The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-03-05

| ihAh - WHAT they always say,
put In Jepson.
As he spoke the man reached
stealthy hand toward the inside
pocket Of his overcoat.
None OF that!" ordered Laue.
Il believe you arc right. Jepson.
Look In the pocket he was reaching
for"
Jspsoa put . hand into tns pocts,
and pulled out what appeared to be
a small jewel case.
open II, Jepson," sa.. Lane. "Ii
this fellow makes a move I'll put
bullet through him."
Jepson opened the case and gave
startled exclamation. "By Jove,
Lane. here is Amy Bsrringtrns
watch. The very one that she told
me was taken when their house was
entered" AS he spoke something
fell out Of the case aud rang on the
stone pavement. Jeiso picked
up and looked at II. I'VE have the
right man sure enough!" he cried
triumphantly. holding up the obje"t
This H. a ring that ! have often
seen Mrs Darlington wear"
How did you come by these
things?" demanded Lane.
IL" stammered the man.
well, Miss Darlington gave them
to me-"
That is likely story" put in
Jepson miss harrington told ne
herself that the watch had been stol-
en-"
II can explain about that if
I'VE don't want any explana-
tions." cut in Jepson. "Come along
now and II you try to escape I'll
brain you with my stick and Lane
will put a hole through you"
And the trio walked through the
quiet streets to the Barringtons.
Jepson rang the bell and said to
the servant who came to the door:
IF Miss Darlington has not retired
please ask her If Mr.. Jepson may see
her for moment on an important
matter Do no. say that there is
any one with me-"
Lane" he went on with an air
Of Importance, when they had gone
into the drawing room, Miss Bar
rington Is very nervous and the
sight OF you with pistol in your
hand guarding the burglar, might
upset her. I would suggest that you
take the fellow into the library ana
will prepare her and then call you
in"
"All right" agreed Lane, taking
the prisoner into the library.
In a moment Jepson heard Miss
Barrington's step, and he rose to
meet her with proudly beating heart.
Good evening, Mr.. Jepson," she
said. Il hope you bring no bad
news. The maid .old me you came
on matter OF Importance, and it 10
SO late and all, that I was afraid"
mo, Miss Darlington" answered
Jepson impressively. II do not
bring bad news. In fact / am sure
that you will be delighted to know
that although l have been through
a very exciting and may say dan
gerous experience thfs evening, it
! has resulted in the capture of the
burglar who has been robbing all
our houses, and giving me the great
pleasure Of restoring to you your
watch and your ring. Here they
are and, swelling 'Tith pride, 10
took them from his pocket and
handed them to her.
why, Mr.. Jepson, where did you
get these" she exclaimed. 81 don't
See how
Jepson waved his hand dramati-
cally. Il took them from the thief
himself. I caught him red handed.
and"
But, Mr.. Jepson, where is"
1.-THE theft" put in Jepson. He
is here. The rascal dared to say
that you gave him your watch and
your ring-think OF it-and I
| brought him here so that you might
confront him before he goes :,
Jail"
But 1t canLot be possible that
you"
"Oh, yes ! did," prt In Jepsol
eagerly II have got him all right"
And turning, he called, Lane bring
In the prisoner!"
When the pair appeared in the
door, the prisoner in front and Lane
behino him, enveloped in a coat
many sizes too large, and carrying
his threatening pistol, Miss Barring
ton looked at them and gasped out;
"Mr. Lane what does this mean?
| /
Here is the rascal who says you
gave him your watch and your ring!"
exclaimed Jepson.
Miss Darlington turned a flushed
perplexed face on tho prisoner ard
stamme red, II do not understand.
What does 1t mean?
Jepson looked from one to the 9TH
er in troubled uncertainty. "Of
course you could not have given him
your watch when you told me your
self that 1t had been stolen" he said.
| "Yes nv watch WAS stolen an