Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1910-04-08
Mr.. Ncvin's Niece Was a Hotel KEEP
tomaniac Till She Met the Third
Degree in Masquerade-She's a
"Puffiek Angel" Now.
From the Kansas City Star.

1t was after B O'CLOCK ana the lnRois
IN the hotel lobby had begun to thin
out, theater-b bound. most OF them,
when a waiter hastily slipped a caro-
into the proprietor's broad, fat hand
Mr.. NeTins asked me to hand this to
you, sab"
The proprietor regarded the waiter
with an air OF d~isapproval. 1t was q
way he had with his employees, and II
passed for wisdom,
What Nevins? Not Charles H. New
ms, the lawyer he inquired.
Yes, sab. He's in the dining room
with a lady"
The proprietor looked at the card,
and then read the scrawl upon the
back:
MY niece has stolen two oyster forks
and a spoon-souvenir fiend-arrest US
make 1t strong.-C. H. N"
A look of annoyance fitted across the
hotel mans face.
It's like old Nevins," HI muttered.
He's a terror" Then after a mo-
ment's elaboration he turned to the
waiter. "All right" he said. Send me
the house detective"
The house detective was a distinct
asset to the hotel. He gave the place
atmosphere. Guests rather expected an
Italian room, a Dutch grill, and, per-
haps al art noveau cafe with a Hindoo
prince In costume at the coffee urn, but
a house detective they must have He
satisfies that same y%earning, so long a
mystery to psychologists, that does the
stalwart at fashionable weddings, who
watches with eagle eye lest the men,
bers Of the family purloin the wedding
gifts. He was a big man, was the
house detective-burly and broad Shout
dered, with the undershOt jaw and the
bowed legs of the priced dogs Of BOs-
ton. Even his most casual glance con-
jured in the minds Of guests visions of
locks and bars; mis- very presence
seemed to Shrek the word Police" as
loudly as the lettered panels Of the
city's new patrol wagons He was a ter
rOr to the guests. and consequently he
was the proprietors most treasured
possession.
. John" said the proprietor, tremb-
ling slightly in the awful presence. you
know Nevins, the lawyer?"
The detective nodded.
Well, Nevins is in the dining room
with his niece. She's a souvenir get
ter. Understand? And shes taken
some of our forks and spoons and
things. Nevins want to cure her" He
handed the detective the card, There,
read for yourself"
The detective glanced at the note and
then with a grin handed it back to his
employer.
At that moment the waiter reap
peared with another card. 1t read:
Two o spoons and a salt cellar
coniscated. She must be taught a les
son. Hurry or she will get the furni-
ture.-C. II. N"
Better call out the militia" re-
marked the proprietor, handing the
second note over. We've got to put
a stop to this thing" he added, serious
ly, "and we might as we'll begin now"
She sutinly did clean that table,"
put in the waiter. Eyes, sab, h suit
inly did"
The proprietor looked at his watch.
Eighteen" he announced. The dining
room is about empty. You go in there
and make as big a scene as Nevins will
stand for"
The detective looked pleased.
Leave it to me-" he requested, cheer
fully.
The big man had reached the door
when a sudden thought came to his
employer. Watt" he called. Bring
them in here. and Well give them the
third degree"
"Of course. I've just begun, Uncle
Charley" gurgled the girl. But you
ought to see Clara's collection.
Her uncle looked at her souriy.
Il should like to-" he said.
My goodness. Clara's is the finest I
ever saw. Just perfectly lovely. Spoons
from the Waldorf, forks from Sherry's,
pepper shakers from the Annex and the
dearest little butter dish from the Hol-
land house, with the monogram on 1t,
you know, and no end OF dining car
stuff"
did you aver go in for bath towels %
inquired Nevins.
why, no. How odd!-I never
thought Of It."
lost aoilcrtora an-
Il don't believe I'd care for bath
towels" h said, tnoughtfulIy. They
would be SO hard to show"
Nevins'# lip curled cynically.
Il made quite a haul the other night
he said, "at the OdeITs bridge party
two fruit knives and a salad fork"
mot at the OdelPs! she exclaimed,
Mortified.
Sure" he snapped. why not? /
get mine wherever I can"
II done know whether or not that
would be exactly right" h commented
slowly-"at a friends house"
What's the difference" her uncle
demanded.
well" She stopped and pom
dered. The difference was not quite
clear n she was plainly annoyed
Now, Uncle Charley, you are forever
getting me into an argument. I refuse
to be trapped. Instead, you kindly sir
that salad plate under your o II
! had my I'M here / wouldn't bother
you."
For an instant Nevins' eyes wander
ed about the room. and then with a def
movement he slid the plate under his
coat. AS he did so a heavy, square
jawed nan stepped forward and touch
ed him on the shoulder.
You are both wanted at the Office
he said.
The girl flushed, but her uncle re-
manned imperturbed. II think you are
mistaken" he said cololy. I'VE hav,
no business at the Office"
Now loo here" growled the bi,
man, don't come one OF that on me
You come on along or you1l be drag,
ged.''
who are your" demanded Neyins
with q show of
For an answer the big man drew
back his coat and exposed a star.
UNPOPULAR QUEEN OF ITALY.