The Huttig news., 1908-12-05

shades drawn-O'Hagan's last act be. fore leaving with the suit case-addi- tional proof that Maitland was not ex. pected back that night For the tenn perature was high, the air in the closed room stifling.
 Crossing to the windows, the girl drew down the dark green inner shades and closed the folding wooden shutters over them And was con scious of deepened sense of security.
 Next going to the telephone she re- moved the receiver from the hook and let it hang at the full length of the cord. In the dead silence the small voice of Central was clearly articu late: What number? Hello. what r2'-followed by the grumblins of the armature as the operator tried fruitlessly to ring the disconnected bell. The girl smiled faintly, aware that there would now ha no interrup tion from an incpportune call.
 There femai2ed as a final precau. tion only a grand tour of he aat. which she made eapeditiously passing swiftly ard noiselessly (one eontem plating midnight raids does not attire ones self in silks and starched things) from room to room, all comfortably empty. Satisfied at last, she found herself again in the study, and now boldly, mind at rest, lighted the brass student lamp with the green shade, which she discovered on the desk.
 Standing, hands resting lightly on hips, breath coming quickly, cheeks flushed and eyes alight with some in innate and inscrutable emotion, she surveyed the room. Out of the dusk that lay beyond the plash of illumina tion beneath the lamp, the furniture began to take on familiar shapes; the divans, the heavy leather-cushioneo easy chairs, tho tall clock with it's pal lid staring face, the small tables and tabourettes, handily disposed for the reception of books and magazines and p,pes and glasses. the towering. old fashioned mahogany book case, the use ,ess. ornamental. beautiful Chip pendale esoritoire, in one corner; all somberiy shadowed and all combining to diffuse an impression of quiet, easy going comfort.
 Just such study as he would natur ally have. She nodded silent approba. ton of it as a whole And, nodding sat down at the desk, planting elbows on its polished surface, interlacing her fingers and cradling her chin upon their backs, turned suddenly pensive The mood held her but briefly She had no tune to waste, and much to accomplish. Sitting back, her fingers sought and pressed the clasp of her handbag and produced two articles-a golden cigarette case and slightly soiled canvas bag. The Maitland jewels were returning by a devious way, to the their owner.
 But where to put them, that he might find them without delay? It must be no conspicuous place, where O'Hagan would be apt to happen upon them; doubtless the janitor was trust worthy, but still Misplaced opportunities breed criminals.
 It was all a risk to leave the treas ure there, without the protection Of niekeled-steel walls and timelocks, but risk that must be taken. She dared not retain it longer in her pos session, and she would contriye a way in the morning to communicate with Maitland and warn him.
 Her gaze searched the area where the lamplight fell soft yet strong upon the dark shining wood and heavy brass desk fittings; and paused, ar rested by the unusual combination of inverted bowl and super-imposed book. A riddle to be read with facility; in twinkling she had uncovered the in- eliminating nd-print-incriminat if it could be traced. that is to say: :