The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-20

Missioner, "and I called Miss Hol- |
comb, who occupies the room next to
mine. She helped me take of the jew
els and she saw meNplace them In tho
safe"
4 And with the exception Of your |
self, Miss Holcomb is the only one
who knew the combination of the |
safer" Britz flashed.
"Only Miss Holcomb," responded the |
widow.
ION the night of the opera, who was
with you when you put on the collar
ette?"
Miss Holcomb, Mr.. Griswold, Mr..
Sands, and Miss March," the widow
informed him.
did any of those present help you
place It about your neok?"
mo. Mr.. Sands had taken the col
larette from the table, and was look
ing at It. took It from him and
fastened II myself"
After you took the collarette from
the safe on those two nights, did any
servant enter the room2"
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 theft" suddenly fired Britz.
'T cannot believe her capable OF IT,"
she said
"Then II we eliminate her." Britz
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"
80 are Mr. Sands and Mr.. Girls
wold," came in positive tones from
Mrs. Missioner.
| Britz made no comment. His eyes
moved restlessly about the room. fall
ing finally in steady gaze on the
widow.
How long mas 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
have opportunity to pass through
Miss Holcomb's room?"
mot that am aware Of" replied
Mrs. Missioner.
BTitz eyed the woman impressively.
I'VE must bear in mind" he said,
that whoever stole the jewels must
have been In possession OF the real
necklace long enough to have du-
plicate made. Either that, or he must
have been so familiar with every
stone IN the setting as TO enable him
to have duplicates made from descrip-
tion. The only reasonable supposition
is that the duplicate was made direct
ly from the original. It is barely pos
sible, however, that some other means
we're employed"
"That is the most puzzling feature
Of the theft said Mrs. Missioner.
"How long have you known Mr.
Sands?" asked Britz.
From girlhood."
"And Mr. Griswold?"
about five years"
"Both saw the necklace on you fre
quently?"
Every often"
After several thoughtful moments
Britz remarked
"The only one who could have saken
the necklace out Of the safe without
your knowledge was Miss Holcomb,
} One OF the original diamonds was
found In her room. II is absolutely
clear to me that she is innocent"
y DO you really think so?" the Wild
|, ow asked eagerly.
! ut is as certain as that someone
stole the necklace" answered Britz.
Then we must get her out Of Jail
at once!" exclaimed the widow.
1--WE must do nothing of the kind,
corrected the detective, 1--WE must
allow all suspicion to be directed to-
ward her"
But It Is cruel. II is inhuman. to
keep her in prison." protested Mrs
!. Missioner.
ut is necessary" assured Britz
my dear madam, don't excite your
|. self. My laundering colleagues have
done all the harm they can possibly
. do to Miss Holcomb Far more i'm
: portant than tho recovery Of the neck
! lace is the establishment of her in
nocence in the eyes of the world
With all the suspicious circumstances
!. of this case woven about her your
mere belief in her innocence will moi
" clear her, Therefore. you will have
to leave this entire matter in my
2 hands"
The widow bowed submsslyely. a
. shade of sorrow crept over her face
y as she contemplated the plight of hei
secretary.
. May go to the Jail and assure hel
q OF my belief in her?" she asked.
THAT would be fatai," replied th'
detective.
"Then what can I dol must d.
% something for her." groaned Mrs, Mis-
sioner.
"The only thing We can do for he
70 is to find the real thief" said Brit7
"Kindly give me the addresses OF MI