The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1921-07-22
Winthrop Solves a
Jewel Robbery
80. 1921. Western Newspaper Union.
By MURIEL BLAIR

An antique ring had been stolen
from jewelry tray In the case under
my charge. GOldstein & Co. had acted
promptly. was notified that my serv'
ices were no longer required. The
senior partner of the firm took great
pains to inform me that my dismissal
carried with II no implication of per-
sonal dishonesty. There had been so
many Of such thefts recently, how
ever. that an example Of presumable
caretessness must be made. Unfor-
rGaately they had begun with me.
II 1t had not been for the stenog-
yapher. Miss Lura Vesey. think l
should have packed up instanter to re-
turn to my native town, disguised with
jewellers in general and justly indig-
nani at Goldstein & Co. After l had
parted with several good friends
among the clerks who honestly re-
gretted my departure, was surprised
10 find Miss Vesey at my side, just as
J. WAS leaving the place. She was In
5says. She placed sisterly, affection
ste hand on my arm in a pleading
sympathetic way that softened me.
You will not get discouragedT she
said.
"DOes it matter much?" I jerked
cut, still wroth at my summary dis
nissal.
1T does to me-" she replied earn
estly, more than you think. 1t mat
tiers to my brother, too, Mr.. Winthrop.
You found him a good position, and he
will be always grateful. If can help
you"
But l shook my head dejectedly.
AT least let me hear how you get
aI0ng," she added, and there was
tremOr in her voice that inspired me
with the idea that had one sterling
Friend in the world.
So promised her, and went on my
way / remembered all about that
missing antique ring. In fact, knew
abe man who had stolen 1t. At least
! thought 1 did.
am not much Of story teller, but
30 look ahead a little, my hard think
ing assured me that l might make q
good detective.
My first step was to so to the Jewel
srs' Board of Trade. That was where
they kept the records Of the trade, and
j knew mine would follow me. The
secretary was bland, bright-eyed old
man. told my story. also recited
uy suspicious. l could see that he
was becoming interested in me.
You think the man who palmed the
missing antique ring today is pro-
fessional, eh?" he inquired.
II am certain of it,"
''See here" said the secretary, II
nke your talk. Nobody thinks of sus-
pecting you. for these robberies have
become an everyday event. I want
to say this, however: If you succeed
sn running down the gang who are
guilty of these systematic populations,
che jewelers. Board Of Trade will pay
you q reward of one thousand dollars"
] struck my quarry the third day.
At a street corner occupied by one Of
the leading diamond houses. my at
MENTION was attracted to a man and a
woman conversing. Then both en-
tered the diamond shop. The woman
was chewing gum.
followed them as far as the win
60v, and noted their every movement.
The fashionably dressed woman was
shown tray of unset stones. The man
proceeded to eat an apple. She asked
90 be shown some other gems. Hor
companion drew nearer to the tray. I
saw the woman take her gum from her
pouth. Then the man tossed the core
Of the apple into the street, and came
sack to the side of his companion.
l was after that apple core double
quick.
Apparently the couple had found
a",hing to suit them and started to
leave the store. Suddenly the sales
man called to the flOorwalker and ran
cut from behind the counter.
1.-TWO diamonds are missing from
the tray, he declared.
d. ~YVl must submit to search" said
the clerk firmly.
They accompanied the salesman,
who was joined by lady clerk. to re-
firing rooms. I glided up to the spot
where they had stood at the counter.
slipped my fingers along the under
sdge Of the show case.
The two suspects came out of the
retiring rooms threatening but trium-
plant. The missing gems had not been
found.
Il shall start suit through my
lawyer at once" said my man, and
moved towards the counter against
which his umbrella rested.
"wait," 1 said, and blocked his way
Examine that" l added. extending
an apple core to the astonished clerk.
~And that" and l handed wad Of
gum to the fioorwalker.
What does this meanr inquired
the salesman vaguely, and then his
eye rested on sparkling eye Of light
fmbeded in the fruit. At the same
moment the fiOorwalker discovered
the second gem I'm the gum. which the
aeft woman swindler had stuck on the
under rim of the counter, where had
found II.