Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1905-10-12

In the telephone booth as came
Through the outer office. Is anything
the natter"
"Yes, the building is being rewired,
and for today they have put us on q
party wire"
Mr.. Brampton nodded, and they pro
ceeded with the business of the day.
Shortly after noon Harrington ar
rived.
Good morning." he said. Il trust
that we can transact our business
quickly, as my wife is waiting in
cab outside. and l am rather pressed
for time"
"Certainly; the check is already
drawn out" answered the banker
"Ring up the bank, Wilmanton, if you
please, and notify them that Mr.. VIII
fred Norton Harrington is coming
round to cash my check"
Eric shut himself into the booth in
the outer office, and put the receiver
to his ear. He was about to call Hell
lor' when he heard a voice, which he
recognized as that of Walters,
lawyer in an Office below. saying:
as this Mr.. Harrington
yes" answered another voice.
Thought it was your voice. wilfred.
Just come from FriscoT
mo, my wife and l made flying
trip to Europe on business, and got
back a day earlier than we expected"
"Well, you kept every one pretty well
in the dark. Have you opened up your
new house YETI"
"No; but my valet and my wife's
maid have everything ready. l am
going up there as soon rs I've seen my
things through the customs"
At this point Eric broke into the
conversation and persuaded Mr.. Har.
rington the second that he had better
present himself at the offices Of
Brampton & Brampton within half an
hour, If he valued his property.
Then he rang up another number
and after a short conversation hung
up the receiver and returned to the
private office.
The others were little impatient nj
his delay. II think you will be re
ceiyed properly at the bank" Eric said
politely.
He even went to the extent of fetch
ing the visitors hat and cane.
Mr.. Brampton noticed the alteration
In his manner. II see your opinion of
Mr.. Harrington has altered now" he
said presently.
81 suspend Judgment for half an
hour" laughed Eric enigmatically.
Some ten minutes later the door flew
open and in rushed Harrington No. .
accompanied by Walters. the lawyer.
from downstairs
In the scene that ensued the principal
actors had the stage to themselves, ex.
while Eric sat back and enjoyed ne *.
element.
First the rlghtful owner Of the gems
raved at their loss, but was pacified
when he found them intact: then the
banker realized that he was $50. 900 out
OF pocket and gave way to his feelings
accordingly.
Cant you do something instead OF
sitting there like foolt' he shouted
Telephone to the police TO watch every
railroad station aud dockr'
Il don't think that's necessary" an
swered Eric quietly "He and his wife
too. / hope. are already in their cells
Let's get a cab and go there Perhaps
Mr.. Harrington can identify them"
In less than an hour Mr.. Brampton
was once more In his office chair.
We'll, / can see you've pulled this
matter Off pretty well. my boy" be
said, wiplng the perspiration from his
forehead. Now tell me how II hap.
pened. and what it all means"
cit was simple enough" explained
Eric modestly; 1.-The real Harrington
had given the pearls to this man Tom.
kins, his valet. TO put in the bank. just
before he started for Europe. and also
had given him orders to help this
French maid TO get the house ready
for them on their return. Thus they
were enabled to pose as Mr.. and Mrs.
Harrington and invite you to dinner to
lull suspicion. ! realized this from the
conversation over the telephone, and
called up the bank to have them ar.
rested when they got there. in order
to avoid the fuss OF OBTAINING him here
till the police arrived
well. you have saved me $4,000"
commented Mr.. BramPton,
would you describe that as strik-
ing instance Of business acumenf"
questioned Eric timidly.
The banker remembered the CONVEX
sation OF the day before.
why, yes-cr-nO-thati isl give in,
my boy. You've won her fairly"
1--WE won" murmured the young !
man triumphantly; won by yard
Of pearls"