Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1913-09-03
CHAPTER XXI.
The Mldnleht Watch.


Nothing, thanks. unless you'll stay
and talk 10 me-" she replied. rather
cordially. Il feel quite well and
cheerful, and can't account for faint
Ing Won't you sit down? It's sweet
OF you TO come, dear"
looked after Minette's retreating
figure.
Il came to ask you a Question-an
impertinent question" said frankly.
for 1t was that, and hated to be
hypocritlcal about 1t. But I'd like to
stay with you II you really care TO
have me. ! hope you'll think I'm in
terested and not curious. Did you
miss any Of your Jewels when-when
you faintedg"
"No?"
/ can't say that was surprised; |
know felt absurdly relieved.
I'm awfully glad II looked SO very
much like-once before, that | was
afraid you had"
You have no cause for worry. You
were not even there, my dear"
"Oh, no." exclaimed. 81 was not
thinking Of myself"
Pm going to tell you something. !"
she said suddenly, Something l had
decided to keep to myself. It's true |
did not miss anything when | tainted,
but was not wearing all my jewels.
Tonight | yielded to an impulse in
wearing them. had what the poker
players call hunch. | was sure If 1
left them here they would be taken.
But there were too many, they looked
absurd, and at the last moment re-
moved six bracelets, a pendant and a
rope of pearls" She arose and cross
ed to her dressing-table. "Pve been
keeping everything locked since the
ruby was lost. Every day have put
the jewel box In a different place. To
night, when l decided to leave some
of the jewels behind, put them in the
box. yielded to another impulse, and
slipped the box under the pillow on
my bed, where 1t never had been be-
fore. | didn't lose anything when l
tainted, but the jewel box is empty"
She opened 1t.
Poor Natalie!
But you must tell 1t" urged when
| had sufficiently recovered from the
shock of 1t. TITS too important not
to. Everybody here is in danger un-
less" did not go on, but involun-
tarily l glanced at the door where
Minette had gone out.
Il will not suspect Minette," she
said firmly, noticing the action. "She
was with my mother when / was born,
and she doesn't steal. There are a
thousand ways to prove her inno-
cent"
1 knew that in the same thought
suspected her, and remembered
Laura's argument that Minette was
not at the reception in town, or the
Abercrombies Also that at the very
minute the ruby was stolen Minette
was giving Natalie massage. Min
cite distinctly was innocent.
mo- shall not tell it," Natalie pur-
sued, mot yet, anyhow, it's too alb
surd. And shall rely upon your dis
erection, my dear. When we see what
happens to Mr.. Abbott, then"
came to my feet with an exclama-
ton.
you believe Mr.. Abbott guilty."
Il refuse to believe anything" she
replied coolly.
II beg your pardon" said, but
thought you once told me you were
sure Mr.. Abbott was not a thief"
THAT was before knew about the
emerald bracelet. My dear, l can't
reasonably believe he's innocent now.
There isn't another emerald bracelet
like that in the world. Detectives
found 1t in Mr. Abbott's possession.
he doesn't deny it; he can't"
But they didn't find the ruby, and
whatever 1t was you lost at the Aber-
combies," protested.
"a sapphire and diamond brace
let" she sighed.
And before that? He's shielding
some one" burst out. 81 know it; l
feel sure Of It."
"Who?"
l shook my head. Every time 1
tried to conjecture / brought up
against blank wall.
Mr.. Crowninshield will surely
make him tell--will find a way" de-
clared. That's what a lawyer is for.
Anyhow, he didn't have anything to
do with the ruby" l chung to that
tenaciously. HE was at home. Laura
telephoned, and he answered"
81 don't want to think of it any
more" Natalie drawled. 81 don't UNI
derstand 1t and I'm not trying to. I'm
not going to sleep tonight If l can
help 1t. l shall sit here all night with
the light on, my remaining trinkets in
my lap, grasped firmly-so! In the
morning / shall go to town and lock
them in a safety deposit; then I'm go
ing to Europe unless l have to stay
here about the trial. When the de-
tective comes tomorrow he can look
after everything else. He won't have
to bother about me-"
IN sit up with you,3 told her. /
went toward the door, 'Tll be back
presently when my sister is asleep,
--"""~~""~""-"o-"-""'"