The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-07-01

yla(\]ldIll.
them. They have NOT the Legal power ef,
yours. but they would fpd standing d any
court"
Jones turned and went in search Of Flor (
ence.
The princes last no time In beginning hse
investigations. but she wasted her time. Tier.
was no secret panel In v.idence.
WHO Il she9" asked Florence n she
looked at the card. = Did my fathxr know
princesses7"
Yes" said Jones briefly. . BE very care
full what you say to her. Admit nothing. She
claims to be . cousin Of your mother. PERI
haps."
My mother?" Without waiting for am
further advice from Jones. whom F1oeancs +
her young years thought presenting up6a y
authority, she ran downstairs to the libfaty.
Her mother. to learn some fact about ~
mother of whom she knew nothingi
You knew my mother?" she cried withbuk
ceremony.
He heard the princess say: :" did, myl
child and heaven II witness that you art theI
exact picture of her at your age. And lnsw
Jour father"
Jones straishtencd. his hands shut dshqs
Tell me about my fatherl"
The princess smiled. It was Katrina puA-
kin come to life, the same impulsivene6
1 knew him but slightly. l was mere child
myself when he used TO pinch my cheeks. :
met him again the other night, but be d
not recognize me; and could not 6nd II
my heart to awaken his memory in publs
restaurant"
Presently Jones came in to announce thf
two detectives requested to zee Florence. tn
two men entered. Informing her that they h4
been instructed to investigate the disappear
ance of Stanley Hargreave.
who are you. miss?"
Il am his daughter"
"Ah!"
One of the detectives questioned Floreuc
infinitely while the other wandered about II
rooms, feeling the walls, using the masnifyiu
glass, turning back the rugs.
I'm afraid well have to ask you to q
company NJ to the station, miss. /
"Why7"
Some technicalities. We must have som(
proof Of your right to be in this house. Sd
far a. We have learned. Harsreavs was IN
married. It win take but few minutes"
And I will accompany you," said thd
princess. wen be back within half an hour.
I'll tell them what know"
Jones. in the hall, caught sight Of the -
porter coming up the steps. Here was Sons
one he could depend upon.
why, Mr.. Norton!"
The reporter eyed the princess IN amass-
ment.
You look surprised. Naturally. I an !
cousin Of Miss F1orencs's mother. You might
say that am her aunt It's . small world,
isn't it?" But II wishing could poison. thu
reporter would have died that moment.
who are you and what are you doina
here7" one of the detectives demanded.
am going to ask that very question d
you," said Norton. urbanely.
I'VE are from headquartezs," replied one
showing his badge.
What headquarters7 What are they ask
ing you to dot" he said to Florenca.
"They say must 60 to the police statioz
with them"
Not the least in the world" laughed thu
reporter. You two clea- out Of here ~ fasl
u your rascally legs can carry you. l don't
know what your game IL, but do know even
reputable detective in New York, and you
don't belong"
Good heavens!" exclaimed the princess
do you mean to say that these men are nj
real detectives7"
This girl goes to the rolicc station. youna
man So much the worse for you n ~
NEEDLE. Take yourself OIL"
"An in good time"
Hers, Jenner, you take charge Of the giEi
IN handle this guy. He shah 90 70 the -
ton, too"
What followed would always Be vividly -
membered BY Florence, fresh from the peael
and happiness Vi her school lite Nortoa
knocked his opponent down. He rose aud Sos
\ moment the room seemed full Of legs an
arms and painting men. A foot nippej u
Norton and be went down under the bogul
detective He never suspected that the trip
ping foot was not accidental He was To
busy.
The other man dragged y1orencs toward
the hall. but there the eacsful butler en-
tered into the field Of action with = very IN
attractive automatic. The detective TIRES