The Somerset reporter., 1907-05-16

from the Office. however though the
ensuing conversation was too low to be
heard
That evening John Brent went home
little later than usual and sal down
to the waiting dinner table without
changing his coat. which he usually did
TO please his wife. Mary. apparently
entirely recovered from the headache
she usually had after such stormy
times. sat opposite to him, dainty aud
pretty IN Der G22le Qi04. 4aif+e gosgii.
The dinner table was attractive and
daintily set, and Nora, in Il clean white
apron numbered awkwardly around
the table serving the simple dinner.
John seemed to be very nervous. He
ate little and kept glancing furtively
at his wife, who was seemingly indif
ferent, but who knew the signs and
thought he was about to present her
with il peace Offering. she wondered
what it would be.
They had reached the pudding and
Nora had retired to the kitchen when
the doorbcll rang and John started to
his feet as if he had been expecting
some one. He sat down again, how
ever as he heard Nora's step in the
hall, and in II moment she opened the
door, and Jack Burnet appeared in the
doorway.
come in. Come in" cried John
thought. She wished John would not
associate with this class of people.
"Sit down and have bite" said her
husband. and she was forced to echo
the invitation. though she felt greatly
relieved when the man refused. He
leaned over the back OF chair Scent
ing at loss how to begin. His feet
shutiied uervously
II just dropped in" he stammered.
Fact is. I'm working on II ease. can
see you alone, Brent?"
"Oh, fire away" said Brent. My
wife would find it out sooner or later
well, some one stole Jim Reade's
diamond ring this morning. They got
me working on the case, and I've got
to do my duty"
Mary Brent. looking across the table
with sudden, lurking fear In her
eyes, saw Johns hand make Il sudden
involuntary movement toward the
breast pocket of his coat. She turned
white.
"Of course you must do your duty"
said John who is the thief He
tried to look unconcerned and natural
but something clicked in his wife's
throat and she was not surprised
when the detective laid a hand heay-
lily on her husbands shoulder
John Brent, ! place you under ar
rest" he said solemnly, and then, II
hate to do 1t, John"
I'll get my hat and come with you"
said Brent. rising. MARY
NO you won't" she interrupted,
running around the table and standing
in front of him. Then she stepped
back and put her hand through Johns
arm. She looked steadily at the detec-
tive, her small face very pale and her
blue eyes flashing
IF any one has to 20 will. 1t isn't
his fault: it's mine. Il made him do
It, He told me he couldn't afford IT,
and | acted like II little beast. and so
he did 1t to satisfy me. | suppose He
isn't a thief You know he isn't a
thief" She appealed to the detective
He stammered. But the ring
Take the ring back" she said. "and
| will come ;.ld explain the whole
thing to Mr. Reade. He wouldn't let
you arrest John anyway If he knew
who it WAS. Oh please go! Give him
the ring, John" she begged
John drew the ring from his pocket
and threw II down on the white table
cloth. She picked 1t up and handed II
to the other man.
II don't ever want to see a diamond
again as long as | live" she said, be
ginning to sob. The detective went to
the door feeling somehow az II he'd
been robblng widows and children. He
looked back once as he reached the
door and then hastily let himself out.
Gee" he said to himself as he went
up the street. 1T was n mean trick to
play but 1t did the work III bet that
by tomorrow morning that little WON
an will be thinking she'd rather darn
his socks than make tidies"'