The Jasper news. [volume] (Jasper, Missouri) 1898-1924, 1917-09-06

.5E5E5EEE5EEl lEREE5SsEEE5a[ll
do was to take things seriously, es-
pecially out loud?"
"You're-horridl |"
The adjective was childish; but
Lydia wasn't in a mood to search for
one more dlgnified. She turned frosty
shoulder to the young man; but the
seed of suspicion had been planted in
the mind of one who couldn't forget
how lightly Betty had confessed to
prior exploits in the gentlewomanly
art of smuggling, and her laughing con-
fession that nothing but sheer fright
would prevent her attempting again to
outwit the custom house.
And even while this memory was
troubling her the affair took turn to
fix doubt Of Betty firmly in Lydla's
mind.
1t began with the return of the in
spector, accompanied by the custom
house official In charge of the pier-a
middle-aged man, this one, with a
rather consequential manner, gold
trimmed eyeglasses, and not unkindly
expression.
Mrs, Merrilees, believer" he asked
with much urbanity.
| Mrs. Merrilees interrupted herself
abruptly to turn and examine the
deputy with the eye of disfavor. "Yes|
she asked brusquely.
The deputy introduced himself. "The
inspector has just informed me of this
-er-unfortunate matter" he pursued.
"And thought might possibly be able
to help straighten it out"
kind of you, I'm sure" But the
tone of Mrs. Merrilees completely be-
lied this statement. "Have you any
thing to propose?"
"If l might have the privilege Of a
word in private" the deputy suggest
ed blandly.
Quoin made as If to withdraw.
"Wait, please. This is Mr.. Quoin.
You may have heard of him."
"Who hasn't?" the deputy returned
pleasantly. proud to meet you, SIR"
"Mr. Quoin has kindly volunteered
to help me in this-outrage. Anything
you wish to say he may hear"
''As you please, madam, but" The
glance of the deputy veered significant
ly to Peter and Lydia.
"Now Mrs. Merrllees insisted warm
ly. "You can have nothing to say that
any of my friends may not hear"
"Then, madam-permit me to advise
you, in all Difference"
"Well?"
ut will save you great deal of
trouble to produce the original collar
pay the duty on it, and"
"Quoin" Betty exclaimed in a tone
Of irritated perplexity. "What can this
person mean?
Quoin was silent.
II don't mean" the deputy pursued
unabashed, "to be offensive; but-tht
inference is unavoidable. You are
known to have purchased a valuable
pearl collar in Paris"
81 believe ] declared 1t !"
"But upon examination you produce
only comparatively worthless imita
ton, and assert that you have beer
robbed of the original"
81 assert! have asserted nothing.
Mrs. Merrilees drew long breath
closed her teeth with a vindlctive snap
and reopened them to observe will
withering distinctness, go away Yo,
are insolent! You presume-oh, yo1
annoy me! Do go-before forgetmy
self! !"
eve can't assess an imitation ut tn
value of the real necklace, of course
and yet we know that the original /
' coming into this country by this boat.
- "Then permit me to recommend tn
other passengers to your attention"
8 "We'll do our best to overhaul then
a all, 1 promise you. But If the good
don't turn up, Wen feel reluctantly
Y compelled to make thorough search
: not only of your luggage but Of your
I: self as well. Mrs. Merrilees."
q "Quoin !" Mrs. Merrilees appealed.
The investigator shook his heat
"It's too bad; but really don't Sc
I what's to be done about it. These pee
@ pie have the power to make thing
8 mighty unpleasant for you unless"
t "What, you too?" she hissed, wit
G vast dramatic expression.
Q 'No, mol" Quoln protested hastil.
G Don't misunderstood me. Pm onl
u afraid that, unless the necklace show
up, you'll have to submit"
81 Every we'll" With a shrug of d.
flance, Mrs. Merrilees showed Quoi
n an ungracious back. To the deput
r. she added with blighting disdain, &c
s. ahead. And while you're finding not