The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1928-04-13
CHAPTER IV-Continued

II was a most Interesting bOokplate,
skillfully drawn, of charming design.
full of tantalizing clews to whet ones
curiosity as to who had been the long
departed owner, what the story of
life that In some way had combined
science with adventure, a century or
more ago. Yet, ten seconds after my
eyes had rested on it. | was filed
with CONSERVATION. felt my face
turning cold; was Il from the chill of
regretful disappointment that began
to emanate from Captain Ashland. as
lie, too. gazed at the bookplate in
silence? Finally I stole one glance
at him. praying that my judgment
might have made an error. however
awful, after all. But he shook his
head, slowly yet decidedly: and then
confirmed my fears with the authori-
tative verdict:
: ''It's forgery"
1 knew it. Every sign pointed to II.
And chagrin overwhelmed me. The
captain. while disappointed, was phil
osophical.
ats sad to have high hopes dashed"
he remarked: shut this papers mod
ern its color's wrong. the designs not
really characteristic of Colfax' style.
and-I sayl This really is draw
ing. not an impression from plate.
Bv love, though. it's clever! hardly
wonder the buyer was deceived"
Especially as he's just beginning
to have enough experience for such
work." said |. quickly; "and one way,
at least, no harm has been done. Mr.
Burton hasn't said anything official
about his find I'm the only person
here TO whom he mentioned it. He
knew I'd be interested, on account of
my special work"
"Quite so." assented the captain.
with discreet understanding; "but
won't the poor chap be no end sur
prised when you tell him the truth !"
was plunged into gloom by the
prospect. A moment of silence was
shattered by the clatter of the de-
scending elevator. wherein, as 1t hung
a moment above the alcoves, we could
see Mr.. Roberts and a stranger. OAR
rows was full of strangers and
strange things today. I sighed invol-
unfairly; and the captain said with
very pleasant warmth:
Its most kind of you to take so
much trouble over me today. ex-
pect I'll be bothering you every day
while I'm here"
h; 70
at any time; and as he walked up the
aisle, Mr.. Roberts and his companion
came down it, and halted at my desk.
miss Fuller" announced Mr.. Rob-
erts, with much gravity, "this is Mr..
Almy, from the detective bureau. He
would like a few minutes talk with
you"
Benjamin Almy took chair, and
proceeded forthwith to business, with
noticeable zest.
II understand you were sitting here
all morning. Miss Fuller. and thus saw
all the customers come in and go out.
Now, could you say about what time
that old gentleman entered?"
YES; half-past nine exactly. !
looked to see the time. for he was
the first customer"
Eyes. Now. that young lady who
gave the alarm-at what time did she
come inT'
about quarter OF ten"
"But the law student you mentioned
to TIE policeman"
II saw him go into the law section.
opposite the medical, directly after
he entered-about Eve minutes of ten.
] think"
'Those were all the customers this
morning. were they"
"All except Professor Harrington.
He stopped here as he entered. and
we chatted some time before he went
TO make his purchase"
every good. Now, did yougse any
body else enter the shop before half
past ten?" 81 ....a.s =.
"No other customer. Mr.. Burton.
our traveller. came in few minutes
before Professor Harrington, and
went directly upstairs in the elevator"
"And did you see fhe old gentleman
again after you finally saw him being
carried into the aisley