The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1911-07-21

SSohSSA'
Miss Holcomb will answer any
questions you may ask" Fitch replied.
she has nothing to hide"
The impenetrable face of the de-
tective gave no insight to his
thoughts. He drew a chair close to
the expectant couple. shifting his gaze
from Fitch to the face of the young
woman. Though he gave no sign of
it, he read the acute suffering she felt
Miss Holcomb," he began, when
were you last in Europe with Mrs.
Missioner"
"A little less than year and a half
ago" came the the quick response.
Was that before or after the East
Indian servant entered the employ of
Mrs. Missioner"
He was engaged after we came
back"
did you meet Mr.. Sands or Mr..
Griswold abroad?"
I'VE met both of them in London
and Paris"
Did Mrs. Missioner have the col
with the Maharanee diamond?"
SHe ulu
The detective settled back in his
chair, his chin In his hands, as If lost
in deep thought. The strange palior
of his face, shaded by the waning
light, gave him the appearance of a
dark clay image. Miss Holcomb look
ed inquiringly at him, seeking some
explanation of his puzzling questions.
THE case is more battling than
ever" he said in response to her ques-
tioning look. when l began my in
vestigation. l was firmly convinced of
your innocence"
And now" interrupted Dr. Fitch.
81 am seeking the light"
do you wish to ask Miss Holcomb
any further questions?" Fitch asked.
She is only too anxious to enlighten
you"
The detectives eyes narrowed on
the young woman.
There is some information that
want, Miss Holcomb; | believe you
can supply it" After brief reflection,
he asked: MIR, Sands and Mr.. Girls
void are frequent visitors at the
house of Mrs. Missioner"
Both call very frequently" Miss
Holcomb replied.
And their visits are inspired by a
feeling that is stronger than friend.
ship"
Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch as II
In doubt what to say.
BE perfectly frank" he advised.
Il believe both have proposed mar
rage to her." she informed him.
And Mrs. Missioner-she prefers
which one?"
81 don't know" came the prompt
response.
You mean she has never indicated
her preference to you? Come now,
surely In a burst of confidence she
dropped some hint as to her inclina
tions?"
1t was plain to Britt that Miss Hol.
comb revolted against violating the
intimate condolences of her employer.
To reveal the secrets that had come
to her through association with the
woman who seemingly had turned her
back on her now was so inconsistent
with Miss Holcomb's entire character
that Britt recognized the necessity
Of urging his question.
81 am not asking this out of any
motive of idle curiosity" he said 1T
is of vital Importance 1 should be in.
formed Of Mrs. Missioner's relations
with Mr. Sands and Mr.. Griswold. as
we'll as Of the opportunity each had
for obtaining the diamonds
81 am sure neither of them would
or could have taken them" Miss Hol
comb said
That may be perfectly true" re
piled Britt. II do not say either Of
them took the diamonds, but l mus
follow every line Of inquiry that re
veals itself to me. Now, isn't 1t q
fact, Miss Holcomb. that Griswold wal
the preferred suitor?"
81 do not think So" she said in Z
low voice.
You mean she preferred Sands?"
yes"
Miss Holcomb, do you know the
history OF the Maharanee diamond 2
he suddenly fired.
quick spark of memory kindlet
her mind, and with the first flash, she
understood the import of his question
Mrs. Missioner told me the history
of the stone," she said. II believe
there was some scandal connected
with its purchase in India She told
me that when her husband obtained
it, there was some talk OF it having
been stolen from a temple and that
the provincial native government tried
to regain possession of It, Mr.. Mis-
] at Id l. L.
ing 1t as part of his collection"
What opportunity did the Indiar
servant have OF obtaining the neck
lace?"
None at ALL" she answered hope