The Elbert County tribune., 1911-10-20

cape the greatest detective in New
York. But Britz seemed not to notice
It. and the simple directness of his
manner put the girl at her ease.
81 took the liberty. Miss March," he
said pleasantly. because I saw you
across the orchestra, and need a
short course in social knowledge"
His smile robbed the reply of flip
pancy.
"Fancyl" said Dorothy. She was SO
utteily at sea as to the detectives
purpose she could think Of nothing
else to say save: II fear you have
sought poor teacher"
We'll, don't know now." Britz re-
turned. looking at her with respectful
admiration. You see, you're soci-
ETY. girl. and know nothing OF So
ciety. and there's something l want
to know-something ought to
know"
IF there's anything can tell you,
Mr.. Britt. I'll be glad to do So" Dor
othy volunteered. Especially II it
will help you to find Mrs. Missioner's
diamonds"
I'm not sure It WILL" said Britz. "It
may. however. save me from seeking
them in the wrong place. You seemed
to enjoy the play. Miss March"
This shift OF subjects was SO abb
rupt that If Dorothy's breath had not
already been coming in catches, she
might have gasped. 1t was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
If the type was worth studying.
Why. yes." her hesitating answer
came. 'T believe It's considered one
Of the best hits of the season. Very
elevating. you know, and-well, differ
ent"
Modern. Miss Marchr
ut has two periods The first deals
with the life of today, the second
harks back to the early Victorian pc
riod with. I understand, an abrupt re-
turn to the present"
She was chatting quite easily with
the detective now. Had she been
reared In Mulberry street instead of
felt more natural.
Now. this society subject-by the
way. Miss March," Britz switched
again. "is there as much difference
between social life then and now"
"Oh. a great deal, should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "Of course, can
not speak with authority-from per-
sonal observation"
"I wouldn't ask you to tell me any
oh uyar arl
sond observation. Miss March," said
the sleuth. His gallantry on occasion
was the wonder Of the Central office.
Dorothy looked alarmed. Could 1t
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments, too? But side glance
at the detectives serious expression
reassured her. 1t was manifest even
to a debutante he had no idea of ma
King an Impression along that line.
She laughed frankly and looked at
him again In the friendliest way.
II know you don't want to ask me
about anything SO recent as the Span
ish war" she said, now, do your"
"Candidly. / don't" he rejoIned.
ITO tell you the plain truth, don't
know exactly what I wish to ask you
nor how to ask 1t. but have an idea
you can help me. and l am sure you
will for Mrs. Missioner's sake"
And Miss Holcomb's?" asked the
girl eagerly. she. too, you know. is
dear friend of mine"
"And Miss Holcomb's," answered
the headquarters man warmly. Let
me say, too, my dear young lady, as
one old enough to be your-your-"
Don't say my brother. Mr.. Britz,"
interposed Dorothy mischieyously Il
-I-well. don't really see how can
be sister to anybody else She felt
fmpelled to treat this strangely
natural man naturally-she, who de-
spite her inexperience, could freeze
presumption with glance, felt that
way. It was a tribute to his adapta,
bility.
Britz laughed. r7t
Miss March," he said with more
heartiness in his tone than had col
ored 1t In many a day, IF were not
30 busy. It would be delight to be
an elder brother to you. But l guess
you're not interested In my impulses,