The San Francisco call., 1907-01-20

- AR\ES looked al tho TWO cable
TX grams again. The first one.
from Paris informed him
that the celebrated Versailles
sapphires. set in a splendid necklace,
had been stolen: the second was a noti-
ncstion that Bin Snyder. smugsler, had
sailed from Chcrbourg on the sylvsnis.
Naturally the chief had put the two
shreds together end expected 20 pull
or tho trick without struggle.
But the Sylvania had arrived and
snyder was not on the passenger list
10 sspphires had been declared. and
the examination OF the baggage. now
slrnost completed. disclosed no gems.
Barnes bit his lips vexstiously. The
Versailles sspphires were numbered
among the worries Sreatest gems. The
thought OF permitting than TO alp
through his fingers was nladdening. At
one time they had ranked with the
state Jeweis OF France. Their distinc-
tion came not 50 much through their
vslue-aithough that was more than
500. ooo--ss from their perfection. The
cut wac the finest ever turned out by q
lspi6ery. They were known 20 gem
experts as the Blue corndower. The
cut OF each stone MADE an opslescent
star OF six rays. which. held in a Ger
tain light, glittered like pure diamonds.
There were forty perfect stones IN the
necklace, none less than a carat and
hsif
Barnes determined 10 make q second
tour OF the boat, and in the course OF
his wanderings came within the rays OF
q pair OF piercing black eyes. The
owner OF the bright orbs raised a small
white manicured hand, very much be-
ringed, sne drew Il scross narrow
forehead. The next moment the same
hand YEARLY stroked a luxuriant black
mustache, betraying. by the movement.
two rows OF even, white. giisteninE
teeth. He was one or a little group,
which, besides himself, included q young
man and q young woman sne an elderly
person who might have been, as abe
was, the aunt OF the giri. Barnes
quickly learned, through the captain
OF the boat, that the stout, elderly per
son was Mrs. Harrington. a widow with
a comfortable income. whose consuming
ambition wac 20 wee her niece, Elsie,
20 q title The young man was John
Hasson, q Etrong-limbed, elean-faced
American lawyer. The man with the
piercing black eyes was addressed as
the Count &c vontain.
Sea voyages are conducive 20 quick
intimacies. Hence the captain Of the
syivanis vas able to tell many things
TO the chief OF the customs. The most
entertaining was the fact that the no
bleman snc the lawyer were keen riv-
ala for the affections OF Elsie Harring-
ton. IL ala not require second sight 20
discover that the girl loved the Arneri-
can, and that the Count was the aunts
choice. Indeed. she had taken the girl
abroad the year before IN the hope OF
breaking of the attachment with Has
son, but fate or the persistence and
ingenuity OF Iove-smitten young man
had decreec that the two should return
10 the United States on the same YES
SCI.
After learning these things Barnes
devoted his attention exclusively to the
little party. The girl was unmistak-
sbly beautiful She was tall and sien-
der, with great brown eyes and
whimsical droop Of the mouth, which
looked ss II it might instsntaneously
turn either TO sadness or 20 laughter.
Hasson gszed at her with q look OF
alteration. The older woman and the
Count stepped aside for q moment. I'M
rneciately the young man grasped the
girl by the hand.
Elsie" he exclsimed, with a signih-
cant squeeze.
Her white face crimsoned; the droop-
ing mouth suggested Joy.
Please don't, John; not here. she
cried.
Mrs. Harrington returned with the
Count Elsie and John discreetly gszed
3nto space. The Count looked hurrieo.
He wore the fashionsbly trimmed
cloak and the high silk hat with nat
brim popuiarly associated with French
men OF the higher class. He began
20 talk with the aunt IN animated
been attending 20 routine business,
keeping the group IN sight always.
Presently he summoned Con Clancy, his
assistant, 10 his side.
'Have the Count and the ladies made
out their papers2"
Yes"
Ibid they declare any gems7"
No"
Make the investigation OF their bag
gage rigid. After that make a careful
examination OF the Counts stateroorn."
The buzz OF expectation was every
where. The thought OF home caused
the travellers 10 bubble over with eager
good humor. The ships officers ran
about hurriedly, performing the last
civiIities 20 those who had been their
Fvests for more than six days. The
chief was standing on & little platform
directing the disposition OF the lug
gage, when some one Grasped the
sleeve OF HIS coat. lie looked around.
The Count was by his side, hiG small
eyes exuding indignation.
~y~u are the chief Inspector" he
ouefIed fn marvelously good English.
Il have that honor" was the bland
reply.
well" continued the other hurried
~, your men are ninging the things
out OF our trunks"
'Not iinging, surely" with a little
laugh.
well eroDfx,frer 'ero ouf"