The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1905-08-19
"How did you like the lady of the
house?" asked Eric.

"She seemed very fine woman,
but Just trifle common. / thought
she spoke with slightly foreign ac-
cent, but may have been mistaken.
She seemed very anxious to get rid
of the pearls, said they always brought
her bad luck, or some such foolish
ness, and so we concluded the bargain.
Mr.. Harrington promised to bring
them around at noon, and I'll give
him the check. By the way, there
was man in the telephone booth as
1 came through the outer Office. Is
anything the matter ?"
Eyes, the building is being re-
wired, and for today they have put
us on party wire. "
Mr.. Brampton nodded, and they
proceeded with the business of the
day.
Shortly after noon Harrington ar
rived.
Good morning." he said. 81
trust that we can transact our busi-
ness quickly, as my wife is waiting in
cab outside, and 1 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..
Wilfred Norton Harrington is COM
inp around to cash nv check"
Eric shut himself into the booth in
the outer office, aud put the receiver
to his ear. He was about to call
"Hello - when he heard voice,
which he recognized as that of Wal
ters, a lawyer in an Office below,
saying:
"Is this Mr.. HarringtonP
YES" answered another voice.
Thought it was your voice, Will
fred. Just come from Frisco"
"No, my wife and made flying
trip to Europe on business and got
back a day earlier than we expected"
"Well, you kept everyone pretty
we'll in the dark. Have you opened
up your new mouse yet
mo; but my valet and my wife, S
maid have everything ready. l am
going up there as soon as 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 bet
ter 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 a little impatient
at his delay. II think you will be
received properly at the bank" Eric
said politely.
He even went to the extent of
fetching the visitors hat and cane.
Mr.. Brampton noticed the altera-
ton in his manner. II see your
opinion of Mr.. Harrington has altered
now," he said presently"
II suspend judgement for half an
hour" laughed Eric enigmatically.
Some 10 minutes later the door
flew open and in rushed Harrington
No. 2, from downstairs.
In the scene that ensued the prln-
cipal actors had the stage to them
selves, except when the lawyer was
called upon, while Eric sat back and
enjoyed the excitement.
First, the rightful owner of the
gems raved at their loss, but was
pacifed when he found them intact /;
then the banker realized that he was
$35 900 out of pocket and gave way
to his feelings accordingly.
Cant you do something instead
of sitting there like a fool?" he
shouted. Telephone to the police
to watch every railroad station and
dock !'
"I don't think that's necessary, !"
answered Eric quickly. ''He and
his wife, too, 1 hope, are already in
their cells. Let's get cab and go
there. Perhaps Mr.. Harrington can
identify them"