Omaha daily bee., 1907-01-13

Curious" cried Con, why I never IN
my life saw a mutiated newspaper that
! wasn't filled with the most intense long
ing to find out what had been cut from It,"
The cab pulled up In front OF the Daily
Banner Office. Con, eager to participate In
the search, reached the counter FIRST.
Have you copy of the Daily BANNER
OF June Is, 1867"
The clerk. engaged in writing made no
answer; he did not even look up. Clancy
repeated the question with some emphasis.
The young man tugged away at an in
cipient mustsche. and pausng for a mo-
ment. smiled indulgently at his ouestioner.
why, that's last year"
"You don't have to tell me that" said
Con, irrltably; want to know II you have
it?"
The clerk drew himself up haughtily.
I'VE only keep papers for a week back"
Barnes stepped up to the counter. His
voice was polite. but II was positive.
"Of course you keep the Banner In bound
files. / would like to see the file for June
OF last year"
Certainly" with alacrity; I'VE keep the
bound copies up stairs. I'll see II can
find June You see some of our files were
destroyed by Are"
Barnes heart sank II he failed to find
the paper he might as we'll give up the
chase. But he said nothing He waited
with infinite patience. Five. ten, fifteen
minutes passed. When the tension was be.
coming unbearable the clerk returned with
the bound volume for June. The CHIEFS
face frightened. He turned to the book,
opened It hastily and began turning the
leaves feverishly. June Is was reached ct
last. He turned to the fourth column OF
the fourth page and compared It line by
line with the clipped copy in his possession.
His search was rewarded. This was what
he read
PERSONALs-Money advanced and highest
prices paid for silver and gold ana for
ductes In be ct Strotest condsnoe AopIy
to w. Wicker, 1887 Hilbert street. city.
Copy H." he shouted to Clancy. in ex-
ultant tones. A hurried word OF thanks to
the astonished clerk and they were in the
cab, scurrylng post haste toward 1887 Hill
o. bert street.
The driver dashed his horses. but even
that did not satisfy the two men burning
with impatience Not word passed be-
tween them until they came In sight Of
the goal, and then Barnes said simply:
II hope we're not too late"
Hilbert street was a curious little thor
oughfare. where d great deal OF unique
business was transacted with very little os-
tentation, jewelers.. opticians, money lend
ers and lapida ries we're most conspicuous.
Many OF them occupied but one apartment;
indeed. some were content with desk room.
No. 1887 was a store and dwelling com
bined, and 1t was evident that the entire
building was occupied by "W Wicker
for business and domestic purposes. Be
yond the name the only thing to distinguish
1t from its neghbors was small. rusty
tin sign. which notified the passerby that
eve buy, sell and exchange jewelry OF all
descriptions" The windows were dirty and
the interior quite dim. dull gas Jet
threw a yellowish light over a showcase
containing watches and diamonds. tail
thin man, with parched skin and faded
brown wig stood behind the counter. Al
Barnes and Clancy entered the shop they
heard the scufiling of feet and some on'
disappeared in the little living room be
hind the showcase The tall man Leaned
over the showcase, and rubbing his hand
together. inquired blandly:
What can l do for you. gentlemen
wv. Wicker II / mistake not?'' interro
gated Barnes.
'At your service" was the smiling reply
what are you paying for diamond
today?"
- THAT depends entirely upon the size an
,s quality of the stones" was the professions
reply.
= but you buy emf"
" "Oh, yes"
"a your transactions are perfectly con
~ fidential?" quoting the advertisement.
# "Oh. perfectly.N
Have you bought any this morningH"
10 NO" with a curious stare.
y Have any been offered to your
"A The man drew himself up to his fu
1, height and frowned-which did not add I
. his style of beauty.
:, Sir" he said. angrily, II have no tim
40 to trfe with you"
He was walking away when movemer
> on the part of the chief caused him
halt Barnes opened his ulster and VI
buttoning his inside coat threw back II
lapels and disclosed to the astonishe
M dealer a glisteninR badge. The man peers
at 1t closely noted the gold eagle and Il
,e monogram of the government
From the custom?' he whispered in
ne husky voice
Barnes nodded.
," 'I beg your pardon" said the other al
.r jectly, and his lips trembled as he spolS
Nh 'In give you any information In II
lv power"
s. As he spoke the scared white face Of
1d woman peered from between the dark cti
H. tains behind the counter. The dealer 81
her and at the same moment noted an o
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