The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-07-12

Jones turned and went In search Of Flor
ence.
The princess lost no time in beginning her
investigations. but she wasted her time. There
was no secret panel in evidence.
Who is she?" asked Florence as she
looked at the card did my father 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. Per
haps."
My mother7" Without waiting for any
further advice from Jones. whom Florence In
her young years thought presuming upon his
authority. she ran downstairs to the library.
Her mother. to learn some fact about the
mother of whom she knew nothing,
You knew my mother7" she cried without
ceremony.
He heard the princess say: 81 did, my
child and heaven is witness that you are the
exact picture of her at your age. And knew
your father"
Jones Strengthened, his hands shut tightly
Tell me about my father"
The princess smiled, 1t was Katrina Push
kin come to life. the same impulsvenesS.
knew him but slightly. I was a mere -hild
myself when he used to pinch my cheeks l
met him again the other night, but he did
not recognize me and | could not find il In
S1y heart to awaken his memory In public
restaurant"
Presently Jones came In to announce that
two detectives requested to see Florence The
two men entered, informing her that they had
been instructed to investigate the disappear
of Stanley Hargreave.
Who you, miss"
II am his daughter"
"Ah!n
One of the detectives questioned Florence
infinitely while the other wandered about tina
rooms, feeling the walls, using the aSnifying
glass, turning back the rugs. Even the girls
pretty room did not escape his scrutiny. BY
and by DO returned TO the library and beck.
oned TO his companion. The two conferred
for moment. One CHANGED to look into the
mirror He saw the bright eyes Of the prin-
gazing intelligently into his
:" I'm afraid we'll have to ask you to sc.
company US TO the station, miss.
WHY"
Some technicslities. we must have some
proof of your right To be in this house SO
far as We have learned. Hargreave was I'M
married. 1t win take but few minutes"
F." And will accompany YOU said thu
princess. Wen be back within half an hour
III tell them what I know"
Jones, in the hall, caught sight Of the re-
porter coming up the steps Here was some
he could depend upon.
Why. Mr. Norton."
The reporter eyed the princess In amaze
ment
' You look surprised Naturally am
cousin of Miss Florences mother You might
say that | am her aunt It's a small world.
Isn't it," But if wishing could poison, the
reporter would have died that moment
Who are you and what are you doing
here?" one Of the detectives demanded
am going to ask that very question Of
you," said Norton, urbaneiy.
We are from headquarters" replied ons.
showing his badge
What headquarters? What are they ask
ing you to do7" he said to Florence
They say I must go to the police station
with them
Not the least In the world laughed the
reporter. You two clear out OF here as fast
as your rascally legs can carry you l don't
know what your game Is, but do know every
reputable detective in New York, and you
don't belong"
Good heavens" exclaimed the princess;
real detectves?"
This girl goes to the police station, young
man. So much the worse for you Il you
NEEDLE. Take yourself off !"
IAN in good time"
Here, Jenner you take charge Of the girl.
I'll handle this guy. He shall 60 10 the sta
ton, too
What followed would always be wildly re-
membered by Florence, fresh from the peace '
and happiness Of her school life. Norton
knocked his opponent down. He rose and for
moment the room seemed full OF legs and
arms and painting men, A foot tripped up
Norton and he went down under the bogus
detective He never suspected that the trip
ping foot was not accidental. He was too
busy.
The other dragged Florence toward
the hall, but there the peaceful butler a.
tered into the field of action with a very I'm.
attractive automatic. The detective threw
up his hands.
The struggle went on in the library. 4
trick OF jiu-jitsu brought about the downfall
of Norton's man, and Norton ran out into
the hall TO aid Jones He searched the de-
tective's nockets and secured the rsroira.