The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1912-02-09

wold's given name at the beginning
of the note apparently meant good
deal. But who was Millicent? In the
course of his probing of the Missioner
diamond mystery, Britt had canvassed
the complete visiting list Of everyone
who was in the opera box on the night
when the falsity Of the Maharanee
diamond was discovered. He had had
compiled 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 a NIL
dred." There the signature was, too
clear to admit Of any mistake. The
writing was excellent, and while 1t did
not go to the extreme of the current
fashion in chirography, 1t was what
Britt called in his vivid vernacular
classy"
Ever seen that fist before?" asked
the detective as he handed the note to
Sands.
The millionaire shook his head.
While 1t 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 bis
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 1t again. Meanwhile.
Sands went on with his search Of the
second Oriental. He was not as clever
in his movements as Britz, and when
he tried to conceal something, he sig.
nally failed. For the detective. though
his eyes seemingly were fastened on
the note addressed to Griswold, saw
the millionaire take something out OF
the Oriental's tunic and then slip 1t
into his waistcoat pocket.
Something else. eh?" asked Brttz.
Sands nodded.
WIND letting me see what It ls?''
Sands shook his head slowly, de-
cisively.
What's the objection?"
1T Is not anything that can possibly
interest YOU" returned the million.
aire.
How do you know that, Mr..
Sands?" asked the detective.
81 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, as
have played a pretty active part in
this little incident, 1t seems to me the
least you can do is to crafty my curl
osity."
We'll, will not" was Sands de-
fiant answer. And while we are on
the subject, Lieutenant Britt, let me
say l should like to understand the
purpose Of your visit to my rooms"
"Oh. you would, would your
snapped Britt.
Il certainly should" Sands replied
Il come home to find you peepine
through a hole in my portiere, and
two Fasteners, with whom apparent
ly you have had nothing to do, going
through my desk and other belong
ings. l rather think l am entitled to
know the why and the wherefore"
Il rather think you are, Mr.. Sands,
said Britt, land l don't mind telling
you l came here to see you privately
and arrived just in time to see these
gentlemen drop to that fire escape and
come In by that window. After that
l had the pleasure of witnessing the
dexterity with which they ransacked
you chitfonier, your desk, your bed
side table, your bed, your chairs. your
rugs, and everything else in the room
Maybe you will explain TO me the rea
son they have such deep interest ir
your housekeeping arrangements"
Maybe you will Go a little more ex
planning Lieutenant Britt" said the
millionaire. "You will observe thai
when said these fellows had no con
nection with you, Isqualiaed the asser
tion?"
"oh. that was very good Of ayou.
said Britz.
Sands continued.
II should like to know. right here
and now just how far this qualifica
ton extends"
We'll, Mr.. Sands" answered the de
tective as he relighted his cigal
| and disposed himself in the most com
Portable Of attitudes In the chair be
| side the desk, there are a good man.
things We may like to explain.
should like, for instance, to know how
| your visiting card came to be In tn,
possession OF man who is an inmat,
Of the State Hospital for the Insane
| on Wards Is.and?"
If Britt expected to startle Sands in
to any physical expression Of guilt
he was disappointed. The million
aires muscles were as inflexible q
| his determination mt fo aatisfv IN,