VOL. XXXIII Bargains in all L ines You'll be Surprised and Financially Benefitted B> attending our Grand Removal Sales. m We will move April Ist, and the room we Fl < will move into is much too small for our pre- I^* iflk sent stock, and in order to reduce our large f mfc\ stock we hj#e Cut The Prices on all lines, y&jfV j mBL\ no difference if we must sell some lines at a We must and will reduce our stock —"ag/fr nHy so remtm'jer our loss is your gain, s«j act J&gEnT promptly—attend our Removal Sale and we will save you money. A Few of our Prices— Men's storm kir.g quality) rubber boots | Mk~j2Bk Men's best felt boots with first quality overs WM Boy's best felt boots with first qua.'ity overs | Men's hand made box boots reduced to 2.25 Vlpy \9K Ladies' waterproof oil grain shoes reduc- Me i's v\ arm lined Alaskas reduced to 5" c Ladles' best Jersey leggins " " 7: c Lauies" line serge congress gaiters reduced TO 45^ pi Ladies' and Misses best rubber boots reduc- iw jjfj ed to s°° Is Ladies' grain and satin calf slidpers reduc- 5° c Youth's storm king (high rut) rubber boots reduced to $l.OO Full stock of leather and findings. JkR./ Sole leather cut to any amount you may wish to purchase. High iron stands with four lasts each reduced Repairing promptly done. ■ ik' . 4 Mail orders receive prompt attention jf JOHN BICKEL * 128 South Main St. Butler Pa. THEY ARE HERE ' We have just received a line of Rubber Goods tliat we will sell in addition t* our regular goods at the following low prices. Men's Buckle Arctics 60c Woman's Storm rubbers i^c Men's Rubbers 26c Misses' Spring Heel Rubbers 12c .Woman's Croquetts 16c Children's Spring Heel Rubbers 10c We say to you these are not our best goods but an additional line we have added to our stock. Some dealers are continually trying to quote very low prices in footwear to convey the idea that they undersell everybody else when the fact is they are trading in very cheap stuff, There is 110 trouble to get any amount of these cheap goods at any time. THE WOODS IS FULL OF THEM We merely call your attention to these few facts that will probably lx: worth your consideration in buying your footwear. The cheapest is not always cheapest. Men's felt Boots and Rubbers $1.50 Woman's Fine Overgaiters 15 and 18c Bojs' felt Boots and Rubbers 1.25 Men's Rubber Boots f2.00 and *2.50 Womens'Heavy Shoes 65c, 75c, 85c Men's fine Shoes 85c,*', "Men's fine Slippers 50c Ladies' Fine Shoes 67J4C, st, f 1.25 Men's Warm Slippers 35 and 50c Children's Shoes 45c, 50c, 75c See our Ladies' Twentieth Century Shoes, new spring styles, just in at only $2, and it is a beauty. Some of the advance new spring styles are now coining in Better see Butler's Leading Shoe House when you buy your footwear. BUTLER'S LEADING SHOE HOUSE, Opposite Hotel Lowry, B.C. Huselton. Harness Shop! Harness of all Kinds Made to Order. Repairing a Specialty, AND PROMPTLY attended to. BLANKETS AND ROBES. CASH PAID FOR HIDES. No. 111 Fast Cunningham St., - - BUTLER, A (The old Times Office.) FRANK KEHPER, Agt. Silver Ware Free! Handsome, triple plated hand engraved Teapots, Cakestands. 1-ruit stands, Butters, creams, Spoon holders, molasses, sugars, castors, Porcelain and alarm clocks and other articles both ornamental and useful. Call in and inspect the ware. GET A CARD. Purchase you overcoat for Men, Boys and Children. Suit::, Pants, Hats, Capes, Underwear, Shirts, Collars, Cufls, Ties, Suspenders, Gloves, Mits, Overalls, Jackets, Sweaters, Umbrellas, Trunks. V ahses, Telescopes, Watches. Chains, Charms, Rings, I'ins, Brushes, Pocket anu Bill-books,Purses,etc. and when your purchase amounts to $15.- 00 you get your choice of any of the above articles. Our Stock is complete, And Styles correct. Quality the best, And prices the lowest. D. A. HECK, No 121. N.Mfjiri St, BU TLKR» 1 'A. DIAMONDS }B.HG».KAKK.M#» t HC . AUK mBitsrUDa . W A.TO HES } <}KHni (|OLp. ' I I.AIN. JEWELRY } ~,M Mn *' Kl * r Chains, Bracelets, Etc. tr wrm n ny m X* I*l T«a item. CMtom, .Bultor liislk-h and', K.vi r>inlM, aILaV JtU Jn. W tuiaciiribef'lUiidinannilcUwiiUjre.. RODGEI BROS. 1874 } KOKKB ' H.ATK. E. GRIEB,. )KV ™ L E K . Ao. 139, North Main St., BJTLER, PA., THE BUTLER CITIZEN. Sharp Shooting pains in the hcail and face aro symptortks of neuralgia, "tin* prajer of iht? nerves f'.r pnre blood." Th. relore to euro neu ralgia purity the l.locxl and build up by taking Hood's Sarsaparilla I Ti.e (Ht'i True Kloo<l Purifier. SI ; six for &S. Hood's Pills - ' - C ,D. lUpder- | | Wear | 1 Points I §8 TY)orw%b pr©Het?©2? <x? <» rx fit irritetio!) . >i SJ ££ & & in% r>Z jt f *o<i<zritkx price? All itfjzros Hygienic 28 - Ur?4'£rv &a<uuMUtu/mz(Q All grails of i-nderwear at very low prices. Largest stock of hats and furnishings for gentleman ni the country. An inspection will prove this to any ones satisfacture. Colbert <sc Dale. 242 S. Main St., Butler, Penn'a A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME FOR LIVE, WIDE-AWAKE CASH BUYERS. A GREAT REMODELING SALE We are going to enlarge and re model our store, as our large and increasing trade demands it. We must have room. So that will ex plain the great cut in prices. LOOK AT THIS. Lot 1. Men's Fine Buff Shoes, lace or congress, tip and plain, former price f 1.50 markea now $l.OO. Lot 2. Men's A Calf Bals end Con gress shoes, good and strong, suitable for Working Shoes, former price J: .40 now marked $1 x*>. Lot 3. Ladies' Oil Grain Button shoes, climax cut, warranted waterproof, always sold for $1.25, going in this sale for 75 cents. Lot 4 Ladies' felt Shoes, warm-lin ed, some felt soles and seme leather, would be cheap at fi.oo, price now 50 cents. Jxjt 5. Ladies' Fine Kid Congress, narrow squaie toe, patent tip ir> matter what we sold them for, they m ustgo at 75 cents. See them Lot 6. Ladies' Cloth Slippers, warm lined. We are almost ashamed to put the price on them, but we don't want them. They are yours for 19c a pair. Reduced Prices for Repairing. Child's Half Soles 20c Child's Half Soles and Heels. 