Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-09-17
He accepted the compliment with

Now, madam, am ready He took
out notebook. Compose yourself, il
you please"
She faltered, looking pitiably helpless
for such big woman:
Il was hard up, Mr. Enfield, as you
surmse. Great Fish cut off my allow
ance, | owed large bills, I couldn't have
all English society laughing at me if i,
became public talk. arranged with a
dealer in Manchester % buy the plate
at three-quarter value, he supplying a
good imitation. He is man of great
resource, and in larger way of bust
ness than many London dealers He
knew if he could get the plate across
quietly, that he would make big money
over 1t in America. He came up with
an expert when Great Rish was away
and they made an absolute sure investi-
CATION They sent the faxed stuff to
me in two great trunks labeled books
When it was done, and had changed
it for he real, sent back the trunks
labeled books again. 1t was all as
easy as easy. Great Fish is a busy
man. Pm BUSY woman. He don't
take notice OF what l do. The servants
are busy What's box or two Of books
sent and returncd' Ycu see"
The detective made few brief notes.
Under what conditions did you sell
the plate, madam"
That it wasn't to be resold for a year
not while the search was on. He
agreed with ME there. And that il was
then to be sold separately, as a precau-
ton
SO that the collection intact is still
with that Manchester dealer on agree
ment?"
"On agreement it is"
Il must trouble you for the dealers
name and address"
She gave it, narrowed by fear, shak-
ing with nerves, streaked with tears.
The great Enfield rose, thanked her, and
impressed upon her the advisability, for
her own sake, of keeping that visit and
its import locked within her breast.
Not a word she declared between
gasps. Not word. I take you, Mr..
Enfield. Not word"
The detective left the house and walk
ed on briskly Here and there at street
corners he heard the strike discussed.
lie had other business, though. He took
the night express that Numbered north
and slept peacefully on the way, as
man arduously tasked allows himself
pleasant rest when he has seen his work
progressing well. The following morn
ing he found himself in that great bust
ness city for which he was bound. He
bathed, shaved, and breakfasted at the
hotel close to the terminus, then drove
straight to the chief superintendent Of
police, who did not know him by sight,
but who did not keep him waiting on
receiving his name.
you are Enfeld?"
Eyes. OF Scotland Yard"
The chief superintendent shook the
visitors hand. Il have heard of YOU.
OF course. in connection with" he
several notorious cases-"and
your photograph is there" He indicated
locked desk Il should have known
you. What can we do for you, Mr.. En-
feld?"
Il am here about the Great Fish COL
lection OF antique gold plate"
"Ah?"
1T is in Manchester, in the possession
Of - He gave the name and ad-
dress furnished by Great" Fish's wife.
you are sure?" said the superintend
ent.
my dear SIR
The detective laughed contempt and
confidence.
"Well'" asked the chief superintend-
mt.
Il want a couple of officers and war
ant to search the premises, and a war
ant of arrest if we find the plate. This
S one Of the biggest cases financially
hat Scotland Yard has ever dealt with"
The superintendent nodded. 81 shall
'e happy to oblige you, Mr.. Enfield"
aid he.
1t was half an hour later when the
treat detective and a couple of police
ulcers entered that dealers premises. /
nd they struck the fear of man and the
aw into him. He stormed, he caioled,
lie denied The gray sleuth hound
would take no denial; he was on the
cent, hot and unerring. The exhaus-
i've search yielded up at length the I'm
st collection of antique gold plate in
he world. The dealer, vociferations
ilenced, was arrested.
Enfield, quiet triumph showing through
he demeanor of sphinx, ordered:
Call two taxis." (,
They waited, purring, at the door
Ram the stuff into that box" he in
icated both, 1T won't be harmed" He
SISTED one of the policemen with his
wn hands Help me to get it on the
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