text: 'nC°l'"l<'lT '&93 BY AMEHrt*N PHESS ASSN. ( . ——a»^ Aa tome time mast elapse before he could expect a reply, he inquired the way to the office of Lawyer Birchett. It waa on the main and indeed only street of Ellenville, and he found it without diffi culty, a small, dingy place, known to •very person who had ever spent a few hours In the town. Although the even ing was well along, and he supposed the old gentleman was at home with his ' family, he was pleased to find him with in and alone busy over some legal papers. Mr. Manson did not deem it best to present himself to the old man in the - character of a detective, though he came near doing so when he stated that he was an officer from New York, who, be ing in the neighborhood and hearing of the robbery of the lato Miss Livermore, had called to learn whether he could be of any help in tracing the criminals. Mr. Dirchntt scanned him closely over the top of his spectacles before he made a deliberate answer: "I certainly wish you could, but I see how in which you can be of any assistance at all. To my mind one of those tramp peddlers who were in Ebenville last week was the fellow that opened the safe, and so much time has passed since then that it is impossible to fix the guilt upon them, to say nothing of the missing jewel." "I am surprised that the investigation was delayed so long." "It was a great mistake," replied the old lawyer, twirling his spectacles over his fingers while he looked thoughtfully to the cobwebs on the ceiling. "I recovered Dr. Maidhoff, but he had so much on his hands that he was excusable for not thinking of it." Detective Manson did not expect to pick up any important information here, nor did he do so. He wished to see the lawyer so as to form an impression of him. On his return to the hotel he called at the telegraph office, as he had promised to do, for the reply to the message sent to New York. It had just arrived and consisted of two words, which being translated, read: "Watch him!" CHAPTER III HE WAS NOT DISTURBED. Detective Manson believed there was a good deal yet to be learned about the ruby's ruby. At the same time he was also convinced that he had picked up a few threads of exceedingly important evidence. Perhaps he was wrong. Indeed, it was more than lively that he was in a fair way to commit several blunders if he had not already done so. The man of infallible judgment is yet to appear. "The simple fact as I view it," he wrote to Chief Varick, "is that Miss Livermore was robbed of an exceedingly valuable jewel and died a few hours later from the shock. General suspicion points to the two East Indians who were seen in Ellenville about the time of the robbery. It is not at all impossible that, learning of the whereabouts of the ruby, they have been sent or have come of their own accord from the other side of the world to recover it. Those Asiatics are capable of any crime to secure such a gem, and so are other people. "But just now the most suspicious person to me is Dr. Henry Maidhoff. He is shrewd and cunning, and while pretending to help is doing all he can to baffle me in my attempt to trace the ruby. He would not do so without reason. "Dr. Maidhoff was the only person who was with Miss Livermore when she died. He must have known about the gem, where it was kept, and more than likely he possessed the combination to the safe. Suppose he stole it. None of his acquaintances would suspect him. and therefore he incurred little risk." The field of investigation expanded almost infinitely before Manson, and a score of "theories" presented themselves, upon any one of which an apparently stable structure could have been spared. It would have been a violent strain to one's fancy to suppose that this trusted physician had deliberately planned the death of Miss Livermore for the purpose of securing the ruby. It might be that he was in league with the East Indians who, coming almost from the antipodes at the instigation of some powerful rajah of their own country, had set the physician aright and made the bargain with him. More than likely, however, the doctor had planned and managed the whole business himself and was at that moment in possession of the jewel. Secure in his position before his townsmen, he might keep it hidden away in the drawers of his own office until the time should present itself when he could safely dispose of it at a price which, if no more than half its value, would make him independently rich. When Nona Sahib, the demon of Cawnpore, fled before the avenging soldiers of England, he bore with him the most wonderful ruby so far as known in the world. Larger than a robin's egg, of the most spotless "pigeon blood" purity, the gem which flashed in the hilt of his sword was worth a kingdom. But when that royal vagrant lay down to die in the depths of the pestilential jungles of the Himalayas the royal gem was with him and lies