The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1910-03-31
Mir. Nevin's Niece Was a Hotel klep-
tomaniae Till She Met the Third
Degree in Masquerade-She's a
"Puffick Angel" Now.
From the Kansas City Star.

IN the hotel lobby had begun to thir
out, theater-bound, most of them
when a waiter hastily slipped a card
into the proprietor's broad, fat hand
Mr.. Nevins asked me to hand this &c
you, sab"
The proprietor REGARDED the waiter
with an air OF disapproval. 1t was q
way he had with his employees, n II
passed for wisdom.
What Nevins? Not Charles H. New
ms, the lawyer?" he inquired.
Yes, sab. He's in the dining roo
with a lady
The proprietor looked at the card,
and then read the scrawi upon the
back:
My niece has stolen two oyster forks
and a spoon-souvenir iend-arrest US
make 1t strong.-C. n. N"
o OF annoyance fitted across the
hotel mans face.
He's a terror" Then after q mo-
ment's elaboration he turned TO the
waiter. All right" he said. Send me
the house detective"
The house detective was q distinct
asset TO the hotel, He gave the place
atmosphere, Guests rather expected an
Italian room, a Dutch grill. and. per-
haps an art noveau cafe with a Hindoo
prince in costume at the coffee urn, but
a house detective they must have. He
satisfies that same yearning. 80 long q
mystery TO psychologists, that does the
stalwart at Fashionable weddings, who
watches with eagle eye lest the mem
bers of the family purloin the wedding
gifts. He was q big man. was the
mouse defsctive-buriy and broad shoul-
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 n bars; his very presence
seemed to Shrek the word Police as
loudly as the lettered panels OF the
citySs 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 she's taken
of u forks and spoons and
handed the detective the card, There,
e 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 more spoons and a salt cellar
son. Hurry or she will get the furni-
ture.-C. H. N"
Better call out the militia" re-
the proprietor, handing the
second note over. We've got to put
a stop to this thing" he added, serious
y, and we might as well begin now"
She sutinly did clean that table"
in RI a yyotfnr tEv1r 1@I l. z.A
My did"
The proprietor looked at his watch.
he announced. .'The dining
Dom is about empty. You go in there
make as big a scene as Nevins will
for"
The detective looked pleased.
'ully.
The big mar had reached the door
When a sudden thought came to his
employer. Waltz" he called, Bring |
hem in here, and wen give them the
bird Degree"
OF course. I've just begun, Uncle
to see Clara's collection. YOU
Her uncle looked at her sourly.
y should ltk to-" he said.
MY goodness. Clara's is the finest I
yer saw. Just perfectly lovely. Spoons
rom the Waldorf, forks from Sherry's
copper shakers from the Annex and the
learest little butter dish from the Hol-
and house, with the on Il
tuf." %
Did you ever go in for bath towels p"
inquired Nevtns.
Why. no. How odd!-1 never
bought Of It,"
Most collectors do"
i don't believe I'd care for bath
owels," she said. thoughtfully. "They
'ould be so hard to show"
Nevins' lip curled c~ynfcally.
i made quite a haul the other night"
e said, at the Odelrs bridge party
fruit knives and a salad fork"
NOT at the OdelPs! she exclaimed,
orrified.
Sure" he snapped. why not? /
ct mine wherever I cam"
Il don't know whether or not that
,ould be exactly right" she commented
friends house."
What's tho difference? 2" her uncle
emanded.
"Werl=" She stopped and pom
cred The difference was not quite
lear n she was plainly annoyed.
NOW. Uncle Charley, you are forever
citing me into an argument. I refuse
Q be trapped. Instead. you kindly slip
hat salad plate under your coat. If
had my muff here I wouldn't bother
our
For an instant Nevins' eyes wander
d abou the room. and then with a deft
movement he slid the plate under his
cat. AS he did SO a heavy, square,
awed man stepped forward and touch
d him on the shoulder.
You are both wanted at the Office"
% said.
The girl flushed. but her uncle re-
named imperturbed. Il think you are
nistaken." he said coldly. we have
o business at the Office"
Now look here" growled the big
nan, don't come none Of that on me.
on come on along or you'1i be drag
Who are your demanded Neyins.
18th a show of anger.
For an answer the big man drew
ack his coat and exposed a star.