Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-07-13

EHM W
No Longer Could She Find soIace in
ever" he said in response to her ques.
tioning look. When | began my in
vestigation, | 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 I
want, Miss Holcomb | believe you
can supply it, After brief reflection,
he asked: Mr.. Sands and Mr.. Gris-
void are frequent visitors at the
house of Mrs. Missioner"
Both call very frequently" Miss
Holcomb replied
And their visits are inspired by q
feeling that is stronger than friend.
ship"
Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch as II
In doubt what to say.
BE perfectly frank" he advised.
II believe both have proposed mar.
riage to her." she informed him.
And Mrs. Missioner-she prefers
which one?"
Il don't know" came the prompt
response.
You mean she has never indicated
her preference to you? Come now,
surely in burst of confidence she
dropped some hint as to her inclina-
tions?"
1t was plain TO Britt that Miss Ho.
comb revolted against violating the
Intimate condolences of her employer.
To reveal the secrets that had come
10 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
Il am not asking this out OF any
motive of idle curiosity he said. 1T
is of vital importance | should be in.
formed OF Mrs. Missioners relations
with Mr.. Sands and Nj Griswold, as
well as of the opportunity each had
for obtaining the diamonds"
Il am sure neither Of them would
or could have taken them" Miss Hol.
comb said.
That may be perfectly true" re-
piled Britt. Il do not say either Of
them took the diamonds. but | must
follow every line of inquiry that re-
veals itself to me. Now. isn't 1t q
fact, Miss Holcomb. that Griswold was
the preferred suitor?"
II do not think So" she said In q
low voice.
You mean she preferred Sands?"
Yes"
Miss Holcomb, do you know the
history OF the Maharanee diamond?"
he suddenly fired.
quick spark OF memory kindled
her mind, and with the first fash, she
understood the import OF his question.
Mrs. Missioner told me the history
of the stone" she said. Il 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 1t. Mr.. Mis-
sioner succeeded, however, in retain
ing II as part of his collection"
What opportunity did the Indian
servant have of obtaining the neck.
lace?"
None at all" she answered hope
iessly unless he broke into the safe.
and | believe that was not done"
Mrs. Missioner informed me that
on one occasion, when the necklace
was lying on the table, the servant en-
tered the room with box. You were
in the room at the time. Was he
close enough to the table to touch tho
necklace"
81 remember the incident vsry
we'll" she replied. 81 took the box
from him Mt the door and he turned
around and went downstairs. l do
not believe he was within ten feet OF
the table at any time"
Il don't know what to think" Br1ts
said, after some reflection. Almost
as soon as new clew hobs up, II
falls down and | have to begin all
ever again. have no more questions
to ask today"
Fitch accompanied the detective out
OF tho nrison begging -yainly for some