25c Misses' Half Soles 20c Misses' Half Soles and Heels.3oc Women,s Half Soles 25c Women's Half Soles and lleels3sc Youth's Half Soles 25c Youth's Half Soles and Heels.3sl. Hoys' Half Soles 35c Boys' Half Soles and Heels. .50c Men's Half Soles 40c Men's Half Soles and Heels..6oc Patches 5c NO CHARGE will be marie for clinch ing or sewing rips on rhoes that were Ixjught at Butler's Progressive Shoe House. c. E. MILLER, 2i5 South Mam SI., BUTLER PA ■ \ = Tbe Place to Buy GAS COOK ING AND HEATINGSTOVES, G/vS BURNERS AND FIX TURES, HOSE, BATH TUBS, ENAMEL AND IMPROVFD WELSHBACH GAS <%&%*%>%, BURNER, *v^vv%/%.v W. H. O'BRIEN ON, 107 East Jefferson St. JUST OUT! A complete map of Butler County, Showing Towns, Townships, Postoffices, Express Offices, Tele graph Stations, Country Roads and Oil Fields. Complete Index. Vest pocket form 50c each AT j Douglass' 1 Near P. O. BUTLER, PA lUITLER. PA. S TIIURSDAY. MARCH 12, 1896. o%jsa /m ropinwiHT, .ASS irr <j P PUTNAM'S SOUS. 1 About 0 o'clock that -amo afternoon Mr. Barnes sent his card up to Mr. Mitchel at the Lafayette in Philadel phia. A few minutes later he was shown into that gentleman's room and found him in bed. "Delighted to see you, Mr. Barnea. You are very kind to come and see me. For doing so I am almost willing to for give you for the wrong which yon have done me." "Wrong? What wrong?" '' Do you remember the day you came to see me at the Fifth Avenue about the button which yon had found? You asked mo to show you the seventh of my own set. I agreed on condition that you should not annoy the lady. " "Well?" "You broke your promise, that is all." "In what way?" "In the first place you bribed her maid to tell her a lie and leave her so that one of your spies could take her place; secondly, your spy did take her place, the result of which was that Miss Rem sen could not re-engage her old maid and has hart much trouble toget another as good." "I did not foresee when I made that promiso that such an emergency would arise as did later." "Very true. But I did, anil I warned you that you would gain nothing by making the promise, since you would only find my own story verified by your visit.'' "Well, I am very sorry and will say that it shall not occur again." "But, Mr. Barnes, it has occurred again." "How so?" "Why, she cannot leave her home at any time without being flogged by your spies." Mr. Barnes bit his lip in chagrin to find how well this man was acquainted with his plans, but ho replied unhesitat ingly: "This time you aro wrong. I prom ised you not to annoy Miss Remseu in connection with the particular case of i'l^ "Delighted to nee you, Mr. Jiamen." which we were then speaking. My men have shadowed her in connection with another affair." "What other affair?" "Abduction." "Abduction? Absurd! Who on earth has Miss Re'nseu abducted?" "The girl Rose Mitchel." "And who, pray, is tl»<, K ,r ' Mitchel—the daughter of the murdered woman?" "Perhaps. That is what I intend to discover. She passed, however, as your daughter." "Ahl Now can you prove that she is not?" "No." "Very good. Then, so far as your in formation goes, Rose Mitchcl, who pass ed as my daughter, was removed from a certain bouse to a certain other house to you unknown.'' Ho paused a moment as though to enjoy Mr. Barnes' discom fiture, then continued: "She was'taken, so you suspect, but cannot prove, by Miss Remsen. Now, then, if Miss Item sen, my affianced wife, takes a girl who is my own child from ono house to an other, where is the abduction so long as 1 make no complaint?" "Let us drop this nonsense, Mr. Mitchel. You know very well that that child was removed for a purpose, else she would not be hidden away. If Miss RemKon had a hand in this, she was aiding you to bailie detective investiga tion, and that was an illegal act. There fore wo have the right to watch her in order to discover what we can." "Very well, then, wo will grant you that privilege. Much good may it do you. But as to the removal of the child, that was done because your spy Lucette had discovered where she was, and I did not choose to have her annoyed. "What makes you BO certain that this Lucette was my spy, as you term it?" "Well, I don't mind telling you that, though perhaps I am showing my hand a little. Let us go to tho beginning. In tho first place you knew about my bet, and I knew that you knew that much. From that starting point what more nat ural than for me to suppose that yon would begin by having mo shadowed. To bo sure of this I mado a few trips on tho elevated road, a structure peculiarly applicable for such a test, with the result of course that I soon beeame pretty well acquainted with your assistant. When ever I had nothing else to do, I would amuse myself getting away from him. You gave me occupation for several hours, I assure you. But to como to Lu cette. I guessed that tho next step in your game would be to supply spy No. 2, who would take up the trail wherever spy No. 1 would lose it. I began to look for this second man. See, I admit that I did not count upon a woman. You beat me there, or almost did. I don't suppose you told tho girl to let mo see her face, eh?" Mr. Barnes made no reply, though to himself ho said, "Just as I told the fool." Mr. Mitchel went on: "At last one day, just as I was getting on a train, a smart looking young woman came out of the waiting room and followed me aboard, l'urely from habit I walked through the train to the first coach. I ride in that because it is the coolest in summer and tho least