The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-04-20

friend. Hefdsi My great detective, are
you not a 1ittle-I will not say stupid
a little innocent to-day? You will not
think harm of NJ. Ophir. Tres bien:
Give me for moment your watch and
chain"
He leaned across the table, and as if
by magic Mr.. Beck's watch and chain
were in his hands. A heavy gold watch
with a heavy gold curb chain that fitted
to the waistcoat buttonhoie with gold
bar. :.
Now observe; this will be our case"
With rapid dexterous fingers he fash
toned a copy of the Westn,snster Gazette
into the semblance of a jewel-case with
closely fitting lid. He opened the box
wide, put the watch and chain in, so that
Mr.. Beck could see it plainly inside, and
closed the lid with two fingers only.
There was no deception.
He pushed the box across the table
cloth to Mr. Beck, who opened it found
it empty.
But where has it gomez" he cried.
Behold, it is there" said NJ. Grabeau,
tapping him on the capacious waiStcoat
II could have sworn saw you put it
into the case and leave it there"
"Eh bien! So could the men of this
NJ. Ophir of whom you speak. / put it
in your pocket, he put it in his OWL Be
| hold all the QincfenCc. his plan was,
oh so much easier"
name of most decent and respectable
man."
NJ Grabeau snapped his fingers in con-
temptuous anger. This man." he said,
.T know him, have had what you cali
ufflings-dealings with him. He is
cold, but he is cunning. He called me
me. Alphonse >Grabeau one cheat. Now
I, Alphonse Grabeau call him, M. Ophir,
ore thief, and I will prove it. He has
stolen the diamonds. ! will help you, my
friend, to run him up"
II am obliged, monsieur, I rather
thought from the first you could give me
tomorrow if I have anything to say to
your"
81 will be in my leet1e establishment
until two hours of the afternoon. AT
four I will be here at my dinner In the
evening l will be in the saloon of the
Duke of Doubleditch. At any time
will be glad to talk to you of this case
of this NJ Ophir, the thief. But you must
be punctual, for 1 am a man of the
!! minute"
Quite sure you are going to the
Dukes in the EVENING""
ct is equally certain as a nusket"
ooh, very we'll, if I don't see you a
the shop l will see you at dinner"
. M. Grabeau drained the last drops o.
:. his glass of whisky and water cold
picked up his cane and hat and gloves
took cigarette from his neat little sill
yer case, and stuck it in his mouth TN
lighted
Mr.. Beck rose at the same moment
Good evening, monsieur" he said ad
miringly, Il must shake hands with yo-
if it was to be the last time. I Away
thought you were almighty clever, but
never rightly knew how clever you ar
until tonight. 1t is a laundering pit
that"
WHAT" asked M Grabeau sharply
for Mr.. Beck paused in the very middl
of his sentence.
That, that you are not one of us tina
your talents didn't get fair play and full
scope in the right direction"
M. Grabeau beamed at the compliment
and went out beaming.
Mr.. Beck called for a second helpin,
of boiled mutton, and ate it slowly Hi
face and manner were more vacuou
than ever
Something of special importance plain
1y must have detained Mr.. Beck, for
was a quarter past two next day whei
he walked with a quick swinging step u
to the "leetle establishment" of M Ora
beau, in Wardour Street He paused 70
one moment before the window where a
sorts of ingenious and precious knick
knacks and triies were temptingly ar
ranged, then walked into the shop.
There was young man of about nine
teen years alone behind the counter.
"Good-day., Jacob" said Mr.. Becl
Master out?"
Just gone a quarter of an hour ago.
ooh. well, I'll see him later on B
the way, Jacob, that's a new thing yo
have-the coral necklet and brooch Their
in the window. Will you let me have
peep at it?"
Jacob took the case from the windo,
and set it on the counter. The set was
fine specimen of carved coral linked wit
fine gold in. a case of faded brow
morocco and dingy white velvet thu
looked as old as themselves
Mr.. Beck with intent admiration ir
spected the trinkets for fully five mir
to get a better view. He seemed muc
interested in smear of what looked Xix
damp gum on the edge of the leather.
whats the damage, jacob" he aske
at last
Not for sale, sir Master cautione
me four different times-not for sale. n
matter what price l might be offered"
II "Ahl" said Mr.. Beck meditativel
We'll. it is not SO much the red affairs
= want as the box they are in. Ny auI
desired me to get her one for brooc
le and necklace she picked up cheap at
sale, and this would about do. You WEI
a not forbidden to sell the box, were yo
&c jacob"
a 81 don't say l won't sell it to oblige
lie friend of the master. if get fair priS
st for it What would you say to a so'
ereign now"
l. Mr.. Beck said nothing to sovereig
= but he produced the coin in questio
from his waistcoat pocket, placed it c
. the counter. turned the contents of II
lg case out in jingling heap, put the ca,
l. itself in his pocket, and walked out
the shop.
III The smart-looking assistant gaze
blankiy at the stout figure moving raj