The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1912-01-18


with quick change OF tAthcs. you're
the only one that's locked up. don't
believe there's anyone else mixed up
in the case at all I believe you did
the job alone If there's anyone be-
hind you, you'll have to show me
There's only one thief involved and
that's you"
An expression, as Of hunted ami
NAL. crept into her face. She turned
to the left and met the fixed stare OF
Donnelly. Averting her head, her
eyes looked Into those of Carson Di.
rectly in front. close to her face, the
cold gleam from the Chiefs eyes fell
on her. So she turned around, only
to look into an impenetrable back.
ground Of gloom, sinister and depress.
ing.
II haven't done anything" she
pleaded Il don't know who took Mrs.
Missioner's diamonds" AS II cut by
sudden thought, Miss Holcomb bent
forward In her seat. she cant be-
lieve did III" she moaned
You bet your life she believes you
did IT," the Chief announced. And
know you did It. So what's the use of
denying it?"
Il do deny 1t, | do deny IT," she pro
tested How can they think me capa-
BILE OF it?"
The Chief opened a drawer OF his
desk and brought forth the accusing
diamond. He held It close to her
face, permitting the rays to distribute
themselves on her features.
Pretty fine stone!" he commented.
"A peach Of a sinner! Looked good
to you, didn't It? Came so easy It
was a shame to take it-eh? Now how
did 1t get mixed up with your trink.
ets?"
II don't know" she moaned.
The Chief turned from her YEARLY.
you take her in hand, Donnelly."
he said
The detective bent over the woman,
his face so close that she felt his
warm breath against her cheeks.
Don't try any nonsense down here"
he snarled. I'VE got the goods on
you, and We amt going to stand any
fooling. Now, where are those dia-
monds?"
She eyed him in mild protest.
II don't know, sir" she murmured
weakly.
Donnelly showed his clenched ilst
under her chin. His face contorted
into an expression of tigerish feroclty;
he peered at her with an intensity
that chilled her blood
You're a liar" he snapped. you
think you're slick one, but you'll be
sorry you was ever lorn ii you don't
cough up the goods. We know how to
handle customers like you down here.
We're used to 'em. We get en- every
; day. Now, Just save yourself q lot OF
trouble by telling the Whereabouts Of
the diamonds" le.e
They amt going to do you any
good" interjeeted the Chief "They
don't wear diamonds where you're go
ing to. The less trouble you give US,
the less trouble Wen make for you.
And we can make more trouble Tor
you than you can make for us"
\ iOOh VI 'buCu utter HclplesbntSS
oyerspread her face that even the de-
tectlves realized the utter futility OF
their attack. she seemed as one un.
der the influence OF torpifying drug.
Her capabiity for new feelings had
been crushed out OF her by the crowd
ed incidents following her arrest. All
she felt was dull pain of body ana
mind. los
Don't sit there like white mum.
my" burst forth Donnelly Come,
now" he added impatiently, don't
exhaust our patience; we haven't treat.
ed you roughly, but we know how to
bring you out Of your silence"
lie seized her wrist, his clenched
hand squeezing It until she uttered a
sharp cry of pain.
Are you going to answer my ques.
tions?" he blurted
She sank hack in the chair with a
despairing moan. Her heavy eyelids
dropped, a tremor contracted her
brow, then her head fell Imply to ono
side.
II guess we won't gain anything by
going any stronger with her to-day.
Take her back!" commanded the
Chief.
Donnelly and Carson shook her into
consciousness. They steadied her as
she dragged herself through the dark
corridor and down two flights OF mar
row iron stairs to her cell.
When she was out OF the room. the
silent visitor came out OF the OBJ.
scurity OF his corner and seated him.
self in the chair vacated by Miss Hol'
comb.
what do you think of it. Britz?'
asked Manning.
Detective-Lieutenant Britt stared
hard, as ii trying to concentrate his
thoughts. His keen face, screwed
into an expression OF uncertainty, con-
trasted sharply with the big heavy
features of his superior, Side by side.
the two men suggested the delicate
surgeons probe and the heavy black
smiths sledge.
Its a great mystery" Britz de
clared. "A great mystery" he repeat