Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-05-27

10 Nel ulIu WhetntT AHt uVots uuu
windows had been open or closed dur.
ing tho evening and whether some
one might have been concealed In the
room when l returned home from the
theater."
by the way, what play did you 90
to see last night. Mr. Raddason?" ask.
cd the detective.
The millionaire paused and nibbled a
finger thoughtfully. His forehead
creased In puzzled frown that deep.
ened as the minutes passed. "fm
blessed II | can tell you. Fenni' he
cried at last 1--WE been to some show
every night this week, and l can't re-
member which ono I did go to see last
night"
II beg your pardon. sir" ventured
the butler meekly, but you told me
you had been to the annual dinner Of
the Trout club"
"Poohi You're dreaming. James," re-
marked Mr.. Raddason uneasily. "What
else did say last night, eh7"
James looked exceedingly uncom.
Portable. and yet there was malicious
CLEAN in his little dark eye. He hest.
tated until his master repeated impa.
tently:
what else did say. Jamesf"
The butler coughed deprecatinsiy,
looked helplessly around the room and
then blurted forth In low tone the
information that Mr.. Raddason had
called him into the library to look at
little ringtailed green dragon which
he said was perched on the table.
"And what did you see there
James?" demanded his master icily.
"a didn't see nothing. sir" said the
butler uncomfortably.
you may go, James, and recon.
mend that you omit several quarts Of
champagne from your daily ration;
I'll guarantee you won't see any ring.
tailed green dragons or anything else
Mr.. Raddason waved an imperative
hand. and the butler went reluctantly
from the room. His last look was at
the detective. and Mr.. Fem was posi-
tive that the butler crooked beckon.
ing finger at him as he disappeared.
by the way. you didn't get chance
to question James after ALL" remarked
Mr.. Raddason. Perhaps It doesn't
make any difference, though--the Eel.
low seems to be rather ratified about
something or other. I don't know what
he meant by the Trout club dinner;
that's not due until the 23d."
Mr.. Fem took the morning newspa.
per from the table and scanned the
pages carelessly. Presently his gaze
became fixed, and he read for several
moments before he laid the paper
down.
I'D like to use the telephone for a
moment. Mr.. Raddason." he said
where shall find lit"
elm the hall; James win show you"
Raddason touched the bell. and James
appeared, and In response to Mr..
Fenn's request he led the detective
down the long hall to the telephone
booth Before the detective picked up
the receiver he had short converse.
ton with the butler.
When the detective returned TO the
library he found Mr. Raddason In the
act of swallowing headache powder
''Had beastly headache all the morn.
ing" he complained IT got to think.
ing about that COMPOUNDED ring and
wondering where It had gone to-"
"Don't worry any longer. Mr.. Rad
dason." said the detective calmly.
1.-THE ring has been found"
"Foundl" exclaimed Mr. Raddason
excitedly. "You don't mean to say
James
james is quite innocent, sir. In
fact, everybody's quite guiltless. |
think | can give you a little sketch of
your evening and what followed.
First, you intended to stop Mt Flick
sells and get your jade ring, but as
you had an engagement to attend the
Trout clubs annual dinner you did
not stop for the ring, and II has not
yet been in your possession"
"Why-why-why, what do you
mean. Fenn?" sputtered Mr.. Raddason
warmly.
IT Just called Mr.. Flicksell on the
telephone, and he says you haven't
been after the ring yet. If you will
look ut this mornings newspaper you
will see an account of the Trout clubs
dinner and also mention of the fact
that Mr.. Ruddason mixed famous
punch Of his own invention. called
ringtailed green dragon punch. Mr.
Raddason. 1t seems 1t is composed Of
soda water, absinth, lines In plenty.
mint. old Malaga wine and various
other ingredients-if you will pardon
me. sir, enough fireworks to make al
fellow see all sorts of queer things"
He looked away from Mr.. Raddason's
| disturbed countenance.
do you mean to say that was-er
affected by that punch Of my own
concoctionT asked the millionaire in a
horror struck voice. "Why. Mr.. Fem.
i've never been In that condition in
my life.'
II understand that you never have
been before. but took the liberty Of
inquiring concerning your movements
last night. Several of the guests
| whose names are mentioned told me
that you were not feeling well and
went home at 1890. That's all. l be-
lieve. sir" said the detective. rising
from his chair. "Mr. Flicksell will tell
4 you that the ring has not yet been
called for" .sssa-.l
Mr.. Raddason sat in thoughtful ST.
lence for some time. James Is good
fellow and of impeccable character, as
I've already told you. Mr.. Fenn." DO
sefr