The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1918-05-02
ELUSIVE VIOLET
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BY JACK LAYTON.
XSGSESES&NGNGS


rs companion, q middle-aged man
smiling In secret complacence at tn
paper across his knee, upon the lief
the vacant seat was by the side of
young and beautiful woman. TIL
young woman, meeting Margery's un
decided glance, smiled invitingly ant
moved nearer the window. Returnint
the smile. Margery dropped into the
place and the young woman adjusted
the costly fur collar of her cloak, SC
that 1t made a 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.
'WiIl you note the picture" she said,
f'of jewels stolen last night from Judge
Markhams residence? 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 a moment
'sDo not be startled" the young woman
went on, land please do not betray by
a movement that l am speaking to
you. If you will read farther down the
column you will learn that 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 motionless-unconcern
TO disobey the sweet debating voice
seemed impossible. THANK you" con-
tinued the voice. 81 am obliged to
speak quickly, as time is scarce.
Across the aisle from US is a famous
detective. Many times to his humilia-
tion have 1 eluded his skill. l wish |
to elude him now. You must have !
that reward"
Margery caught her breath. st will |
all be quite simple. Reading the no.
tice and seeing the pictured jewels.
you turned to your establishment, to
find the necklaces counterpart obtrud-
ling from my sleeve. If you will look
tat the arm beneath the fold of my
cloak, you will see that this is so.
Swiftly, you are TO lean over and take
at in your possession, then summoning
1.-THE conductor you may declare your
discovery, and insist that he hold me
prisoner And-Mr. Oliver Haines,
detective, will be cheated-of his
prey"
Margery rested her head against the
back of the seat, holding the paper
wide. 81 can't do it." she
;murmured. 81 couldn't benefit that
way. If you wish to Illustrate the de-
itective, why don't you confess TO the
Give yourself up-please,
now, he's coming this way. 1t may
make it easier for you in the end.
You poor little fool" came back I
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 a pretty n
slick young detective and she's got me =
al right Found the goods in my
,uff, where she seemed to expect them
% be. What I'm asking you is this: n
amt we get out quietly, without any
picture swapping or fuss? Do you
want me to go with you-now?" P
The conductor wheeled around at
harply. "Haines," he called, "come be
lere." Then he stopped to shake hands llt
With Margery. pr
Congratulations. MISS" he said y, 4
So, you've recognized the gamer" the If
elective inquired blandly, 'been shad- an
wing Miss Violet Armand since she he
Eft her apartment this morning. ee
new we had her this time, sure. Go
lg to put on the brakes and take her of
fl next station. No use making too sa
luch excitement on the way" vi
He turned laughing to the lovely ho
Dung woman who calmly adjusted her m.
oak. 1.-The elusive Violet" he
ocked MS,
With graceful motion she waved sec
sr hand toward Margery, who sat be-
ilderedly gazing at soft packet on us'
sr own lap. an; am
Sorry to dlsappoint you. Mr.. SN
aines," drawled the culprit, but this M.
ever little lady here has forestalled !
chance from the moment san
r eyes spied me out from the door Ma
~. Couldn't have done better work
yself, the jewels are In her posses
~"
Then Violet Armand turned to the Goa
/ in the thin. shabby suit Don't \
u worry. child" she smiled, good sig1
havior will cut my sentence short. of I
Then" asked Margery eagerly, dec
Ill you let me try to help your? per'
Others have tried,r the prisoner an oee'
cred, then the shrewd face softened. ~