drafty in winter. Now thero were several cross seats empty JU the coaches through which I passed, and as tho young woman behind mo did not take one, but followed me through the train, I became suspicious. When she sat, down opposite me, of course I studied her face. I hardly ever forget a face after I have made a men tal note tif it. The rest is simple. She was sharp enough not to get off the train when I did, and I dismissed her from my mind. Thus I suppose she was en abled to follow me to the Irving place house. But, of course, I recognized her at once when I saw her at Miss Rem sen's. " "Did I understand you to say that this Mitcbel iu y<*ir daughter?" "I don't know What you understood, but 1 did not say so. I spoke of her just as you did, 'Rose Mitchel, who passed as my daughter ' " ''Weil, then, in sh{> your daughter?" •."I decline to answer. t'Whv do von do so?" "I must decline to reply to that also. " "Do you not seo, Mr. Mitchel, you are simply making your actions more and more suspicious?" '' My dear Mr. Barnes, I do not care a straw how much suspicion I arouse so long as I am not confronted by any proof. Whenever you think you havo any proof against me, come to me and I will endeavor to refute it." "Very well. You have asked me to discover who stole Miss Remsen's ruby. I have already done so.'' "Mr. Barnes, you uro a genius. Who is it?" "Yourself." "Bosh! Can't you do better than that? Why, I havo been sick abed here for over three days.'' "Mr. Mitchel, you are caught this time. You were not sick abed here at the time of the robbery. On the con trary, you went over to New York, at tended the festival and took the ruby pin from Miss Remsen's hair." "Mr. Barnes, you are laboring under a delusion. I tell you I have been in this room since Dec. 30. "One of my men followed yon to this place. On the night of the Ist ho regis tered at this hotel, being assigned to the room next to this. He picked the lock of the communicating door and came in here, thus discovering your absence.''. "Very clever idea, I am sure. The fellow deserves credit. Bnt did he tell you which communicating door he came through?" Mr. Barnes looked around and was amazed to find that the only door in the room opened on the hall. The story told by his man was thus an impossibility. A thought came to him quickly, and he said: "You have changed to another room since then. You were at that time in No. 234." "And this is number 342, a floor high er up. But you are wrong. I have not changed my room. I will explain how your man has made this mistake. I knew when I came here that your spy had probably followed me. I was tired of espionage. This is what I did. I reg istered and was given No. 234. I was shown to the room and at once sent for the clerk. When became up, I asked for another room and desired him not to make any ohange on the register, as I had an inquisitive friend who would jiot hesitate to walk right np if he knew what room I was in. I explained that I wished to avoid him. My request was granted. I suppose your man asked for a room near that of his "friend, Mr. Mitchel." The clerk at once thought him to bo the man whom I wished to avoid and gave him a room next to 284, which of course satisfied him, and I am sure pleased me as well. " Mr. Barnes was supremely disgusted, especially as during tho interview he had become thoroughly satisfied that Mr. Mitchel was really sick and troubled with a bad cough. He returned to New York puzzled. CHAPTER XII inc. ttamjnf OF THE lll.'BV. Daring tho next two weeks there were numerous references to the ruby robbery in tho daily papers. Interviews were published purporting to have been held with every one of note who had been present. The police were twitted with their inability to discover tho thief. Tho detectives front the central office came and went mysteriously, and were silent to all questioners, the while maintain ing an expression which plainly said, "We could and we would." One or two persons were even arrested, only to be promptly discharged when brought before the committing magistrates. So that interest in the affair soon died out. Another crime occurred, and all New York had something else to talk of. The Remsen ruby was forgotten by the masses. Mr. Barnes, however, thought of little else. He racked his brain for a promis ing starting point, anil the more he thought tho more he was tempted to made a trip to New Orleans to unravel this, as he had many other mysteries, "from tho other end." Yet he hated to leave the scene where were tho chief ac tors in the drama, and as he felt certain the principal in one or all of the crimes. At last he resolved to make a move, hoping little from it, yet unwilling longer to rest actually idle in this case. He wrote the following letter: Mr. Arthur Randolph: DKAIC Hill—Since you have engaged nie to undertake to prove that Mr. Mitchel himself stole the ruby on the night of the festival, I presume that you will consent to give me some assistance in the matter. In the llrxt Interview that I ha<l with you you may recall that you stated that your friend, in your opin ion, is Homewhat insane on the subject of cel ebrated Jewels. Vou saiil, in effect, that if he were pressed a littlii on this lino he would drift off into the narration of tales of Renin and crimes committed to obtain them. I would much like to hear Mr. Mitchel talk up on his hobby, but, as you know, he is on the defensive with me. Can you in some way ar range to have a talk with him yourself and draw him out, while 1 should be secreted where I could overhear tho conversation? I should wish you to mention the lon* of the ruby—to MuKKcnt, if not charge outright that he himself has taken the gem. and when he denies it, as he surely will, ask him whether