Montgomery County sentinel., 1927-07-22
The Famous Obj
Necklace
By SALLIE E. ROSS
(copyright.)

uuilill tilc MI. JduuGbs
She frowned Was 1t possible that her
mistress could not fathom this ad-
venturer's dupllclty2 Old Mrs. Meri-
dian Craste was nearly as ugly and
pecu'iur as her name. How, then,
could she suppose that clever Robert
James had no Interior motive in court
Ing her graces?
Undaunted by the maids stony
glare, Mr.. James patted her cheek in
fatherly fashion. Marie was furious.
at Is not wise, monsieur, to make
love to two women IN the same house."
"Oh," he replied nonchalantly, "this
Is very different. As woman of the
world you"
The girl turned on her heel She
knew exactly what was to follow. But
the mar hurried to keep pace beside
her. Marie, you know I love you,
and I'll prove 1t tomorrow. VIII you
trust me and prepare to go away with
meT
Marle's mocking smirk was followed
by deep flush, for Mrs. Craste was
descending the stairs. Had she seen
and heard all, or only enough to
arouse her suspicion of Marie's loyal
tyr Mrs. Craste chose to ignore the
situation II, indeed, she was aware Of
its existence and the maid courtesied
and retired.
Although she could produce no alb
sOlute proof, Marie was convinced that
Robert James harbored an uncanny
plan to rob the old lady.
The woman's wealth was proverblal;
1t was said that fully half her fortune
was tied up In the famous Obj band,
a peculiar arrangement of perfect dIa-
monds worn tightly about the throat
That evening Marie was arranging
Mrs. Craste's c0lffure. II wish my
hair to look particularly lovely to-
night, Marie. am to attend studio
party with Mr.. James. Perhaps
shall wear my necklace"
"But, madame" the maid protested,
'the risk would be too great You do
not know these people we'll"
"They are friends of Mr.. James,
"her tone implying that this dlstinc-
tion furnished sufficient recommenda-
ton, "and they are giving him fare
well party. He sails for Europe to-
morrow, you know"
Marie nearly groaned. A farewell
party to the Obj band was more In
order. the maid thought She had tried
to warn Mrs. Craste Of her danger.
Marie heard the dOOrbell ring. She
became panic-stricken. She wondered
how she could possibly save her fool
ish mistress from the result of her
folly. She heard one of the other
servants admit Mr.. James. With cold,
trembling fingers, she fastened the
clasp Of the Obj necklace, as directed,
and held open a wrap.
The telephone extension rang. Mrs.
Craste seemed amused at the mes
sage. "SOme crank" she told Marie.
"Said that an attempt would be made
to rob me this evening. How quaint I"
Mrs. Craste discovered that the
fortune that had been strung around
her unlOvely neck was gone.
But there we're three additional men
ing pistols at the merrymakers.
I'VE got call from your home,
Mrs. Craste, and we see we're not a
bit too soon. Some one In this room
has the famous Obj band. Nobody
novel"
Mrs. Meridian Craste indlfferently
gazed over the assembled guests. Rob
ert james had mysteriously dlsap-
peared. She smiled "You are quite
wrong. gentlemen. did not wear the
Obj band this evening"
Mrs. Craste found Marie impatient
ly awaiting her return.
NervOusly, the girl removed her
mistress garments and loOsened her
hair.
''What is the trouble, Marief"
"The Obj necklace-it Is gonel"
"The Obj necklace. oh, yes. Marie
was II not you who instlgated that
mysterious telephone message"
II had my brother call, madame"
"And Of course, It was you who no
tilted the detectives"
She merely nodded.
"The Obj band has caused you
much concern. has 1t not, Marie?
Well, do not worry about It further.
In the morning telephone my jeweler
and have him make me up another.
The pattern, believe, Is In his pos
session"
"But, madame, the cost"
''The cost, Marie, is exactly $50"
Marie looked her surprise.
you think me fool, Marie. Well,
perhaps I am one. But what is one
to do when one is old and still retains
the young woman's interests. Alas,
have never outgrown the desire for
hattery and attention and-dOn't ever
dare breathe II to a soul--adventure
Seven times have such necklaces been
stolen from me. preceded by expert
ences which have amused and inter
ested me Only once has the thief
had the questionable taste to return
the worthless glass, together with his
compliments. Is II all not worth the
few dollars expendedT
"Yes. madame, but where is the IA
nous Obj bandT
"The famous Obj band Marie, is a
myth"
An awed maid tucked the covers
under her mistress chin and turned
off the electric switch"
Marie"
Eyes, madameT
do you know, almost believe that
It would be worth half my worldly
goods TO see Mr.. James face when he
examines the Obj band more closely"