The Delta independent., 1911-10-20
CHAPTER XXI.
Hot on the Scent.

Britt bounded into the inner room
and made a quick examination OF
every window He found marks on
one OF the easements that told his
practiced eye entry to the apartment
had been made through the window
by some one skilled in daring burg
larry. 1t gave on the FIRE escape. Brttz
flung up the sash and looked out. AS
he expected. there was a long string
of ladders and balconies that ended
one story above the street. The tire
escape was at the least frequented
end of the big hotel, and an awning
threw shadow from an arc lamp on
the globe big enough to AFFORD oppor-
tunity for an agile man to mount on
the shoulders of comrades. grasp the
second-story window and swing him
self up unseen. He let his eyes fall
on the balcony one story below the
window. On 1t lay something yellow.
crumpled as II dropped inadvertently.
Britt ran down the ladder and re-
turned to the room with the object
1t was an Oriental handkerchief such
as he had seen in the Swami's pos
session.
~ Wd6 pCilcClly plain " A'iilE ehos
the Hindoos had been beforehand
with him in recovering the Missioner
jewels. BY this time he knew enough
to be certain that their object in get
ting possession of the gems was even
stronger than the professional pride
that had actuated him to recover them
for their owner. He was aware they
had a reason yet to be explained why
they were in such a desperate hurry
to take the stones Of the necklace. or
at least one of them-the Maharanee
to India. Even now they might be
aboard vessel that would put to sea
in a few hours, leaving no trace OF
their departure. Or. 1t might be they
were beyond the city limits on their
way to another port OF exit. He
must stop them at all hazards. He
leaped to the telephone. called Police
Headquarters, got Manning on the
wire. and asked the Chief to give per-
sonal attention to the request he was
about to make.
Notify all precincts" said Britt.
ito stop every man of Oriental APP
pearance attempting to leave the city
by boat or train. Have all the ferries
watched, and send a double detail to
the Grand Central Station. Telephone
the Associated Press for list of the
vessels about to sail today; have the
water front watched for tramp steam
ers, and don't forget the small craft.
both sail and steam"
Have you found the jewels?" asked
Manning. at the other end Of the
wire.
mol" roared Britt, but will have
them in a few hours. II you'll make
the bunch hustle to help me. VIII
you attend to all this yourself. Chief?
Britt found Doctor Fitch waiting
for him on the sidewalk, as he had ar
ranged before entering the apartment
of Mrs. Delaroche in the guise of q
burglar and in single word told the
physician how he had been baked in
the chief object Of his nocturnal visit
"Quick's the word now. doc" said
Britt.
where are you going?" asked
Fitch.
ITO head of the Hindoos," cried
Britt. Let's get a cab" But the
last taxicab on the Renaissance stand
had been chartered an hour before
by a swarthy man who seemed to b'
In great haste. That much Brit;
learned from the inspector in charge
Of the stand. Britt and Fitch round
ed the corner Of the hotel Close t.
the curb stood a private coupe. Thu
coachman doubtless on long walt
was nodding sleepily. Britt jerket
open a door of the carriage
Jump In. quick!" he cried, ant
Fitch. who long ago had learned Il
carry out Britt suggestions withou
stopping to ask questions. sprang int
the cab. Britt slammed the door witt
violence that awoke the coachman
Before the driver could utter a wor,
OF protest the athletic detectiv
reached the box beside him in a singl
leap. pushed him of with a shov
that landed the amazed jehu on hi
hopdo o,d -