The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-07-29

had no framed eye for jewels, ana Wou1o
never suspect the deception.
AS l had anticipated. 1t was arranged
that Draycote, who was returning to Eng
land, should take the stones with him
and definitely conclude the sale with the
Marquis Of Hawksmere. Naturally he
did not seek the police protection In any
way. for his lips We're sealed, and he
trusted to the absolute secrecy which
seemed to him to envelop the business.
But he did not take into account the
fact that l. Heathcote Allstrange. had
watched every move in the game, and
that ! happened to be one Of the most
expert diamond thieves in Europe. l re-
frain from saying the most expert. be-
cause l always taken into consideration
Adeline Lesarge. that charming Partisan
whose skill in my art borders on pure
genius.
At that time I had heard of Adeline,
though l had not met her. She was an
elusive shadow which ! longed to en-
counter.
"one day you will meet her. m'sieur."
remarked old Israel Fangs. at whose shop
In a bad street OF the quay at Antwerp
l have got rid Of many sparkler. And
II you and she ever follow the same quarry
you will come Off badly. Bless our
hearts! She keeps a small army of spies
In the best houses. and IL there Is any
thing good going. look about for our
pretty Adeline Our fair, petit, golden
eyed. golden-haired Adeline. dainty as
Spring" And he grinned behind his six
inch black cigar.
So 1 followed Draycote to London.
quite unknown to him, on the watch al
ways to snatch at the prize, but SO far
without encountering a chance. He reso-
lutely refused to speak to any one and
just in what form he carried the jewels
! could not tell But / was not anxious.
for l have always brought off my finest
coups in London. where my assured So
cial position is my best friend.
On the evening. then, of the day 1
have named arrived in the metropolis.
followed Draycote's taxi from Cannon
Street Station to his rooms over shop
In the Tottenham Court Road, and kept
watch until he came out at 1880 o'clock
and strolled or to dine at the Holoorn.
l dropped into a seat at the next table.
and sought such inspiration as salmon
mayonnaise, half bottle OF claret ana
cigar could give me-
u cannot believe that he has the
jewels upon him." I reflected. He would
not be easIng his dinner with such a
care-free enjoyment II he had $4,000
pounds in his pockets; and then the pack
age cannot be small one. And. as ne
has not been anywhere else. the stones
must be In his rooms. l might attempt
an entry there, but the side entrances
to those shops have good locks; doubtless.
also, l see no reason why l should break
my rigid rule 10 let burglary severely
alone"
Then must cont-ive TO get acquainted
with Draycote. Easy enough for some OF my
many friends must know him and would
introduce me. But such proceeding did
not appeal to me. for if praycote lost
the jewels he would naturally suspect
his newest acquaintance. and II he took
Scotland Yard into his confidence, they
would certainly look IN that direction
for possible conspiracy.
Il have six days before me-" I medi-
tated. "Hawksmere, who is at present
on a business visit to his property in the
Orkneys. returns on the aSth. Six days.
Tha. is wholly insufficient for laying
down an elaborate and complicated
moment. the lucky opportunity.
Al that instant I became aware that