The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-09-01
~And what can I do in the mattery.

SiaHuldtHeT mousse WITH me ana prove
to him that l am guiltless in the mat
ter Of the amber necklace. Also helr
me to find the real THEIR
"You are sure that we can fasten the
guilt upon Simpson,"
Positive" said the other confident.
~. "Can you come home with me now,
Mr.. HarleyT"
Harley was thoughtful for a few
moments. staring at the pale. anxious
face Of his client
Suddenly he jumped up and reached
for his hat and overcoat. 'Let us 20
now. Mr.. Donnay. My car Is at the
door,"
Five minutes later they were speed
ing uptown to the quiet cross street
where the Donnays lived.
During the ride George Harley learn
ed that the household consisted mere
~ Of Colonel Donnay and his grandson.
Gerald, and that the colonel was en-
jOying his usual health.
| When they mounted the brownstone
steps Of the mansion the door opened.
and manservant presented himself.
| He was a quiet, middle aged man with
grazing hair and rosy cheeks and
trustful eyes.
"The valet. Simpson, attending the
door during another servants absence"
guessed Harley, and he was right.
my grandfather. Simpson," de-
manded Gerald sharply.
taking a nap. Mr.. Gerald. and he
begs not to be disturbed"
Every good! Now, Mr.. Harley, sup
pose we go up to the top floor" said
Gerald as he led the way up several
i flights Of richly carpeted stairs to the
top floor of the house.
This is the museum" he announced,
opening a narrow iron door at the
head Of the last staircase, land here is
the place from which the amber neck
lace was stolen"
George Harley glanced around at the
rich collection Of antiques which
crowded the cases and walls of the
narrow gallery. Then he stared down
at the velvet lined tray where the am
Der necklace had temptingly lain.
where is Simpsons room" asked
the lawyer.
ION the floor below-in the wing.
will lead yeu there"
Gerald Donnay started for the door,
but George Harley stopped to pick up
a small pale yellow object from the
floor under the case He slipped It into
his pocket and smiled strangely.
On the winding stair he picked up
another one and was equally reticent
about its finding Gerald Donnay led
the way along narrow hall to door
at the end which gave upon the cor
ridor Of the wing where the servants
were quartered.
Here Is Simpsons ROOM" he said.
throwing open door.
Harley was rising from picking up a
third bead, and he did not detect the
triumphant smile that lighted the
young mans face.
It took them but five minutes to
search the prim belongings Of Abel
Simpson, and It was absurdly plain
that the old valet was clumsy thief.
The amber necklace, a tumble of scat
tered beads, was found in box Of col
lars, half concealed by package of
letters from Simpsons English friends.
''What did l tell your" demanded
Gerald breathlessly.
"Where is the pendant-the canary
diamondT
glove! 1t has disappeared! The old
rascal has recognized its value and un-
doubtedly concealed it wonder what
grandfather will say nowr' chuckled
the young man.
HE will feel bad to think that Simp-
son has deceived him, has been faith
less after ALL" suggested the lawyer
"Of course you know this means i'm
prisonment for Simpson"
Gerald WINGED. "0f course GRANDPA
Their will never prosecute him." he said
hastily. AT least can prove that I
am innocent" he ended in an injured
tone.
II hope So" was Harley's dry reply
as they left the room. "Now, Mr.. Don
nay" he resumed briskly, "show me
the location of your ewn room and that
Of Colonel Donnay, If you please"
Somewhat reluctantly Gerald DON
nay pointed out his own bedroom, a
large front apartment on the same
floor as the servants wing. 1t was
luxuriously furnished and bore evil
dence that Gerald Donnay possessed
an indulgent grandparent.
'-This is my ROOM" said Gerald Inn
patiently. as they entered the room. |
There can't be anything to interest
you here. Mr.. Harley"
The afternoon was closing In. and
the room was growing dim.
"Wouh you mind making a hight. |
Mr.. Donnayr said the lawyer quietly. |
When Gerald Donnay switched en-
the electric lights and turned around |
It was to face the muzzle Of George
Harley's automatic pistol.
The young mans face was a study
in expression as his long jaw slowly |
dropped and his pale eyes started from |
their sockets. Slowly, his shaking |
hands were lifted above his head.
Don't shootw he said weakly.