Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1911-07-21

: citation. 1911
ssssssessessssssssssssssss
When Detective Fem was called to
the Radduson residence for the second
time within three months be smiled
knowingly under the brim OF his
slouch hat All the way uptown he
was recalling the incident OF the lost
jewel box and the simple solution Of
the mystery. II II pIeased the million
aire TO evolve plots for the detective
to untangle- why. Mr.. Fem was per-
fectly willing so long as Mr.. Kadda-
son was willing to pay the fee.
THE tirst fee bought house In the
country; perhaps the next one will
furnish an automobile" chuckled De.
tectiye Fem as he emerged from the
subway and walked the short block to
the Raddason town residence.
Good morning. Mr.. Fenn." smiled
the millionaire as the detective entered.
What is II now-ansther robbery
Eyes. A valuable 3g which l had
Just purchased disaps Jared from this
table while my back Is turned"
The detective wa Instantly alert
when did II happen.-sir."
Last evening about II o'clock. !
will begin at the moment when step.
ped into Flleksell's and bought the
ring. had been wanting it for some
time. for 1t was genuine antique.
History said il was the favorite finger
ring Of one of the emperors of the
Ming dynasty The workmanship was
exquisite. with the delicate carving OF
the Chinese artisan The ring was
formed of carved ivory. and the set
ting was a perfect piece OF Gear green
jade with a dragon carved upon it.
"Flicksell had put pretty steep
price on It. and | had been beating
him down until at last he met my
offer. sent him a check for the
amount. and | stopped iu there last
evening on my way TO the club and
got the ring. dned at the club and
went to the theater afterward When
got home | took the ring out and
laid 1t on the table here. | turned
away to remove my overcoat. and us /
approached the table again to examine
the jade ring ! saw that It had van
ished. | have not seen it since. nor
can find any trace of its where
abouts- It's up TO you to lind 1t for
ME"
Detective Fem flung aside his cigar
and twirled bis fingers thoughtfully.
Anybody know You had purchased
the ringT' he inquired.
Mr.. Raddason shook his head. NC
one except Flleksell."
"Who let you In the house last night.
Mr.. Raddasong"
My butler. James Cannon"
'Was he In the library after you en-
tered the ruomy
II believe he came IN to close a win
dew or something Of that sort. | may
as well tell you. Mr.. Fem. that elm
mate James Cannon from the case.
A man who has the custody of thou
sands of dollars worth of gold aud
silver plate is not going to sell himself
for trashy looking Chinese ring No
one who was not versed in such mat
ters would have looked at the thing a
second time"
"You we're alone In the roomT"
1--we been in here ever since | came
home last night. wouldn't stir from
the place until something had been
done about recovering the ring. l
slept here tist night No one entered
TIM roor., ft.,st,, tt,.s tf,,s, r,f,rf,aod ia Of
night untIl you came in fifteen min
utes ago"
Jade rings don't vanish into thin
air even If they are hundreds of years
old" remarked Mr. Fem. dropping
upon his knees and examining the rifg
under the table. u suppose you think
maybe one Of those old Ming emperors
was hanging around and snatched ii
of when you wasn't looking"
Mr.. Raddason smiled sheepishly.
IN admit that I've considered the
probability of that happening. Mr
Fem. I've heard OF some very queer
happenings In connection with those
ancient rings may as well say I've
crawled all over the floor and | can't
find trace OF the thing, feel mighty
uncomfortable over the natter
Detective Fem was creeping around
the room. peering undef chairs and
tables and bookcases. turning up the
corners of rugs. poking into every
crevice and Granny that might afford
a hiding place for the jade ring. He
poked down into the crevices Of the
leather chairs without result. At last
he emerged, bot and dusty. to resume
his seat at the table There be lighted
another cigar and prepared himself .
glass Of plain soda water.
Nevertheless would like to oues.
tion James Cannon. Mr. Raddason. :
he said after little pause.
AT the risk Of my losing the hes
servant | ever had In my employ.
commented Mr.. Raddason as he ran.
the bell.
Instantly James Cannon was befof,
them. tall. pale. sleek and very defer
entail
James," said Mr.. Raddason kindly
something has been lost from thil
room. and have called Mr.. Fem ii
TO try to unravel the matter for me
As you were In here last evening whel
returned home. Mr. Fem thinks 70,
might be able TO help us out"
"Yes. SIR said the butler In rathe
an uncertain voice. "Of course don
know anything about IT. sir" be con
elu1ed hoarsely
-of course not-of course not ssiil