Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-30

a light chorus of laughter rippled round the room
Historically. In the instantaneous cessation of talk
a shuf1ing of feet for moment all that was
heard.
The picture in Vaeska's view remained for a
moment in her eyes as clear photograph against
the darkness: Mrs Selwyn. merry, jubant. talking
to a fat old man. behind her the dowager. the debu
tante, the pale youth. all talking together and a
little aloof the Countess, with strange expression
and her fan pressed to her lips. looking in Valeskas
directon-as if she was giving a sign Then the
picture faded: babble of voices Then
mounting over them all rising to a scream, Mrs
Sewyns excited cry:
oh! Stop! Help! I'm robbed!'
Vaeska at the same moment felt man rush
swiftly past her, and there sharp tw1tCh at
the side of her waist.
Then another voice came like bark, swift. stern
mandatory, abrupt, angry. Light up there i'm
mediatelyi The switch is at the side of the door
Don't anyone dare to move till we have light!
At last after frightened haf-mnute, full of
whispers and shocked explosives. the lights spfang
up again. and showed room full of shocked, ago
nized faces Everyone looked at his neighbor with
startled eyes. A louder buzzing of talk only
to cease suddenly again Selwyn, pushing his way
into the middle of the room. took command of the
situation. like General
Nobody shall move step here until we find 1 out
the Selwyn emerald. You all know it. l insist that
everyone keep his place until it is found!
What had awakened in the little man! At the
crisis he had changed from bashful boy into will
full, assertive man. dominating the room with his
resolution The talk swept excltedly about the
place now: each questioned his neighbour or stared
folding doors and rolled them shut with bang.
Then red faced with fierce scowl, he strobe back
to his wife:
Now who was you. Betty?
oh. l don't remember exactly" she answered
historically "All | know is that when the lights
went out some up to me and felt a snatch
at my corsage-see where the lace is torn! Some
body stole it. It's preposterous!
Search everybody! somebody called out.
mo. no!' cried others.
- See if it hasn't dropped on the hoor!
FOR moment everyone spoke at once. and the con-
fusion maddening Then suddenly clapping
officer commanding his soldiers Astro's voice rose
over the tumut He had sprung upon chair. and
his fine head appeared above the throng.
Mr. Selwyn let me find the broccoli There will
he no trouble unpleasantneSS Tor anyone Let
everyone keep his place until I've finished and Ill
promise to discover the emerald.
clapping of hands all over the room responded
to his speech Instantly the mood of the company
relaxed from its nervous strain of uncomfortable
embarrassment and suspicion to an amused in
terest. 49,
But Selwyn shook his head savagely. "No in
deed! None of your parlor tricks. thank you l
vi, send for the police Immediately. Meanwhile,
evervone in this room is my prisoner Those who
object necessarily be regarded with suspicion.
'Oh, George!'' Mrs Selwyn pleaded, do let
Astro try it! I'm he'll be able to do it. He's
clever. and he has done such marvellous things!"
Yes, yesl Let him try it,! came from everyone
Selwyn hesitated. looking half-contemptuously
at the palmiSt How do you propose to tlnd IT =.
he asked finally.
Astro put his hand to his head and drew his brows
together Il already feel an influence disturbing
this gathering he said Il shall be drawn inevta
bly, toward the person who committed the theft, as
if by a magnet Or at least shall be drawn to the
emerald" he added.
Bosh!" Selwyn exclaimed. That's all:poppv-
cocki What want is a good detective and a police
officer or search every man and woman in-the
ROOM
At this there came indignant chorus of protest;
the guests stirred uneasily