The newspaper., 1909-03-12
manfully, with a furtive glance toward

, manfully, with a furtive glance toward
the alcove.
"whose?" pursued Mr., Hickey. true
ulently
Mime" with equanimity. Serious
ly-sleuth!-are you trying to make a
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.
sor-?"
"WelI O'Hagan?"
THE crowd at the dure, sor, is dish
persed," the janitor reported. "A
'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
OF 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 l can
satisfy you now. sleuth. What kind Of
suit did your luncheon acquaintance
wear?"
Gray"
"An' here ut is" O'Hagan an
nounced. arraying the clothing upon a
chair. '1v'ry domn thing. aven down
to the socks. And a 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; LAS you will probably sur
mise, my motive in thus restoring to
you a portion of your property is not
altogether uninfluenced by personal
and selfish considerations. In brief.
wish to discover whether or not you
are to be at home tonight. IL not. |
shall take pleasure in calling: IL the
contrary. shall feel that in justice to
myself | 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; fat-headed detective named
Hickey will tell you why-and to ex-
tend to you expression of my highest
consideration. Believe me. I am en-
viously yours. Daniel Anisty'-Signed."
added Hickey mechanically, his face
working.
Satisfied, sleuth?"
the detective stepped forward and un-
locked the handouts.
Maitland stood erect. smiling.
Thank you very much. sleuth. I
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 a friendly drink down
stairs. Cabby. want a word with
you. Good morning. gentle
men. Good morning. sleuth."
And he showed them the door. Il
shall be at your service. Officer" he
called over the janitor's 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 a silent look. Maitland turned back
to the cabby.
You did me a good turn. just now"
he began.
Don't mention It. sir; I've carried
you hoften before this evenin', and--ex-