The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-24

greenery, As she paused an in- stant the room became completely dark, and hidden electric bulbs suddenly flooded her with light from every side, 50 that every de- tail of her fiimy draperies stood out against the dark background with startling clearness, She gave Q little cry of surprise, then quickly seized the opportunity to- exhibit her charms, which brought a burst of applause,
 One by one, the other guests pass. cd in motley array, the women es. pecially, very conscious of the vivid picture they made. Geisha girls, slave girls, ballet girls, court beau- ties, peasants in colorful native cos tunes were interspersed with soldiers emperors, and all the various char acters that men assume for such airs, Applaus9 boisterous laughter, and comments greeted each one Then Bob nudged Steve's elbow as the tall Pharaoh walked slowly into the light, holding the statuette at Q stiff angle before him,
 He looked so startingly like a carving from some ancient temple there was an immediate rattle of handclapping, But he seemed not to notice 1t, just paused an instant, then faded mysteriously into the darkness. Bob turned to speak to Steve, but he was gone.
 Wasn't Professor Bracey sim- ply wonderful" exclaimed Kath- leen,
 "um," Bob grunted. Then he asked directly, You really think he Is, don't you, Kathleenp"
 She did not reply for a minute, then she said, Why do you ask me that, Bobp Yes, do, If you must know. Professor Bracey has been wonderful to me, He's never so taken up with someone else he forgets l exist"
 Bob ignored this remark, but asked, And 1t would upset you @ lot If Bracey turned out to be something you didn't expect2"
 T don't know what you mean, Bob, Of course I know the pro- lessor is an authority on Egyptian things, besides being fascinating man of the world. Even the Duchess agrees with mo on that. What else could he be2"
 Renewed shouting and deefen- Ing applause prevented him from answering, "The Duchessl Hurrah for the Duchessl"
 She was indeed on arresting picture In her beautiful fur trimmed robe, with It's long train falling gracefully from her shoul- ders. The lights made each jewel which she wore Q dazzling splen- dor Even her loose mop of plati- mum curls added to her costume and gave her an air of regal dar- Ing. She might have been a Cath- erine de Medici or some other ruthless royal beauty. She bowed smilingly at her admiring audi ence, and put her hand to her breast where tn famous emer- ald-
 The jewel was gone. She gave Q shrill cry. My emeraldI Quick, the lightsI"
 Tn minute the room was a hubbub of excitement. The crowd setthed about the little platform, all talking at once, shouting direc- tons and offering advice. while q frantic search was made for the missing gem. But 1t was not found, and presently the sinister realization came over everyone that each one there was q poten- tial thief, Suspicious glanceS min- gled with nervous high-pitched voices.
 The Duchess herself forgot her queenly dignity and became hys- terical, raging wildly about. weep- Ing and wringing her hands, and begging someone to find her emer- aid for her.
 Bob, maybe we could do some- thing for hcr" exclaimed Kath- leen.
 They pushed their way to her side, and Kathleen tried to put her arms about the frantic woman's shoulders.
 Don't touch me - don't come near mel" she screamed. My dia- monds - nothing is safeI" Then she caught sight of Bob and a delirious light came into her eyes. She pointed at him with a dra- matte gesture. "He-he was with me when I was sitting on that bench, He said he didn't love me. but he didn't say he didn't want my emerald He was leaning over me"
 All eyes fastened on Bob. Her