Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1912-01-19


cape the greatest detective in New
York. But Britt seemed not to notice
1t, and the simple directness Of his
manner put the girl at her ease.
Il took the liberty, Miss March, he
said pleasantly. because l saw you
across the orchestra, and need
short course in social knowledge.
His smile robbed the reply Of Zip
pancy.
Fancy" said Dorothy. She was so
utterly at sea as to the detectives
purpose she could think Of nothing
else to say save: Il fear you have
sought a poor teacher"
well, don't know now" Britt re-
turned. looking at her with respectful
admiration. You see, you're a soci-
ETY. girl, and I know nothing Of so
ciety, and there's something ] want
to know-something ought to
know"
IF there's anything can tell you.
Mr.. Britt. I'll be glad TO do So" Dor
otht volunteered. Especially If 1t
win help you to find Mrs. Missioner's
diamonds"
I'm not sure It will" said Britt. 1T
may. however. save me from seeking
them in the wrong place. You seemed
to enjoy the play, Miss March"
This shift Of subjects was so alb
rupt that II Dorothy's breath had not
already been coming in catches, she
might have gasped. It was evident
detectives were more original than
society men. She wondered absently
II the type was worth studying.
why, yes" her hesitating answer
came. 81 believe It's considered one
of the best hits of the season. Very
elevating. you know. and-well. diner
emit"
Modern, Miss March,"
at has two periods The first deals
with the life of today, the second
-harks back to the early Victorian pc
Rod with. understand, an abrupt re-
turn to the present"
She was chatting quite easily with
the detective now. Had she been
reared in Mulberry street instead of
on Murray Hill. she could not have
felt more natural
Nov. this society subject-by the
way, Miss March," Britt switched
again. Els there as much difference
between social life then and now?"
"oh, great deal, I should say"
Her eyes twinkled. "of course, can
not speak with authorization per
sonal observation"
81 wouldn't ask you to tell me any
thing about Ward McAllister from per
sonal observation. Miss March," said
the sleuth. His gallantry on occasion
was the wonder of the Central office.
Dorothy looked alarmed Could II
be great detectives wasted time on
compliments, too? But side glance
at the detectives serious expression
treasured her. 1t was manifest even
to a debutante he had no idea of ma,
king an impression along that line
She laughed frankly and looked at
him again in the friendliest way.
Il know you don't want to ask me
about anything so recent as the Span
ish war;" she said, now. do your"
"Candidly, / don't" he rejoined
40 tell you the plain truth, don'i
know exactly what wish to ask you
nor how to ask 1t, but l have an idea
you can help me, and I am sure YOU
viii for Mrs. Missioner's sake"
And Miss Holcomb's?" asked the
girl eagerly. "She. too. you know. Is 6
dear friend of mine"
and Miss Holcomb's." answered
the headquarters man warmly. Lei
me say. too. my dear young lady, a:
one old enough to be your-your-"
Don't say my brother. Mr. Britz,'
interposed Dorothy mischievously. q
--I-well, I don't really see how car
be sister to anybody else" She fell
impelled to treat this strangely
natural man naturally-she. who de
spite her inexperierce, could freeze
presumption with a glance. felt tha
way. 1t was a tribute to his adapta
bility.
Britg laughed.
Miss March" he said with more
heartiness in his tone than had col
ored II In many day, IF were no
so busy, Il would be delight to b
an elder brother to you. But guess
! you're not interested IN nv impnlses