Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-11-25

Formally. and it's part of his business.

formality;; and it's part of his business.
Quietly ignoring this high-handed man
ner: the detective seated himself, and.
facing the troubled secretary, went
straight at the business in hand.
You remember Jenny Regain. the girl
the Bishop of Bunchester discovered that
his purse had been stolen?"
Yes. remember her." answered Betty
You took a great interest in this young
money, gave her Your card, although she
was a stranger. How was that?'
Il was sorry for her. She had had a
hard struggle and ! wanted to help her.
Fine" exclaimed Bob, and Grimes
flashed him a sharp glance from under
his thick eyebrows.
You had no idea she was professional
pickpocket?''
No"
mo idea that she stole the bishops
purse?'
Certainly not
You believed her to be an innocent and
deserving person.
Miss Thompson, are you still of that
opinion?
II am sure she is a deserving person"
was the firm reply.
"Who is?" asked Crimes quickly.
Why. Hest-Jenny Regain stammered
Betty. and the detective smiled, but he
paid no attention to this slip.
"You say deserving. but not innocent
Do YOU still think Jenny Regain innocent
of stealing the bishops purse?''
The crisis had come. Should Betty
speak or keep silent? To speak would
bring inevitable ruin upon this unfortu-
nate girl. who had trusted her Yet how
could she not speak?
While she hesitated Bob spoke for her.
How can Miss Thompson possibly know
whether Jenny Regain stole the bishops
purse or not?" he demanded.
ThnmnSOn hp hos
the world for knowing that Grimes an
swered, and there was a note of cold
menace in his voice.
See here retorted the young fellow
Il won't stand for this. Either you make
good your words Or
Keep still. my friend, and I'll make my
words good
Then. turning to the bishop. Il beg your
lordship to believe that l am not speak
ing lightly" He drew from his pocket a
brown leather purse clasped by an elastic
band Does your lordship recognize
this?''
the bishop. Where did you find t?''
with your lordship's permission I'll
explain that-a little later
Old Bunchester coughed impressively
And the money! he asked THE G.I,0OJ?
Is tin the purse?"
The detective shook his head. Not a
penny of it. The purse is empty. There"
He handed the lean wallet to it's owner.
Quite true" sighed the bishop. 1t is
empty
DO I understand that you found this
purse somewhere about here mean
about this house?" demanded Bob.
Yes said the detective
And YOU have no idea where the money
is?' inquired Bunchester. anxiously.
Il have a very distinct idea where the
money is" answered Grimes, slowly. .'and
this young lady he faced Betty &C
cusingly. .'she also has a very distinct
idea where the money is
At this Bakers eyes blazed fierceIy.
You dare To-
Wait. Bob The girl laid a restrain
ing hand upon his arm. Then lifting her
head proudly. she challenged Grimes.
You mean to insinuate that l took the
money from this purse?'
''Impossible.' murmured the bishop.
a hard smile played about the detec-
tive's mouth.
You mean to deny that you know
where the money is?'' q.
She hesitated. 'Why-er-''
Where is it," he demanded
II can't tell you
You refuse to answer
''I-must refuse" She thought of her
promise to Hester.
My dear child" interposed Bunchester
kindly. I'm sure YOU are actuated by
the most honorable motives. but this is a
case where the whole truth must be told.
Go ahead, Betty; tell what you know"
urged Bob.
i-l--- she began. weakly, but rallied
with fash of anger. III not be ques-
toned like this Her pride and fighting
spirit We're stirred now. The idea that
she was actually accused of stealing this
money or of being an accomplice in the
theft it was outrageous. preposterous
Very WELL if they thought her guilty they
could keep on thinking so.
Il have made a serious charge here,
Grimes proceeded. quietly, land L propose
to prove it, He turned sharply to the
hose iS
MY desk" she answered.
The detective examined the drawers
carefully. They We're all unlocked ex-
cept the top one on the left-hand side.
You keep this drawer locked?"
CASUALTY
You have the key"
eyes. It's in my bag" She opened her
bag and produced a fiat key. Here it
HAS any one else key to this
drawer?
Grimes looked at the key critically
HIM, A spring lock. Do YOU mind
opening this drawer?"
why should l open it: It's my private
drawer Betty thought Of her Marcus
Aurelius and Bob's precious letter. Why
should these sacred things be dragged out
by this vulgar detective?
"Oh, it's your private drawer, is it?
Just the same must ask you to open it.
Miss Thompson.
Very weil." yielded the girl. "There."
She put the key in the lock and turned it
while Grimes watched her keenly
Now If your lordship will look in this
drawer?' he said
Certainly bowed the prelate, and he
pulled out the drawer to it's full length
then started back with a. cry Of amaze
ment. Good heavens!" He drew forth
bundle of folded banknotes. IT'S the
stolen money! he declared. THE exact
amount. The identical notes! Five thou
sand pounds.