The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1913-07-05

scene would have ended II. at tnat mo
ment. Hap hadn't appeared In tho
doorway
Great Lord. what's the matter!" he
exclaimed.
Natalie. evidently realizing her
negligee. started out. but Laura
blocked the way. sat down; my
knees refused to support me any long
er.
Natalie says Loulie has stolen her
ruby pendant" Laura answered him
frankly.
He blinked as II he hadn't quite
heard. and his face settled into the
most comically surprised expression
have ever seen. He reached hand
to his forehead and brushed aside the
forelock I suddenly shivered. and was
calm: my throat relaxed. l was
thinking Of that advice 10 had given
me.
II didn't take the pendant" I said.
Il didn't see 1t. was only there
moment when Celie came for me. II
you want to make sure you may
search mel"
What are you people trying to do!
Josh me?" Hap demanded.
II think we're all daft" Mrs. Haz-
ard snapped-Laura was the only abb
solutely cool person there-Mrs. Haz-
ard patted my shoulder. and the touch
Of her dear. fat hand was wonderfully
sweet to me. II don't think you need
searching. my dear child" she went
on. Il don't want anything but your
word. shall send for a detective to
look after US as long as Natalie insists
upon keeping her jewels. This disap-
pearing one by one Is most peculiar.
Hap. will you call long distance.
please, and see II you can get John?"
Natalie drew herself up regally-
Just looped up.
Then Miss Goldman is quite above
reproach?" she inquired. lifting her
eyebrows.
Miss Goldman is quite above re-
proach. Natalie" Mrs. Hazard said
positively. Il think you are mistaken.
my dear girl. and think you are
careless Why didn't you take your
Jewels with your"
Into your bath" Mrs. Hazard re-
peated. where you could keep your
eyes on them. should think you had
had warning enough"
Il wish you'd search me-" l said
wearily. land let me go away; go
home to my sister"
"Oh, gracious. Loulie. We are not 60
ing to let you run away" Laura OBJ
jected. Wen just find out who took
Natalies ruby and those other things"
knew she was thinking of Winthrop.
I'VE seem to be getting away from
my original statement" Natalie cut In
sharply. do you refuse to believe
me when I say"
II do" interrupted Mrs. Hazard.
"but shall have a detective here to-
morrow II possible. Hap. is Central
asleep"
Natalie was dismissed; she knew 1t.
| She floated away with only fifty min
utes to dress. and Mrs. Hazard was
| rather insistent about her dinner
hour. I arose stiffly. 1 wasn't sure
just what should do or say; every
thing was muddled and queer Mrs.
I1dLdIu taught Joul JUDI 90 Ac "oo
leaving the office and began talking
to him about a detective. and Hap
stood by the window, with his hands
dug deep into his trousers pockets.
Laura was searching a local telephone
book for a number. I waited pain
fully, and when Mrs. Hazard released
the wire Laura called Winthrop.
II want to know II he's at home"
she explained to us. "Of course he
couldn't have been here without some
one Of us seeing him. but 1 want to
| make sure"
Winthrop himself answered her.
and a minute later. after a foolish
question, she hung up the receiver
satisfied. My mind flew to the duke.
but. as II in contradiction OF my
thought. saw him coming from the
beach with Jane Bliss. Against me
this time was the silly circumstantial
evidence.
Does any one here believe I took
that ruby?" l asked brokenly.
you silly Loulie!" Laura exclaimed
affectionately.
"My dear child,"-Mrs Hazard came
to me and took my hand in her own
seriously and impressively-"1've new
er yet made a mistake in estimating
| person. l was sure OF you that
first day l talked to you. know you
now. and I am more sure. even II
forget that you are Joshua Codman's
daughter. There's something queer
about all this-something we don't
understand Natalie began tn lose
her Jewels one by one before she ever
saw you. She's sure of her maid"
Besides, Minette wasn't at the re-
ception." Laura Interrupted.
But we're going to md out who
has taken those jewels. and 1 shall
| see that the rest are pIlt In a safety