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About The morning Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1899-1930 | View Entire Issue (June 5, 1908)
8 THE MORNING ASTOHIAN, ASTORIA, OREGON. FRIDAY, JUNE B, 1003 A Parlor Car Puzzle. By HOWARD FIELDING. Copyright, 190T, by C. W. Hooke. K'- f 1 T Is important to know how the people were placed when this thing happened. The pretty girl sat In seat No. 7 and was thus about midway of the oar, on the left side looking forward. Directly In front of her, In seat o. 5, was a lean, tall, lithe man of forty years, with scanty dark hair and gray eyes. He was dressed in a stylo of quiet elegance. 'A panama hat hung from the gilded fog over his bead, and a neat traveling lac was on the floor beside htm. lie eemed to be dozing. I occupied seat No. 0, and behind roe were a woman aud her son, an uu pleasant child, of a very dull conn tenance, but as restless as a scared Jackal in a cage. Opposite me, iu No. 10, was Mortimer Belden, whom I hare known some years. lie is a rich man and looks the part Before and behind him, In seats S and 12, were young men of much the same type as himself. They were strangers to each other and to us. The pretty girl had boarded the train at Albany, had Immediately opened a book and. except for an occasional glance out of the window, had not for a single moment ceased to read. We were some miles beyond I'tica when she closed her book and laid it npon the window lodge. A few minutes later I heard her utter a faint cry. She bent forward and studiously regarded the floor. Then she stepped out Into the aisle for a more comprehensive Tiew, and I thought that she had spied the object of her search, for she knelt ouickly beside her chair. Cut when she raised her head her glance en countered mine, and 1 perceived In etantly that she had not succeeded. A pretty bewilderment was In her big brown eyes, and as she turned them again to the floor I saw her wink rap idly, as a child does when Its vision seems at fault. At this Juncture the young animal from seat No. 13 arrived upon the scene with a startling suddenness and yet not running. "Lost anythlngr said he In that flat and whining roice, as of the educated "lost anything?" said he in that flat VOICE. pig talking through Its snout, which Is rapidly becoming the typical speech of Kew York. The pretty girl looked up with some thing like a shudder, and I observed that she deftly changed her position so as to exclude the boy from a too Inti mate participation In her search. "Yes," she replied, and, oh, the heav enly difference of her tone, so round and rich and human! "I have lost a ring." "Le' me help yer find it," whined the boy, and at this we all Interfered si multaneously. She received our attentions gracious ly and simply. "It's very odd," she said. "I dropped the ring right down in front of me. Can It have rolled back under my chair?" Mortimer Belden arose from the floor at this, and his face was the color of a ripe tomato as a result of scanning the carpet at close range. , "It's not there now," said he. Nevertheless we all repeated Bel- den's performance, and Ihen with equal particularity we examined the region Tinder and around chair No. 5. The re sult was entirely negative. For my own part, I was thoroughly convinced that the ring had gone in the direction of No. 5, for, though I had not been looking at the young lady at the exact moment of her mishap, I knew what her attitude had been, and this seemed to preclude the possibility of the ring having rolled In any direc tion. It could not have caught In her gown, for the skirt was absolutely plain. I had noticed the trinket on her fin ger. It was a pretty little diamond of about a carat and a half and had been worn on what is called the engagement finger doubly precious, no doubt and sureiy not to no losfftj tms rilhculous manner. There was not n cranny In which It could be hidden; there were no dark shadows, for the hour was 4 of a summer afternoon aud the day very bright Six of us not to count the bad boy, who was viewed with sus picion by nil and had beou kept von the outskirts hud searched twenty square feet of floor space In vain. The situation began to bo painful, for If tho ring was not ou the floor It was lu somebody's pocket. Already 1 had observed my friend Relden to be eying the three strangers critically, and now he edged away to ward the forward end of the car with the distinguished looking gentleman