The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-01-11


breathe.
But began the chief, seized
with sudden misgivings.
ut Is impossible, | tell you" inter-
rupted Hamilton. Il know this gentle
man is incapable of the theft There
is some frightful mistake. How the
dickens did you get here. Dicky?"
And briefly l tolG him my story, my
ass's ears growing inch by inch as |
went along. Hamilton didn't know
whether to swear or to laugh finally
he laughed.
IF you wanted to come, why didn't
you write me for an invitation?"
Il shouldn't have come to your old
ball, had / been invited. 1t was just
the idea of the lark"
We shall have to hold him, never
theless," said the chief. till every
thing is cleared up. The girl"
Hamilton looked at the Blue Domi-
no.
Madame, will you do me the honor
to raise your mask?"
She did so; and I saw Hamilton
draw in his breath Her beauty was
certainly of an exquisite pattern. He
frowned anXiously.
Il never saw this young women be
fore" he admitted slowly.
"Ha," cried the chief, glad to find
some one culpable.
Did you receive your invitation
through the proper channels?" asked
Hamilton
Il came here tonight, ,"-coldly, ION
the invitation of Mrs. Hyphen-Bonds,
who sailed for Europe Wednesday"
Here was an alibi that was an
alibi! | was all at sea. Hamilton
bowed; the chief coughed worriedly
behind his hand. The girl had told
me she was an impostor like myself,
that her ten Of hearts was as dark
stained as my own. could not make
head or tail to it. Mrs. Hyphen-
Bonds. She was a law in the land.
especially in Blankshire, the larger
part of which she owned. What did
it all mean? And what was her idea
in posing as an impostor?
The door opened again.
THE patrol has come" said the OF
ficer who entered.
Let 1t wait" growled the CHIEF.
"Haggerty has evidently got us all
balled up. | don't believe his fashion
able thief has materialized at all; just
common crook. Well, he's got him,
at any rate, and the gems"
You have. of course, the general
invitation" said Hamilton.
Here is it,"-&and she passed the
engraved card to him.
Il beg a thousand pardons!" said
Hamilton humbly. Everything seems
to have gone wrong"
viii you guarantee this man."
asked the chief of Hamilton. nodding
toward me.
Il have said so. Mr. Comstalk Is
very we'll known to me- He is a re-
tired army officer, and to my knowl-
edge man with an income sufficient
to put him far beyound want"
What is your name?" asked the
chief of the girl, scowling. 1t was quite
evident he couldn't understand her
actions any better than I.
Alice Hawthorne" with an oblioue
glance at me.
had been right!
What is your occupation? l am
obliged to ask these questions, Miss"
I am miniature painter,"-brief1y
Hamilton came forward. Alice
Hawthorne? Pardon me, but are you
the artist who recently completed the
miniature of the Emperor of Germany.
the Princess of Hesse, and Mrs. Hy-
Il am. ! believe there Is no fur
ther reason for OBTAINING me-"
Emperor of Germany" echoed the
now bewildered chief why didn't
you tell all this to Mr.. Haggerty?"
Il had my reGsons."
Once again the door opened. A bur.
ly man In dark business-suit entered.
His face was ruddy and his little grey
eyes sparkled with suppressed ire. He