Putnam patriot., 1914-10-02

Nell Arrives at the Carr Residence. Doogan. It was to figure as closely as possible the value of a thing you want ed to annex. and then cut it down to one-fourth. The latter was what you would get from "fence'-if you were lucky and put up strong enough bluff.
 Before Neil had finished her estimate of Caroline Carr's worth to the per son who could flch her personal outfit she had put down the suit case to take a sweeping glance at the room.
 As the door closed she became sud denly active. She ran swiftly over to the table, then to a book closet. which she opened and shut swiftly, bent for an instant over large steel safe near the table and tried the handle-only to find it securely locked. and, after lis- tening a moment. went to each of the doors in the room and listened again.
 somebody coming" she murmured- "Well, let them come"
 "HelIor suddenly blurted out Mir. Carr Waiting to see some oneY
 Yes. sir. am waiting to see Mrs Carr"
 "Eh? Well. I'm Mrs. Carr's husband What did you want to see her about"
 His speech was jerky, and he seemed to be embarrassed. as if this were an unusual situation and therefore rather too much for him.
 Mrs. Carr engaged me yesterday as lady's maid to your daughter" said Nell.
 "Oh. yes-the lady's maid. l remem- Der She told me. But I'd forgotten Does she know you're here?
 Miss Caroline has gone to inform her"
 Inform her? Eh? Oh. yes. Then I'll tell her you've come"
 He trotted to the door by which his daughter had disappeared a few mo- ments before. as if glad to escape, but as he opened the door he ran plump into Caroline, who was entering.
 Hello, father. Where are you go- ing? didn't know you were home"
 "Didn't know I-well. but am home, ain't I?" He looked about as if to as- sure himself "Of course I'm home. Madge's wedding day. you know. l was down in Pearl street. busy in my office. when some one reminded me, and l came right up. Yes. of course I'm here"
 Caroline turned to Nell, who stood demurely in the background. her suit case on the floor beside her.
 Mother will see you in moment Nellie"
 Very well. Mss Caroline"
 Well. Caroline. as you've seen mother about the ladys maid needn't go to her." remarked NIT. Carr. Need IY
 Why. no. father. Why should you?"
 He reflected on this for few sec onds ere he responded: That's so. my dear. Why should |? But wait mo ment Caroline. I've something to show you"
 What is it?"
 MT. Carr fumbled in all his pockets, his face a study in alternate hopes, fears and hopes again At last a slow smile crept over his countenance. and he brought out small packet tied up in white paper. It looked very much like the one he had shown the detec- tive and Douglas Jamison at the Grand Central. He held it up before the eyes of Caroline and smiled broader than before. Nell as well as Caroline was gazing steadfastly at the packet
 He opened the paper and revealed jewellers box. from which he took magnificent ruby ring Nell gave gasp. but the other two were occupied in looking at the ring and did not hear her
 My. what beautyr' thought Nell .Jack and | could furnish half our dat with that"
 "i bought this for Madge." said MT. Carr. observing with pleasure that Car olipe was gazing at the ring rapturous- ly. "Its pigeon blood ruby. Do you think Madge will like II
 Like itr' almost screamed Caroine- -Why, father. it is simply scruinp- tous!''
 she's right" thought Nell
 .It ought to be-" observed MT. carr. -.It cost enough"
 He threw the paper that had in"rap- ned the packet into the wasteoaskeG Then he placed the ring in the box, closed it and put il in the pocket Of his light oyercoat, which be laid on a chair