who had occupied scat No. 6. Obvious ly they were about to hold a consults tlou, and at the sight an Idea came Into my head. 1 turned toward the pretty girl and was much gratified to perceive that my "6H BEGGED MB TO BB EXPLICIT." desire tor private conversation was shared by her. She must have been perfectly sure that the ring was not on the floor, for she abandoned the spot without hesitation and followed me to the rear of the coach, where she gra clously consented to accept my sympa- thy and my card. I learned that she was Miss Myrtle Leigh and that she lived in Syracuse. "Do you suppose that dreadful little boy could have found my ring?" she asked. "And yet how could he? I don't understand It at all." My suspicions Incline In another dl rection," said 1, "and for rather an odd reason." She begged me to be explicit 'There happens to be on this train said I, "a detective from New York really quite a celebrated fellow in his way. His name is Anderson. I know him quite well. He passed through our car just after we left Albany, but I did not make any sign of recognition because he didn't. Thafs the etiquette with detectives. They share with la dies the precedence In the matter of bowing to their acquaintances. He saw and recognized me, of course, and he also saw and recognized, with quite a different feeling, the man who sat In front of you, In seat No. 5." "Oh, my!" she exclaimed In a hushed voice. "You don't mean he knew bim for a a criminal!" The idea flashed through my mind," I replied. "You see, I've been about with Anderson and others of his pro fession quite a bit for the Interest of It and I know their ways. Of course this is rather a wild accusation, for, upon my word, I don't see how the fel low could have got the ring without your seeing him, and yet I think I'd better hunt up Anderson and try to get a word with him. He's still on the train, for I've seen him since we left Utica. He went forward just after we pulled out." Miss Leigh was naturally indisposed to accuse any one or even to begin a police investigation under such cir cumstances, but she agreed with me that Mr. Anderson's advice would cer tainly be helpful. The man whose reputation I had' so recklessly assailed was not In view when Miss Leigh and I returned to our seats. Belden told me that he had gone forward, and he added, with a laugh, "He thinks you got it" "I? Blast him!" "What do you think?" "I think he got it." "Well, you're even on that," said Belden, and the idea seemed to amuse him. "Now, look here," said I; "I have my reasons, but there's no time to tell you what they are. I may give you a sur prise presently. You keep your eye on that panama hat and the grip over there. This train stops at Glendon, and we're within two minutes of the place now. If that fellow tries to get off, stop him." "What?" gasped Belden. "Well, if you don't dare do that, de lay him. Keep your eye on him. I'll be back Inside the two minutes." I hurried forward through the train, which was already slowing down for the Glendon station, but I did not find Anderson. Annoyed by this failure, I seturned more slowly, keeping a sharp er eye upon my fellow passengers, but the detective had disappeared. Obvi ously he must have got to the rear of the train without my seeing him, per haps while 1 and the others were paw ing around on the floor and bumping one another's bead. s re p. ', 11, The train had come to a atop by the time that I reached our car, but the bag and tho panama hat were still In view, and Belden was on guard. Miss Leigh, however, was not visible. Bel den said she had gono "aft." I also went "aft." 1 went to the end of the train, but 1 did not And Anderson nor Miss Leigh nor the man from seat No. 5. It seemed to bo a day when not only diamond rings, but peoplo, were able to lose themselves with unexampled facility. When 1 ro-ontered our car, Belden had vanished. I gtuneed hastily to ward sent No. 6. The hat and grip were still there, "Your friend's gone to And tho con ductor," said the man in sent No. 12. "At least I think so. Ho asked mo if I remembered which way tho conductor went Ho seemed rather excited." At this moment the man In seat No. 8 rose hastily. Iu fact, ho camo up ns if propelled by spring. Ho turned toward us, loaning with one hand upon the chair back. The other baud was at his breast His mouth hung open; his eyes stared. "My pocket book!" be gasped. Instinctively I thrust my hand Inside my waistcoat, where lu a