The Irish standard., 1908-10-31

girl, his statement was exact and con-
vincing. AS he came down to the mo.
ment when he had called up from the
Bartholdi and heard mysterious
sounds in his fiat, substantiating his
story by indicating the receiver that
dangled useless from the telephone,
even Hickey was staggered.
But not beaten. When Maitland
ceased speaking the detective smiled
superiority to such invention. Every
pretty" he conceded. "Yeh en- tell it
all to the magistrate tomorrow morn
ing. Meantime yeh'll have time to
think up yarn explainin' how it come
that crook like Anisty made three
attempts in one day to steal some
Jewels, md didn't get 'en. Where
were they all this time?"
TN safe-keeping." Maitland lied,
mani lily, with a furtive glance toward
the alcove.
"Whose?" pursued Mr.. Hickey, true.
ulently.
Mime" with equanimity. Serious.
ly-sleuth!-are you trying to make
charge against me of stealing my own
property"
'Yeh done it for blind. ND that's
enough. Officer, take this man to the
station; I'll make the complaint"
The policeman hesitated, and at this
juncture O'Hagan put in an appear
ance, Juggling a heavy brown-paper
bundle.
BEG pardon, Misther Maitland.
aor-?"
"Well, o'Hagan?"
"The crowd at the dure, sor, is dish
persed," the janitor reported. "A
couple av cops KEN along an famed
'em. They're askin' for the two av
yees," with a careless nod to the po.
liceman and detective.
"Yeh heard what said," Hickey an.
swered the officers look.
"I'm thinkin'," O'Hagan pursued,
calmly ignoring the presence of the
outsiders, "thot these do be the SCOT
that domned thafe av the worruld stole
off ye the day, sor A la-ad brought
ut at ayeleven o'clock, sor, wild partic-
ular rayquest thot ut be daylivered to
ye at once. The papers tore, an"
"O'Hagan," Maitland ordered sharp
ly, undo that parcel. think I can
satisfy you now, sleuth. What kind of
a suit did your luncheon acquaintance
wear?"
Gray"
can here ut is," o'Hagan an
nounced, arraying the clothing upon a
chair. "Iv'ry domn' thing, aven down
to the socks. And note for ye, sor."
AS he shook out the folds of the
coat square white envelope dropped
to the floor; the janitor retrieved and
offered it to his employer.
"'Dear Mr.. Maitland" he read
aloud; GAS you will probably sur
mise, my motive in thus restoring to
you portion of your property is not
altogether uninfluenced by personal
and selfish considerations. In brief, I
wish to discover whether or not you
are to be at home tonight. If not, I
shall take pleasure in calling; If the
contrary, shall feel that in justice to
. myself I must forego the pleasure of
improving an acquaintance begun un-
der auspices so unfavorable. In either
case, permit me to thank you for the
use Of your wardrobe-which, quantity
enough, has outlived its usefulness to
me; a fat-headed detective named
Hickey will tell you why-and to ex-
tend to you expression of my highest
consideration. Believe me, / am en-.
viously yours, Daniel Anisty'-Signed,"
added Hickey mechanically, his face
working.
Satisfied, sleuth?"
By way of reply, but ungraciously,
the detective stepped forward and un.
locked the handouts.
Maitland stood erect, smiling.
"Thank you very much, sleuth. l
shan't forget you. O'Hagan,' -
tossing the janitor the keys from his
desk, you'll find some-ah-lemon
! pop and root-beer in the buffet. This
officer and his friends will no doubt
join you in friendly drink down
stairs. Cabby, l want word with
you. Good morning, gentle
men. Good morning, sleuth."
And he showed them the door. 81
shall be at your service, officer" he
called over the janitors shoulder, "at
any time tomorrow morning. II not
here, O'Hagan will tell you where to
find me. And, O'Hagan!" The janitor
fell back. Keep them at least an
hour" Maitland told him guardedly
"And say nothing"
The Irishman pledged his discretion
by silent look. Maitland turned back
to the cabby.
"You did me a good turn, just now,'
he began.
Don't mention 1t, sir; I've carried
you hoftep before this evenin.. and-ex
cuse my sayin' SOL never 'ad a fare
as tipped 'andsomer. It's a real pleas
ure. sir, to be of service"
Thank you." returned Maitland
eying him in speculative wise. 81
wonder"
The man was rough, burly English
man of one of the most intelligent, II