Semi-weekly herald., 1911-12-18

the Oriental's tunic and then slip II
into his waistcoat pocket
Something else. eh?" asked Britx.
Sands nodded
Mind letting me see what 1t isf-
Sands shook his head slowly, de-
cisively.
Whats the objection7'
1T IL not anything that can possibly
interest you," returned tho million
aire
How do you know that, Mr..
Sands?" asked the detective.
Il do know It," said Sands emphat-
ically
We'll, don't know about that
'Britz returned. Il think I'm. the best
Judge OF what interests me; and. as I
have played pretty active part in
this little incident. 1t seems to mo the
least you can do is to crafty my curl
osity."
Well | will not" was Sands do
fiant answer. And while We are on
the subject. Lieutenant Britt. lot me
say should like to understand the
purpose OF your visit to my rooms
oh, you would. would your
snapped Britz.
Il certainly should" Sands replied
Il come home to find you pespinx
through hole in my portisre. and
two Easterners. with whom apparent
ly you have had nothing to do. going
through my desk and other belong
ings. | rather think | am entitled to
know the why and the wherefore
Il rather think you are, Mr.. Sands"
said Britz. and | don't mind telling
you | came here to see you privately,
and arrived Just In time to see these
gentlemen drop to that Are escape and
come in by that window. After that
| had the pleasure OF witnessing the
dexterity with which they ransacksd
you chiffonier. your desk. your bed
side table, your bed, your chairs. your
rugs, and everything else In the room.
Maybe you viii explain to me the rea-
son they have such a deep interest in
your housekeeping arrangements7"
Maybe you will do little more ex-
planning Lieutenant Britz." said the
millionaire. You will observe that
when | said these fellows had no con-
uon?'
"Oh. that was very good Of YOU
said Britz
Sands continued
Il should like TO know right hero
and now just now far this aualiiica,
ton extends"
We'll. Mr.. Sands" answered the de-
tectiye as he relighted his cigar
and disposed himself In the most COM
Portable of attitudes in the chair be-
side the desk, there are good many
things we may like TO explain.
should like, for instance. to know how
your visiting card came to be In tho
possession of a man who is an inma .
OF the State Hospital for the Insane
on Wards Island?"
II Britt expected to startle Sands in
to any physical expression of guilt.
he was disappointed. The million
aires muscles were as innexible as
his determination not to satisfy the
detectives inquisitiveness in regard
to that which he had taken from the
Hindoo
You are In mood for riddles, lieu.
tenant" said Sands slowly. Now, you
see. / am not. My time is TOO valu
| able"
Well. what are you going to dc
| about these fellows7" asked Britz
oh don't you bother about them.
said Sands. 81 guess | can take care
of them"
Il guess you'll guess again." said
Britz. for If anybody is going to take
care of these gentlemen. behold In
me the only original little caretaker.'
Britt turned to the Hlndoos.
Now. then, you dusky beauties
suppose you come along with me-"
Going to carry them?" asked Sands
Britt blushed; yes, Britt fairly and
squarely blushed. In his momentary
evaporation at the millionaire's stub
bornness he had forgotten that no,
only the hands. but also the feet oil
the orieptals were bound. However
he was not to be disconnected. and II
was with sufficient readiness that he
| replied:
You don't suppose take my pns
oners through the streets like = mem
ber of the Traffic Squad. do you,
| Where's your telephone?"
Sands indicated the instrument and
Britt took 1t up and called for 81os
Spring.
''Headquarters?" he asked over tho
wire. "Yes, this is Britz. Have wagox
sent from the West Thirtieth Street
| Station to the st. Barnsbas Apartment
house. No. don't send the reserves
| Just sent couple Of men. Good by .
As he rang off, he turned and faced
his host.
"Mr. Sands" said he. there ara
one or two points about which ! would
like to talk to you this evening.
came to you frankly and directly bo
cause I found one of your cards in
the possession OF a man who. whils
| mentally unbalanced. knows some
thing about the fake Mabaranee dia
mond. After arriving here. l had the
opportunity to serve you in the way
| Of protecting your property. And
wasted no time in meeting with you
| You see fit to ignore my efforts in that
| direction. although may say that II II
had not been for me these second
story specialists would have been uB