The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1906-03-02
A Dangerous
SWindler
BY LESLIE THRALE
Copyright. 1905. by Joseph B. Bowies.)


In the drawing-room of their comfort
able suburban residence.
Their topic of conversation was an un
known colonial nephew, who had signi
fled mis- intention of taking tea with then
that afternoon.
81 must say. Eliza" observed Miss
Maria Clutterbuck, the younger (by
little) of the two sisters, "our nephew
announces his intention of coming to
see us in a very unceremonious man
Fer"
Eyes, indeed" agreed Miss Eliza. The
never even takes the trouble to write
but just sends telegram to say that he
will be with us at tea-time this after
noon"
I'VE must make allowances for his
colonial upbringing," said Miss Maria;
az have always heard that in Australia
their manners are very free and easy
Still it 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 visit to England, and that he
had tolC him to be sure and look us up
directly ne came to London"
AS she spoke servant entered.
IF you please. a'am,' she said,
there is 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 Roderic Clay" read
Miss Eliza. adjusting her pince-nez,
"from Scotland Yard. Dear me, Maria,
what can man from Scotland Yard
want to see us about? / suppose we
must have him in. Show the gentleman
in, Jane"
Good afternoon, ladies'" said the
stranger, bowling to the sisters. Il be-
lieve l have the pleasure of speaking to
the Miss Clutterbucks.'
PRAY sit down, Mr.. Clay" said Miss
Eliza; Il perceive by your card that you
are a detective from Scotland Yard"
YES" replied Mr.. Clay, 81 feel must
apologize for intruding upon you in such
q manner, Miss Clutterbuck, but l am
paying a number of visits in this district
this afternoon to put the householders
on their guard against very dangerous
Swindler." , ...
What do you mean?" exclaimed the
sisters, anxiously.
81 mean," said Mr.. Clay, that without
wishing to alarm you unnecessarily.
feel it my duty to tell you that there has
been a series of impudent robberies in
this neighborhood recently, and there
fore it is only right that you should be
warned"
"Housebreaking?" inquired Miss
Maria, nervously.
mo, nothing of the kind" said the de-
tective This thief's method is quieter
and quite as effective. A good-lookine
young man is in the habit of calling al
the houses of well-to-do people, such az
this, and gaining admission on some
plausible pretext. Occasionally he
passes himself off as the piano-tuner
or as man connected with the rates,
but frequently he poses as more aris-
tocratic visitor"
81 do hope this dreadful man is not
going to pay us visit, said Miss Maria
"You must not worry yourself
madam" said the police officer, sooth-
ingly, Every likely he won't come near
this particular house, only as said jus!
you to be careful about admitting stran,
gers"
What does the man call himself?'
asked Miss Clutterbuck.
"a different name each time. fancy,
replied the detective; 1--WE call him Sun
ny Jack l believe his real name is
John Summing. He is gentlemanly
young man of excellent manners. Halls
from Australia or thereabouts.'
At the mention of the word Aus
tralia," the sisters exchanged a signifi
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
them a visit in the role of their nephew
Dick Clutterbuck! Possibly he knew
that their nephew was on his way home
and was going to try and turn his knowl
edge to profitable account.
At all events, after little reflection
Miss Eliza thought it prudent to mentor
her suspicious to the detective
Detective Clay got up from his chair
In great excitement.
II believe you are right" he ex
claimed: 81 think the man who sent tina
telegram is none other than Sum,
Jack himself. Somehow or other he ha:
found out that you are expecting an un
known nephew. and so he has resolved
to impersonate him. My visit here thi.
afternoon is most providential."
Pray tell us what we must do" sait
Miss Maria, eagerly will you arres
him on the doorstep"
81 can't do that" said the police off
Ger. "for, of course, l must be sure frs
that the man is really an impostor.
should like to get good look at him be
fore he catches sight of me-
well. we shall be glad to helm you il
any way we can" said Miss Clutuerbuck
Eve place ourselves entirely in you
hands"
Detective Clay considered for a min
ute.
What room is just above this" h
asked at length. looking out over tn
front Goor2"