The Delta independent., 1911-07-14

40 orner expert, but Mr.. Ranscome
and l looked over the collection be-
fore I went abroad eighteen months
ago. He saw the collarette at that
time"
Good" flashed Britt. "Of course,
he said nothing as to the jewels being
paste?"
Nothing" answered Mrs. Mis-
sioner.
Then 1t is almost certain that the
real jewels were in your safe then"
pronounced Britt. "Since then. who
has been with you when you wore the
collarette?"
"Mr. Griswold and Mr. Sands were
my escorts to the dinner two weeks
ago. They and Miss March also were
my guests at the opera"
Now, please tell me exactly. who
was in the room when you put the col
larette on and when you took 1t on
on coming home two weeks ago?"
Britt inquired.
Miss Holcomb was in the room
when l opened the combination of the
safe. | believe the collarette lay on
the table until l was fully dressed.
Then Mr. Sands and Mr.. Griswold ar
rived, and were shown into the room.
l recall that | had difficulty in adjust
ing the clasp. and Mr.. Griswold snap
ped it shut"
Were you out of the room for even
a moment while the collarette lay on
the table,"
did you observe anything SUSPECT.
GUS in the movements. actions. or con-
duct of Miss Holcomb that evening""
Nothing"
What occurred after you came
home? Who helped you to undress?"
MY maids were asleep" said Mrs.
Missioner. "and | called Miss Hol-
comb, who occupies the room next to
mine. She helped me take on the jew
els and she saw me place them In the
safe"
And with the exception OF your
self, Miss Holcomb is the only one
safer" Britt flashed.
only Miss Holcomb.' responded the
widow.
ON the night OF the opera. who was
with you when you put on the collar
ette?"
Miss Holcomb. Mr Griswo!d. Mr..
Sands. and Miss March" the widow
informed him.
Did any OF those present help you
place it about your neck?"
NO. Mr.. Sands had taken the col
larette from the table. and was look
ing at 1t. took It from him and
fastened 1t myself"
After you took the collarette from
the safe on those two nights. did any
servant enter the room?'
The footman. OF course, announced
Mr.. Griswold and Mr. Sands. re.
member. too. that my East Indian
servant brought my new dress"
DO you believe Miss Holcomb is
the thief?" suddenly fired Britt.
Il cannot believe her capable Of IT."
she said.
Then II We eliminate her." Britt
retorted. we must look for the thief
among Mr.. Sands. Mr.. Griswold. the
footman. and the East Indian servant.
Miss March. of course. Is out OF the
question"
so are Mr.. Sands and Mr.. Girls.
wold." came In positive tones from
Mrs. Missioner.
Brftz made no comment His eyes
moved restlessly about the room, fall.
ing finally in a steady gaze on the
widow.
How long has the footman been
In your employ" he asked.
More than fifteen years" she re.
sponded promptly.
And the other SERVANT"
About year. He came very high.
ly recommended. and do not see how
he possibly could have substituted
the paste necklace for the real one"
Neither do l." agreed Britt. Did
either Mr.. Sands or Mr.. Griswold ever
nave opportunity to pass through
Miss Holcomb's ROOM"
Not that | am aware Of" replied
Mrs. Missioner.
Britt eyed the woman impressiyely.
We must bear In mind" he said.
that whoever stole the Jewels must
have been In possession Of the real
necklace long enough to have a du-
plicate made. Either that, or he mus.
have been SO familiar with ever,
stone In the setting as to enable hin
to have duplicates made from desert,
ton. The only reasonable superstition
Is that the duplicate was made direct.
ly from the original. II is barely pos-
sible, however. that some other means
were employed"
THAT is the most puzzling featur,
OF the theft" said Mrs. Missioner
How long have you known Mr..
Sands?" asked Britt.
From girlhood."
And Mr.. Griswold7"
About i've years"