The Spectator., 1915-07-30

"Stolen!" Mrs. Rheinhotdt Shricked. had admitted Craig, take Professor Ashleigh's servant into the kitchen and see that he has something before he leaves for home Now, professor, if you will come this way"
 They reached a little room in the far corner of the house. Mrs. Rhein- holdt apologized as she switched on the electric lights
 Tt is queer little place to bring you to, she said, but my husband used to spend many hours here, and he would never allow anything to be moved. You see, the specimens are in these cases"
 The professor nodded. His general attitude toward the forthcoming ex- hibition was mAely one of politeness. As the first case opened, however, his manner completely changed. Without taking the slightest further notice of his hostess, he adjusted pair of horn trimmed spectacles and commenced to humble eagerly to himself Mrs. Rheinholdt, who did not understand a word, strolled around the apartment, yawned and finally interrupted little stream of eulogies, not a word of which she understood. concerning a green beetle with yellow spots.
 q am so glad you are interested, professor" she said. If you don't mind, l will rejoin my guests. You will find a shorter way back if you keep along the passage straight ahead and come through the conservatory.
 Certainly! With pleasure!" the professor agreed, without glancing up. Mrs. Rheinholdts reception, not withstanding the temporary absence of it's presiding spirit, was without doubt an unqualified success. In one of the distant rooms the younger peo- pie were dancing Philip Rheinholdt, with pretty young debutante upon his arm, came out from the dancing room and looked around amongst the little knots of people.
 T wonder where mother is?" he re- marked. She told me-
 The young man broke off in the middle of his sentence. He. too, like many others in the room. felt sud den thrill almost of horror at the sound which rang without warning upon their ears-a woman's cry. a cry of fear and horror. Mrs. Rhein- holdt, her hands clasping her neck, her splendid composure thing of the past, a panic-stricken, terrified woman. stumbled into the room. She seemed on the point of collapse. Somehow or other. they got her into an easy chair.
 My jeweIs," she cried. My dia- monds!"
 What do you mean, mother?" Phil lip Rheinholdt asked quickly. Have you lost them?"
 Stolen" Mrs. Rheinholdt shrieked. Stolen there in the conservatory"
 They gaZed at her open-mouthed. in- credulous Then a still quiet voice from the outside of the little circle intervened
 Instruct your servants, MT. Rhein- holdt. to lock and bar all the doors of the house" the professor suggested. "No one must leave it until we have heard your mothers story"
 '1 had just taken the professor into the little room my husband used to call the museum" Mrs. Rheinholdt explained. her voice still shaking with agitation. q left him there to exam inc some specimens of beetles. thought that I would come back through the conservatory, which is the quickest way. l was about half way across it when suddenly I heard the switch go behind me and all the electric lights were turned out. l couldn't imagine what had happened. While I hesitated saw"
 She broke down again. There was no doubt about the genuineness of her terror.
 "I saw a pair of hands--just hands no arms-nothing but hands--come out of the darkness! They gripped me by the throat, I suppose it was just for second. think-I lost con- sciousness for a moment, although | was still standing up. The next thing I remember is that found myself shrieking and running here-and the jewels are gone!"
 You saw no one?" her son asked incredulously You heard nothing?"
 'I heard no footsteps, saw no one," Mrs. Rheinholdt repeated. The pro lessor turned away.
 ''If you will allow me-" he begged, 'T am going to telephone to my friend. MT. Sanford Quest the criminologist-
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