Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-08-24
THE PARADISE MYSTERY
BY J. S. Fletcher
Copyright. 1870. ov Alfred A. Knop,. Inc,

ouoerNeu py hidden spectators-these
were things he had read Of in fiction, |
but had never expected to have the luck
70 see In real life. And being gifted
with some powers of Imagination and OF
narrative. he made the most OF his story
10 pair of highly attentive listeners,
each or whom had his, and her, own
reasons for particular attention.
More mystery !" remarked Mary
when Dicks story had come to an end
what a pity they didn't open the par
Gel y She looked at Ransford, who was
evidently In deep thought. II suppose
sure to! he answered, and turned
to Dick. you say Bryce fetched old
Harker--after you and Bryce had watch
ed these operations q bitT Did he say
why he fetched hm?"
Never said anything as to his rea-
sons" answered Dick But. / rather
guessed, at the end, that Bryce wanted
me to keep quiet about It,, only old
aarker said there was no need"
Ranstord made no comment on this.
news, presently went Off to bed
Master Bryce" observed Ranstord,
after a period Of silence, us playing
game What II is, I don't know--put
I'm certain of II. Well, we shall see
You've been much upset by all this" he
went on, after another pause, "and the
knowledge that you have has distressed
me. beyond measure But just nave
little--a very little--more patience, and
things Will be cleared--I cant tell all
that's In my mind, even to you"
Mary. who had been sewing while
Ransford, as was customary with him in
an evening, read the Times to her, look
ed down at her work
II shouldn't care, If only these rumors
in the town--about you--could he
crushed !. she said. IT'S so cruel, so
vile, that such things"
Ransford snapped his fingers.
II don't care that about the rumors -
he answered, contemptuously. They'll
be crushed out just as suddenly as they
arose-and then, perhaps, I'll let certain
folk In WINCHESTER know what ! think
of them. And as regards the suspicion
against me, know already that the only
people in the town sor whose opinion |
care fully accept what / said before
the coroner. As 20 the others, let them
talk If the thing comes to a head pe-
fore its due time"
you make me think that you know
more--much more than you've ever
told me" interrupted Mary
80 | do" he replied And you'll
see in the end why I've kept silence. OF
course II people who don't know as
much will Interfere"
He was interrupted there by the ring
of which he and Mary looked at each
other.
Who can that be-" said Mary. ITS
past 10 o'clock"
Ransford offered no suggestion. He
sat silently waiting. until the parlormaid
entered.
Inspector MItchington would be much
obliged II YOU could give him few
minutes SIR" she said.
RansCord got up from his chair.
Take Inspector Mitchington into the
study" he said. is he alone?"
No, sir--there's gentleman with
him replied tho girl.
"All right. IN be with them pres
both in there and light the gas, po-
maid had gone. They get hold OF the
first idea that strikes them and never
even. lock round for another. You're
not frightened?'
FRIGHTENED? No, Uneasy, yes" re-
piled Mary. What can they want this
time of night?" %
Probably to tell me something about
this romantic tale of Dicks" answered
Ransford as he left the room. "ItIl
be nothing more serious. l assure you"
The two visitors stood near the hearth
--Ransford took good look at them
as he closed the door behind him. Mitch
ingtOn he knew we'll enough. he was
more interested in the other man. a
stranger. A quiet-looking. very ordinary
individual. who might have been half a
dozen things, bat Ransford instantly set
him down as a detective. He turned
from this man TO the Inspector;
Well" he said little brusaue'y'
Sorry to ntrude 50 late, Doctor Rams
ford" answered Mitchington. but !
should be much obliged II you would
give us a bit OF information - badly
wanted, doctor. in view Of recent events.
to be reassuring. I'm sure you can
IL YOU will"
'Sit down" said Ransford. pointing
to chairs. He took one himself and
again glanced at the stranger. ITO
whom am ! speaking in addition to
yourself, Inspector" he asked. I'm not
going to talk to strangers"
"Oh. well !" said Mitchington, little
awkwardly. "Of course. doctor, we've
had to get bit OF professional help
tleman's Detective Sergeant Jettison,
from the Yard"
What Information do you .want'"
asked Ransford.
Mitchington glanced at the door and
"I may as well tell you, doctor" he
said confdentlally. there's been a most
extraordinary discovery made tonight,
which has n bearing on the Braden case.
dare say you've heard of the great
Jewel robbery which took place at the
duke Of Saxonsteade's some years ago.
which has been mystery to this very
day."
II have heard of It," answered Rams
ford.
Very well--tonight those jeweis-the
whole loth1ye oSsr been dseSydred bsaT IT
the thief" continued Mitchington
They've just been examined. and they're
! now in the dukes own hands again
after all these years. And-T may as
! 1,I ha
object OF Bradens visit TO Wrychestei
was 10 tell the duke where those jewels
were hidden. Braden-and another mar
had learned the secret, from the rea
thief. who's dead-in Australia. Al
that l may tell you. doctor-for it'll be
/ public property tomorrow"
"Well?" said Ransford
| Mitchington hesitated moment, as u
searching for his next words. He
| glanced at the detective the detective
remained immobile; he glanced at Rams
ford Ransford gave him no encourage
ment.
Now look here. doctor :" he exclaim.
ed. suddenly. why not tell us some.
thing? We know now who Braden really
was, That's settled. Do you under
who was he. them" asked Rams,
"He was one John Brake. some time
manager OF a branch OF a London bank
who. seventeen years ago, got ten years
penal servitude for embe2zlement" an
swered MitchIngton, watching Ransford
steadily. That's dead certain--we
know It The man who shared this Sc
cret with him about the Saxonsteade
Jewels has told us that much, today,
| John Brake !"
what have you come here for?"
asked Ransford,
ITO ask you--between ourselves--ii
you can tell us anything about Brakes
| earlier antecedents-thatll helI
u.s." replied Mitchington. ''lt may be
Jettison here--a man of experience