Williams news., 1917-10-18

Don't deceive yourself. Every man on the force knows 1t was your agent who secretly purchased that three-hun- | dred thousand franc pearl-and-dia- mond collar at Cottier's in Paris" But I've quite made up my mind never to stoop to anything so truly low as smuggling" Over this virtuous protestation Mrs. Merrilees pursed prim lips belied by dancing eyes; then broke down and joined in a general laugh as Craven reappeared with a small dispatch box | of black metal.
 "Mayn't I giggle too?" he inquired plaintively, looking from face to face as he delivered the box to its owner
 Not worth repeating" his fiancee reported, fitting a key into the lock. T was merely swearing I meant to be good-when every blessed drop of blood in me cries out against the sin full extravaganza of paying duty on this!"
 Opening the dispatch box, she re moved a handsome jewel case of grained morocco, unlocked this in turn, and disclosed that same necklace which Quoin had just named, watch ing with a smile of gratified vanity the effect on her four friends.
 At length, "Sixty thousand dollars?'' Quoin inquired listlessly.
 My dear man, I do believe you've seen the bill !'
 Smiling, the detective shook his head.
 Worth half as much again." Mrs. Merrilees affirmed. "Cottier wanted | ninety"
 "They seem perfectly matched" Quoin pursued, knitting his brows but I'd like to look at them in a stronger light"
 "Take them out into the sun, if yol like"
 Craven sat forward in nervous i'm patience. Do be reasonable" he ex, postulated. Its sheer idiocy to have that thing up here at all. with God knows who spying! And there are some queer fish aboard-eh, Quoin P
 "Rather" the detective agreed dryly.
 Please be advised!" Craven urged Lock that thing up again and let me take it back to the purser."
 "Tad, you're tiresomel" Mrs. Merri. lees began.
 But Quoin interrupted. Craven is right"
 ."Oh, wellI If you will spoil every. thing, take all the fun out of my sur. prise."
 "Surprise?" Peter echoed.
 Mrs. Merrilees nodded emphatically Look well at them, my friends; fol the minute I get them through the customs, to safe deposit they go and there remain" She paused deliberate ly, with challenging smile.
 "Why" Peter demanded blankly Don't you ever mean to wear lem Betty"
 She shook her head. "They're moi l should wear them, just to be sassy about 1t. But since I don't dare, mean to keep them for q wedding pres ent to my stepdaughter-if ever have one" She closed the case with a snap
 Lydia sat back with a little gasp her eyes blank with confusion. QuoiI laughed an odd, brief laugh, ant glanced askance at Craven. This las turned to his betrothed with a star tied gesture and lips that gaped. Pc ter Trait alone betrayed no abnorma emotion. Grinning cheerfully, h, watched the two women, absorbed il each other-Lydia finding breatl Merrilees, you mustn't" the other con firming her intention with an emphati, nod and the statement, "But I've mad, up my mind, dear; so you may as wei give me my head. Besides, you prom ised always to call me Betty"
 Locking the metal box, she rose Come, Tad. I owe my appetite fiv, more laps round the deck before lunch con. Peter, please take this back tt the purser and get his receipt. I you're afraid, Lydia1l go along to pro tect you"
 "What becomes of me?' Quoip de manded with mock truculence.
 You're to walk the other side O. me-" the lady ordered imperiously "and help me make Tad behave"
 Craven breathed heavily. "Whethe I like it or not" With a last reluc tant glance at the treasure box, h, rose and somewhat sulkily prepared to obey orders.