Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1922-01-08

the bulls in Paris can't make me
believe the Kreminoff jewels were
ever on the Alberto.
So. when they met, as appointed,
the next evening. Danby's mousy
furtiveness was family illumined by
that glow which comes to all
prophets whose predictions, good or
bad, have achieved fulfllment.
Just as told you," he said. moth
ing doing. You'd have laughed at
the seeress, though. That old black
bag of hers was choked up with her
tin breastplates and tiaras, but she
couldn't have made more fuss about
handling them If they'd been the
crown Jewels Two Of US turned the
stuff out in a Piled been over her
junk until I knew it all by heart
and then we went into the lining Of
the bag, looking for padded inner
compartments. But, as 1 say, it was
all time wasted. If the kreminoff
jewels are coming over here at all
they'll. be brought on some small
boat to another port.
"Of course" he added prudently,
that don't let Snaith or Nine. Adel-
bron completely out of it. I've got
a bunch that there's some sort Of a
connection between the pair of EN-;
but it might easily be on some other
scheme. Anyhow. it'd be favor to
me If you keep in touch with them,
Mr.. Achison, and let me know of any
thing that strikes you as suspicious"
"Assuredly," Achison promised.
you've got my curiosity aroused,
Dandy. wouldn't dream Of dropping
out at this stage"
And he spoke in perfect good faith.
for he knew that there was small
chance of his losing sight of Nine.
Adelbron and Marie Trevelle at least,
until he had secured that miniature.
Under spell Of this incentive he
called q day or two later at the hotel,
but without finding either of them in.
On his return to his Office he learned
that a man named Snaith had been
in, and had said he would be back
within an hour.
SHOW him in as soon as he comes"
directed Ach1son.
He passed on into his inner sanctum.
Presently a clerk entered.
''Mr. Snaith. SIR" And almost upon
the heels of the announcement Snaith
himself appeared. His mask Of assur-
ance, although nicely adjusted. could
not wholly conceal an underlying dis
quietude.
For q few moments the CONVERSE
ton ran to commonplaces. and then
Snaith broke off abruptly.
But I am wasting your time, Mr..
Achison. I came here today to consult
you on q matter of great importance.
and one which will require the utmost
secrecy. I know, Of course, that the
fees a man Of your standing receives
are very large. but IL you can give US
any idea Of assistance that will aid
US in the present difficulty I assure
you that you can ask double. treble
the ordinary amount, and it will be
gladly paid. When I say U.S." he
added, II am speaking also for Nine.
Adelbron." s.
ut sounds interesting" Achison
leaned back in his chair and became
at once the bland, inviolable reposi-
tory of secrets, lending listening and
sympathetic ear as he pushed a box
Of cigarettes toward his new client.
snaith lighted one. and for = mo-
ment or two smoked in silence.
II may as well tell you" he said at
last, "that q year or 30 ago was
unfortunate enough to incur the sus-
picion Of the London and continental
police. No grounds for 1t. of course,
q CASE Of mistaken identity. fancy.
This was all months ago, you UNDER
stand, and I supposed that they had
dropped 1t. but evidently was mis-.
taken" He froWned da4klx