The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-06-02
When A Girl
 Marries
By ANN LISLE,
CHAPTER CCxCu.

had summoned to investigate the dis appearance of my ring. We told him the whole story from the moment I replaced the ring in the box until that other moment when the box fell from Bertha's hands and she picked it up, fitted the lid to it and returned it to me-empty. Care fully we went over each de.ail. and under the supervision of the detec- tive we searched the dining-room again. The detective looked carefully ii each drawer and bit of silver. Then-as carefully-he went over the iiringroom- But the search availed Itothing.
 You've searched the girl" he said at last, with professional irnperson charges?"
 sure Bertha had nothing to do with
 Very well. madam; do you wish to let her go?'' asked the detective Wadley was his name.
 Then Bertha broke in If Mrs. Harrison does let me go, I want you to examine my room and my baggage first, sir. I never lifted aint't got it by me. But I don't want them to say afterwards l planted it anywhere
 Wait a minute, my good girl That's thieves lingo you're using. How do you come to tall, that?'' And before my unwilling eyes I saw him torture the story of her hus- i band from Bertha's white lips ! T guess we've enough to hold you | on,'' he Sneered-
 l Mrs Harrison" sobbed Bertha, ''I
 told you how it would be- Before all | dead mother, l didn't touch that l ring. Mrs. Harrison, you know | never was a thief Don't let them take me and mark me for life. Don't ] lat
 Her words traiIed off and she look | ed at me piteously.
 ''Mr. Harrison and I decline to pre- | fer charges against Bertha" I said firmly. I know she had nothing to do with he-disappearance of the ring. I don't think we'll need you any l longer, MT. Wadley.''
 Know who the thief is?''
 The detective turned me ab- supply she asked the question. I shock my head, but he smiled know ingy. I felt almost as if he might be suspecting Jam-or me.
 When a complete search of Ser tha's baggage failed to reveal any trace of the missing pearl MT. wad- ley condescended to let her go. But as she left. he turned to US smiling triun phantly.
 '1 got a man outside, with orders to follow whoever leaves this apart ment toEight,'' he said amiab1y Hes a human bloodhound and you can take it from me, he'll know how many breaths that girl draws every day I'll notify the pawnshops and while I'm doing that, don't you think you might persuade those other folks who were alone with the ring this afternoon to come back for a nice SOc.iable visit ?''
 Wadley went into the next room to telephone, and turned to Jim with sudden determination.
 Jim, dearest, that ring was your present to me-and I loved it Will you let me have my own way about it?'
 Sure" sand Jim. 'Tm trying to do all I can for you now, don't you think so? Because if there's any thing else you can think Of"
 'I'n suppose it was my birthday present sent a month ahead of time" I said.
 Jim looked blank.
 Isn't your birthday tomorrow he asked.
 Its the eighteenth" I replied -I but the eighteenth of next month, but, you dear old Sirnp1eton don't you see? I've had the fun whole it again my birthday, remember ing how. adorable it was and how more than adorable you were to get the beautiful thing for me. And and that's all. Jim"
 What do you mean-that's all ?"
 ''I mean we'll send the detective away. And just be happy remember ing the ring and that you bought it for me and I love it.
 What? Are you crazv?' demand ed Jim.
 Dear, want you to do as asl,'' I pleaded. ''It was my ring It's so- ing to be my birthday. I don't want people tortured over me. Poor else must suffer. It would hurt me and maybe I wouldn't get. the ring anyway Please drop it, Jim. Please
 'I will not began Jim.
 But I hobbled to his side. put an arm about his neck and laid my face 1 against his.
 Jim, I think I know who took it and why, I whispered. 'If you love me, you'll let me get it back my own way. It's the only chance we | have of seeing the ring again. And | if you don't do this for me. the ring wouldn't have any meaning for me, 1 anyhoZ If you love me. you'll let me, Jim-if you love mel"
 "You know I love you you little witch" Jim cried catching me to him | with strong arms. And like your tender heart and the fine mind. So you want me to go in and get rid of Wadley? Is that it?''
 Please, dear,'' I begged eagerly, | breath1essly-
 AM right Jim squared his shou1- stand you but I'll do what you are asking. And I guess you can kiss | your ring good-bye- Sure you aren't | glad to be rid of it?
 "Jimmie!' I cried. Jimmie. I l loved that ring! It was exquisite | I'll never be contented until I get it | again. BN something tells me that | my only chance is to do things my | own way"
 "You win" said Jim. "But I'll l just bet you a flyer we never see the | ring again.