pocket which I had always thought to bo beyoud tho reach of thieves I had been aeons- timed to r.siry the bulk of my imme diate funds. The pocket was empty. The mail in No. 12 looked from one to the other of us, and he grinned. His hands were In his trousers pockets. "My money's all right," said he. "1 didn't have much, but"- He paused and thou suddenly clapped his tin ml to his tie. "By jingo! My pin's gone:" He touched me for better than a thousand." said No. 8, aud 1 saw him moisten his dry lips with his tongue. "I suppose there's no doubt" 1 be gan, and linlshed the sentence by pointing to seat No. 5. Nonsense." said No. 12. "It was the girl. She made the bluff of dropping the ring, knowing wlml we'll do, and while we wort all butting our heads against the furniture and she was reaching over us, pointing out likely places Oh. oh. oh! What a set of easy marks!" "Hut Where's the man?" I demanded. "There are his things," retorted No. 12. "He's still on tho train. But where's the girl?" "Miss Ix'igh was kind enough to per mit a sort of Introduction between her self and me," said I. "I may perhaps claim tho right to defend her, since there Is no one else here who knows her at all, and I would like It to be understood that nothing further must be said which touches her good namo and that what has been said must be withdrawn." No. 12 looked me In the eye. He was firm in his opinion and a man of nerve. I I could see him hardening his heart for a reply that would create a very strained situation. Then suddenly his expression changed to one of astonish ment He was looking over my shoul der. 1 turned and saw Miss Leigh Behind her was Belden, and behind him was Anderson. Tho conductor brought up the rear. Miss Leigh came straight to me. "It was that man!" she cried. "You mere right I've got my ring again." And she held up her hand to show It "After you left me I went to the rear platform of the car," she continued "The train was stopping, and I had your words In mind. I thought that man might get off, and he did. And when I saw that he had another hat on a soft one that must have been folded In his pocket then I knew for sure. And I ran after turn, and just as I caught him Mr. Anderson caught him too. He's In the baggage car now, and Mr. Anderson has aH your things." "Yes," said Anderson, with his pe culiar drawl, "when I saw Tony Jack Wallace quitting us like that and pull ing out his folder hat I knew some thing was queer, so I Just trailed along. Nobody quicker than Tony Jack to take advantage of a little accident like the lady dropping the diamond. I'll bet he had It before it touched the floor. See him do It? Why, that man could take your shoes off your feet and you wouldn't know It. Working the trains is his specialty, and he nl- "MY DEAB LITTLE KINO," SAID SHE. ways has a bit of fake baggage to make you think he's still aboard. I hadn't seen him In to or three years; didn't know he'd come back to this part of the country. But now he' CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS HELP WANTED $2.00 STARTS A FINE LOCAL business, daily profit! $5 to $10: par ticulars free; write today. B, F. Loos Co., Dcs Moines, la." BOARD AND ROOM WANTED. WA NTKiV-ROOANd' BOARD with American family. Box 873, Astoria. 6-4 4t. LOST. I.OST-IF THE PARTY TAKING the hat marked A. C. J. from the reading room probably by mistake, will kindly return same to the police station the owner will be greatly obliged, and wil return the one lie hail to take. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED BETWEEN JUNE 1ST and 15th, a furnished house for the summer; good, careful tenant. Ad dress H. G. Smith, care Warren Packing Co., city. FOR SALE-REAL ESTATE. FOR SALE LOCKSLEY HALL Hotel, Seaside, Or.; this beautiful spot under the pinei and overlooking the ocean is for sale; best money making property in the West; over 100 rooms; modern in every way, For particulars apply to Mrs. L. A Carlisle on premises. FOR RENT. FOR RENT -TWO FURNISHED housekeeping rooms. 425 Duane street. 5-31 tf, FOR RENT KITCHEN & DIN ing room of hotel during summer Address Box 48, llwaco, Wh. 5-29 6t FOR RENT-THREE UNFUR nished housekeeping rooms; elec trie lights and water. Apply 10th and Bond, Opp. Occident Hotel. 5-24 6t CORNER NINTH AND DUANE Board $5.00 and up. 5-9-tf. HOUSE MOVERS. FREDR1CKSON BROS.-We make a specialty of house moving, car penters, contractors, general jobbing; prompt attention to all orders. Cor ner Tenth and Duane streets. JU ST ARRIVED Gold Fish 25c and 35c Each Hildebrand & Gor Old Bee Hive Bldg. Smith's Special Delivery Express and Baggage Leave Orders at Star Cigar Store Phone Black 2383 Res. Phone Red 2276 Stand Corner 11th and Commercial. URINARY DISCHARGES RELIEVED IN 24 HOURS Each Cup- "s : aula beara (MIOYJ the namcW V Beware of emmlereiU ALL DRUGGISTS nacn no' 1 1 nave to stav. rve got him aeau to ngnts this time. And now, gentlemen. If 'you'll name your losses I'll make good. I've got all tho plun der." Miss Leigh resumed her place In seat No, 7 and I mine In No. 0, but now the two seats faced each other. My dear little ring!" said she. "I fove It very much, It was my moth er's." She saw tho look In my eye, and she laughed. "I have to wear It on that finger," she said. "It won't fit any olher." Lane's Family Medicine is a tonic- laxative. It does not depress or weak en, but Imparts a feeling of buoyancy and strength that is delightful. At all drugggists 26c. PROFESSIONAL CARDb. ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW, CHARLES H. ABERCROMDIE Attorncy-at-Law City Attorney Offices: City Hall JOHN C. McCUE Attorney-at-Law Deputy DIstrict'Attorney. Page Buildinfr S'llte 4. HOWARD M. BROWNELL Attorney-at-Law Office with Mr. J. A. Eakin, at 420 Commercal St., Aitoria. osteopTthsT DR. RHODA C. HICKS Osteopath Office Mansell Bldg. Phone Black 2065 573 Commercial St., Aitoria, Ore. DENTISTS DR. VAUGHAN Dentist Pythian Building, Astoria, Oregon DR. W. C. LOOAN Dentist Commercial St Shanahan Bldg. BUSINESS DIRECTORY. RESTAURANTS. Opposite Ross. Higgins & Co. Coffee with Pie or Cake 10 Cta. FIRST-CLASS MEALS Regular Meals IS Cta. and Up. u. S. RESTAURANT. 434 Bond Street Coffee with Pie or Cake, 10 Cta. Flrst-Clasa Meals, IS Cta. FISH MARKET. 77 Ninth St., near Bond Fresh and Salted Fish. Game and Poultry, Groceries, Produce and Fruit Imported and Domestic Goods. P. Bakotitch & Feo, Proprs. Phone Rd SIM MISCELLANEOUS. Notice to Public. Work on the Young's Bay bridge, will be commenced Wednesday, June .1, the bridge will be closed for travel every day from 7:30 a. m. until 5:30 m. except Wednesdays and Satur days, when bridge will be open for travel on the afternoons only. BIRCH & JACOBSON. 5-30-4t. Contractors. Do You Wear Shoes? ; We sell the kind, that wear longest and look the best, The Dr. A Reed Cushion Shoe We handle a special line of Loggers' Shoes Give ua a trial S. A. GIMRE GOOD SHOES. 543 Bond St., op. Ross, Higgins & Co. HOT OR COLD olden West Tea Just Right CLOSSET & DEVERS, m . i fji - i m -vi.-iu.i PORTLAND, ORE. mm Fish Marke amar.--.-,nt-ff-Jfw.i-.wr.tBf -1 t ta DMDKKTAKIBA. J. A, (HLItAUGII cV CO., Umlortiikem mul Kturtuluiora. Hxporlencml Liuly AaHlNtittit When lpnlrcd. Cull Promptly Attended Dny or Night. Tiitton lldir. l'2t lin nd Iuiui8ti AMTOItlA. OHK.OON Phono Main mil TRANSPORTATION. The"KMUnt PASSENGERS FREIGHT Steamer Lurline Night Boat for Portland and Way Landings. Leaves Astoria daily except 8unday , at 7 p. m. Leaves Portland Daily except Sanaay at 7 a. m. Quirk Service Excellent Meals Good Bertha Landing Astoria Flavel Wharf. Landing Portland Foot Taylor It J. J. DAY, Agent Phone Main 2761. MtDICAU Unprtesueat4 Suaoei s ut I c gee n TEX OSXAT CHIinESI D0CT01 Who b kBowa thronirhont tb TTnlL.I j Btate on account of $ all wonderful tim, No poteona or drags use.. Be guraa Uee to cure catarrh, asthma, lung ud throat trouble, rheumatism, MrrouMeaa, etomach, llrer and kidney, female com- jplalnte and all ehronlo dW. UCCESSm HOME TJUEATaflHT. If you ounnot call write for symptom blank and circular, Inclosing 4 eaaU la tamps. THB C. CIS WO MEDICTKX CO. 12J First 8k, Owner Morrtaoo, PORTlArTD, ORXGOK. Please mention the Astoria. LAUNDRIES. Those Pleated Bosom Shirts The kind known by dressy men la the summer, are difficult articles to launder nicely. Unless you know just how to do it, the front pleats won't iron down smooth, and the shirt front will look mussy. Our New' Press Ironer irons them without rolling or stretching. Try It TROY LAUNDRY, Tenth and Duane. Phone Main 1991 PLUMBERS. J. PLUMBER Heating Contractor, Tinner -AND- Sheet Iron Worker LL WORK GUARANTEED 42S Bond Street WINES AND LIQUORS. Eagle Concert Hall (320 Astor Street) Rooms for rent by the day, week, or month. Best rates in town. P. A. PETERSON, Prop. iilY DAIRIES. The Vermont Dairy I am prepared to furnish pure milk and cream. Satisfaction guaranteed. Phone 14 Farmers line. W. J. INGALLS. V