there is any peculiar story connected with it —that is, whether it has ever been stolen be fore, From such a con vernation I might get hint which, seeming as nothing to you, might l«t valuable to me. Will you do this? Remem ber you yourself said that "all is fair," etc. 1 YourH truly, J- BAIINI S. In reply to this ho received a note asking him to meet Mr. Randolph at his club on the following evening. The next afternoon Mr. Mitchel call ed at the Hoffman House and went up to ! the room occupied by Mr. Thauret, find ing that gentleman at home. Mr. Tliau i rot advanced to meet him, and the two ! shook hands cordially. "Thauret," began Mr. Mitchel, "I want to talk to you seriously about that I jewel robbery." "I am all attention," said Mr. Thau ret, lighting a cigarette and dropping in to comfortable rocking chair. "To begin with, let mo recapitulate. I will go hack to our partnership ar rangement. You and I became in a way secret partners, or perhaps 'gambling pals' would be more accurate. At that time I agreed to furnish tho capital for our ojierations up to a certain point. I believe I have done so, in spite of the fact that our losses have been rather ' heavy and the further fact that you con fidentially told mo that you had a meth od or a system by which losses could be avoided, or at least controlled. Am I accurate?" so, my friend. You have proved yourself an admirable silent part ner, since you liavo allowed me to have my own way, paying the bills and ask ing no questions till now. Am I to uu | derstand that the losses annoy you, and that you wish an explanation?" "You may give me one in a moment ; £h.ire ts another point. You promised I to drop Adrian Fisher," "Well?" "Vt-u bave not done aa I rwinmtwl you to wear the Ali Baba costume the other night, ami yet you chose to give it to Fisher. Whv was that?" "It will be more simple to explain about the looses first and com*' to Fisher later. As you perhaps know, that de tective Balnea has chosen to place a spy at my lu els. Under the circumstances I thought it wise to play the spy upon my spy. Several times I have gone to the clnb and then placed myself where I could watch my man. In this way I soon discovered that he had become inti mate witli one of the club servants. One day I called this fellow, and partly by threatening to have him discharged, but mainly by using money, I got out of him what the detective was asking about me. This was chiefly whether I lose or win when I play cards. I found that the result of every game that I played was being reported. Consequent ly after that I made it a rule to lose." "To lose my money!" "To lose our money, since we are part ners. Yon are simply advancing the funds till I get remittances from Paris. You have my I OU's. If you are tired of the arrangement, I will pay you at once, though it would be inconvenient." "No. The money is of no conse quence. But tell me why did you think it best to lose?" "It is very simple. From the fact that the detectives are investigating this point it is evident that they have heard of the winnings which I made when Fisher played with me. They muy have concluded that lam a card sharper. I wish to dispel that idea." "Naturally. But now toll me about Fisher. What has this to aowith him:" "As you know, I did not design to attend the festival. You went to Phila delphia, were taken ill and sent me a letter asking me to take your place and wear your dress, which I was to obtain by presenting your note to the costumer. I did this, fully intending to carry out your wishes.'' "Then how was it that Fisher wore my costume?" "I was coming to that. Just before leaving for the affair who should call here but the costumer, who informed me that a man had been to his place and had catechised him about me, explain ing that he was a detective hunting down a celebrated criminal. He showed tho fellow your note. Afterward he re gretted hav' ig done so and came to notify me, as he expressed it, 'so that I might not get into any trouble.' I saw at once that this meant that Barnes would be at the festival, or at any rate one of his men." "You were right in that. He was there.'' "Yes, but I was not sure of it till After the robbery, when all unmasked. He wore one of the Forty Thieves dom inos, and I failed to see through the dis guise. With tho knowledge thus obtain ed I determined to have some amuse ment at the expense of the great detect ivo, and decided to wear one of the dominos instead of your dress. It was essential, however, that some one should impersonate Ali Baba in order that the tab leans might not be interrupted. Fisher was the only man I could ask to assume tho role. He acquiesced, and that is all there was to that. I have not taken him np again, I ;issnre you." "Very good. That is satisfactory. You must pardon my questioning; but, after all, I did not understand and had a right to do so. Tell me were von near when tho robbery occnri p ? Did you see it done?" "I must have been near, but I did not see it. I was awaiting to kiss the hand of the Scheherezade when Mr. Barnes sud denly cried out that a robbery had been committed and ordered masks off. I slipped out of my domino and went to iltlil an buuu an the ltgrtTß wrro " "You might have suggested to him to search everybody, as he did ou tho train," "By George, that ia just what I did, but he declined. I guess that train ex perience made him dubious as to the value of that sort of thing. " At this both men laughed heartily, as though enjoying the discomfiture of tho detective. "It seems," said Mr. Mitcbel, "that Barnes suspected that tho ruby was to bo stolen and informed Mr. Rawlstou early in tho evening that thero would bo thieves in tho audience." "Did ho indeed? Too bad that, with all his shrewdness, he