The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-07-27
:Mr.RaddaSOfl
Or,
The Mystery of the
Jade Ring
BY Clarissa Mackie
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation, 1911

sesse Q
When Detective Fem was called to
the Raddason residence for the second
time within three months he smiled
knowingly under the brim OF his
SLOUGH hat All the way uptown be
was recalling the incident OF the lost
jewel box and the simple solution OF
the mystery. II 1t pleased the million
aire to evolve plots for the detective
to untangle-why, Mr.. Fem was per-
fectly willing so long as Mr.. Radda"
son was willing to pay the fee.
THE first fee bought a house In the
country; perhaps the next one will
furnish an automobile" chuckled De
tective Fem as he emerged from the
subway and walked the short block to
the Raddason town residence.
Good morning. Mr.. Fem smiled
the millionaire as the detective entered.
What is 1t now-another robbery"
Eyes. A valuable ring which L had
Just purchased disappeared from this
table while my back was turned
The detective was instantly alert
when did 1t happen, sr.
Last evening about IL O'Clock.
will begin at the moment when step
ped into Flickselrs and bought the
ring. l had been wanting it for some
time, for 1t was genuine antique.
History said 1t was the favorite finger
ring of one of the emperors of the
Ming dynasty. The workmanship was
exquisite, with the delicate carving OF
the Chinese artisan. The ring was
formed of carved ivory, and the set
ting was perfect piece Of clear green
Jade with dragon carved upon It
"Flicksell had put a pretty steep
price on 1t, and l had been beating
him down until at last he met my
offer. l sent him a check for the
amount, and I stopped in there last
evening on my way to the club and
got the ring. l dlned at the club and
went to the theater afterward- When
| got home | took the ring out and
laid 1t on the table here. / turned
away to remove my overcoat, and as |
approached the table again to examine
the Jade ring saw that 1t had van
ished. / have not seen 1t since, nor
can | find any trace of its where
abouts. It's up to you to find 1t for
me-"
Detective Fem flung aside his cigar
and twirled his fingers thoughtfully.
Anybody know you had purchased
the ringY' he inquired
Mr.. Raddason shook his head. mo
one except Flicksel."
"Who let you In the house last night,
Mr.. RaddasonT
any butler, James Cannon"
"Was he in the library after you en-
tered the roomr'
II believe he came in to close win
dow or something of that sort. l may
as well tell you. Mr.. Fem, that l elm
mate james Cannon from the case.
A man who has the custody Of thou
sands of dollars worth of gold and
silver plate is not going to sell himself
for trashy looking Chinese ring. No
one who was not versed in such mat
ters would have looked at the thing a
second time"
You were alone In the roomT"
1--WE been In here ever since l came
home last night. l wouldn't stir from
the place until something had been
done about recovering the ring. l
slept here last night. No one entered
the room from the time l returned last
night until you came In fifteen min
utes ago."
Jade rings don't vanish into thin
air even If they are hundreds of years
DID," remarked Mr.. Fem, dropping
upon his knees and examining the rug
under the table. II suppose you think
maybe one Of those old Ming emperors
was hanging around and snatched it
of when you wasn't looking"
Mr.. Raddason smiled sheepishly.
'Tn admit that I've considered the
probability of that happening. Mr..
Fem. I've heard of some very queer
happenings In connection with those
ancient rings. l may as well say I've
crawled all over the floor and l can't
find trace Of the thing. feel mighty
uncomfortable over the matter"
Detective Fem was creeping arount
the room, peering under chairs an6
tables and bookcases, turning up the
corners Of rugs, poking into every
crevice and Granny that might afford
hiding place for the jade ring. &c
poked down into the crevices Of the
leather chairs without result At las
he emerged. hot and dusty, to resume
his seat at the table. There he lighted
another cigar and prepared himself 8
glass of plain soda water.
Nevertheless l would like to ques-
ton James Cannon. Mr.. Raddason,"
he said after little pause.
AT the risk of my losing the best
servant / ever had In my employ"
commented Mr.. Raddason as he rang
the bell.
Instantly James Cannon was before
them. tall. pale, sleek and very defer
entail
James," said Mr.. Raddason kindly,
something has been lost from this
room, and I have called Mr.. Fem in
to try to unravel the matter for me.
AS you were in here last evening when
| returned home, Mr.. Fem thinks you
might be able to help US out"
"Yes, SIR" said the butler in rather
an uncertain voice. "Of course / don't
know anything about it, SIR" he con-
cluded hoarsely.
"Of course not-of course not. Stx,