Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-04-10

did intr0ductIOns, one or Wnlcn nave Anu
I've based neat little forgery on 1t. Here's
La Foutaine's photograph, Keep your eye
on me and take lesson on how to get into
the skin of another man. l want to get into
that villa the worst kind Of way. 1t keeps
going through my head that there is some
connection between 1t and that old junk hut
or garage we've skylarked in once or twice.
al recolect the place." observed Baird
dryly. "They nearly had me there one day."
Hunt went to work rapidly and skillfully,
and within the stipulated time presented an
appearance that was near enough to that Of
the real artist to fool the ordinary eye.
"Great work" cried Baird, " / tell you
what: You enter the villa and get estab-
lished, and | on my part will see where that
garage trap door leads to-"
At that afternoon Hunt armed with his
forged introduction, presented himself at the
front door Of the Du Val villa. He was ush-
cred in by the pompous footman. The
pseudo-artist was requested to be seated.
Then the footman took the letter upstairs to
his mistress, who was more delighted by the
letter than the thought of being painted.
She had met the distinguished French noble
man but twice. and It lattered her greatly
to believe that she had been remembered
And, more than this, the famous artist had
once noted her singular beauty and never
would be happy until he had put 1t upon
canvas.
Thus Hunts initial reception was most
cordial. Madam Du Val would be delighted
to give him as many sittings as he desired.
Baird met Hunt short distance from
the villa and the two Of them walked toward
town.
"What luck?" asked the. reporter.
:" 1t was the easiest bit Of work ever did.
When you tickle womans vanity you blind
her I'm going to put up at one of the ho-
tells. She might have it in her mind to call
me up to change the hour of appointment.
Tomorrow III begin to outline her features.
You can take Il from me, though that she'll
never hang this portrait anywhere for her
friends to see What ! want is few min
utes alone inside that villa, when they think
I'm outside of Il. That's the ticket, and it
may take a week or two TO make the play"
Later, when they reached another part of
the town, Baird caught Hunt by the arm.
See that old codger ahead of usY'
Hunt nodded
" WE'LL that's the diamond cutter told you
about. Suppose we run along after him and
see where he goesT
The old man led them to his den without
so much as single glance over his shoulder,
Hunt agreed TO go inside while Baird stood
on guard outside. Half an hour later Hunt
reiolucd the reporter.
al have seen Capt Radcliffe so in there" !"
said Baird, "and I've just been thinking
hard"
" MOI cried the detective jestlngly.
That bearded man In Montana and the
captain shape up good deal alike"
" So much alike that I'm certain they are
one and the same I've leen thinking, too
But when fisherman casts his net he first
makes sure that there are no holes in IL
That old lapidary's face is known to me-
Half the smuggled gems go to him; but we
can't arrest the old boy, It's only logical that
II some one brings him stone TO cut he cuts
1t without asking questions. But I'm hanged
II don't stop some OF the men who go there
I can't bother with him now. want Madam
Du yal's portrait started
Four days later at half after lat th'
Same moment Zudora and Storm set out upol