Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1915-08-05

everything your own way. Hold on
drtveri" he called out the window.
"weIl get out here"
As they ahghted on tho sidewalk,
they saw the other hack Just driving
away from the door OF Balderston's
house. half block further on, and q
moment later the door of the house
was heard to close.
"She has gone in," remarked the
detective. ''and imagines herself
safe. You can introduce me as a
friend OF yours. and then lead the
conversation up to the point. Remem-
Der that the more agitation you be-
tray, the greater will be her advan-
tage over you"
Balderston opened the door with
his latoh-key, and they entered
quietly. They went upstairs at once,
their feet scarcely sounding on the
soft carpet. There was a sitting
room in the front of the house, and
a library at the back. A glance
showed that Mrs. Balderston was in
the library. She had certainly i'm
proved her time. In tho FIVE minutes
or less allowed her, she had slipped
out Of her tight dress, thrown on an
elegant neslige, got her feet into a
coquettish pair Of Turkish slippers,
provided herself with a novel, and
esconced herself costly on a sofa
drawn up TO the table, so that the
light from the lamp fell over her
shoulders. Leaving the detective
temporarily in the shadow Of the
sitting-room, Balderston was In the
library before his wife was aware Of
him. At all events she started as
with surprise, and exclaimed
"oh. Dick! you quite frightened
me! Have you been to the club?"
Eyes. Did you and your cousin
enjoy the Star theater?"
"oh, tolerably. But how pale you
look, dear, are you ill?"
Not In the least. They. brought
you home in their carriage, I sup
poser"
"Of course. 1 have been back
nearly an hour. Sit down. won't
you, Dick? 1 have just sent for
Marie to bring some tea. You shall
take cup with me, will you mott 2
I'm sure you need IT,"
Thank you. Before we take tea
together. let me introduce to you a
friend of mine, Mr.. Turbot" Here
he turned back to the sitting-room
and drew in the detective, who acted
as II much embarrassed, and said
aom afhinU IN ppldarotop " N b,r
ried undertone, to which the broker
paid no, attention. Possibly you
may have seen Mr.. Turbot before7"
he added, eying her intently.
Her face expressed only cour-
teous though slightly surprised well
come. She rose and inclined her
head gracefully.
This Is the first time 1 have had
the pleasure. He will excuse my
costume. I did not know"
my dear SIR" interposed the de-
tective. hastily. turning to Balder-
ston, II wish to say to you"
zone moment, If you please" the
other broke In, his voice rising. 81
need no advice. Clara-Mrs. Balder-
ston-answer me this: Did you meet
any one in the park behind the res
ervoir this afternoon?" A look OF
perplexity came into her face; he
hurried on angrily and excitedly,
shaking off the warning hand that
the detective laid on his arm. "Will
you deny that you dined with that
fellow in. Sixth Avenue oyster
dive? That you went with him to a
Bowery concert saloon? That you
afterwards followed him to low re-
sort on"
Richard" said Mrs. Balderston
rising and regarding him with a sad
and indignant glance, "I am afraid
you are not yourself. Mr.. =, your
friend, will excuse me II I ask leave
to retire; l am not accustomed-it is
late-I-"
At this moment the door opened,
and Mrs. Balderston's maid, Marie
entered with the tea tray. AS the de-
tective's eye fell upon her, he start
ed; and then light of comprehen-
sion broke over his countenance
II see 1t all now!" he exclaimed
THAT is the person you pointed out
to me this afternoon. She has been
borrowing her mistress shawl with.
out leave. She has something of the
same figure. too! You have made q
fool of both of us, sir!"
Balderston uttered a cultural ex.
clamation, tottered back, and
dropped into an armchair that was
luckily in the way to receive him.
Marie gazed for a moment at the
detective, turned white, let fall the
tea tray, turned and fled.
What does all this mean?" de-
manded Mrs. Balderston in amaze
ment
1t was an awkward moment.