The Washington times., 1909-05-12

that. after we found the brothers body
there was discovered no trace OF the
nurse or baby"
Again for the moment the doctors
mind was full CT the developments re-
garding the gold chain, and 1t seemed
strange that Black should voice his
doubts Just at the time when there was
ground for them. BIT he was not yet
prepared to strengthen his suspicious
"But this is a very small town, he
said. The nurse and child could not
have survived without some one know
ing of it,"
I've thought about that too, and an
idea has occurred to me-" Black lighted
cigar, seated himself in the rooms
most comfortable chair. and prepared to
make known hts deductions.
Today" he continued, II had to drive
into the country to see a client. and L
passed gypsy wagon apparently unac-
| companied by others-a very unusual
occurrence. Well. that sight reminded
me of the night of the hre-why J could
not for long time remember. I saw
! again the whole terrible disaster. OF
course. as chief Of the fire department,
was everywhere, and pretty busy, 1
can tell you.
t'Wen, when 1 at last remembered
the hour when the fire broke out, early
in the evening, the reason for this lone
gypsy wagons reminding me Of the
thing came to me. was walking down
town after dinner that night when 1
heard the fire beIl-st the same moment
I noticed a gypsy wagon-a red one,
remember notwithstanding down the
street. OF course, 4 didn't pay any
more attention to the wagon. but when
] think II over now n possible explana-
tion of the mystery has come to me-"
'T confess I don't see the connection. ="
f, smiled the doctor: but go on"
'The fire ragged all that night, as of
course you remember. Well, that
! gypsy outfit must have been here that
night-or part OF II, at least-and
we have seen nothing Of IT since.
Don't you suppose Il Is possible that
the nurse might have rushed out OF
the house where she and the brother
were staying with the baby. and in
! the confusion she and the child were
carried OF by those wandering people.
who have troubled US here so much
recentlyTY
The doctor was interested now, and
his face thoughtful.
'sThere may be something in what
you say. But why should they do
ftp
"Oh. Tor ransom. OF course. It was
an ideal opportunity for them-eon-
fusion everywhere. and the whole
town $50 excited that mothers all
over we're running about after their
children, whom they thought were
burned UP. And you know the Park
er place, where they were staying,
Was a fine residence-looked like
ready money-big ransom and all
that"
The old mans thoughts had already
turned TO the effect this possibility
would have on the news he knew
of the gold chain.
"Your suggestion has some force,
he said after a minute Of pondering,
"and I wish you would come in in
the morning to talk with me about IT.
We might make some plan to investi-
gate
I'm glad you think L have been
of possible help" reJoined Black.
NOW" continued Dr. jordan, "Ive
got to deliver this medicine to Mrs
Humphreys. who is very III, and I've
a call to make sfterward, so I must
60"
"An right. DOCTOR" and the other
turned to the door. 'Tll be in in the
morning"
Down the long fight OF steps they
went together. and F'lack left him a.
he turned the corner. proceeding II
the direction Of Mrs. Humphreys home
The old mans errand there was soor