The Delta independent., 1911-09-22

Ever seen that fist before?" asked
the detective as he handed the note to
Sands.
The millionaire shook his head.
While 1t was true, Britt reflected, that
the big man was known as Silent"
Sands in Wall Street society, he was
certainly more economical of words
than anyone he had ever known In his
life. Aloud, he continued:
Are you sure you have never seen
any writing at all like that before?"
Another shake of the head was
Sands only concession to the de-
detectives right to question him. He
gave the note back to the HeadquAr
tiers man, who returned to the circle
of light under the incandescent lamp
and studied it again. Meanwhile.
Sands went on with his search of the
second Oriental. He was not as clever
in his movements as Britt, and when
he tried to conceal something, he sig
ually failed. For the detective. though
his eyes seemingly were fastened on
the note addressed to Griswold. saw
the millionaire take something out of
the Oriental's tunic and then slip it
into his waistcoat pocket.
Something else, eh?" asked Britt.
Sands nodded
Mind letting me see what 1t is?"
Sands shook his head slowly, de-
cisively.
What's the objection?"
1T is not anything that can possibly
interest you." returned the million
aire.
How do you know that, Mr..
Sands?" asked the detective.
Il do know It," said Sands emphat
ically.
Well, don't know about that"
Britt returned. Il think I'm the best
Judge of what interests me; and, as |
have played a pretty active part in
this little incident. 1t seems to me the
least you can do is to crafty my curl
osity"
We'll. l will not" was Sands de-
faint answer. And while we are on
the subject. Lieutenant Britt. let me
say l should like to understand the
purpose of your visit to my rooms"
oh, you would. would your"
snapped Britt.
Il certainly should" Sands replied.
Il come home to find you peeping
through a hole in my portiere, and
two Fasteners, with whom apparent
ly you have had nothing to do, going
through my desk and other belong
ings. l rather think | am entitled to
know the why and the wherefore"
Il rather think you are. Mr.. Sands"
said Britt. and I don't mind telling
T ~ t1iy
and arrived just in time to SEQ these
gentlemen drop to that IRE escape and
come in by that window. After that
l had the pleasure of witnessing the
dexterity with which they ransacked
you chiffonier. your desk. your bed
side table. your bed. your chairs. your
rugs. and everything else in the room.
Maybe you will explain to me the rea-
son they have such a deep interest in
your housekeeping arrangements"
Maybe you will do little more ex-
planning Lieutenant Britt" said the
millionaire. You will observe that
when | said these fellows had no con-
nection with you, qualified the asser-
tion?"
oh. that was very good of you."
said Britt.
Sands continued.
Il should like to know right here
and now just how far this qualifica-
ton extends"
Well, Mr.. Sands" answered the de-
tective as he relighted his cigar
and disposed himself in the most COM
Portable of attitudes in the chair be-
side the desk, there are a good many
things we may like to explain. 1
should like, for instance, to know how
your visiting card came to be in the
possession of a man who is an inmate
Of the State Hospital for the Insane
on Wards Island?"
If Britt expected to startle Sands in
to any physical expression of guilt.
he was disappointed. The million
aires muscles were as infiexible as
his determination not to satisfy the
detectives inquisitiveness in regard
to that which he had taken from the
| Hindoo.
You are in a mood for riddles, lieu
tenant" said Sands slowly. Now, you
see, | am not. My time Is too valu-
able"
We'll. what are you going to do
about these fellows?" asked Britt.
"Oh, don't you bother about them"
said Sands. Il guess | can take care
of them"
Il guess you'll guess again." said
Britt, for If anybody is going to take
care of these gentlemen. behold in
me the only original little caretaker.'
Britt turned to the Hindoos.
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 millionaires stub