Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1912-03-01

wold's given name at the beginning
Of the note apparently meant q good
deal. But who was Millicent! In the
course of his probing Of the Missioner
diamond mystery, Britt had canyassed
the complete visiting list OF everyone
who was in the opera boz on the night
when the falsity Of the Maharanee
diamond was discovered. He had had
compiled q social register Of everyone
interested In the case-everyone that
Mrs. Missioner, Sands, Griswold, Miss
Holcomb. Miss March, and the Swami
knew. In all that long roster there
was no one named "Millicent" Neither,
for that matter. was there q NIL
dred." There the signature was, too
clear to admit of any mistake. The
writing was excellent, and while 1t did
not 90 to the extreme Of the current
fashion in chirography, 1t was what
Britt called in his vivid vernacular
classy"
Ever seen that fst beforei" asked
the detective a. he handed the note to
Sands.
The millionaire shook his head.
While It was true, Britt reflected, that
the big man was known as Silent"
Sands in Wall Street society. he was
certainly more economical Of words
than anyone he had ever known In his
life. Aloud. he continued:
Are you sure you have never seen
any writing at all like that before!"
Another shake of the head was
Sands only concession to the de-
detectives right to question him. He
gave the note back to the Headquar-
tiers man, who returned to the circle
Of light under the incandescent lamp
and studied It again. Meanwhile.
Sands went on with his search Of the
second Oriental. He was not as clever
In his movements as Britt. and when
he tried to conceal something, he sig
nally failed. For the detective, though
his eyes seemingly we're fastened on
the note addressed to Griswold. saw
the millionaire take something out OF
| the Oriental's tunic and then slip II
into his waistcoat pocket.
Something else. eh?" asked Britz
Sands nodded.
Mind letting me see what It isi''
Sands shook his head slowly. de-
cisively.
What's the objectionf"
EFT is not anything that can possibly
interest you" returned the million
aire.
How do you know that Mr.
Sands?" asked the detective.
Il do know It," said Sands emphat
ically.
well. don't know about that,
Britt returned. Il think I'm the best
Judge Of what interests me; and. a.
have played a pretty active part II
this little incident. 1t seems to me ths
least you can do Is to crafty my curl
osity."
We'll, l will not" was Sands de
fiant answer. And while we are OF
the subject, Lieutenant Britt, let ma
say | should like to understand thu
purpose of your visit to my rooms"
"Oh, you would, would your
snapped Britz.
Il certainly should" Sands replied
Il come home to find you peepini
through a hole In my portiere. ant
two Fasteners, with whom apparent
ly you have had nothing to do, goini
through my desk and other belong
ings. l rather think am entitled u
know the why and the wherefore"
II rather think you are. Mr.. Sands,
said Britt, "and l don't mind telling
you came here to see you privately
and arrived just In time to see thes
gentlemen drop to that IRE escape ant
come in by that window. After tina
/ had the pleasure Of Witnessing tn
dexterity with which they ransacke'
you chifonier, your desk, your bed
side table. your bed. your chairs. you
rugs, and everything else In the room
Maybe you viii explain to me the res
son they have such deep interest q
your housekeeping arrangementsf"
Maybe you win do little more e,
planning Lieutenant Britt" said tn
millionaire. ''You will observe tina
when said these fellows had no cor
nection with you. qualified the asset
tion?"
"oh. that was very good Of you.
said Britt.
Sands continued.
81 should like to know right her
and now just how far this qualinci
ton extends"
We'll, Mr.. Sands" answered the d.
tective as he relighted his cigs
and disposed himself In the most con
Portable Of attitudes In the chair b
side the desk, there are good man
things We may like to explain.
should like, for instance. to know no
your visiting card came TO be In tn
possession OF a man who is an inmat
of the State Hospital for the Insan
on Wards Is and?"
II Britz expected to startle Sands Il
% any physical expression of gull
ne was disappointed. The million
! aires muscle we're as inhexible 9
his determination not to satisfy III
detectives inquisltiveness in regar
to that which he had taken from u
aindoo.
"You are In a mood for riddles IIel