Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1906-02-01

you" and she went as hard IS she
could. while the man inside began 70
bang on the door aud demand his
freedom.
DO you hear? Is anyone thereG"
he cried. "Lst me out at once"
"oh. yes! ] am here" replied.
"And you are there. and there you
are sGing to stay until the police
come"
For Heavens sake don't be a fool.
man. can soon prove to you that Il
Is all right Let me out quickly.
Such a lot depends on every moment"
Il can quite believe that" an
swered, with knowing smile. Every
moment brings the police nearer"
The police won't come, you idiot"
he shouted.
"You must have a little patience"
l answered. sardonically.
81 tell you, man, they will never get
here, unless you send servant for
them. For goodness sake, send some
one. am a detective. They will
know me-"
Il can quite believe your last re-
mark" ! chuckled, but | am not go
ing to move from this door even to
send for more police"
He then offered TO push his creden-
tails under the door for me to read.
but l assured him that was no judge
of forged documents.
Something like a groan came back
in reply, and concluded that my man
had given up hope of escape.
After awhile it struck me that Miss
Ppm had been a long time away, and
on referring to my watch found that
almost half an hour had elapsed.
Quietly slipping downstairs, | dis
covered the servants huddled together
in the kitchen. One Of them went
forth with instructions to hasten back
with the first policeman she could find,
and / returned to my station at the
door
In a few minutes | heard the well
come heavy steps. and two policemen
(the maid did not believe in the eff
ficacy of one) hastily presented them
selves and prepared for a rush from
the room as l opened the door.
But the rush did not come; and we
entered to find Mr. Compton calmly
brushing the dust of his clothes.
A word from him Immediately gave
rise to look of surprise on the po-
licemen's faces, and after listening to
some hurried instructions they quickly
retired from the room. leaving Mr..
Compton and myself alone.
las for you, Major Belshun." he said,
turning to where l stood in amaze
ment, Il am half inclined to have you
arrested for aiding the escape of a
criminal. You have done that pretty
effectually," he went on, looking at
his watch. "She has had almost an
hours start"
Good heavens!" exclaimed; you
don't mean to tell me-"
Il mean" he interrupted, that am
Detective Norton, and that 1 have
been staying at this house for the sole
purpose Of watching Miss Pym. Unfor-
tunately she must. apparently, have
Identified me, hut she was very care
ful to keep the knowledge to herself.
This afternoon l saw her fast asleep
in the dining-rOom, and availed myself
OF the opportunity Of searching her
room. The little evidence that have
[ gathered here would be sufficient for
my purpose. But now, owing to your
clumsy interference and her clever
ness. she has slipped of. There IS
only one thing to be thankful for, and
I that is that she hasn't taken anything
( with her this time"
/ Are you sure of that?" 1 groaned.
/ quite" he answered; 1.-THE ladies'
had all their jewelry on last night,
and l know Miss Ppm has not been
near any of their rooms to-day"
You had better come down and see
them" I said, helplessly.
He hastily explained to them how
matters stood. But they were at first
too frightened to understand.
Now" he finished up, Il hope,
ladies, you all have your jewelry and
money safe"
ooh, yes!" said Miss Noteworthy
timidly; I'VE gave it all to Miss Pym
last night to lock up in her little safe.
Almost before she had finished
speaking, Mr.. Norton was up the stairs
and l followed quickly behind him
When l entered Miss Pyms room he
= was standing with the door Of the safe
open-and fl was practically empty.
= l am / regret TO say, quite con
WINGED of the cleverness of Miss Norat
TIIfu ofnv, Tlyu, o.,