The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1909-03-13

to death in his home. HIS
daughter and Ranleigh Harcamp were
the first upon the scene of the murder.
We became connected with the case
through my acquaintance with Col
Inns, friend of my youth and one of
the best reporters in Manhattan.
Clarke and l were discussing the
strange mystery which had grown out
of the case.
A knock on the door put an end to
our conversation 1t was Collins, to
whom / had given a quiet tip TO stay
with US through the case.
Another knock followed almost i'm
mediately, and l admitted Ranleigh
Harcamp, whose face showed the first
smile l had seen him give when he
related the ease with which he had
eluded Clancy's shadows.
Now, Mr.. Harcamp," began Clarke,
II want you to tell us exactly what
happened last night"
Il cannot" said HarcamP, between
set teeth.
Then l will have to tell you. Sit
down, Mr.. Harcamp.'
when you and Miss Drexlau re-
turned from the theater.' continued
Clarke, Mr.. Drexlau met you and a
violent scene occurred. Is that right?"
Yes; l suppose Fogarty has told
you"
Miss Drexlau. at her fathers orders,
finally went to her room in tears"
Il see by the papers Fogarty was
eavesdropping." commented Harcamp.
nraylan cooled
down He suggested that you go into
the billiard room and amuse yourself
while he smoked a cigar. and maybe
you would both see things in diff
ferent light. You became interested
In practicing some difficult masse
shot and stayed for some time
How in the name of heaven do you
know all that"
Very simple. Balls carefully
placed in line along the side rail, tip
of cue badly damaged, your fingers
covered with chalk You were just
about to attempt the shot after repeat
ed failures when you heard Mr.. Drex-
lau fall. You rushed into the hall
and saw fleeing up the stairs
Harcamp rose with clenched fists
and white face. stop; you lie! No
msn on Gods earth knows whom l
sGw."
"Ha, l thought l was right. You
saw Miss Drexlau.''
Harcamp groaned and buried his
face in his hands. She didn't do it,
She didn't do it. o! why didn't l
confess to it and save herr"
laid hand
on his shoulder Now, brace up
Harcamp," he said. 1T may not be
as bad as you think. There is one
thing that may save her."
Tell me, for Gods sake!" moaned
Harcamp.
"The blue Bokhara." answered
Clarke.
Just then a messenger arrived with
q telegram. 1t was for Clarke and he
tore it open feverishly. AS he read his
face broke into a smile of triumph
AT last / can act" he cried. Quick
Mr. Collins, call a cab. You know the
nearest stands. Mr.. Harcamp, We
will save her."
Collins was soon at the door with .
carriage. Clarke gave the driver his
directions, and we all got in.
Where are we bound for?" l
asked.
We are in pursuit OF the blue Box
hara," was all that Clarke would vouch-
safe
We drew up before large store in
Broadway devoted exclusively to orien-
tai rugs, and hurried in.
Did you ever see Blue Bokhara?"
asked Clarke Of the proprietor.
YES" he replied, but we haven't
one. In fact l never saw but one l
believed was genuine, and that didn't
bring very good luck to the man that
bought It, for / hear he's just been
murdered"
Yes, yes, that's the one!" said
Clarke, exultantly.
did he get 1t here?"
mo, he didn't. He picked it up
from a small dealer, but there was
considerable talk about 1t among rug
men, and went around to see it. I've
seen many so-called blue Bokharas,
but never one like this 1t was the
softest shade of blue and of the finest
wool mixed with silk The sheen was
perfect"
Yes, yes," interrupted Clarke; "but
can you tell me the name of the shop
xxat sold it,"
Certainly; it was Agnossis. on
lower Washington street; but he
hasn't anything like it. Let me show
you some particularly fine Bokharas
/ have Just imported"
But we were gone on our way to
Agnossi's before he recovered from his
surprise, suspect.
Agnossi was a dark-eyed Armenian
Who kept q small stock. He was
proud of having sold the most wonder.