was not a bio to catch tho thief or thieves rather, eh?" Once more they both laughed. Then Mr. Mitchol suggested that they should go to the club, and thither they went. Upon entering the doorkepeer informed Mr. Mitchel that Mr. Randolph was in tho parlor and desired to sot* him. Ho and Mr. Thauret therefore went into tho great reception room. Mr. Randolph arose as they appeared. "Good evening, Randolph," said Mr. Mitchel. "You wish to see me?" "Oh, nothing special. I came in to dine hero and told the doorman to send you to me in erase you should turn up. I wanted company, that is all.'' "Dou't like to eat alone, eh?" "That is it. Eating is a nuisance, mado tolerable only by good companion ship. Mr. Thauret, shall I have a place set for you also?" "If you desire, I shall be most happy," said Mr. Thauret. "Very well," said Mr. Randolph. "I will attend to it. I have some letters to write now, if you will excuse me. Meet me promptly at 7 in the private dining room.'' Mr. Randolph loft the apartment and went to the floor abovo. Here ho joined Mr. Barnes, who was awaiting him. "Well," said tho detective, "can you manage it?" "Everything is arranged. Mitchel is here, and he has brought Thauret with him. I don't understand tho intimacy that has sprung up betweou those two, but that is not to tho point. They will dino with me in our private dining room. 1 shall arrange that our meal shall bo served at a table immediately next to the large portiere that separates the private dining room from the main saloon. 1 shall also order a dinner for you at a table just on the other side of the curtain. If you have good ears, you should hear all that passes with little difliculty." "I am satisfied with your arrange ment and shall undoubtedly be able to hear at h ast the greater part of what occurs.' 1 "Very well. Now go to tho library, and at the farther end, hidden behind u newspaper file, you will bo safe from tho observation of prying eyes. Prompt ly at 7 I and my guests will take our seats. Five minutes later your own place will be in readiness, and you can take it in safety. " Mr. Barnes followed these instruc tions, and Mr. Randolph went to the dining room to jierfwt his arrangements. At- 7, on the minute, he was j<iiu«d by his invited guests, and the three sat at table. Shortly after the noise <>f dishes on the other side of the portiere indi cated that Mr. Harm s was being served. About the third course Mr. Randolph cudeuvorod to lead the conversation in the desired direction. "I trust," sai<l ho, addressing Mitchel, "that you have entirely recovered from that unfortunate illness that prevented you from attending the affair at Kawls ton's?" "Oh, yes!" said Mitchel. "It was but a temjiorary matter. The only seri v>us result was that 1 was kept from tho festival. I think I might have saved Miss Remsen from the annoyani e of los ing her ruby." I "But, Mitchel," said Mr. Kiuidolpli, "uiUlu iJ ludiwl* ft. •*.. «•"* " * — lose so valuable a gem, at the samo time you can safely replace it." "What makes you think so?" "Why, yon have so many jewels. Do fun know I was saying only recently that any one who, like yon, would hoard up rare geir.s, keeping them locked in a vault where no one can see them, is in a way insane. I was g'md when you gave that ruby to Miss Beinsen, and took it as a symptom of returning lucid ity that you should nll earth one of your hidden treasures. I havo no doubt that - hnve others like it buried in some cor Li >. ■ " ■ t safe. Why not get one out and pre»i.. ' > the lady?" " You are misiui. , ' 1 -h. I can not so easily produce a luate u that ruby.'' "Why not? Was there anything pe culiar about it?" "Yes, but we will not talk of it." This curt way of dismissing the sub ject was a surprise to Mr. Randolph, for however little Mr. Mitchel cared to show his gems he hud never before been unwilling to embrace any opportunity to talk about them. Mr. Randolph dart ed in a new direction, remembering the hints of the detective. "Mitchel," said ho, "I would almost be willing to wager that you not only can give Miss Remsen as good a ruby, but that you could actually give her the same one." "I hope to do so," was the quiet re fcly. "You don't understand me. 1 mean that I half believe that your sickness in Philadelphia was all a farce; that you came over and yourself stole the gem." "Indeed? And what leads yon to such a preposterous deduction?" "I think that this is your way of en deavoring to win your wager. I think that no one but yourself could have taken the pin from Miss Remsen's hair, as for no one else would she have sub mitted. " "Randolph, your repeated allusions to Miss Remsen in this connection, and especially your insinuation that I would ask her to be an accomplice in such a piece of duplicity- and that she would consent, are distasteful to mo in the ex treme. If you will pardon my saying so, it is a poor entertainment to offer a guest." "Oh, I meant no offense, old man, I assure youl We will drop tho subject, of course.'' This was followed by a silence. Mr. Randolph was at his wits' end to find a way to force Mr. Mitchel to talk. He felt that nothing had been accomplish ed. Mr. Barnes, however, thought dif ferently, for he had at last come to a positive conclusion. From Mr. Mitchel's tone of voice and the words of his last speech the detective felt certain that whatever part Mr. Mitchel himself may have played in the robbery Miss Rein sen was innocent. He also wondered whether the conversation would now drift back to the ruby. Perhaps it would not have done so had not Mr. Tliauret, who, up to this point, had scarcely spoken during tho progress of the meal, once more broached the subject. "I beg pardon, Mr. Mitchel," said he, "but your remark just now, that