The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-09-26

manly the next time he watches me. /
know the tricks of these fellows"
Here we are" interrupted Paul
quickly. Somehow 1t irritated him to
hear this hardened sinner speak of
Sylvia. and he began to think that
Grexon Hay had deteriorated Not
that he was considered to be particu-
larly good at Torrington school. In
fact. Paul remembered that he had
been thoroughly disliked. However.
he had no time to go into the matter,
for at this moment Aaron appeared at
the door Of the shop. He stepped
out on to the pavement as Paul ap-
preached. Come in" he said. II want
10 see you-prfyately." he added, cast
ing a frightened look at Hay.
I'm that case I'll leave you" said
Grexon, disengaging his arm from
Paul. 'Dulcinea must wait for an
other occasion. Go in and do your
business. I'll wait without"
Paul thanked his friend by a look
and went into the shop with the old
man. THAT brooch" said Aaron in
a timid whisper-"have you got it?
Give it to me-quick-quick"
There was 10 one in the shop, as
Bart had apparently gone out on an
errand. The door leading to the stairs,
down which Sylvia had so often de-
scended was closed. and no one was
about to overhear their conversation.
Il have the brooch" said Paul. but
Give it to me-give it," painted
Aaron. "l'll buy it-at a large price.
Ask what you want"
why are you so eager to get it?'
demanded Beecot. astonished.
That's my business" said Norman
in a suddenly imperious manner. Il
want It. The stones take my fancy"
he ended weakly.
WAS that why you fainted? asked
Paul suspiciously.
No" The man grew white and
leaned against the counter, breathing
heavily. Where did you get the
brooch?" he asked. trying to keep
himself calm, but with visible effort.
Il got 1t from my mother. and she
received it from my father
"Beecot-Beecot," said the old man,
lingering his lips, much agitated. Il
know no one OF that name save your
self, and you are not a spy-a scoun-
drel-a-a"- He caught the eyes of
Paul fixed on him in amazement and
suddenly changed his tone. Excuse
me- but the brooch reminds me of
trouble"
"Mr. Norman" said Beecot gravely,
what Is the story connected with the
brooch?"
Aaron flung up his hands and backed
toward the counter Don't ask me.
What do you mean? l know no story
Of brooch. What brooch? l never
saw One-I never-ah"-he broke off in
relief as two pale faced. specialized
girls entered the shop-"customers.
What is it, ladies'? How can / serv
you" And be hustled away behint
the counter, giving all his attention t
the customers, yet not without a side
long look in the direction of the per
picked Paul.
That young gentleman, finding 1t i'm
possible to get further speech witt
Aaron and suspecting from his man
ner that all was not right, left tn
shop He determined to take tn
brooch to Wargrove himself and asl
his mother about it. Then he coul,
learn why she wanted it back-if no
from her, then from his father. Thi
! knowledge might explain the mys
terry.
Did you sell the brooch?" aske
Grexon as they walked up Gwynn
street
mo. 1 have to send it back to m
mother, and
Hold onw cried Hay, stumbling
"Orange peel-ah''-
His stumble knocked Paul into tn
middle of the road. A motor car wa
coming down swiftly. Before Ha
could realize what had taken pIac
Paul was under the wheels of the ms
( chino