there still amid the rotting bones and rags of the miserable wretch. The rajah's ruby, of course, could bear no comparison to the matchless gem, irrecoverably lost so many years ago, but nevertheless it was worth fully $100,000 and was so large, so unique and so valuable that a thief would meet great danger in disposing of it. "Dr. Maidhoff pilfered it," mused Detective Manson, "he must convict himself on his first attempt to sell it, and I'll bring it home to him as sure as my life is spared." At that moment a peculiar knock sounded on the door. Wondering who could wish to see him at that hour, Detective Manson sprang to his feet as it was pushed open. An exclamation of surprise escaped him. "Simpson! What in the name of the seven wonders things you hear?" "I've come down to meet you, I hope you are not sorry to see me." The newcomer was a striking figure. He was not more than a test of his stature and rotted as to the padding. His smooth face was as rosy as a pippin, his eyes as bright as those of a rollicking schoolboy, and the expression of genial good manners which lit up the round countenance would bring a smile to the face of anyone. He was dressed in a gray business suit and had a fashion of wearing his derby on the back of his head and indulging now and then in a low, chuckling laugh that was irresistible. When he was down, he invariably threw one dumpy leg over the other. But he was compelled because of his rotundity to aid the operation by pulling at the. Small, neatly turned foot, which continuously slipped down over the knee unless he held it well in hand. In short, the appearance of Folsom Simpson suggested that of a red-haired youth who had never dreamed or heard of a tithe of the wickedness in this world. But the person who set him down as gullible and unsophisticated made one of the greatest mistakes of his life. Undoubtedly it was the very innocence of Simpson's appearance and manner which had much to do with his extraordinary skill as a detective officer in the employ of the same bureau that had sent Max Manson to Elenville to trace the mystery of the "rajah's ruby." It was only when Folsom Simpson flung off his derby and showed that his pate was as bare and shiny as a billiard ball that it was discoverable that he was a man approaching middle life. Then one was tempted to look more closely and observe a few of the telltale wrinkles about the corners of the eyes, though the teeth were as white and found as a schoolgirl's, and he might easily have passed for a man a dozen years younger than himself. Simpson made a bound into the room, flirting the door shut behind him, flung his hat upon the bed and grasped the hand of the surprised and delighted Manson. A detective in the situation of the Utter might have resented this intrusion on his bailiwick, but no one could resent Simpson. He was welcome everywhere. A few minutes sufficed to explain matters. Chief Varick had learned enough about this business to see the necessity of employing two of his best men in unravelling its mysteries. He had therefore sent Simpson down to Ellenville to help Manson. They were to consult together and follow out their own plan of action, it being self-evident that the prospect of success from such a course was better than if they were directed from headquarters unless the chief should receive some important knowledge that was unknown to them. "You can see that it was a good idea of Varick," said Simpson, in his hearty way, as he nursed the foot resting on his knee and puffed at one of the most fragrant of perfumes, for the only luxury to which he was addicted was that of the choicest importations from the Vuelta Abajo. "In what respect?" asked his companion. "There are two independent lines which must be followed. There may or there may not be something in your suggestion that those two Asiatics, provided they are such, have been sent here by some rajah or potentate of India to take that wonderful ruby back to that country. It may be they have it with them and are gradually working their way to New York with the intention of sailing for home. You haven't seen them, and they know nothing about you. I suggest, therefore, that you devote yourself to them until the truth comes to light." "What is the other line to be followed?" "Doctor Maidhoff." "I believe he is the only one." "It looks that way to me, but there can be no certainty of it until it is probed to the bottom. If it should be that those peddlers have secured the gem, they must never leave the country with it, since if they do so the jig will be me. While you are devoting yourself to them, I will cultivate the doctor. You having called there and made known your identity, you will be handicapped on that account. He won't suspect me, and it may be that I can work him. What do you say?" "I agree to your plan." "Very well; we can't begin to soon." I'll call on the doctor for a