Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-03-21
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Copyright, 195T1, by Homer >prague. DvvyvvvvvYYyvT Fgg-TT7vvyyyvyw
By JOHN ELAUMC.iT.

'Sec here ::aid chester hotly, if you think I stoIe the ring why don't you say so aMA search me!'
 Vincent. cried Elya. ''how can you say such !; thing:'
 'I'm simply putting into words what ! Miss Celeste has been limiting for the last ten minutes" he cried Celeste may have been unfortunate in her remarks said John Noailes l soothinsly, "1Ht she meant nothing of that sort
 Vincent Chester laughed Ever since Miss Celeste Noailes descended upon her brothers household at the death of his wife she had fought Vincent. He was boy then, but even then in love with Elvia, and Miss Celeste had high CT ideas of matrimony for her very attractive niece.
 This evening the two had been ex amining a ring, and somehow, none knew how, it had disappeared. They had hunted all over for it, but it could not be found. and it was to be expect ed that Miss Celeste's acid tongue would but thinly veil her suspicious thoughts.
 If Mr chesters conscience is un- easy" chuckled Miss Celeste, II can understand that he takes to himself purely impersonal speeches. Vincent turned to Mir. Noailes. Will you search me. sir:' he asked.
 "Nonscnsc cried his host Celeste for heavens sake keep still. My boy, no one believes that you would steal anything except oue thing
 He patted Elvia's shoulder meaning thereby added fuel to Miss Geleste.s flame
 "I don't see why he should not be searched. she fumed. The ring was here a moment ago. and now it is gone
 "You see, said Vincent. Again ask you to search me
 "Ny boy. you were not q day old when first took you in my arms, said Mr. Noales. T would as soon accjise myself of crime as to beiieNt, it o1 you.
 Well. if you won't :. said Vincent brislxly, Il Il have to do it myself. guess.
 Rapidly he turned out the contents of his pockets, spreading them on t1lr table. John Soailes sprang forward as though to stop him, but Elyia laid q detaining hand upon his shoulder.
 Tt iS better so.' s!le whispered. 1t is the only WAY 10 convince auntie.
 They stood silent until the things had been returned to Crawfordss $ peek cts: then Ml. Noaies stepped forward.
 This should satisfy you, Celeste" he said steruly. "I want to tell you that if you eyer raise the question again shall not coldne your second offen Q
 Very weil,' said Miss Celeste. With Il shru4 oi lief shoulders. .sSinee seem to he so much ill the W;y h2se suppose that Mir Crawford will ae3.z init n4e to retire.
 She swept grandly from the room, leaving the three to face each other uncomfor1ably All knew that AIis Celeste was not satisfied and We're fearful of hei. next outbreak.
 Each tried to appear at ease, but the pleasure ei the visit was gone. and presently Crawford made an excuse for taking his departure. Elvia fol lowed him to the door.
 Will vou drop i'll tomorrow eNenz ing:" she asked We shall probably be able to tell you then where We found the ring
 'I am afraid that cannot get around" he said uncomfortably. "lf you find if. will you write:'
 Wont you come over?" pleaded El= via. but Vincent shook his head. He had been shocked by the accusation, and not even the belief of Elvia and her father could salve his wounded feelings vet. It seemed almost as though he were passing out of Elyia,s !. life
 Tn in her room Miss Celeste was sit ting at her writing table while her busy pen covered sheet after sheet of note paper. Not until she had written dozen pages did she cease her work } and then, going over to her bureau. she unlocked the upper drawer and drew therefrom a paper covered book with gaudy title page. From the m- side of this she clipped coupon, Which she attached to the letter before slip ping 1t into an envelope.
 A year before while visiting the city she had been tempted to visit vaude
 vile theater at which man ana "o
 man known as the X-Rays were creat. ing n sensation with some mind read ing accomplishments. Always inclined to the supernatural. she had been greatly interested by the Rays accom-
 nlishment and had slipped back the next afternoon to purchase some of tue ! books which gave her the right 10 ash :. questions by mail. Once or twice since then she hau con h c,,1%o,1 tho nraclp and now she was