The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-02

Copyright, 1905, by Joseph d. Bowles.)
The Misses Clutterbuck, elderly and
somewhat sour-visaged spinsters. sat III
drawing-room of their comfortable gu
burban residence.
Their topic OF conversation was. an
unknown colonial nephew, who had Sig
filed his intention of taking tea with
them that afternoon.
II must say, Eliza" observed MISS
Maria Clutterbuck, the younger (py a
little) OF the two sisters. our nephew an
nounces his intention of coming TO SEQ
us in a very unceremoniois manner.
YES, indeed,",s agreed Miss Eliza, "he
never even takes the trouble to write,
but just sends n Telegram to say that ne
Will be with us mt tea-time this AFTER
noon.'
we must make allowances for his CO.
lonial unbringing.'' said Miss Mnria; Il
have always heard that in Australia their
manners arc very free and easy. still
1t Is curious that we should hear OF his
arrival so unexpectedly
John mentioned no dates in his last
letter. remarked Miss Eliza, he Just
said he was sending his eldest boy DICK
home on a visit to England. and that he
had told him to be sure and look us up
directly he came to London.
AS she spoke a servant entered.
IF you please, mn'arn," she said. there
is n gentleman outside who wishes to see
you most particularly. He says he won't
detain you many minutes, and asked me
to give you this card"
"Police Detective Rodertc Clay" read
Miss Eliza. adjusting her pince-nez, IRON
Scotland Yard. Dear me, Maria. what
can q man from Scotland Yard want to
see us about I suppose we must have
him in Show the gentleman In. Jane.
The girl presently returned, followed by
a well-dressed. elderly man OF rather MIL
itary appearance.
Good afternoon, ladies'" said the
stranger. bowling to the sisters. II believe
l have the pleasure of speaking to the
Miss Clutterbucks.'
pray sit down, Mr.. clay said Miss
Eliaz: At perceive by you card that. you
are a detective from Scotland Yard.
Yes replied Mr.. Clay, II feel ! must
apologize for intrudins upon you in such
n manner Miss Clutterouck. but / am
paying a number of visits In this district
this afternoon to put the h~ouseholders
on their guard against a very dangerous
%swindler."
What do you mean" exclaimed the
sisters, a~nxiously.
81 mean said Mr.. Clay. "that without
"lSflIIlE u EdldIlH wa =
feel 1t my duty to tell you that there
has been a series of impudent robberies
in this neighborhood recently. and there
fore II is only right that you should be
warned"
"Houseoreaking?" inquired Miss Maria,
%nervously.
mo. nothing of the kind said the de-
%tective. This thief's method is auieter
and quite as effective. A good-looking
young man is In the habit OF calling at
the houses of well-to-do people. such ms
this, and gaining admission on some
plausible pretext. Occasionally he passes
himself off as the piano-tuner, or as II
man connected with the rates. but fire.
quently he poses as a more aristicratic
visitor
II do hope this dreadful man is not
going TO pay us a visit said Miss Maria.
You must not worry yourself. madam
said the police officer. soothingly. very
likely he won't come near this pa%rticula-
house. only as I said just now I felt II
my duty TO come and tell you TO be care
full about admitting strangers"
"what does the man call HIMSELF"
asked Miss C~lutterouck.
"a different name each time, i fancy,
the detective; I'VE call him II
Jack 1 believe his real mime is
Jonn summing. Tie IL Il Seiitlsiiiaiiy
young man of excellent manners. Halls
from Australia or Whereabouts"
AT the mention OF the word aus
t%ralia,'' the sisters exchanged a sisnifi-
cant glance. The same dreadful idea
suddenly occurred TO both of them.
Surprising the telegram they had re-
ceived that afternoon was not genuine!
What If sunny Jack" was about to pay
hem a visit in the role Of their nephew,
Dick Clutterbuck, Possibly he knew
that their nephew was on his way home
was going to try and turn his knowl-
edge 10 profitable account.
At all events, after n little reflection,
Miss Eliza thought it prudent to men
ton her suspicious to the detective.
Detective Clay got up from his chair
in great excitement.
~ believe you are right he ex-
claimed. 81 think the man who sent that
telegram is none other tina Sunny
Jack himself. Somehow or other he has
found out that you are expecting an un-
known nephew, and so he has resolved
to tmpersonate him.. NY visit here this
afternoon Is most p~rovidential."
pray tell us what We must DO. SAID
Miss Maria, eagerly. will you arrest
him on the doorstep"
II can't do that" said the police off,
Ger. "for, of course, / must be sure first
that the man is really an impostor. |
should like to get n good look at nm be-
fore he catches sight Of me"
well. we shall be glad to help you In
my way we can said Miss Clutterbuck.