New Britain herald., 1924-07-14
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
 Nsntine smifked "I am dealinl
 with a desperate criminal, Alice. Btu
 Ainsley is dealing with a detective o
 some reputation. Would n criminal
 as daring as this man, leave thf,
 house without the object for which
 he has risked his liberty? certainl,
 not Look at his face. The ring
 Is somewhere in this room! he picked it up"
 "oh. end this farce." I cried,
 stretched my hands wide. The girl
 was seated ip A chair She wore an elaborate coiffure. piled high upon
 her head. In the depression above
 her crown, formed by a coil Of chest
 nut hair--her only attractive posses. sion-I placed the Grand Dukes ring. My hands were quicker than their eyes, and l stepped closer to
 Nantine. saying wearily: Search mel"
 Twenty minutes later was dressed again. Miss Kernochan had returned, She had sat down again in the chair. l had plucked the ring from her hair and 1t reposed snugly in my waist coat pocket once again. Yes, in | those days l was an amateur: but I leave it to you who read my career, to decide whether or not should flashes of that genius which since have rendered me incompara
 Let's talk this over" suggested kernochan. He made a wry mouth. You have Us on the hip, Mir. Aims ley. But you must realize that you can never take the ring out of this room. And we are convinced that it is somewhere in this room."
 So am l." I declared. "I think it's about time that you searched Vantine."
 Vantine laughed, but there was anger in his mirth. You're well come, MT. Kernochan," he said.
 But the suggestion was to absurd for kernochan to entertain. give you my word, had Vantine been searched would have found the ring upon him. But in that event l might have lost the ruby ring.
 Let's sit down, have some coffee and talk this over," persisted Ker- nochan. T won't use harsh words Mir. Ainsley. But that ring is here. You brought paste copy"
 I raised my hand "All of this, MT. kernochan. this unfounded libel, will be paid for in court"
 II don't want a lawsuit any more than you want criminal prosecu- tion,' he said. And we'll hardly ant Lo atl do want the ring" He ordered the butler, who had assisted in the second search of me, to bring coffee. We're all excited and under strain, and a cup of coffee will help us to look at the matter sensibly."
 The butler left; I sat down. "Go ahead,' l said to Kernochan.
 He argued. pleaded and threatened. l was adamant. l told him that I had been insulted ,and that if my de- parture were much longer impeded, I would have satisfaction in the courts.
 The butler entered, bringing coffee. l retused to spartake, and started | boldly for the door. Vantine leaped | to his feet.
 You can't go," he cried.
 l turned and advanced to the table on which were set the Sups of coffee. l guessed, thought, his intention.
 T suppose" I said, that you are gong to search me again."
 l really thought that he was; mind you, the man was beside himself in humiliation. Only the fear that ] might after all be what I claimed to be, and the fear of ridi- iule which l had promised, restrained nm. But ] did not know that he would be restrained, and so I slippcd me ring into cup of coffee, not. however, into the cup that had been 'et at the vacant place at the table which was meant for me: I slinned if nto Vantine's
 He colored furiously. He felt as ridiculous as he was. No, I'm not 'oing to search you" he almost 'oared.
 ] bowed 10 him ,. 'In that case aid, T shall drink Mir Kernocbsn,s ,offee." ;
 Something within me gave warn ns; instead of picking up yantine's up chose the one meant for me. And before I could put it to my lips 'antlnes fingers gripped my wrist,
 So, that's where you hid it?" he ried.
 Don't be absurd, Ernest" said llss kernochan petulantly. The offee-was just brought in." But Nantine must have seen some hing triumphant in my eyes, for he cured the coffee out, part of it, into he saucer and then groped in the auid remaining in the cup. Then. orgetful of the presence of his fan ee, he cursed angrily.
 If all detectives are as stupid as ou, Vantine." I told him, q von- CT that more people don't 20 in for heft.' 1,rcached for his cup. q ont propose to be denied my drink ecause you are jackass," re- 1arked. With that I put his cup to ny lips; the ruby ring passed into my 1outh; l put the cup down, and 'iped my mouth with a napkin. Al econd later the ruby ring had once gain returned to my waistcoat