The Delta independent., 1907-11-08
MABEL's PICKPoCkET
BY Lucy Montgomery

"Good.by, Mabel: take care Of your
SELF" said the fussy woman, kissing
the girl once more.
II WILL" laughed the girl.
"And don't lose your diamonds,
DEAR" added the woman in a stage
whisper that could have been heard to
the other end OF the car. "Remem-
= ber."
"TIl not forget, auntie." replied the
girl.
She clutched her handbag apprehen-
sively at the mention Of the diamonds.
and l smiled to myself at the innocent
way she had betrayed their hiding
place.
II there had been a pickpocket on
the train he couldn't have wanted q
better tip.
After the train started I gazed
across the aisle at Mabel and could
scarcely conceal my admiration. She
had a perfect face and l thought l
never had seen a more innocent or
charming girl. All the sins and sor-
rows of life had left her untouched. /
thought. and sighed at the reflection
that I knew something OF both.
Before many hours passed had
managed to pick up a casual travelling
acquaintance with Miss Mabel-in
fact. / may say we had become friends.
as far as was possible without imper-
Thence on my part or too great free
dom on hers. She gave me two or
three little confidences-it always
having been my good fortune to be
trusted by women-but she said moth
ing about her diamonds. and pre-
tended not TO know that she had them
in her handbag. II amused me to see
how faithfully she clung to II. The
only time she let the precious bag
leave her hand for a minute was when
she went into the dining car for sup
per and left It lying on the seat.
THAT would be pickpocket's
chance-if there was one on the carr
said to myself II happened. how
ever. that at the moment the car was
empty. so I followed her into the din
ing car II was not my business to
look after the bag.
After supper when I returned to
my seat ! saw that she was searching
through her hand bag feverishly. and
that she was In great distress.
What has happened?" I inquired.
though I suspected the truth.
MY diamonds she gasped. II
have lost them. left them here
when I went into the dining car. And
now they are gone. o. o. what shall
do? will call the conductor"
NO" said. firmly. that is not
the best plan. The conductor knows
nothing about them. and II you raise
m alarm you simply will put the
thief on guard. He would be sure
to escape. and you never would see
your Jewels again."
Then. what shall I do?" she asked.
laying a slender white hand on my
arm and looking at me SO confidingly
that I would have been n brute not to
be touched.
Leave II to me-" I said. '1 will see
that they are recovered. am rail.
road detective"
"Oh, how lucky" she exclaimed.
comforted her all could-which
found to be n most delightful task.
At Burlington left the train. tell.
ing her that would take the next
train back to Chicago In pursuit OF
the thief In fact. I permitted her
to know tina: gave up my journey on
purpose to take up the search after
her Jewels. and she was sufficiently
grateful
She gave me n card with her Omaha
address upon II. and also told me
where could find her aunt In Chi.
cago. I promised to report twithin q
week.
She blushed and sighed so prettily
when she bade me good.by at last
that my heart beat with unusual
vigor.
Four days later ! sent her diamonds
60 her by express. and. though
never expected to see her again.
could not forbear expressing n little
OF the tenderness felt In the let.
ter which ! sent with the gems.
Really the beautiful and innocent
girl had made a lasting impression on
my heart. Never before had l per.
mitted myself the luxury OF tender
sentiment.
These were the last jewels ever
stole.