The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1902-08-23
~ Fred M. h,hite
CHATTER. xxxv-(Contia.e,al. !,

II let the man keep it." Chris went
On, more slowly, with an eye to the
future. The man had stolen the thing
5 and i was in a position to prove 1t. 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?I
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 Its real value,
which ] 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 a powerful fact
or in. our hands, ana you always have
the consciousness of knowing that you
can get it back again. Now, what are
YOU going to do nextg'
Going to call upon Mr.. Merritt, OF
course" Chris said. promptly. you
forget that have his address. I am
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 a bazaar at Littimer
Castle for the benefit Of the predatory
classes who have turned over anew
leaf. I am particularly anxious for
Mr.. Merritt to give us an address.
Don't you think that will dog"
II should think 1t would do very well
indeed" Bell said.
The quaint and somewhat exclusive
town Of Moreton Wells was reached I'm
due couse, and the street where the
Rev. James Merritt resided located at
length. It 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 deli
antly, as If half-expecting a blow. His
eyes were strained a little anxtously
over Bells shoulder as II fearful OF q
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, sweetfw.
Merritt muttered something that
hardly sounded complimentary. It
was quite evident that he was far from
returning the compliment. He had re-
cognized Bell. and was wondering.
fearfuliy, If the latter was as sure OF
his Identity. All the same. he was 1ol-.
lowing Merritt's uneasy eye till it rest
ed on q roll Of dirty paper on the man
tel shelf. That ron OF paper was the
missing Rembrandt. and he knew It.
won't you offer me a chair 2" Chris
asked, in the sweetest possible man
oer.
Merritt sulkily emptied a chair Of a
pile Of cheap sporting papers, and de-
manled, 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 broadened grin spread
over his face. He had done great
deal of that kind Of t1fng, he admitted.
Since Henson had taken him. up the po-l
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 to his
imagination. Henson wouldn't like IT;
but, then Henson was not In 9 position
10 cay too much. ,t s.47f 81
y IT thought, perhaps, II you came over
and dined with US at the castle, !" Chris
suggested. She spoke slowly ana
,tboughtfully, with her eyes on the
ground. "say tonight. VIM you
come ~ .s q; HIS 4gss \ Il "
Merritt grinned extensively once
more. The idea Of his dining ct the
castle appealed to his own pecui1aT1'
Sense OF humor.a He Was at MIS- ease.
seeing that Bell; failed 70 recognize
him. TO dine at the castle, TO note tne
plate, ana get . minute geograpnica.
knowledge Of the place from personalla 3.
observation. His mouth watered "a a Z
Che thought. 4 \ J. !.
.'rhey ought Ito be more carfdi ycn--
DER ne suggested. There's plate
tand' there's pictures. !" .!5 li..
Il Nothing has ever been stolen from
ldttimer Castle. !" Bell Il said. crisp!y.
ne read the leer In Merritt's eyes az ~ ne
spoke of picture 8 q thing whatev-'
~ gs .39
WHIT, not lately Merritt asked.
s.Didn't 4 hear tell of Al si
He paused, consci ous Or sayfng too
.Gnucl Ell shook his head gam. Z ~