The Punta Gorda herald. [volume] (Punta Gorda, Fla.) 1893-1958, 1913-07-03
A Coral
Sleeve Button
By ALLAN C. LAMOND

Italy. Signor Lancani, a single gentle
man living in apartments, was the vic,
tim, and since he was well off and fond
OF display he had considerable jewelry
for man-which was taken. The po-
lice learned of the missing articles so
far as they could be determined and
gave a description Of them to Giuseppi
Varilli, member of the carabinieri.
or national police, who was given the
case to make out of 1t what he could.
There was missing one gold chronom-
eter watch, two gold chains, number
OF shirt studs and other articles of
similar character. The assassin and
robber in making his exit had dropped
link sleeve button on the floor. They
make in Italy of pink coral exquisite
adornments, and this single sleeve but
ton was twin roses Of the most deli
cate carving, set in gold.
Varilli looked at 1t admiringly. "Who-
ever has the mate to it." he said, twill
Ing it, so beautiful is it. If he had 1t
as well as its mate, he will surely be-
tray himself on account of it." How
ever, the officer put 1t in his vest pocket
with the vague expectation that 1t
might lead to a clew.
The murder had been committed at
an hour when number of persons
were about, but no one could be found
who would admit that he had seen any
one in the building who did not belong
there at the time Of the assassination.
Warilli, who knew the criminal side of
Naples well. assumed that this ret
icence indicated that the murderer was
a member Of the dreaded Camorra, and
IL any one dared to peach upon him
he would do so at the risk Of his life.
A year passed without the slightest
clew to the Lancani murder. Several
Of the missing articles of jewelry turn |
ed up. but were always found on per-
sons above suspicion. They were
ready to tell where they got them, but
either the person from whom they
were obtained or the next possessor be-
yond could not remember just how the
jewel had come to him. But the sleeve
button was never regained. cit Is too
beautiful" said Varilh. 1.-THE rascal
will not part with it. He will not
wear 1t in his cuff, for he has no mate
'or it. He will not get mate made.
'or he can only secure one from skill
I'd carver, such as made the one he
has. Were in his place would have
t made into two studs. I would not
urn it into scarfpin, for one rose
would do for that, and could not use
he other rose. Yes, that is the only
hing to do with 1t, and If the assassin
wears 1t he will do so as couple of
hirt studs. He will wear a necktie
md not scarf, because the scarf
would hide it. My theory rests on the
1ea that his vanity will get the better
f his caution"
One dag Varilli's chief started him
o London, where news had been re-
eived that certain bandit, who had
murdered traveller on the road be-
ween Sorrento and Amalf who could
OF or would not furnish a ransom, was
wing apparently in well to do con-
ition. On his arrival in London Va
I'LL sought the Italian quarter, but his
uarry, passing under the name of
calpo, was not to be found there.
Varili spent a couple Of months at
he English capital and was about to
I've up his quest and return to Naples
hen one evening he entered music
all and, taking seat at table, call
/ for the English drink, ale, and a
gar Unlike nearly all Italians the
elective had light hair and eyes.
borrower, though he spoke English in |
nerently, he had learned to speak 1t
ithout the Italian pronunciation. In
led, stranger would have taken him
ther for German than an italian.
q man at the next table to
m sitting alone, he got up and took T
seat opposite the other. The man =
oked at him with a pair of suspicious G
es from under the rim OF his hat.
identity not relishing his movement
Don't disturb yourself" said Variln.
think have seen you in Berlin. \
'e you not Herr Berhoff, brewer?" .
Il have neva been in Berlin In ma :
e." said the other, showing by his 7
eech that he was an Italian, 'aand 1
a not brewer"
Then I have been mistaken" said !
lrilli, who had desired to get closer
the man and hear him speak. "Now
at / see those beautiful coral studs
u wear take 1t you are from Italy.
lave never seen such carving as that Of
cept in Naples" b
1t this the man changed counte- N
nee, involuntariiy drawing his coat
er his shirt front. Then he glanced Il
out him as II looking for an exit. IL
I am from Naples myself" varilli to
mt on saying. 81 know exactly