Semi-weekly herald., 1911-09-25

Ne Longer Could She Find solace in
Tears.
ut Is unusual, I know, for a police
officer to ask information OF a prison.
er held for the Grand Jury Before
Miss Holcomb replies to the questions
| am about 10 ask, think II might be
we'll for her to seek the advice of
counsel"
Miss Holcomb will answer any
questions you may ask" Fitch replied.
She has nothing to hide"
The impeneTable face of the de-
tective gave no insight to his
thoughts. He drew chair close to
the expectant couple. shifting his gaze
from Fitch to the face of the young
woman. Though he gave no sign OF
1t. he read the acute suffering she felt
Miss Holcomb." he began when
were you last in Europe with Mrs.
Missioner"
"A little less than year and a nsif
ago." came the the quick response.
Was that before or after the East
Indian servant entered the employ of
Mrs. Missioner"
He was engaged after we came
back
did you meet Mr., Sands or Mr.
Griswold abroad?"
I'VE met both of them in London
and Paris"
Did Mrs. Missioner have the col
larette with her? mean the one
with the Maharanee diamond?"
she did"
The detective settled back in his
chair. his chin In his hands, as II lost
in deep thought The strange pallor
of his face, shaded by the waning
light, gave him the appearance OF a
dark clay image. Miss Holcomb look
ed inquiringly at him. seeking some
explanation of his puzzling questions.
THE case Is more battling than
ever" he said In response to her ques-
tioning look When began my in
vestigation, was firmly convinced OF
your innocence"
And now?" interrupted Dr. Fitch
II am seeking the light"
10 you WISH 10 ASK MISS tOlCOfDD
any further questions" Fitch asked.
''She Is only too anxious to enlighten
you"
The detective's eyes narrowed on
the young woman.
There Is some information that l
want. Miss Holcomb; | believe you
can supply it." After brief reflection.
he asked: "Mr Sands and Mr. Girls
wold are frequent visitors at the
house of Mrs. Missioner"
Both call very frequently" Miss
Holcomb replied
And their visits are inspired by 4
feeling that ia stronger than friend
ship"
Miss Holcomb looked at Fitch as II
! In doubt what to say.
BE perfectly frank" he advised.
81 believe both have proposed mar.
riage to her." she Informed him.
And Mrs. Missioner-she prefers
/ which one?"
II don't know" came the promp,
! response.
you mean she has never indicated
her preference to you? Come now
I surely In burst of confidence she
( dropped some hint as to her inclina
I tions?"
I II was plain to Britt that Miss Hol
comb revolted against violating the
intimate condolences Of her employer
( To reveal the secrets that had come
to her through association with this
woman who seemingly had turned her
back on her now WAS so Inconsistent
with Miss Holcomb's entire character
that Britt recognized the necessity
OF urging his question.
81 am not asking this out OF any
motive of idle curiosity" he said. III
is of vital importance | should be in
formed of Mrs. Missioner's relation,
with Mr.. Sands and Mr. Griswold as
well as OF the opportunity each hae
for obtaining the diamonds"
II am sure neither of them would
or could have taken them" Miss Hol
comb said.
THAT may be perfectly true" re
piled Britt. II do not say either o.
them took the diamonds, but mus
follow every line Of inquiry that re
veals itself to me. Now. isn't 1t I
fact. Miss Holcomb. that Griswold wa,
the preferred suitor?"
IL do not think So" she said in I
low voice.
You mean she preferred Ssndsf"
Yes"
Miss Holcomb. do you know th'
history Of the Maharanee diamond7 2
he suddenly fired.
A quick spark OF memory hndlst
her mind, and with the first fash. sh'
understood the import OF his question
Mrs. Missioner told me the histor.
of the stone" she said. Il believ'
there was some scandal connected
with its purchase In India She toll
me that when her husband obtained
It. there was some talk of 1t havini