Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-03-27

pocket. This fixed the Identity OF the
| thief to the satisfaction of most of
those concerned. George acted as any
one would act under the circumstances.
He turned pale.
| asked Of the host.
"Certainly not. This affair is bad
enough without making it a subject fol-
the newspapers"
Without another word George turned
and walked out Of the room. His
f1ancee did not follow him. In half an
hour he came down stairs with his
overcoat on his arm and his hat in his
hand. l was the only person who went
out to say goodby to him. Even Miss
billiard failed to do so.
Keep up your courage. George" l
said: you've been made a victim Of
a plot. shall remain here and see
If I can get hold Of a crew.
The momentary light of gratitude
that came into his eye amply repaid
me for my words. Then his face fell
back to its former expression as he
said:
I'm my opinion there will never be
an explanation"
had been unwise in joining George
at the door. for it was an announce
| ment that / was his advocate, and it
put those In the conspiracy on their
guard. After his departure, instead of
going back to where the others were,
I went to my room. and as soon as
could compose myself began to think.
had observed the circumstances
which had occurred shortly before the
watch was missed. Cecile was doubt
less blindfolded when it was taken
Then l remembered Sarah Tucker
drawing George off to a corner, where
for moment they were not seen.
This latter circumstance only con-
f1rmed. by woman's instinct that she
was the arch plotter in the case.
believed she had stolen the watch from
| Cecile, or picked it up and kept it, or
hidden 1t temporarily. And l believed
she. had also stolen the scarfpin. and
when she and George were out of
sight, had slipped 1t in his pocket. But
as I have said, all this was built up
on feeling that, having lost George,
she had laid plot for vengeance
1 have never claimed any detective
talent, but as look back on my rea-
soning, whether it was. right or wrong.
I am disposed to approve Of myself in
that one respect. However. l showed
more detective intuition in realizing
1T once that the only clew to unravel.
ing the plot lay in the watch. had
found the woman. but the finding was
useless without the watch.
The rest Of my stay with the house
party was devoted to q search for the
missing article. did not believe that
1t could be easily sent or taken away,
butt took the precaution to go to the ex.
press Office and secure promise from
the agent to inform me If any of the
guests-a list Of whom l gave him
left with him a package for transmits
sion. My chief object was to remain
at home when the others were out en-
joying their winter sports. With this
| ~ 'AS"s was NOA0S0AL4y d0SUAAA8 OuC
indisposition or another for an excuse
to carry out my plan. ,-...-...
I had little doubt that If l found the
watch l should discover it in Sarah
fuckers possession; did not see how
she could we'll hide it anywhere but in
her room. I was obliged to take great
risks in going there. for If caught
should be considered thief myself
| thought Of communicating my design
as protection to our host. but he
was too headstrong to trust with so
delicate matter. and preferred to
work without q single confederate.
The first chance got to remain In
doors when the others were ont l
waited in the hall till 1t was deserted.
then went into Miss Tucker,a room