Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1916-01-25

I0efe III COMPANY with ueT idWstI.
make her claim and prove that 1t be-
longs TO her."
Il am not to be done out of my fee
for the detective work l have accom-
pIished in any such fashion" said the
man Besides. there is a reward Of
fered for the return of the jewelry."
1t would seem that alb had TO do
was to call policeman and direct him
to take US TO the station, where an in
vestigation would take place. My re-
spectability and that of the lady
would be proved, and she could also
bring evidence that the diamond cross
belonged TO her; but, irrespective of
his dislike to going with a police Off
Ger. suppose the man should concoct
story such as he had attempted TO
palm off on me, adding that which
would implicate her? a sensitive per-
son shrinks from accusations. no mat
ter how false. Judging from what l
had seen of the man believed that he
would not hesitate to brand the girl
as thief or to make false statement
to show that l was implicated with
her
This affair."" / said to the man, CIV
ing him a knowing look, had better
be settled between you and me.
think 1 can persuade the young lady
TO recompense you for any loss you
may make in your detective fees
His case was not very strong, and
my suggestion that blackmail would be
paid had q wholesome effect upon
him. He assented to my proposition
and permitted the young lady to go
her way So distressed was she at the
likelihood of being accused of having
stolen her own property that l verify
believe she thought little Of intrusting
her cross to a stranger and would have
preferred to be out Of the scrape rath-
err than remain in 1t In possession of
her property.
| took her name and address, and
as soon as she had gone 1 said to the
man: Come with me. This is no
place to talk" We left the restaurant
together. and 1 asked him if he would
suggest a place where we could hold
conference. He hesitated. | inferred
that he would be glad to take me
where he might get me in his power.
but did not believe that l would be
fool enough to go with him. At any
rate, he said:
Anywhere you like. All wish is to
be assured of my fees and that the
To- xx t. IF no
property"
How about the reward?" l asked
LAS to that" he stammered, IF the
young lady can prove that she owns
the property, then it can't be the same
that am employed to trace
Would you object to going to my
rooms?" l asked.
We were passing a third rate hotel,
and he said he would prefer going in
there, so we entered and went into the
writing room.
How much do you want to let up
on this matterY l asked.
How would five hundred suit your
Make it half that and it is a 60"
Agreed"
took out a pocket check book. He
stopped me. Cash, please he said.
My doubts as to his being a detec-
tive had given place to belief that
he was not, and by this time | felt
sure that he had come down from
scheme to get possession of the cross
to levying blackmail.
Every WELL" / said. "Of course
haven't the amount about me, but !
can send to my bank for it."
l drew check for $3.50 and, calling
a waiter-for he would not permit me
| to leave him-asked him to send the
proprietor to me- When the latter
came l asked him to send the check
| to the bank for the cash on my check.
| He did so, and on receiving it count
ed it carefully, pricking several of the
bills with a pin as 1 did so. Then |
handed the man the money. He left
| the hotel, l following him till l saw
a policeman, whom asked to ar
rest him.
The moment the cop laid hand on
| him and the rascal, turning, saw me
| his countenance fell. After leaving
| him at the police station l called on
the young lady and handed her her
diamond cross. After hearing what
| had occurred since she had left me
with the blackmailer she made no OBJ
| lection to appearing as a witness at
| the trial. The pin pricks in the bills
paid him proved my charge, and he
was sent to the penitentiary for a term
| of years.
l made charming acquaintance in
the young lady, who was very grateful
for my handling of her affair. What
passed between us afterward is a sto-
~ which she tells much better than
can tell II.