prescription at once. If we have occasion to communicate, well do it through the doctor's ten. Folsom Simpson made a bound from his chair, snatched up his hat, jerked it down on the back of his head, hurriedly shook hands with his friend and hurried down stairs and out into the night. He made straight for the office of Dr. Maidhoff and assumed a wan, lugubrious expression as he walked slowly to the side porch and rang the bell. The pale-faced lady—evidently the wife of the doctor—who answered the summons said he was absent on professional duty, but would probably soon return. Would the gentleman call again or wait? "Thank you, I will wait awhile," replied the visitor in a faint voice. "I feel the need of rest." Fortune seemed to be with the rotund detective that night. He expected to be conducted to the waiting room, but instead of that, the lady led the way to the doctor's office, turned up the dim lamp so that it burned brightly and then left the patient to himself. The moment he was certain he was alone, Simpson threw off his pretended illness, straightened up and glanced keenly about the little room in which Manson had held his interview with the owner less than two hours before. "I have a feeling," he muttered, "that somewhere in this office is hidden meat of important evidence concerning the ruby, and if I am not disturbed for the minutes I'll find it." Twice 10 minutes passed, and he was not disturbed. To be Unite Pardonable. Mrs. Hirschupp— I understand that TOO have forgiven your son for marrying a milliner. Mrs. Waynapp—Yes, she has shown herself willing to support him - New York Weekly. All I, was that. Wall. Mrs. Foster was from New England and began her very willingly, never shirking or turning back from the path of duty which lay before her, but she never realized that French was at all necessary until she visited Paris. Then she had to rely on a drawing-room, which relieved her mind of all care, but rather exercised the mental powers of the natives with whom she came in contact. Her nephew, who was studying art in the French capital, worked for her an invitation to a reception given by a famous French artist. Mrs. Foster went, accompanied by her nephew (and the drawing-room). She thought she knew just where to open it and read her lines. She was introduced in French to the artist. He spoke in French, her nephew replied in French, until the dear old lady got bewildered. But she felt that she meant my something, so she opened the inevitable, book and read off the first sentence which met her eye, giving it the true New Hampshire twang. The artist smiled sweetly, her nephew also smiled sweetly, but as Mrs. Foster saw the translation in Italics after the sentence she nearly fainted. As her nephew led her away, however, he congratulated her upon her introduction and her knowledge of the language. "But, Henry," cried his horrified aunt, "did you hear what I said? I asked him how soon could we get something to eat—that's what I asked him—in French." Her nephew smiled—he would have liked to laugh. "Oh," he replied, "did you? Well, auntie, it doesn't matter, for he asked me what I thought you said, and I told him I didn't know."—Harper's Magazine. At Last. "John," exclaimed the nervous woman, "there's a burglar in the house, I'm son of it." John rubbed his eyes and protested mildly that it was imagination. "No, it isn't. I heard a man down stairs." So John took a box of matches and went down. To his surprise, his wife's suspicions were correct. Seeing that he was unarmed, the burglar covered him with a revolver and became quite sociable. "Isn't it rather late to be out of bed?" he remarked. "A—er—a—little bit," replied John. "You're too late anyhow, because I've dropped everything out of the window, and my pals have carried it off." "Oh, that's all right I'd like to ask one favor of you, though." "What is it?" "Stay here until my wife can come down and see you. She can be looking for you every night for the last 13 years, and don't want her to be disappointed any longer."—Washington Star. Knickerbocker Girl—Have you any blue? Storekeeper—No. Haven't no use keeping that stuff. It's sold soon you." Get it.—Life. A Noble Title. Her Friend—I bought you were going to marry a man with a title or forever remain single? Mrs. Nuwedde—He has a title, I beg leave to inform you. "What is it, pray?" "Ducksy darling. I gave it to him myself."—Indianapolis Journal. Information Wanted. Mrs. Bustle (to railroad ticket agent)— Will you please tell me how soon the 0 o'clock train will start? Agent (consulting his watch) — In just 10 minutes, ma'am. Mrs. B.—Will you be so good as to tell me what time it is now?— Boston Courier. Considerate. Gaylord— I'd marry if I knew a very attractive woman. Friend— A deaf woman! Gaylord— Yes. I talk in my sleep.— Brooklyn life. You He, or Doesn't He? Winks— Do you like children? Jinks— Well, I married a widow with a stick of 'em.