The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1910-01-15


Rcserred)
e I'VE times within the hour the master had
slipped watch from his pocket and glanced
at it. despite the magnificent mahogany time
piece that gazcd with shining face from the
shadows of the rear parlor LaXton, maintain
mg one end Of desultory conversation, observed
curiousy. 1t not like Judd Burch to exhibit
uncasneSs. yet his manner and his repeated gesture
spoke OF some matter weighing upon his mind
The visitor had tried many angles from which he
might draw the mnttcr, either into the discussion
Of contemporaneouS exploiter OF n fragment
put of the marvellous past But to all his efforts
Burch returned short words broodinG the fire
consulting the time Even technical question
concerning the MuzIo eambit, adroty introduced
by LaXton, failed to awake an answering flash OF
interest In the keen eyes of the host Laxton had
almost resigned himself to frultless evening and
1t well toward midnight.
Then came Il musical thrill OF bell below stairs
and Burch shifted his eyes the door Ota the Japa-
nese butler. entered noSclessly and presented a
telegram. The master tore it open and scanned 1t
swiftly. Then he tossed 1t to the table motioned
the silent Ota out and sank b0ck In his chair
mo bad news hope, Judd" vcntured Laxton.
None" returned Burch casually. The message
had nothing to do with the affair which as you have
Justly noted, has occupied for some hours"
LaXton had noted nothing of the kind In speech
"Halfpast eleven Ia3on. shall have made n
Tery serious and unfortunate unless n certain
Incident occurs between now and twelve"
LaXton helped himself to fresh cigar. vaguely
communicating his sympathy and attention by his
attitude Apparently the approach to confidence had
,csscned the tension IN Burch for it with OF
ais rare, quiet smiles that he continued:
"And STILL why not? One acquires n wholly false
for iu1p oftn Z tri1l
.csses'
Id like to hear about It," suggested Laxon tlmdiy
Has 1t to do with anything recent?'
Partly. 1t has to do with that Baltimore diamond
,ase."
Laxton sat up. "Ah the Baltimore case I had
ueant to ask you about that. a remarkable bit Of
work, don't you think?'
"And the work of n remarkable man." nodded
Burch.
There's been no suggestion of an arrest" said
Laxton Ills work seemed to he wonderfully care
full"
you've named Its distinctive quality" replied
Burch cit was too careful Consider. The manpu-
atlon of jewels In these days is about played out,
Everything has been tried. explained and warned
against The time has passed when deft fingered
gentleman enter into negotiations with jewelry
firm and carry the showcase away with him.
The Daring OF 1t.
But that's just about what the Baltimore genius
did, objected Laxton.
what Is that the art has practically been
ost month ago 1 would have said OF hand that
not a man survived who had the expert knowledge of
ewes. the presence the ability and the daring to
such trick"
"And nowf'
"Now? Well, I'm waiting TO hear from him. He
iecmed to enjoy Laxtons mystlGcntlon n moment.
"Ten years ago what apparently the last
)ne OF the greatest jewel professionals who ever
iYed," he went THAT in sydney, New South
Wales. and he going whence neither he nor had
hope OF his returning alive. l gave him up long
Ilnce
"a few days ago the Baltimore case broke
Won't say but what a gifted individual may OCCASION
lily leap TO the front II Is of the phenomena OF
my pursuit But It is likely heref To go on TO the
inoir Itself, 1t was. you have pointed out we'll
high perfect In OF that kind the very perfec-
hon must awaken suspicion concerning the source.
II he can find Jaw the wise investigator has In
'hnt fact what may prove the most valuable Of cews
could give you dozen Instances In which the clever
operator his mark by being just rlde too
polished
There remains one other point The author, with
admirable audaciy and correct reasoning gained an
element Of strength the very fact that such an
atempt has not been made within the last decade.