Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-12-16

1 n vi a DlA VI paper we'll. EtL
down there before she gets away. and
tell her that I must see her at once on
! important business"
The man departed. leaving John
L.amm in sole possession OF the Office.
! Eleven O'Clock brought him news OF
the failure % North & Stackhouse.
news which he received with admirable
imperturbability
And how much do they fail for7"
he asked his informant
Everything. I hear Even North's
personal property is likely to 60. His
town house and his house at swamp
scott"
And In that case. how much OF an
Inheritance does he leave his daugh-
ters2"
All. poor things Nothing"
so. So" said John Lamm 10 himself.
after his informant had de, arted.
That's how the wind blows. does it,
Well. e remains for me 20 find out who
profits by North's death. and who by
the failure. Certainly it is neither
Marion Stackhouse nor Stella North"
The detective was not aware OF Paul
Eorth'1 little transaction In life insur-
ance. and Il Is not probable that Il
would have made much difference in
his opinion n be had been.
But John Lamm's attention was now
taken by the arrival OF his assistant in
company with keen-eyed woman
about hve-and-thirty. modestly dressed
All Miss Dallisoni Good morning"
said the detective. cordially. Are you
engaged today"
Some things on hand" she said. In
a brisk business-lil,e way. "but II It's
important"
Lamm waved his hand toward the
| door of his inner Office. and the lady
| preceded him into the small retiring
room which the detective preserved for
his most important conferences
And now. Bill" said Lamm turning
20 his assistant and speaking fin
low tone. 81 want you to go to swamp
scOtt. You know where the North
villa IS You viii easily find Il without
any obUusive Inquiries. you under
stand. Az the upper riEht-hand corner.
at the part of the house away from the
water. is square tower with green
blinds. n a small white handkerchief
is placed over the Sill go 90 the serv-
ants door and deliver an express pack
age 20 Molle White. Take that re-
ceipt along with you and have her
sign FOR 10. she viii leave what she
has for me In the book See? II there
IS no signal by four o'clock. YOU may
come back"
When Detective Lamm had dis
patched his assistant he locked the
door and saiuted his female caller over
again.
ALLOW me TO pay my respects 20 the
only female detective in America who
IS worth her bread and butter" he said
How are you?"
'Is 90 because I'm so good or the rest
are so poor, Mr. Lamm2" she returned.
"Or because there isn't much money
IN your case. and YOU want me TO work
cheap or wkat?"
NO, Miss Dallison. don't want YOU
70 work cheap" replied Lamm. becom-
Ing serious and drawing up a chair
near 20 her. IT you can do what
want shall willingly let you put your
own price on it."
"Wen, what is it,"
Il can't say yet just what it VIII be.
have taken the liberty 20 make an
appointment az your house with
party unknown at seven this evening.
II the party puts Ia an appearance. you
viii have the simple task OF dnding
out all he or she knows. while pre-
tending TO give him or her some in
formation which you do not possess
Really" said Miss Dallison. sar.
castically. lit is very simple indeed"
Unfortunately" said Lamm, there
is no other way that / can see 60 get
the Information necessary. I Will tell
you how the case stands" And pro-
ducing the copy OF the Globe. the de-
tective proceeded 20 explain his plans
You see" he said. in conclusion. Il
merely desire 20 have you personate
the writer OF the letter ! wrote this
morning. and 10 draw out as much as
possible about the purpose OF publish
Ing that advertisement from the person
who turns up in answer TO my note
There are two things l wish to find
out-the first is. who inserted the 'ad.,'
and the second is. what is wanted OF
Marie Moissot And. incidentally. II
NeNA AAu out WHO lnlS Marie MOlSSOl
Is. why so much the better"
Miss Dallison was exceedingly du-
bious about the result. but as she was
willing 10 try. after arranging the mat
ter more in detail. Lamm made an APP
pointment - her house for seven
q clock, and babe her good morning."
Good heavensi" muttered Lamm 10
himself, when he was alone, this is
the first time ! ever was employed in
a case where ] was Obliged to go 10
such trouble 10 find out a few facts
which the man who employed me
could give me in five minutes, IL he
only would. Is IL because he doesn't
care 10, or because he doesn't dare to?
III find out. or my name isn't Lamm.
] always like 20 know what sort of a
man I'm working for. It's convenient
sometimes"
With these reflections. Mr.. Lamm be-
took himself 10 other matters connect 1
ed with his puzzling and thus far IN
satisfactory quest, for he really hadn't
got far enough along 20 be able 10 |