thero is something special about tho lpst ruby, has greatly excited my curiosity. Unless you have some private reason for not doing so, I beg that vou will tell us tho history of the gem, if it has one." Thero was a pause, during which Mr. Mitthel looked at his plate and seemed as though studying a problem. Mr. Randolph was dolightcd that Mr. Thauret had come to his assistance in this unexpected way, and as ho observed Tlic Ktory. Mr. Mitchol's hesitation it seemed to him that there was a contest going on in his mind between a powerful desire to talk on his hobby and some pruden tial whisper that silence would l>e bet ter. Tho detective also waited with some anxiety, a piece of a sweetbread on his fork, carried but half way to his mouth. "Well, gentlemen," at last said Mr. Mitchel, "I will tell yon the story." Mr. Barnes took the tidbit from bis fork with a smilo that showed his teeth as they bit it incisively. "First join me in a glass," continued Mr. Mitchel. "Drink this ruby colored wine and pledge me that you will not repeat what I say. This only because Ido not wish to attain tho unenviable reputation of being a romancer, as I certainly should if some reporter should hear and publish tho story now while the loss of the gem 1M fresh in the memory of all. " Tho pledge was given, and Mr. Mitch el continued: "That you might better appreciate this stone, I begin with a disser tation on rubies, explaining to you the difference between the true oriental gem, which is rare of any magnitude, anil the poorer specimens, known as spinels. However, you would only accuse me of ventilating knowledge which has come to mo through the study of my hobby. I will come at once to the story of the lost jewel. Just where it was first found is not accurately known, and of ils earlier history I can only tell you what has been told me. You may believe as much or as little us you like. The history then begins with the finding of Moses in the bulrushes and the subsequent gift to him of this ruby by the daughter of Pharaoh. Thus we hear of it first in the royal house of the Egyptians. There was •mother gem, the exact counterpart to it. This Pharaoh had among his treasures and wore upon state occasions. With the exodus of Moses and the Israelites the ruby passed out of Egypt. From that time for many centuries its history is not marked by any great event, save that wo learn that it was kept by the high priests of tho synagogue and so passed down from generation to genera tion. One odd fact I must not forget. The deep rod color, as you know, is tho most prized. The color of this ruby at tho prescut time is the most perfect in existence. Vet, so the story goes, at first the matched pair of gems were of a pale rose color.'' "Do you mean us to believe," inter rupted Mr. Randolph, "thut the color has deepened with time?" "I do not usk you to believe anything. But it is not time that is supposed to have improved the color. With the con quest of Jerusalem this jewel fell into ttio hands of the Romans, and so in tjuie came iiitv the possession of (Vsar. If) his courtship of Cleopatra lie soon discovered that extraordinary woman's passion for resplendent jewels, and he WiV» utidaclous enough to present it to her. Fearing that this might be readily trjtcod to him when the jewel was miss ed, as it would surely be, he told her secretly of his purjsjse and then tied it about the neck of a pigeon, which flew with it directly to the palaco of < ; Hv pjitj-u, wljo awaited th« urJvgJ of the uira oa tne rooTtops. ine pigeon, when nearly home, was attacked by a hawk, and Cleopatra or tiered one of her archers to slay the larger bird with his arrow. This the man attempted, but struck the pigeon, which fell, blooding and dead, at the queen's feet. She atmce remov ed the gem, which was revered with blood and dyed with it a rich red." "But, Mr. Mitchel," said Mr. Than ret, "surely a ruby could not absorb blood?" "It is the history of the gem.'' Mr. Mitchel spoke iu so odd a toue that one almost thought that, carried away by his love of precious stones, he had im bibed some of the superstition connected with them. He spoke as though he be lieved the tale. Mr. Barnes began to understand what Mr. Randolph had meant when he said that perhaps the desire to possess a rare stone might tempt this gentleman to commit a crime. Mr. Mitchel continued: "I need not follow tho story of Cleo patra. It is too well known. But tliero is an incident that has not been written in the general history of her career. There was an Egyptian priest who was madly in love with her, and iu a mo ment of impulse he dared to tell her of his attachment one day when alone with lier. She seemed slightly amused at his ardor, and asked what he, a poor priest, could offer her, who had rich rulers at her feet. In desperation ho answered that he could cive his lif« Th«» <ioccn laughed and said: 'That is mine already. But yod priests claim to be all wise. Find me the mate to my great ruby and perhaps I will listen to your love plead ings.' To her intense surprise the man replied: 'That I could do if I dared. Tho gem which you have has but return ed to its proper place. It was once Pha raoh's. He also had the mate to it, which from him descended through kings to Rameses the Great. It is buried in his coffin.' 'Get it for me,' was the terse reply of Cleopatra, given now as a command rather than a request. "In fear the priest went into the pyr amid and stole the jewel. When ho presented it to Cleopatra, sho cried out at him: 'What fool's trick is this? Do you think this pale stone a match to mine?' The priest explained that hers had been dyed red in the blood of the pigeon. 'Ah, so!' she replied. 