Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-09

I
| FASHIONED 3c-CALIBER. FOUR
BARRELED BREECH-LOADING Pts
1 Toll
Immediately TO comply with the re-
quest. In the midst OF the work a mes
senger ventured to bring a card TO the
door
"Humph." said the chief "Kingman
F. Thomas OF the Globe. is here. and
he says that his business is important
and immediate"
let him come in. then" advised
iApplebee. Il tell you that man cut his
Ieye-teeth years ago. II ne says inn
portant he means important"
! The chief gave a sign OF acquiescencs
and shortly after the door opened TO
admit Mr.. Kingman r. Thomas. Quiet
y dignihed and entirely master OF
! himself as Upon all occasions. the re-
! porter cast quick glance upon the
group. Without a word he advanced
J 20 the table. inserted his hand in MS
! Breast. took therefrom something en-
/ wrapped in newspaper. and laid il
down before the chief inspector
! What is &c. Thomas" queried APP
| plebce. cUriousiy
! Look az it, returned the reporter.
briefly
| The chief undid the wrapping and
took out an old-fashioned 80 caliber.
/ four-barreled breech-loading pistol.
about eight inches in length. and
stained with rust In several places
Everybody started and looked eager
/ ly from the weapon 90 the serious face
I OF the man who had brought IT,
"It Is just as I found it," he said.
| quietly, "wi,h zine exception OF the
rust ] took 4, o.t ot the water. and
! didn't care o. wipe &c much. for fear
I OF dcstruyirr the smut on that empty
/ barrel
We'll" s-fI tHe chief. with an as
| sumption ot ...-c.ence. why do YOU
| bring DO h.eec"
Il corsucs,l it nay duty 60 do 50.
sir"
ITO De sr-c. tet what makes you
think SOP ia ctlor words. where did
you end ite'-
Il found &c iu tae water on the shore
AZ SuampscotJ"
"SwamrscotG" calculated Applebee.
who BEGAN 20 examine the weapon
with avidity. "The deuce YOU did!
| When?"
sunday night about nine O'Clock"
| Sunday" echoed che chief inspect
or sharply. and 10 is now Tuesday
morning. You were evidently in no
haste"
81 went out OF town by a very early
tram on Monday. This Is the first op-
portunity / have had. gentlemen"
"i-ow came YOU 20 Doe wading In the
water az Swampscott after dark. Thorn
as" questioned Applebee.
We'll sir 20 won't lake me long 20
| tell you what li,tle ! know about the
matter ] stipu.ate but one thing.
This must not Dee given 90 the press.
/ You acrce9 Very we'll / was passing
| the North villa when I saw a woman
envelorcd in a long cloak stealing out
| OF the garden. followed her. deemlng
| her appearance suspicious She went
toward The shore. and / thought | saw
her throw Something into the water.
Waiting tin She had gone. I waded
! out and found this. / ran up the
street. hoping 90 catch her but missed
the last train IN She seems 70 have
been IN better luck"
The three inspectors exchanged Sig
nihcant chances.
And didl you see ner face. Thorn
as?' Appellee eagerly inquired.
Il did noe; no."
And you na,e no idea who she is?''
| Thomas hlsi,s,ed a moment before
replying.
Il don't know that / care TO state
theories. You have enough OF your
own"
We'll. Mr. Thomas" said the chief.
at last. Il think you are entitled TO our
most sincere thanks for important evil
| dencc in the North case. Still. in mat
tiers Of this kind delays are dangerous.
II does seem as II you might have
found some way to get this 10 us be-
fore this.
Il preferred TO deliver II in person."
| said Thomas, quietly. Il never take
any chances in a matter Of this impor-
lance"
You prefer to be slow but sure. /
suppose" said the chief. smiling.
We'll. Applebee. here Il is. Ii won't
take you long to verify your suspicious
about it,"
Il rather suspect that Thomas has
already done that" Applebee said.
! Il took that liberty, yes, agreed the
reporter
TO whom did you take it?"
TO Comfort Harwood. Swamp
scott"
"When?"
This morning-ths only opportun-
/ ity / have had"
And what aid she say?"
she positively Identified IL as the
property of the late Paul North"
This appeared to be the extent OF
Thomas information. When he went
out, White said with smile:
Bless me if that man wouldn't
stand as a model Tor this description /
am writing"
"Eh!" exclaimed the chief inspector.
turning suddenly in his chair. "Ap-
plebee. watch that mani"
What? Thomas?" cried the sub
ordinate. in amused amazement.
THAT same thomas sold tba ohgoS