The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-08-17

This was where I mace mistake that
came near proving disastrous. 1t seems
that Jack and l had not been the only
thieves who attended the races. Others
besides us had piled their trade SO indus
triously that the track managers were be-
sieged with indignant complaints from the
victims. The result was, although of
course we we're unaware of 1t at the time,
that a score of keen-eyed detectives in
plain clothes were scattered about the
track on the following day.
The instant the cry of They're Off"
went up for the first race I edged my way
into the thickest OF the crowd Soon
found what looked like an easy victim-a
man with magnificent diamond hanging
loosely in his tie in the careless way which
is a standing invitation to thieves.
was standing almost abreast OF him.
With a quick thrust of one arm | drove
the end of my parasol against MS back.
He turned and as he did so reached my
other hand out for his scarf pin.
My fingers were actually touching the
diamond, when, not a dozen feet away,
saw detective staring hard at me, watch
ing my every move.
Like lightning l drew my hand back
and, turning to my intended victim, apollo
without appearing to hurry. moved away.
trying to lose myself In the crowd.
But 1t was no use. Wherever / went
that detective followed. Presently l saw
him pointing me out to two other plain
clothes men.
was in dilemma If tried to leave
the track | was almost certain to be ar
rested-and l probably would be il re-
manned. There was no way OF communi-
eating with Jack without involving him
In the impending trouble, and l had to
rely on his intuition to let him know
something was wrong.
AS | pondered all these things Jimmie
Hopes advice flashed through my mind
and / at once determined to put 1t into
practice.
A goodooking, well-dressed young man
stood close by admiring the crowds of
fashionably gowned ladies. I felt his
glance run up and down my figure, rest
ing at last on my face with just the hint
of smile of approval on his lips.
That was my cue to drop my parasol.
With a gallant bow the young man re-
stored it to me.
THANK you so much" l murmured
graciously. Il wonder If you could tell
me If ladies unescorted are served in the
restaurant over there"
NO" he replied, just as | had felt sure
he would but I was just going to lunch
con myself and would be delighted to have
you join me-
| blushed and hestated minute before
accepting as IL felt becomingly maid
enish doubt about the propriety of such a
proposal from an utter stranger. Finally
| took his arm and we strolled into the
restaurant.
We were hardly seated before the three
detectives entered and took a nearby table
After a whispered conversation one of
them rose and hurried out.
AS l afterward learned he went to police
headquarters to confirm his growing sus-
picion that l was Sophie Lyons by in
specting some ofsmy photographs without
which no "rogues' gallery" in those days
was considered complete.
My gallant escort and / loitered through
the elaborate luncheon he ordered with
lavish disregard of expense. He was ex-
ceptionally we'll bred and able to talk in
tertainingly on wide variety Of subjects
At last we left the restaurant, the two
detectives close at our heels. One of
them walked up to me and placed a brawny
hand on my shoulder.
Come, Sophie. we want you," he said.
/ drew back with a great show Of fright
and indignation and turned on my escort
the most appealing gaze ! could muster.
Take your hands off" he cried angrily.
What do you mean by insulting lady
In this way?"
Il mean," said the detective, with q