Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1923-03-26

turning ZIP q sixty Or seventy thou
sand dollar gem robbery.
He was all up in the air on the
thing-and it was getting every min
ute nearer six o'clock. He was just
about to take up the telephone and
call the detective bureau when the
bell rang-just before six-and fills
Coogan's voice came, saying he'd be
down around nine o'clOck--as nearly
as he could-and to have everything
ready.
an have everything ready, don't
fret p said Eolpe-whlch he did
down TO the detective from police
headquarters that he planted in the
next room.
You'll find probably he's bad
one" said the defective, "mOst likely"
HE don't look So" said Volpe, lat
that And We can't afford to force
things-not till we know"
81 know"
"And he's big husky brute you
want to take that into consideration"
"Well, he don't want to get too
gay" said this Accommodates detec-
tive from the headquarters squad,
who was quite heavy around the
shoulders himself
And just then the elevator door
clacked and their mans step came
echoing down the hallway to the door.
He came in Il hurry-still looking
anxious and excited. wiping off his
forehead with his handkerchief.
"Well, I'm here" he said to Yolpe,
as Il he'd had hard time getting
there.
Volpe looked at him agaln-anxiOus
about him. always, when he was out
of sight; and puzzled more, when he
showed up again. He didn't look like
u jewelry thief-anything but And
yet you can't tell-some of the best
Of them are that way. Innocence is
their stock in trade.
"Got it with you?" asked VOlpe-
and got the thing in his hands again.
It was all the same as he had left it
the same fake stones among the
real-the same odd setting-every-
thingi
"Now, I tell you," said Volpe, start
ing after it. II haven't had time to
get that ten thousand yet. 1t was too
late when | got around to the bank"
"You can give me your check for
it," said the man gazing ut him, cant
you?"
81 might, yes" he answered, work
ing along. "Only my balance won't let
me-not just now. I'll have to GO and
| get the money myselt-tomorrow,
maybe"
Tomorrow! Maybe" said Coogan
after him, his voice rising.
And besides" said Volpe, there's
another thing come up. Ny workman
didn't show up that counted on COM
ing to do the reSetting for me-"
Didn't show up?' said the big man,
| looking ugly now.
$50 l can't pull the thing OF for
you tonight"
Not tonight" said the man. "Ive
got to have it tonight, That's ALL
"Say, listen" said Volpe next.
whats the hurry in this thing?"
I've got to have the money, right
! ofi-that's what-in my business! Or
I go broke, Right now. Tomorrow"
Il understand" said Nolpe. "That's
all right. That's easy on that neck
lace If everything is the way 1t looks
on the surface. But what l mean is
what's the hurry about this work Of
mine on the necklace? Why must l
have it back always on the minute?'
And he got no answer.
"In other words said Nolpe com
ing stronger, whats the idea of your
sliding in here by night with this
thing, and having it to take away with
/ you In the morning.
ats my wife," said the big man
finally.
"Your wife,
~ wouldn't have her know about
th.s-uow-not for the world"
"What is it-hers, and not yoursT"
said Volpe.
NO. It's mine. That is, paid for
1t, and gave it t. her,
"Ub: :" said Volpe..
I And just as soon as collections
come right in my business III
straighten it all out"
Maybe you will. Maybe you
won't"
"What do you mean
az mean Wen know better-when
;, we put that up to her"
"But you won't put it NJ to her!"
S,,id the big man. sticking out his Jaw.
You'll let me have it bacll--now"
And Volpe stepped away from him.
You'll let me have it," said the big
huSky-stepping toward him. Now"
yes, | will. Yes" said YOpe-raiS-
Ing his voice, so the detective in the
next room would ret 1t. when You
put my ten thousand back in my
hand"
you'll let me have II Right now :"
said the big man getting red and
reaching over and starting to break
off the hand Volpe had 1t in, at the