The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1902-03-08

|
was there no suspicion?" he added,
loubtfully.
81 was very closely searchcd-too
closely to please me. Perhaps we had
better give the game Il rest"
"Well, let me have a look at the
stones. l suppose they are in their
usual place? I've got a knife"
Eyes, they are ir,--" She stopped
abruptly and glanced apprehensively
toward the door. There was some,
one just outside. Then came knock.
'Quick!" she exclaimed. "You must
not be seen here! Into the other
room! Eli go and look who it isl"
The sound of a hurried disappearance
reached my ears, and Mrs. Wander
ION crossed to the door and threw it
wide open. A little cry escaped her
as the strunger stepped briskly inside.
1t was Fletcher!
excuse me, Mrs. Vanderton," he,
cried, cooIIy, "but l want to have a
short chat with you. l didn't trouble
to tell the clerk ! was coming up, SO
we shan't be interrupted. Will you
sit down, please?'
"What is the meaning of this intru-
sion?" she cried. If she had been
| startled at first her nerve had now re-
turned to her. eff you do not at once
leave this room 1 will ring for help"
81 wouldn't do that, Mrs. Wander
ton," responded the man. "l'm q
customs officer. That touches you
up, Ell? You will perhaps remember
that came over in the same boat
rs yourself. after watching you and
"a man named Williams purchase rath-
er large quantity of diamonds in
Amsterdam. You forgot to declare
those. 1 believe?'
81 know nothing of what you are
talking. Leave this room instantly
or-'
pardon me, madam, you must not
act foolishly. All that have said is
correct. But I have come here to
make you an offer"
Mrs. Vanderton was too angry for
words. She felt sure that the stran-
ger knew her secret, but having got
through safely thus far was not dis
posed to yield without struggle.
"Now, perhaps you will allow me to
explain my fntentiens," 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 proper
ton, and. will remain silent, besides
helping you in the future"
~ know nothing of any stones
and
; The man raped out an oath
Don't try to bluff me, Mrs. Wander.
toni" he cried. savagely. "Let me
look at those diamonds. I mean tic
have them for myself. I know where
they are hidden. Remarkable cute
eh?--but not smart enough to deceive
, mel"
Il He took step forward and made
a clutch at her throat-then paused
half in doubt. There came the noist
, of rapid footsteps upon the corridor
| and Lucille, flushed and out of breath
burst into the room. IL saw him il
the street." she painted. Don't tall
, to him, Mrs. Vanderton. He wants
to rob you of your jewels. His nam'
l is Heyley, and"
: The man crossed to where sh'
4 stood. his hand raised ready to strike
! But Lucille was not afraid of him
"Shall fetch the police?" she asked
r "stop, stop! Lucille!" said Mrs
e Nanderton, stepping between tn
: two. ~ know this man. He is
t Eyes. Lucille" interrupted Fletch
l err. 'PTease don't fetch the police t.
2 Mrs. Vamerton. She's one of tn
coolest swindlers that ever walke'
n the earth!"
j. But this was more than Rylan
S could stand. He threw open the in
e ner door and, rushing forward, thrus
e Fletcher back. ''Clear out of this in
t stantly, or TIL throw you out!" h
). shouted wildly
d Fletcher gave gasp. He had no
! expected such an interruption. "Wh
j are you?'' he cried, trying to braze
= the. matter out. eff you're in tn
r game with Mrs. Vanderton, under
stand this: I'm going to take shar
and
3 But this, time caused him to brea
!" off suddenly. At the sound of Ryland
n reappearance had given the sign;
e to- my men, and at their head, ha
II entered the room with my revo1ve
leveled.
,e Glands up both of you!" caffe
70 And, startled into silence. the
4 obeyed Smith, put the irons c
d them. That's right. Now. Mrs. Va
h. derton, kindly give me that fox nee
Is let you are wearing. You still ha'
ct it on from force Of habit, supposs
Thanks. Now, Smith, take your kni
,e and rip it open"
III Mrs. vanderton gave a shrek 81
promptly tainted away. But Smi
I'd did not hesitate, and the next mome
n Is beautiful stones were Withdraw
u from the wadding lining, for with
or the skin had they been cunningly co
nd cealed, the thickness of the fur pl
lie venting their positions being notice
70, "You can take the two men aw
he with you, also Mrs. Vanderton. S
to is coming around. Give her more
m the water, mademoiselle. Now. "
ry you accompany your friends, please
Without word she stood up, a
en- with firm step marched from
we room. I was left alone with Lucill
'Do you know why have not
I'd