The Washington herald., 1910-11-11
CHAPTER XIV.
The Mysferious Affair.

Laura NoicS rang out Sharply with an
undercurrent OF excitement that was
contagious. for every one started up and
exclaimed In different voices:
'Stolenl Impossiblel When did you
miss Il? How do you know you have not
mislaid it?'
Rosemary alone did not speak. She had
risen to her feet with the others, and
stood staring at Laura's flushed face with
wide, Mortified eyes. She had gone as
pale as death and the white hands that
rested on the back of chair trembled
slightly
Yes, stolen!" Laura repeated, answer
ing every one together. Il missed 1t this
morning when l was trying TO find an in
significant small brooch of brilliants, and
1 searched everywhere before finally
gave it up" Then she turned TO Sir
Douglas appealingly-"Dont please think
me stupid or hysterical for making fuss.
but / was so fond OF that pendant. my
mother gave II to me; it was one OF her
last presents, and valued It so greatly"
1t must be found OF course, Miss
Craven" he said promptly. Il can quite
understand your feelings upset and ex-
cited, but am quite sure IL viii be found
Luckily, we are a limited party" he
smiled. and there has never been any
possibility OF a burglary here. because
II Is notorious fact that there Is Moth
ing TO be stolen at Luck House except
the Luck itself, and that is nearly
gone. too"
Philip Craven broke into a laugh. mo
one need make fuss. Laura Is notort-
GUS for losing her things / don't re-
memyer her ever having done anything
else sine / ave known her / don't mind
BETH. Ter Q one that she will find II
soon, -.'3e4 IN some weird. out-of- the
way place"
This time I have been robbed"' his
sister snapped. It's no use making
stupid jokes about II, Philip. I should
be the last person 10 make a fuss II
were not certain
Il suggest" Usher broke IN, that we
all offer ourselves up for an organized
search. Personally, l am quite willing
II the others are Ny luggage is at your
disposal, Laura, as well as the car" he
laughed
surely that won't be necessary" Sir
Douglas said. Though no one would
mind. l know, yet hardly like 10 sub
ject guests 10 such treatment. OF couse. 3"
he added. THE servants shall be searched
az once If you like. though j would stake
my life on their honesty.
If 1t Is really lost" Philip Craven be
gan. 4 should say that the best and by
far the most satisfactory way would be
to send for the police, and
He paused suddenly. Rosemary had
given a little cry, and was looking at
him with a frightened expression in her
eyes. When she saw that she was the
object of their attention, the color flooded
her face with confusion.
why are you so startled at the idea Of
the police. Miss Ffrench?" Philip Craven
laughed They are really quite harm
less people when one is innocent"
I know" she murmured II am stupid.
1 suppose. but there is 20 ne something
so awful in the idea of policemen coming
ITO a house and asking every one ques-
tions that / could not help thinking IL
rather soon for that"
As her sweet young voice trailed into
silence there was a pause in the room.
and then Laura gave a strange little
laugh that made her vince with sudden
fear.
Il am afraid Miss Ffrench's ideas are
far too romantic for everyday use, If
there were no police the world would
be oVerrun with criminalsi"
Really, Laura laughed her brother
this conversation is beginning TO make
me feei quite conspicuous! I don't know
how you others feel, But perhaps you
are beyond suspicion"
Sir Douglas frowned. There was some
thing in the mans tone that seemed as If
he were deliberately trying TO create an
atmosphere of distrust.
Perhaps Laura broke in sarcasticai-
~ since Miss French is so afraid of
the police entering the house, she will
suggest a plan of her own, because some
thing must be done. and quickly"
II thought" Rosemary began slowly,
that I was too soon to send for the
police Jill it was found that some one
had ken into the house."
1T quite possible for jewelry to be
stolC without the house being broken
into Laura retorted sneeringly; ''and
as as am concerned, I am going TO
see s9ut 1t at once-that is" she added
in softer tone. If Sir Douglas viii
h mei
bowed gravely. II am at your
Service. Miss CravenH'
With a triumphant little smile on her
lips Laura turned and left the room. and
"
sion on her face, turned TO follow her
After a momentary pause. in which he
conquered the inclination 30 call her back.
Sir Douglas stayed behind with his two
guests.
81 am sorry this has happened. Usher,''
he said gravely, "but I hope you and Mr.
Craven will do all you can to help me
trace Miss Craven pendant with as lit
tie publicity as POSSIBLE
BY all meansi" Usher smiled IF you
think there is occasion for secrecy, my
dear chap let it be Observed"
II did not say there was any occasion
for IT," Sir Douglas said haughtily, but
it is always wisest TO conduct these
things as quietly as possible!"
3" Pom my word. Mallaby!" Craven
laughed insolently. that sounds as
though you had your suspicious already
aroused
I'm such circumstances both my guests
and my employees are open 10 suspicion,
Mr.. Craven, las the cold reply IF
you viii excuse me I will leave you now
as I have great deal to attend tor
Then with curt nod he left the room.
fearing that he might lose his self-control
and betray the rage he was in. When
the door closed upon him the two men
glanced at each other and smiled
The last word was very effective"
Usher laughed lazily. I'm afraid nv
young cousin is beginning to find us irk-
some company. which is pity. as / am
Just beginning 10 enjoy myself"
Craven looked at him curiously lie
did not understand the character of the
man whom he had helDed IN eoncoct a