'Then this ono shall be also a richer red. You promised me your life once. I claim it, and in your blood this stone shall be steeped till it matches tho other in col or. ' She carried out her threat, and the two stones were once more mates." "What an absurdity!" exclaimed Mr. Randolph. "Do not say so, "said Mr. Thauret. "We cannot tell what may happen in litis world." "The next change of owners was when Cleopatra killed herself. One of her handmaidens stole the two rubies, but she herself was taken, a slave, to Rome and sold. Her purchaser discov ered the rubies, took them from her, and then secretly murdered her, lest she might tell that he had them. From this time on they have gone by the name of the 'Egyptian gems.' I need not give yon tho wholo list of robberies and mur ders that have been connected with tho two stones, though I have tho written record complete, with names of nil tho victims. Suffice it to say that for years no one was the gainer by gottiug pos session of them. They have always been impossible to sell until I bought this one, which is tho first time either ever was offered honestly in tho market. Be fore this each new owner had obtained the jewels either by tin "r murder and dared not admit that he had them. An other curious thing is that no one has over succeeded in hiding the jewels so that they could not be found. They nave Been sooreted between the stones equally obscure places, yet always tho next thief has found and taken them." "Ah, that is interesting!" said Mr. Thauret. "But tell us fraukly, since we are plodged not to repeat what we hear, do you suppose there is any power inherent in the stono which attracts persons to their discovery?" . "I cannot say, but that is one of the claims. This seems to be snsbtantiated by recent events too." "How so?" "Well, my usual interest in largo gems led me to police headquarter* when that woman ttoeo Mitchel was killed, after having been sobbed. Tho jewels, you remember, had been quickly recovered and aro still in the hands of the police. I was allowed to see them, and the ruby in that lot is undoubtedly tho mato to mine. " "You think that it was the presence of that stone which led to the discovery by the police of tho satchel containing tho jewels?" Mr. Thauret seemed much interested, but Mr. Mitchel merely shrugged his shoulders for answer, though it seemed plain that he did hold that opinion. Mr. Barnes wondered whether Mr. Thauret's interest was due to the fact that, having stolen tho jewels, ho was astonishod to hear of so strange an explanation of their recovery from tho hotel wliero he had hidden them. Yet tho man's next words seemed to dispel such an idea. Ho said: "You may believe in that sort of thing, Mr. Mitchol, but I, who have only modern ideas, cannot accept any such theory. The fact that the stones have always been discovered when hid den has led tlioso who know tho history to mistake u chain of coincidences for evidence of supernatural power within tho stones themselves. I think I can readily aocount for tho series of hidings and findings." "I should bo pleased to have yon do so," said Mr. Mitchel. "Have you never road Edgar Poo's tale, tho one where a letter is stolon aud hidden? The detectives failed to find it, though it was in plain sight all tho time, but another man did find it. He went fcpou the correct theory that tho thief, knowing that a search would l>o mado, and guessing that all obscure places would Ist explored Urst, would hido it in some commonplace manner. Ho visited the apartments, and found the letter in the letter rack. Now this is ingenious, but Mr. Poe here gives ns a bit of special pleading and a curious anomaly at tho snmo time. Ho wished to show that an obscure corner would be a bad hiding place, and so worked out his result. At the same time ho draws a skillful thief who baffled expert jsilice, and yet who hid his letter where tho first man with brains easily found it. This is the anomaly. Where the article is small, as is the case with this lost ruby, there is but one safe place for tho thief to bide his stolen projsirty. " "And that place is?" asked Mr. Mitch el, himself Istlraymg interest. "Upon his own person, wherg at all times he could Ist on tho alert to thwart the searching committee." "Ah, you are forgetting," said Mr. Mitchel, "that idea was not overlooked \>y Edgar Poo. In the tale the man was waylaid by officers iu disguise, who bound him and thou searched him. If tho letter had been alsmt him, it would have been found." "Nut at all. The letter was pluo< d in un envelop*-, which had been turned, and then mailed HO that on the reverse it received the postal' imprint. Thi» foiled tlie detective* when they t'vua tned the letter ruck. It v>>uM have fooled them in exploring hjw pockets »f found with v'.'utti li'LLerh himiltulr ad V" the gther hand, had, it b«ei» w his pocket tho man wln» liuailv ob tained it con Id June «u juk TSTo. 11 a conrusion m tnestreet winch attracted the mail to tbe window. It would have beeu difficult for him even to guess that it was in the pocket. Besides with the rul>y it would be simple, since it is an article that can be disposed of at a mo moufs notice." "Very true," said Mr. Mitchel, "but " Here ho paused for a moment and seemed abstracted. Quickly recov ering, he Paid: "What was I saying? I have lost the thread of our conversa tion. " "Mr. Thanret suggested that the thief could keep tho ruby about him," replied Mr. Randolph. "Ah, exactly! Now I remember. Well, I should say that it would be a hazardous undertaking. I believe, had I st-olen the gem—as, by the way, Ran dolph, you suggested—l could do better than that" "Ah," said Mr. Randolph, "this is getting interesting. Come, tell us. How should you hide the jewel, supposing that you had taken it?" "That is a leading question," said