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

corous little outbursts of kid-gloved
applause. 1t is not the sort of gather
ing in which one would expect to find
the busiest sleuth Of the headquarters
staff. especially with a great diamond
mystery on his hands. Yet, on one
Of those warm January afternoons
that make the metropolis wonder II 1t
Is being metamorphosed into winter
resort. one of the most interested aud
itors in the select little theater was
observation-disclosures Britt. Of Man.
ning's staff
Britz found the somebody he sought
when his gaze fell on a slim little fig-
ure in the trimmest of dove-colored
gowns. sitting in the fifth row off the
center aisle. Instantly his last pre-
tense OF attention to the play van
ished. Keeping his eyes on the gray
curves of the girl in the fifth row. he
quilted his post at one side of the
house and walked slowly to the main
exit, whence he watched her until the
curtain fell on the first act. Mean
while. he scrubbed on a card. slipped
a liberal tip into the receptive hand
of an usher, and indicated the object
of his interest When the curtain fell
on the first act, the usher hurried
down the aisle. and presented the
card to the girl in gray.
IF Miss March," read the young
woman, will spare few minutes to
Britt. of Headquarters. she will con-
fer a favor and serve her friend, Mrs.
Missioner"
Dorothy gathered her wrap. glasses
LII T~1r- he.
usher to the back of the theater. The
youth led her to the famous detective.
whom. though she had heard of him
through Doris Missioner. she beheld
for the first time.
You wished to see me?" inquired
Dorothy. 1t was banal question. and
flush tinged her cheeks as she re-
allied its superfiuousness could not es-
cape the greatest detective In New
York. But Britt seemed not to notice
1t, and the simple directness of his
manner put the girl at her ease.
81 took the liberty. Miss March" he
said pleasantly. because 1 saw you
across the orchestra, and | need
short course in social knowledge"
His smile robbed the reply OF nip
pancy.
Fancy" said Dorothy. She was so
utterly at sea as to the detectives
purpose she could think of nothing
else to say save: Il fear you have
sought poor teacher"
We'll, | don't know now" Britt re-
turned looking at her with respectful
admiration. You see. you're soci-
ETY. girl. and know nothing OF so
to know-something ought to
know"
III there's anything I can tell you.
Mr.. Britt. I'll be glad to do So" Dor
othy volunteered. Especially II 1t
will help you to find Mrs. Missioner's
diamonds"
I'm not sure It WILL" said Britt. 1T
may. however. save me from seeking
them in the wrong place. You seemed
to enjoy the play. Miss March"
This shift Of subjects was so alb
rupt that II Dorothy's breath had not
already been coming in catches. she
might have gasped. It was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
II the type was worth studying
why. yes" her hesitating answer
came. IT believe It's considered one
OF the best hits OF the season. Very
elevating. you know. and-well. differ
ent"
Modern. Miss March,"
TT has two periods. The FIRST deals
with the life Of today. the second
hanks back to the early Victorian pc
Rod with. understand. an abrupt re-
turn to the present"
She was chatting quite easily with
the detective now. Had she been
reared in Mulberry street instead OF
on Murray Hill. she could not have
felt more natural.
Now. this society subject-by the
way. Miss March, Britt switched
again. is there as much difference
between social life then and now?"
"Oh. a great deal. should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "Of course. can
not speak with authorization per
sonal observation"
II wouldn't ask you to tell me any.
thing about Ward McAllister from per
sonal observation. Miss March," said
the sleuth His gallantry on occasion
was the wonder OF the Central Office
Dorothy looked alarmed. Could 1t
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments. too? But u side glance
at the detective's serious expression
treasured her. 1t was manifest even
to a debutante he had no idea OF ma
king an impression along that line.
In, nod III, a