Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1913-12-16

He followed his host into the library
and listened intently while Mr.. Gibson
pointed out the table where the jewels
had lain during hls absence lat the
telephone. The table was between
two French windows thut opened upon
the front veranda.
"Were the windows open last even
mgr asked Rogers.
I They were both closed. 1t was
chilly anil we were enjoying Il fire
on the hearth"
Rogers was silent for long time.
His eyes wandered from one spot to
another. Once they glimpsed the
corner of Pun Shahs snowy turban
outside the door. and again he was
sure that the mans jetty eyes were
regarding him from a heavily beaded
curtain that separated the library
from smaller adjoining study.
"Well. Mr.. Rogers. am wondering
If you exOnerate all my friends. My
theory does not permit Of suspicion
pointing to one Of them" remarked
Mr.. Gibson ut last.
"My theory. Mr.. Gibson. Is that all
your six guests were accessory to the
deed"
"What? My dear sir
wait a moment sir. | did say that
they were accessories to the deed. but
it was quite unconsciously 80 on their
part. Have you several strong men
on the place. men whom You can
trust?'
"Yes. There is Baker. the gardener,
with his assistants, besides my chauf'
feur and the second man. four alto
gether. Why. may ask?'
please summon them to this room, |
and after that" continued Rogers in a
low tone. have the man. Pun Shah.
sent in"
Mr.. Gibson smiled grimly. $50 that's
it. is it? I couldn't see how the rascal
had chance Excuse me. II you please.
while send for the men,
He left the room and Rogers waited
there alone. Presently lie heard a
stealthy footstep behind his chair and
a hot breath on his neck. He jumped
just In time to escape the wicked
knife of Pun Shah. whose dark face
was convulsed with anger.
Rogers had whipped out revolver.
and so the two were standing facing
each other when Mr.. Gibson returned
with his four servants.
"What is this. Pun Shah" demanded
his master quickly, but the man only
bowed his head in silence.
"Your man was about to kill me-"
said Rogers coolly, because have
discovered that he Is the one who stole
your diamonds"
"Is it possible? Pun Shah. what have
you to say?"
The Hindu fastened look Of deadly
hatred on the young lawyer and,
snatching off his turban, drew from its
folds the string Of diamonds that had
so mysteriously disappeared. He nung
the ornaments on the floor at his mas
ter's feet and with swift. gliding
movement vanished from the room.
No one made movement to follow,
and an instant later they saw the
flicker Of his white turban as he disap.
peared down the driveway.
Mr.. Gibson dismissed his servants
with a gesture. dropped the string OF
diamonds in his coat pocket, and faced
Rogers.
How did you fasten the crime upon
Pun Shah so quickly? l had evidence
that no one saw him enter the room.
and
Rogers put up hand. 1T is easily
explained. Your butler possesses I'M
usual hypnotic powers. He simply
hypnotized the six guests in your draw
ing room. took the diamonds from be-
meath their noses and disappeared.
They might have been puzzled by the
incident which made them accomplices
In his crime, but they were quite inno-
cent Of any wrongdoing In fact. they
didn't know what had happened after
he left the ROOM"
Mr.. Gibson sat down and drew his
check book toward him.
This is such Il gratifying exhibition
Of your cleverness, Mr.. Rogers. that
must show my appreciation in sub
stantial way. Here is check for
81 900. Shall make 1t out to you per-
sonally or to your firm"
"To Harley & Rogers" said the jun
or partner dizzily. Harley ought to
have something to make up for losing
the fun Of this job"