Mr. Mitchel. "I prefer not to answer it. Walls have ears, yon know." He said this in a significant way that made Mr. Randolph uncomfortable for a mo ment. Mr. Mitchel at once continued, "I will say this, however, that tbe thief, whoever he is, cannot profit by his th^ft." "Why not?" asked Mr. TL.iuret. "Because there is not u.iot: < v yem in i-iiiUuio aaiu uio.se two w)i; .1 are so absolutely perfect in color. In fact, they, are the standards by which rubies are valued. It is claimed that the expression 'pigeon blood ruby' owes its existence to the staining of one of these gems in the manner described. Dealers some times cut a pigeon's thruat to compare the blood with the color of a gem being appraised. The significance of this is that the stolen gem cannot be sold as it is because it would bo recognized, and I have notified all the great dealers in tho world that my 'Egyptian gem' has been stolen. If it were attempted to have it cut up, the lapidary would at once re port the matter, as the reward offered by mo is greater than could be earned by recutting the stone." "Suppose that the thief himself is a gem cutter?" asked Thauret. "Even then the perfect color would at once tell the first dealer to whom he ap plied that tho "Egyptian gom'had been recut." "The thief might bo a patient man, and all things come to him who waits," replied Mr. Thaurefc "True," said Mr. Mitchel. "But mark my words, the 'Egyptian gem' will not bo sold by tbe person who has it now." "Especially if that person is your self, '' said Mr. Randolph. "Just so," answered Mr. Mitchel. The conversation now drifted to othei things, and shortly after, the.dinner be ing over, the three men separated. As Mr. Barnes was about to leave the main dining room one of the servants handed him a note. Supposing it to be from Mr. Randolph, he opened it at once and was surprisod and chagrined to read: When Mr. Barnes nuxt plays the eavesdrop per, ho should bo careful to observe whether a mirror reflects both sides of a portiere which ho might supposo would conceal him. MITCH*!. "The devil take it!" »nuttered Mr. Barnes. "I wonder at what point be discovered my prescnco. Was that last part—about his having warned all the dealers—thrown in gratuitously for my benefit and to lead me to suppose tliat some one elso stole tho stone? If so, why does he now let mo know that ho savfr me?" [TO BE CONm.VTED.f It's pleasant to bo a frent man In the choir, To aort o' stand out as a leader, To have all thet tuneful persuasion an flro But in this fioro" existence we can'tTPoor or rich, - I Decide on tho path thot's l>oforo us. An some kin stand up an sing solo* an sich, | While other must Jlno In the chorus.' It's tho low trallin vino thet in Bafety,endures Tho storm when the haughty aro broken; It Jan't the hero thet oft'nest secure# A true hearted friendship's doar token- When envious sneers arclaunchod ruthless an free, Jfhen tho vonomous darts whistle o'er us, Woy.Juetwoen you an mo, it's a comfort to be Jes a fiiller'thet Jines inthe chorus.^ —Washington Star. . Mischief Done. "I've boon told„ Rivors' name is in old Rocksworthy's will." J "Yes, his namo la'ln It. He signed It as a witness. That's all, and—good gracious 1 What's tho matter?" ! "Nothing, only L'vo 4600 on tho strength of It!"—Chicago' Tribune. The Ouoa Who Kotbr. "Ono lias to undergo u great"deal,to se cure n musical education'' ■ romrtrkodtthe young woman who hopes someday to bo a prima donna. "Hut one's neighbors havo to undorgo'a great deal more,'' suggested tho yopng man from tho noxt flat.—Chicago Post. His Breaks. 110 broke the ties of mother lovo By his satanlo art, Nor rested there—this ruffled dove Then broke a maiden's heart. And onee again did fortune's stroke His killing pace reveal— The lightning breakor grandly broke Tho record on his wheel. Htlll guided by his evil Wit Uu wrought full prank, And when, nlas, in business wont And promply broko a bank. Bo thus this breaker broke away Until a broken wreck, And then tho sheriff came one day And badly broko his nock. —Cleveland Plain Dealer. , Lost Ills Usefulness. Philanthropic l^ady—And.you moan to toll mo that you lost your oinploymont through giving up drinking? Tramp—Yes, juum. It's us true as gospel. 1 was u horrlblo tem perance league.—New York Herald. Audacity. The pert wind kissod Priseilla's cheek Anil made It red. Then, fearing lest rebuke she'd speak, Away he fled. But tasted sweets do sharpon taste To cravo for more. And one turn do again at least What's done before. 1 Bo in anticli>ated bliss Straight back he goes. Oh, most impertinent! Thiskiss Makes red her nose. —Truth. Raising Funds. "I'll give 110," announced tho man in the third |>ew from tho front. Tho converted counterfeiter rose, with emotion. "And l, J ' he exclaimed, "will make It $l<K)." —Detroit Tribune. Spain's Editor General. Oh, put by my saber, so time stained and rusty; • Its seasons or labor were few. My valor clings close to a weapon more trusty, So bring me my Js--ucll of blue. 'Twere folly to drift with* the chanoea of bat tic. Wherv doubts come,in spectral review. When despising rude war with its blare and Its rattle, '1 "M I'm safe with my -pencil of .blue—> —Washington jsar. fl Seeking lllbllcal Knowledge. 1 Enfant.Terrible—And dld*they go into tho ark two .liy.two? _ Mnininu—Yes, dearest. &ifant Terrible —Well,^w ho went With auntie?— Pittsburg Bulletin. Her Horrible Slang. She held a daisy in horjiand , I And plucked its petals one by one. J As fair a picture waa she'then fij As e'er was shono on by the son. ■ The rude young tnan who.' unawares.3 y Approached her nearly had a flt M Tu L ar her rosy, liptijinan- «| : »' ~ < - t» u ' J"c-luvoBj>nc.ai»Efl
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers