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