— New York Weekly. Vexatious Problems. When the north pole is discovered, as of course it's sure to be. By some alert explorer of the icy arctic sea. What do you hope to do with it? Is it to be cut down And put an exhibition in some enterprising town? Or cut up into smaller poles, like those the barbers use, Enriched with green and reddish tint, and yellow stripes and blue stripes and blue stripes? Or will they run a cable thence down to the southern pole And have a trolley around the earth to please the jaded soul? Or do they think to leave it on its present ice-bound site And run an elevator to its very important height, To coax the snooping tourist from his happy southern home Unto the land where polar bears and ava lanches roam? When Mr. Keely's motor has been really got to mirth. What will its meeting come to? Will it run a train or boat? And how can folks determine that the meeting's sure to be perpetual—to run straight on through all eternity? And when they solve the mystery about the man who hit B. Patterson upon the cheek, pray what will come of it? And when they settle Baron's claim against Shakespeare past all doubt. What will the controversians then controvert about? The tariff and the dollar may be questions rich and rare. At also may that other one about what we shall wear. But as I look around me at the problems meet now meet. The ones I've mentioned seem to me the hardest to solve. - Harper's Bazaar. The maid was a recent importation, but after a few weeks had been promoted to the position of waitress. When she had been installed in her new duties a few days, her mistress asked, "Bridget, did you attend to the parlor today?" "Indeed I did," was the answer. Who could doubt the light of truth which sparkled in her eyes? Her mistress believed her, but to make assurance doubly so, asked again, "You are positive?" "Oh, I am that," said Bridget in an injured tone, "and, would you be wanting proof, I can show you the pieces of the brick-brick that I have in the room."—Harper's Magazine. "Not for sale as well as in any other country." COPPER STREET— "ADDRESS: SAN FRANCIS CO. CAU CLOAKS MRS. CARY. —=This Space is Reserved for— A. L. FIX & CO. REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE. Special Bargains in YAKIMA REALTY Offered Here Next Week. A. L. FIX & CO., NORTH YAKIMA, - WASHINGTON. H. SPINNING & CO., REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE, ABSTRACTS OF TITLE. Will Double in a Year. 20 Acres 1 mile from depot; 5 acres young orchard; all under cultivation; $125 per acre. A Good, Cheap Farm. 160 Acres 5 miles from town; 60 acres Alfalfa, small house, good barn; $40 per acre, cash, balance easy payments. A Soft Snap. 60 Acres in Parker Bottom—cash; balance at 10 percent.; $60 per acre. Chance of a Life-Time. 85 Acres 4 miles from town; good hop house and barn; 20 acres Hops, 36 acres Alfalfa, small orchard; % cash, balance long time; $75 per acre. In Addition to These We Have Wives of every Bargain, Suit Every Class of Buyers. H. SPINNING & Co. REAL ESTATE, Fort Yakima, Wash. This is a Great Buy. 80 Acres 5½ miles from town; 10 acres Alfalfa, small house, good water right, all fenced; $40 per acre; % cash, balance in easy payments to suit purchaser. It Will Make You Rich. 280 Acres 10 miles from town; improved; $20 per acre. A Rare Bargain. 20 Acres 2 miles from town, $100 per acre. Seek No Further. 240 Acres 6 miles from town; good house and barn, new hop house; 10 acres old Hops, 60 acres Alfalfa; $75 per acre, % cash, balance on long time at low rate of interest. Butter and Eggs. Top Styles Whitening we can count for a good deal in this civilized age. I am now ready with an entirely new stock of Elegant Imported and Domestic Patterns at prices within the reach of everyone. Call and see my stock and get prices WHITE, THE MERCHANT TAILOR. PHICES now available. G. A. BAILEY, THE MUSIC MAN, NOW IN STOCK Steinway, Weber, Estey, Emerson PIANOS. Storey & Clark and Estey ORGANS. Cad we 11 Building, Second St., North Takima Furnish Store Cheapest Place In Town for GROCERIES General Merchandise. If you doubt this, ascertain the prices charged by competitors and then come and buy of Us. TO janp' } Mtf Co-Op. Store J. H. Carpenter, THE POPULAR MERCHANT. Filling of Groceries. A pleasant surprise awaits the housekeeper who visits his store. There she will find a complete and fresh stock of groceries at astonishingly low prices. No compromise with oleomargarine; no winking at adulterations. Strictly pure food at proper prices. CLOTHING! The trumpet never proclaimed more welcome tidings than that J. H. Carpenter sells Men's and Boys' Clothing at greatly reduced prices. BOOTS AND SHOES! That fit the feet, and prices that fit the pocketbook are what the public appreciates, and that is just what you can find at J. H. Carpenter, THE GASH GROCER, YAKIMA AVE., NORTH YAKIMA, WASH. 