Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1917-10-25
By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE

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abruptly to turn and examine the
deputy with the eye of disfavor. 'sYesw
she asked brusquely.
The deputy introduced himself. s'The
inspector has just informed me of this
I-er-unfortunate matter" he pursued.
"And I 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 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.
"No!' Mrs. Merrilees insisted warm
ly. you can have nothing to say that
any of my friends may not hear"
'sThen, 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 tone
of irritated perplexity. what can this
person mean?'
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"
| 81 believe declared i'll
"But upon examination you produce
only comparatively worthless imita-
ton, and assert that you have been
| robbed of the original"
II ASSERT / have asserted nothing"
Mrs. Merrilees drew a 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 met 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"
"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
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
"It's too bad; but really don't see
what's to be done about it. These peo-
pie have the power to make things
mighty unpleasant for you unless"
"What, you too?" she Kissed, with
vast dramatic expression.
"No, no." Quoin protested hastily.
Don't misunderstood me. Pm only
afraid that, unless the necklace shows
up, you'll have to submit
Every WE'LL" With a shrug of de-
fance, Mrs. Merrilees showed Quoin
an ungra ious back. To the deputy
she added with blighting disdain, go
ahead. And while you're finding moth
ing in my trunks you may as well send
| for a female inspector to search me.
But every one of you will suffer for
this-or I'll know the reason why!'
| 'Im sorry, madam
But there wasn't much uneasiness
betrayed in the deputy collectors man.
ner as he signed to the inspector to do
his hateful duty.
on the other hand, were acutely uncom-
fortable--Quoin in disgrace, Peter
Trait firmly convinced that the deputy
was right and consequently afraid to
meet Betty's eyes, and Lydia not only
sore distressed with misgivings, but re-
PEELED by Betty's attitude.
And this was the phase Of the affair
| uiSSioocu " CAdVcu when uc UuSticu
up, aglow with satisfaction.
| Hello. people! I'm all clear. Had
the deuce of time-the silly ass want
ed to rock me for buds brought in as
long ago as 1908; but What's the
row."
This last was in tone radically
changed, and at the same instant his
fiancee decided to acknowledge him on
probation, however rigidly she might
elect to deny the rest of humanity. SO
she unbent enough to beckon him with
a nod; and Craven hurried on to get
his answer from the one most con-
cerned.
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