Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-03-19
LOST LACE.
PART |.


Report TO my Office tomorrow
morning at $40. Important" Cecile
Hughes read the MESSAGE over twice,
II wonder what tho trouble is"
thought Cecil, folding the message
and putting II In his pocket. II hope
It's something big. I wnnt To prove
to Dad that l can do it.
Now. Cecil Hughes was an adven-
furious young man. He had wager
with his father that ho could do de-
toctive work. 40 week previous he
obtained u position With Date Hamll-
ton & Co., detective AGENCY, keeping
his identity secret
At S:30 next morning, Cacii knocked
on the door Of Mr.. tIamllton's office
and bsinE admitted, Ito Heated him
self opposite that Individual.
You came here last week for
positions" asked Mr.. Hamilton.
Yes, Sir" answered Cecil
Since you've been here you've
! done practically nothing. EXCEPT do
ing minor cases and helping in tho
raids. Isn't that So? Well now has
come the time when you can show
your ability. I received message
from the Fancy Lace Mills In Aus
tin. They had an expensive shin
'nent or lace stolen. BEING rs all the
specials" are busy, Tn going to let
you handle this case. Do you think
you can do il? All right then.
he ready to go to Austin on
that limited tonight. In the mean
time. I'll be getting your pass and
credentials"
Al O'Clock that afternoon I,ec,l
returned to the office. received his
pass, credentials and good luck
from his employer: then returned 10
Ms room to spend the time until the
arrival OF the limited.
Eight O'Clock found Cacii boarding
ne limited and half an hour later
- was In his berth. listening to the
steady click -ciank OF the wheel.
passing over the rail points rs ne
sped on his mlle-a- minute tourney.
Cecil could not remember when he
iell asleep; but when he was awaken
ed by the porter. the sun was high
IN tho sky.
MS coach having been s!dctrackcd.
tecil began dressing. and in twenty
minutes lie was on The street Stop-
ping and entering q hotel he left his
handbag in his room and returned 10
the cate where he ate breakfast.
fihding the whereabouts or the
,nce mill from friendly policeman.
NC at iast arrived at that place ana
EoihE 10 the presidents office he en-
tered. o
mr.. Hays? My names Hughes.
was sent here by Mr.. Hamilton to in,
'eStigate robbery"
Yes. Mr.. Hamilton sent mo 80,
gram SAYING you would be here TO.
day. This shipment was sent nv ~
press mt the !owor express office. Wa
CANT ma out where IL was robbed bo,
cause II Ind TO be transferred ot
monroe. The box was received nv me
purchaser, but empty The boz i've.
ing 80 heavy they never noticeu Tho
absence of the lace"
wen. I'll be getting 10 the express,
U,'ee. do9d morning. said Cecil, as
GOOD morning, Hurbes. r,
'uak TO sou, and il you need anythin"
Don't hesitate To ask u.s. "'"s
cecil Wha soon on his WAY ~ ~
ohpross once, al which place he ar
rived half an hour later, Hsre ha
met the EXPRESS aseut. and the two
were soon III conversation
ihat shipment left here oil right.
1t got here just in TINA to put n
on the train for Monroe, so vol, scc
agent. WV
Then I thini; iii better go 10 Mon.
roe. answered Cecil.
That's tho only place know of
rs the nrst stop, and II had to stay
there over night"
When does the next train leave
for M"nroe?"
"At o'clock. You have just about
an hour"
Sometimes reading II magazine:
sometimes closing his eyes ps II
trying to sleep. which was impossi
bile. and sometimes taking i'm tho
beautiful early summer scenery. Cecil
arrived in the town OF Monroe. which
hoasiad OF It's 5000 Inhabitants, two
hours and fifteen minutes later.
II ntill being quito early, Gael! had
sufficient time TO see tho express
agent before closing hours,
lie fouad that Individual alone In
his Office, and after Introducing him
self he began questioning,
Lets see WHARF the shipment was
when YOU had II herc?" asked Cecil.
Right over In thst corner. don't
thinl: there's been unythinS In there
since"
Cecil was soon investigating tho
corner that had contained the box
OF lace, aud stopping abruptly. he
said. Did you notice these sman
pieces of wood? You didn't? Well.
~, ~. ~