Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1917-09-07

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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
matter" he pursued.
"And thought l might possibly be able
to help straighten it out"
"I<ind Of you, I'm sure" But the
tone of Mrs. Merrilees completely be-
lied this statement. "Have you any
thing to propose"
IF might have the privilege of
word in private" the deputy suggest
ed blandly.
Quoin made as If to withdraw.
swat. please. This is Mr.. Quoin.
You may have heard Of him."
"Who hasn'tT' 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.
mol" Mrs. Merrilees 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"
"WellY
1T will save you great deal Of
trouble to produce the original collar,
nav the 1uty on IT, and"
"Quoin!' Betty exclaimed in a tone
of irritated perplexity. "What can this
person meanY
Quoin was silent.
II don't mean," the deputy pursued,
unabashed, ITO be offensive; but-the
inference is unavoidable. You are
known to have purchased valuable
pearl collar in Paris"
II believe declared It'll"
But upon examination you produce
only a comparatively worthless imita-
ton, and assert that you have been
robbed Of the original"
II ASSERT have asserted nothing"
Mrs. Merrilees drew long breath,
closed her teeth with vindictive snap,
and reopened them to observe with
whitening distinctness, go away! You
are insolent! You presume-oh, you
annoy me! Do go-before forget my
self!
1--WE can't assess an imitation at the
| value Of the real necklace, of course
and yet we know that the original is
coming into this country by this boat. y
"Then permit me to recommend the
other passengers to your attention"
"We'll do our best to overhaul them
all, promise you. But If the goods
don't turn up, we'll feel reluctantly
compelled to make a thorough search
: not only Of your luggage but Of your
self as well, Mrs. Merrilees."
"Quoinp Mrs. Merrilees appealed.
The Investigator shook his head
ITS too bad; but I really don't see
what's to be done about 1t. These peo
pie have the power to make things
mighty unpleasant for you unless"
"What, you too?" she Kissed, witt
vast dramatic expression.
mo, moi" Quoin protested hastily
"Don't misunderstood me. I'm onl!
afraid that, unless the necklace shows
up. you'll have to submit"
Every WE'LL" With shrug of de
fiance, Mrs. Merrilees showed Quoil
an ungra ious back. To the deput.
she added with blighting disdain, "G'
ahead. And while you're finding moth
ing in my trunks you may as well Sent
for a female inspector to search me
But every one of you will suffer TO
this-or I'll know the reason whyl"
I'm sorry, madam"
But there wasn't much uneasines
betrayed in the deputy collectors man
ner as he signed to the inspector to d.
his hateful duty.
The three friends Of Mrs. Merrilees
y on the other hand, were acutely uncom
fortable-Quoin In disgrace, Pete
Trait firmly convinced that the deput
a was right and consequently afraid t
A meet Betty's eyes, and Lydia not onl
4 sore distressed with misgivings. but re
PEELED by Betty's attitude.
And this was the phase Of the affai
- disclosed to Craven when he hustle
r up aglow with satisfaction.
d "Hello. people! I'm all clear. Ha
.. the deuce Of q time-the silly ass want
ed to rock me for buds brought in a
long ago as 1908; but What's tn
II rowT
n This last was in q tone RADICAL
" changed. and at the same instant hi
"a fancee decided to acknowledge him o
In probation, however rigidly she Nigh
At elect to deny the rest Of humanity.
10 she unbent enough to beckon him wit
" a nod; and Craven hurried on to g
n. his answer from the one most col