Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1903-12-21

friend with whom she intended to
spend the evening. 1t may have been
about half past 8 o'clock.
Martin she called to the coachman
suddenly, drive home again"
Mrs. Willard could bring clearly into
view q jewel casket containing some
thousands of dollars worth of dia-
mond ornaments, but she could NOT
see Mrs Lee Willard in the act of put
ting it away in the cunningly devised
hiding place in the head of the quaint.
old fashioned couch that stood by the
north wall of the apartment.
No member of the family was at
nome except her niece, Miss Amy Bar.
ton, who had gone to her room with's
headache, and Mrs. Wizards maid
would probably have Joined the other
servants in the rear of the house imme-
diately after her mistress departure.
The butler was new man.
When the carriage drew up abreast
the door Mrs Willard sprang out be-
fore the spry footman could offer MS
assistance, and at that instant she
deserted a dark figure hastily with
court that ran along the north side or
tine house.
"Who is there?' she cried
The figure seemed to hesitate ana
then came forward into the light OF
the avenue.
1T is l, Mrs. Willard" said this sus-
picious character, lifting his hat.
tom Lawrence" exclaimed the lady
as If he had been a schoolboy, al
though there really. was little difference
in their years. What were you doing
there?"
II stepped in out Of the wind to get
light" Ire replied.
"a light for what?" she demanded.
"For my cigar, of course" he answer
Ell, with trace of embarrassment.
4T've thrown it away now"
She looked at him for ten seconds
closely.
II want to talk to you," said she at
last "Come into the house. Oh, that's
all right" she added, seeing his look of
surprise. You won't see Amy, though
upon my word, believe you would
have done so If had not returned SO
soon"
your husband
'Is out of town." she interrupted.
But he would approve my course Il
he were here. He won't let you call
on Amy
Because haven't enough money"
Because you haven't enough stabil-
ity Of character" answered the lady
severely, though, as before, she spoke
In tone too low for the ears of her
liveried servitors. "But come. have
n reason for haste"
She assembled the steps just as the
door opened in response to the foot
mans ring. Passing the butler. she
turned keen eye upon him, for some
thing in his appearance struck her as
unusual and vaguely disquieting, SO
much so indeed that she asked him
sharply what was the matter.
Il don't know, num-" he replied 81
do feel i'll, mum, but it's only just this
instant-a little bit-er-dizzy- ike
You have been drinking am
afraid"
"A sip of beer, mum, with my din
lowed the other servants-no more,
do assure you"
Mrs. Willard turned away, at the
same time commanding Mr. Lawrence
by move of her hand to wait her re-
urn. AS she ran up the stairs she had
glimpse of Miss Amy Barton in the
nall above. The young lady seemed to
oe fully and very becomingly dressed
and to have quite recovered from her
indisposition. Mrs. Willard found the
door of her dressing room open, and the
place was in disorder.
She ran across the room. The little
secret nook in the head Of the couch
was open. Casket and jewels were gone.
Mrs. Willard was not an excitable
woman, and her self command in
emergencies was excellent.
Where have you been since | went
outT she demanded Of the butler.
i never got out Of my chair. mum.
I'LL you came back" said he.
What makes you talk so Strangely
she asked. you are drunk; you have
been asleep"
Il protest that 1t amt so, num-" he
answered, with tears In his eyes. I'm
sick. I'm taken sudden with some
thing. don't know. what"
Then he suddenly regained his self
control and got upon his feet. ~
What's wrong what's wrong.
mum he cried excitediy.
"All my diamonds are gone"
"ButMbut.A stannered< Lawrenee.
this nan could see that door from
here. AZ isn't pesdbie.- AA Ia
"In view pef his condikion',-- she b
gan.
II was, all right" groaned the butler.
Il was as well and wide awake as ever
In my life till got, up to let You In
Nobody went near that door or I'd
have known It,"
"Ah," said Mrs. willard. "here is
Lucyr' The trim maid entered at that
moment by door at the rear Of the