The Cairo bulletin., 1905-07-29
CAUGHT AT LAST.
A STORY OF CRIME AND RET
RIBUTIoN.

OF MS nina.
This inscrutable ma2. to whom the
pursuit and capture of desperate Grim
iuals was merely an intellectual pas
time. affordisg play for set of facul
ties that threatened TO become afro
phied when not under the stimulus of
active exertion. did net ssrprise me.
therefore, when ne laid aside the scien-
tific text book on Curves: Their In
Auenee on Arts, Mechanics and Sports,
which he had been perusing. and turned
to me with a melancholy smile, making
at the same time the seemingly irrel-
eyant remark;
Doubtless you remember, Hankins,
the incident of the fountain pen that
vas lost by his grace. the duke of
Griggsville. and the interesting adyen.
tire leading finally to the apprehen
sion and conviction of the miserable
chandler that stole it?"
Perfectly" / answered. what re-
minded you OF it2"
Nothing, except that [ detect the
perfume Of yiolets-that IS ALL
Pardon me" ssid. but what is
the eonnetiion?'
Merely thar the dukes fountain pen
contained violet ink" he reioined,
struggling his shoulders contemptu-
opsly at my obtnseness.
III / mistake not, Hankins,H he pro
ceeled, .the perfume Of which l have
spoken indicates the approach Of "a"
Here soft knock at the door inter
rupted him, and pale elderly womas
OF striking appearance entered the
room.
Good morning, madam" he said,
with keen glance at her Are you
having trouble with any Of your board
ers?"
.You mistake. sir,e she answered,
With dignity. Il do net keep board
/ ing house am the proprietor of a
small candy shop in Cheapside. But J
am in trouble
| lie gave me look out OF the corner
/ Of his eye, which instantly inter
! preted as an assurance that the caller
| Aad some reason of her own for con.
eealing the truth as 10 her occupation.
TO what unfortunate circumstance
an | indebted for the honor Of this
visit?r he inquired with a grave eour,
tesy
she seemed to hesitate, and he add.
ed:
"you may speak with perfect free
dom before my friend Hankins. He Il
4 NY inseparable companion IN all my
| Investigations. fn fact he continued
with increasing gloom, Il have never
been able to shake him OF. But ! De
tain you. madam. Pray proceed"
you are Mr.. seamy Ketcham?"
| He bowed.
"0!' she exclaimed, wildly. %aspine
her hands, II want to know who steals
/ the soapi"
who steals the soap?a he echoed
with d gasp. Calm yourself, madam
/ have no doubt we shall be able Y
help YOU Tell me your story
Il viii, sir. am AIRS. Hertfain- fot
must know that our living rooms arr
directly over my shop, We have
spare bedroom for the use of unexpeet
"a visitors It is fitted up. OF course
with a chest of drawers and wash
stand. Ii is my custom to keep cale
Oh toilet soap o. the best quality o.
the washstand no make long storl
short. Sir, somebody always steals IL
seamy Keteham reflected.
Are there any circumstances con
nected with these thefts, madam, tina
might serve as a clue to the perp'
trater?" he asked.
only this, sir" she answered. Yes
: terday morniag, when | ascertalne
that the cake had placed there tn
tiay before had been stolen, wrote p
/, 1 card Don't steal This Soap, an
7 stood il conspicuonsly on the wasl
stand This morning the soap wa
: found to have disappeared, as usua
and the thief had scFawled at the DO
= tom of the card why Not?
"Havo you that card?'
"Yes. sir. Here II is. And here Y
/ mystery deepens, This morning ! w
compelled 10 close tile shop for y fe
minutes, having some unexpected az
important business 20 attend 70, az
nv assistant haylng been taken su
!, denly in. put this placard on Il
!" front door: Will Return Present.
Don't Rattle the Door When can
1, back found that the same person hi
! scrawled Why Not?' at the botto
OF the plaeard Here II is, as you see
IS Seamy Ketcham scarcely glanced
4 the card He jumped to mis- feet
stantly, and put ON his hat.
"Mrs Hertran," he said, I'VE W
20 to your shop, If you please Cor
"a along, Hawkins"
Twenty minutes later we we're at h
n place of business. 1t was full OF G.
)n toRers.
Now, madam" he whispered, "a
noance to the people here, in q 10
III voice. that no more business Will
~ done today
~ she did so.
"Why not?" asked a voice.
Quick as lightning Seamy Ketchf
darted into the throng Of custom'
and amargpd 81 moment afteTWti