Graham guardian., 1918-02-01
ELUSIVE VIOLET
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BY JACK LAWToN.

seats, as Margery entered the car, and
she hGsltated undecidedly between
them. Upon the right she would have
as companion, a middle-aged man,
smiling In secret complacence Mt the
paper across his knee, upon the left
the vacant seat was by the side Of a
young and beautiful woman. The
young woman, meeting Margery's un-
decided glance, smiled invitingly and
moved nearer the window. Returning
the smile. Margery dropped into the
place, and the young woman adjusted
the costly fur collar of her cloak, so
that 1t made sort of screen about her
lovely face, then her jeweled hands
rested idly upon her lap.
Margery opened the morning paper,
and gazed wistfully at an illustrated
advertisement Of a neat, heavy cloak.
The light little suit she was wearing,
was now quite inadequate to the win
try weather.
From behind the shelter Of her col
lar the young woman spoke softly.
"will you note the picture" she said,
"of jewels stolen last night from Judge
Markham's resldence7 The theft was
discovered after an evening reception.
The diamond necklace with pendant, Is
originally beautiful, So, also, the set
ting Of that antique cameo"
The low voice paused moment.
do not be startled" the young woman
went on, "and please do not .betray by
q movement that I am speaking to
you. If you will read farther down the
column you will learn that a reward
of FIVE hundred dollars is offered for
the capture Of the society thief-more,
for the return Of the jewels. I stole
them all. They are now concealed In
the fur cuffs Of my cloak"
Margery bent lower over the paper
she was holding, her cheeks were burn
ing, her eyes painfully downcast In an
effort to be otionless-unconcer
To dlsobey the sweet debating voice
seemed impossible. "Thank you," con-
tinued the voice. II am obliged to
speak quickly, as time is scarce.
Across the aisle from us is famous
detective. Many times to his humilia-
ton have L eluded his skill. / wish
to elude him now. You must have
that reward"
Margery caught her breath. ut will
all be quite simple. Reading the no.
tice and seeing the pictured jewels,
you turned to your astonishment, to
find the necklaces counterpart obtrud-
ing from my sleeve. If you will look
at the arm beneath the fold Of my
cloak, you will see that this Is sos
Swiftly, you are to lean over and take
1t In your possession, then summoning
the conductor you may declare your
discovery, and insist that he hold me
prisoner. And-Mr. Oliver Haines,
detective, -wifl be cheated-of his
prey"
Marsery rested her head against the
back Of the seat, holding the paper
wide, II can't do It," she
nurmured. II couldn't benefit that
way. If you wish to Illustrate the de-
tective, why don't you confess to the
conductor? Give yourself up-please,
now, he's coming this way. 1t may
make 1t easier for you In the end.
"You poor little fool" came back
the soft voice at her side. "You poor
dear, little fool" And then the con-
ductor stood awaiting their tickets.
Lazily the young woman leaned for
ward. "Mr. Conductor" she said. do
you notice the illustration spread out on
this lady's lap? Well, she's q pretty
slick young detective, and she's got me
all right! Found the goods in my
cuff, where she seemed to expect them
to be. What I'm asking you is this:
Can't we get out quietly, without any
picture swapping or fuss? Do you
want me to 60 with you-nowT
The conductor wheeled around
sharply. "Haines," he called, "come
here Then he stopped to shake hands
with Margery. -
Congratulations, MISS" he said.
$50. you've recognized the game" the
detective inquired blandly, "been shad-
owing Miss Violet Armand since she
left her apartment this morning.
Knew We had her this time, sure. Go
Ing to put on the brakes and take her
of next station. No use making too
much excitement on the way"
He turned laughing to the lovely
young woman who calmly adjusted her
cloak. "The elusive Violet" he
With a graceful motion she waved
her hand toward Margery, who sat be-
gazing at soft packet on
her own lap.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Mr..
Haines," drawled the culprit, "but this
clever little lady here has forestalled
q chance from the moment
her eyes spied me out from the door
way. Couldn't have done better work
myself, the jewels are in her posses
sion"
Then Violet Armand turned to the
girl In the thin, shabby suit. Don't
you worry, child" she smiled, good
behavior will cut my sentence short"
'"Then," asked Margery eagerly,
"will you let me try to help your"
"Others have tried" the prisoner an
swered, then the shrewd face softened.
"But the others were not like you,"
he said.