Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1935-04-19

one coming"
ut was like =. laughter. . :"
The emporium of 10 Lung occupied
all the rooms on two floors of ram
bling old building, eight or nine rooms
in all, and each one literally crammed
with treasures. At times Kearney
imagined that the covered-in ways OF
old Damascus lay just around the next
turning; that the Street Called
Straight, and not Limehouse Causeway,
adjoined this winder-khan. On entering
other rooms, he was transported to the
Seraglio palace, and thought that he
stood in the treasury of the sultans.
Only the manner in which these
priceless items were displayed served
to dissipate such illusions. They were
piled carelessly upon rough, trestle ia
bles.
Here were lacquer cabinets, chests,
and caskets, antique and modern; each
one a choice piece. Damascened
swords, Venetian goblets, whole serv-
Ices of Ming porcelain; prayer carpets
of a quality seldom seen outside
museum; collection of books in ex-
quisite bindings; great quantity of
antique silver.
A highly civilized and well-dressed
Greek did the honors. "Mr. 10 Lung
is unfortunately away" he explained
to Norwich. "But if can help, 1 am
at your service. No doubt" turning
to Kearney, who was endeavoring to
hide his bewilderment, you have
definite idea what you are seeking?"
kearney conquered his astonlshment.
He endeavored to recall Dawson Haig's
Instructions 10 Lung was the biggest
"fence"-or dealer in stolen goods-in
all London! Surprise visits had never
yet caught him mapping. This was
new move. Detective Sergeant Nor
wich had memorized a long list of
stolen jewelry- principally foreign;
and their job was to try to identify
even one item in JOS emporium On
this, Haig could act and the cases
of opium lay in an adjoining yard!
My friend, Mr.. Bronson, has several
commissions" said Norwich. (Matt
Kearney was Mr.. Bronsen.") "But
mostly colored gems"
EYES," Kearney broke IN. "pm COM
missioned by New York client to
complete a collection of sapphires."
"Sapphires !" The Greek raised heavy
eyebrows. Il fear l am unfortunate. If
Mr.. 10 Lung were here he might be
able to help you. But to the best of my
knowledge we have few sapphires in
stock at present They are not" he
smiled Slightly, very profitable just
now. However, you shall see."
They passed along a corridor, went
down three naked wooden steps and
picked way through what seemed to
be collection of lamps-lamps of per-
forated brass, of silver, and of gold;
lamps from Arabia, from China, and
from Japan.
Detective Sergeant Norwich was all
eyes.
They entered room resembling a
small shop, and the Greek, stepping
behind a narrow counter, pulled out
tray from beneath and opened it for
the visitors inspection.
1t was as he did so that the almost
insupportable silence began to bear
down upon Kearney. The treasure
house of 10 Lung was the most silent
place he had ever known in the heart
of city. Its silence was uncanny.
Unless Mr.. Lung has others in the
safe" the Greek said, "these are the
only colored gems in stock at present"
Kearney, resting his eyes upon the
jewels, suppressed an exclamation in
the nick of time.
The tray was arranged with some
artistic care, and in it's center, under
the harsh, unshaded lamp which the
Greek had switched on, blazed a group
of amazingly matched fire opals.
Kearney clenched his teeth and bent
lower, peering down.
Here lay evidence to justify search
of 10 Lungs premises! Beyond anv
possibility of mistake, this was the
"Dakenham necklace"-the famous
rope of opals which his Aunt Hilda.
A-e'uy A|ohShhdhi, ldhcu WITH nGr
upon the Inflated voyage of the Amer
lean yacht, Miss Minnesota, lost with
all hands in the Persian gulf less than
a year before!
Yet-a query leaped to his brain
was it evidence2
You are admiring the opals?"
The Greeks voice seemed to come
from great distance.
Kearney pulled himself together
Yes" he said, and met the unblink-
ing gaze of the mans dark eyes, "If
were buying opals, should buy
these"
You would be wise. But you know
Mr.. Lungs methods of businessy"
"'Yes. Even if wanted to buy. |
haven't the CASH." He was cool enough
now. He added: These sapphires are
Indifferent. Pm sorry"
The Greek replaced the tray, and.
perhaps you will honor us with a
visit, Mr.. Bronson, next time you visit
England" he suggested. Especial re.
quirements such as yours cannot al
ways be met at short notice.
s. He led them to another room.