Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-06-22

the furniture, and Japanese silk fans decorated the. mantelpiece Near the window was cage containing gray parrot, and the writing table was dec orated with two vases of flowers. | Hewitt stared thoughtfully out of the window and then, still deep in thought. rattled at the wires of the cage with quill toothpick and played moment with the parrot. Then, look ing up at the window again, he said. "That is Mir. Lloyd, isn't it. coming back in fiyw
 Yes, I think so. Is there anything else you would care to see herey |. "No. thank you," Hewitt replied; "I 'don't think there is."
 They went down to the smoking room, and Sir James went away to speak to his secretary. When he re- turned Hewitt said quietly: T think, Sir James-I think that I shall be able to give you your thief presently. I ! should like to know now whether you are determined to prosecutor"
 'Why, bless me, of eourse," Sir James replied, with surprise. Tt doesn't rest with me, you know. The property belongs to my friends, And even if they were disposed to let the thing slide I shouldn't allow it. I couldn't after they had been robbed in I my house."
 "Of course, of course! Then, if ' can, should like to send message to Twyford by somebody perfectly trust worthy, not servant Could anybody go?''
 "Well, there's Lloyd, although he's only just back from his journey. But If it's important he'll go."
 Ut is important. The fact is we must have policeman or two here this evening, and I'd like Mir. Lloyd to fetch them without telling anybody else" | Sir James rang, and in response to his message MT. Lloyd appeared. While Sir James gave his secretary his in structions Hewitt strolled to the door of the smoking room and intercepted the latter as he came out.
 I'm sorry to give you this trouble, MT. Lloyd" he said, but I must stay here myself for little, and somebody i who can be trusted must go. Will you just bring back police constable with you, or, rather, two? Two would be better. That Is all that is wanted. You won't let the servants know, will you? Of course there will be a fe- male searcher at the Twyford police station.l An, of course. Well, you needn't bring her, you know. That sort of thing is done at the station." And, chatting thus confidentially, Mar tin Hewitt saw him off
 | When Hewitt returned to the smok- ing room, Sir James said suddenly: ''Why, bless my soul. Mir. Hewitt, we haven't fed you! I'm awfully sorry. We came in rather late for lunch, you know. There's no dinner till ', so you'd better let me give you something now"
 Thank you, Sir James," Hewitt re piled. q won't take much. A few bis cults perhaps or something of that sort. And, by the bye, if you don't mind, I rather think l should like to take 1t alone. Perhaps can go into MT. Lloyd's room for half an hour or so. I don't think he'll mind, and it's pretty comfortable"
 Certainly, if you like. I'll tell them to send you whatever they've got" "Thark you very much. Perhaps they'll also send me lump of sugar and walnut. It's-it's just little fad of mine."
 "A-whati A lump of sugar and walnutT Sir James stopped for moment, with his hand on the bell rope "oh, certainly, if you'd like it; certainly" he added and stared after this detective of curious tastes as he left the room.
 When the vehicle bringing back the secretary and the policemen drew up on the drive. Martin Hewitt left the room on the first floor and proceeded downstairs. On the landing he met Sir James Norris and Mrs. Cazenove, who stared with astopishment on per- ceiving that the detective carried in his hand the parrot cage.
 q think our business Is about brought to head now" Hewitt re- marked on the stairs. Here are the police officers from Twyford." The men were standing in the hall with Mir. Lloyd, who on catching sight of the cage In Hewitt's hand paled sud denly.
 This is the person who will be charged, I think" Hewitt pursued, ad- dressing the officers and indicating Lloyd With his finger.
 This Is his accomplice." Hewitt went on, placing the parrot and cage on the hall table, though I doubt whether there will be any use in charging him."
 This was his little messenger, hls useful Mercury" Hewitt went on, tapping the cage complacently; "in fact, the actual litter. Hold him upr'
 The last remark referred to the wretched Lloyd, who had fallen for ward with something between a sob and a loud sigh. The policemen took him by the arms and propped him in a chair. s
 
 "systemT' said Hewitt. with shrug of the stpulders, an hour or two after in Sir James' study. T can't say have system. call it nothing but common sense and a sharp pair of