The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-02-25
CHAPTER xxv11.-tcontinued)

tneIn ali rlBnt-yeS, even TO the pnotO-
graph on his passport! That's plain
enough now, amt it, II people only had
as good foresight as they have hind
sight. how easy 1t would bel"
Look here. Grady" said God
frey, more kindly. 81 haven't
anything against you person
ally, and admit that 1t was foolish OF
me to stand there talking to Crochard
and never suspect who he was. But
that's all beside the mark. You're at
the head OF the detective bureau, and
you're the man who is responsible for
all this. You're energetic enough and
all that; but you're not fit for your job
Its too big for you. and you know 1t.
Take my advice, and go to the phone
there and send in your resignation"
Grady stared at him as though I'M
able to believe his ears.
phone in my resignation" he
echoed. What kind OF a fool do you
think ann"
Il see you're a bigger one than I
thought you We're! Your pull can't
help you any longer Grady"
Was 1t to tell me that you got me
over here?"
NO" said Godfrey. "all this is just
incidental-you began the discussion
yourself didn't you? got you here to
meet ."
The outer door opened again. and
Godfrey looked toward it, smiling.
"Mooseer Piggott!" announced the
office boy.
And then I almost bounced from my
seat, for would have sworn that the
man who stood on the threshold was the
man who had opened the secret drawer.
He came forward. looking from face
to face; then his eyes met Godfreys
and he smiled.
Behold that 1 am here, monsieur" he
Nd II 70 tA1 az hn
for 1t was the voice OF Crochard. Il
hope that have not kept you waiting"
mot at all, NJ. Pigot," Godfrey as
sured him, and placed chair for him.
I could see Grady and Simmonds
gripping the arms OF their chairs and
staring at the newcomer. their mouths
open; and 1 knew the thought that
was flashing through their brains was
this Pigot?. Or was the man who had
opened the cabinet Pigot? Or was
was neither Pigot? Was II possible
that this could be a different man than
the one who had opened the cabinet?
I confess that some such thought
flashed through my own mind-a sus-
pician that Godfrey in some way. was
playing with us.
Godfrey looked about at us, smiling
as he saw our expressions.
Il went down the bay this morning
and met the SaVoie," he said. II relat
ed to NJ. Pigot last nights occurrences,
and begged him to be present at this
meetings. He was good enough to
agree. / assure you" he added see
ing Grady's look. that this is NJ. PigOt,
of the Paris Service du Surete, and not
Orchard"
"Oh, yes" said NJ. Pigot, with a de-
precating shrug. Il am myself--and
greatly Inundated that l should have
fallen so readily into the trap which
Crochard set for me. But he is n very
clever man."
"It was certainly a marvellous dis
guise." 1 said. 1T was more than that
1T was an representation"
"Cochard has had occasion to study
me-" explained M. Pigot, drily. And
he is an artist in whatever he does.
But some day shall get him-every
pitcher to the we'll goes once too often.
There is no hope of finding him here
in New York;"
Il am afraid not" said Godfrey.
Don't be too sure Of that" broke in
Grady ponderously. Il amt done yet
not by no manner of nieans!"
Pardon me for not introducing you.
M. Pigot," said Godfrey. This gen.
tleman is Mr.. Grady, who has been
the head Of our detective bureau; this
is Mr.. Simmonds, a member OF his
staff; this is Mr.. Lester an attorney
and friend of mine; and this is Mr..
Shearrow, my personal counsel. Mr.
Grady, Mr.. Simmonds and Mr.. Lester
were present, last night" he added
blandly, when Crochard opened the
secret drawer"
Grady Redeemed visibly, and even l
felt my face grow hot. M. Pigot looked
at US with smile Of amusement.
1T must have been a most interest
ing experience" he said, Ito have seen
Crochard at work. I have never had
that privilege. But I regret that he
should have made good his escape"
More especially since he took the
Michaelovitch diamonds with him."
added.
Before we go into that" said God
frey, with q little smile, there are one
or two questions should like to ask
you, M. Pigot, in order to clear up
some minor details which are as yet a
little obscure. Is 1t true that the theft
Of the Michaelovitch diamonds was
planned by Crochard?"
Undoubtedly. No other thief In
France would be capable OF IT,"
us 1t also true that no direct EVIL
dence could be found against him?'
THAT also is true monsieur. He had
arranged the affair so cleverly that we
were wholly unable to convict him,
unless we should find him with the
stolen brillants in his possession"
And you were not able to do that?'
mo; we could discover no trace of
the brilliants, though We searched for
them everywhere" 49,
But you did not know OF the Boule
cabinet and Of the secret drawer?"
NO; OF that we knew nothing. ]
must examine that famous cabinet"
1T is worth examining. And II has
an interesting history. But you did
know, Of course, that Crochard would
seek a market for the diamonds here in
American" q.
I'VE knew that he would try to dc
so, and we did everything in our pow
er to prevent II. We especially relied
upon your customs department &c
search most thoroughly the belongings
Of evry person with whom they were
not personally acquainted"
The customs people did their part, "
said Godfrey with q chuckle. They
have quite upset the country. But the
diamonds got in, In spite Of them. For
of course, a cabinet imported by q mar
30 we'll known and so above suspicion
as Mr.. Vantine was passed without
question:"
YES" agreed M. Pigot. little bitter.
ly. TT was a most clever plan; and
now, no doubt, Crochard can sell thu
brilliants at his leisure"
"Not II you've got a good description
Of Them" protested Grady. TN MAKE
1t a point to warn every dealer In thu
country; I'll keep my whole force OF
the job; I'll get Chief Wilkie to LEND
me some OF his men