious for
Mr. Merritt to give us an address
Don't you think that viii do?'
IL should think 1t would do very well
indeed Bell said.
The quaint and somewhat exclusive
town of Moreten 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 a
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
antly, as IL half-expecting blow. His
over Bells shoulder as If fearful of a
shadow. Bell had seen the type be-
fore--Merritt was unconsciously look
ing for the police.
II am so glad to find you at home"
Chris said, sweetly.
Merritt muttered something that
hardly sounded complimentary 1t
was quite evident that he was far from
returning the compliment. He had re-
cognized Bell, and was wondering.
fearfully, II the latter was as sure OF
his identity. All the same, he was fol-
lowing Merritts uneasy eye till IL rest
ed on a roll OF dirty paper on the man
tel shelf. That roll of paper was the
missing Rembrandt, and ne knew II.
Wont you offer me chair?" Chris
asked, in the sweetest possible man
ner.
Merritt sulkily emptied a chair Of a
pile OF cheap sporting papers, and de-
manded, none too politely, what busi-
ness the lady had with him. Chris
proceeded 20 explain at considerable
length. As Merritt listened his eyes
cleaned. and broadened grin spread
over his face He had done a 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
latter fact Merritt kept to himself. On
the whole the prospect appealed 10 his
Imagination. Henson wouldn't like II;
but, then Henson was not In a position
20 say too much.
IT thought. perhaps. IL you came over
and dined with us at the CASTLE" Chris
suggested. She spoke slowly and
tboughtfully. 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 10 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 a minute geographical
knowledge OF the place from personal
observation. His mouth watered at
the thought.
.'They ought 10 be more carful yon-
DER" ne suggested. There's plate
and there's pictures"
Nothing has ever been stolen from
TAttimer Castle" Bell said, crisply.
He read the leer In Merritt's eyes as he
spoke OF pictures. Nothing whatev-
err"
"what, not Iateiyf', Merritt asked.
'sDidn't I hear tell OF a."
He paused. ,conscious OF saying too
much. Bell shook his head again. An
utterly-puzzled expression crept over
Alr. Merritt's engaging countenance.
At the present moment an art treasure
OF price stood In. that very room. and
here was a'f}aity from the castle ut
teriy ianorant"of the robbery. Chris
glanced at Bell and smiled.
IT love the pictures" she said. "espe-
cially the prints. That Rembrandt,
1.-THE Crimson Blind for instance. I
found fresh ilsht on 1t this morning,
and scalled Lord, Idttimer's attention 10
n before we started. / should lock
that up IL II were mine"
Merritt's eyes fairly bulged as he
listened. Had he not suspected some
( deep pasntr he would have been vast
~ amused But then, he had got the
very ptcturc those people were speak
inx about close at hand at the very
momen2.
Tell yvN what" ne said, suddenly.
Il ain't used TO swell society WAYS
hut TIM always ready 10 Laciif,ce nv
SER 70 the poor fellows who alnt found
80 straight path like me. Ana n vor