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l Mwmhm-wnv. to. .«.~. ,_. .~ y, ”man u. - .- -- MN campaigns ; OR. THE. House [N THE f " CHAPTER" I. teginald Brett, barrister-atâ€"law and amateur detective, had seldom been more at peace with the world and his own conscience than when he cut-cred the diningâ€"room of his cosy flat. this bright October mornâ€" -ing. ’ “Since the famous affair-of Lady Delia Lyle’s disappearance and death, he had not been busy, and the joy of healthy idleness is only known to the hard worker. Again, while dressing, he had received a letter inviting him to a quiet shoot at a delightful place in the country. 2 "All these things blended with happy inconsequence to render Brett contented in mind and affable in manner. ' “It’s a fine morning, Smith,” he said 'cheerin, as he settled himself at the table where his “man," was already pouring out the coffee. “Beeâ€"utiful, sir,” said Smith. “Smith S” “Yessir.” “Not even the best English au- tumn weather can stand being called ‘bee-utiful.’ Don’t do it. You will open the flood-gates of heaven.” Smith laughed decorously. He had not the slightest idea what his mast-er meant, but if it pleased RUE BARBETTE J be silvern, but silence is surely golden.” ' The barrister solemnly unfolded the paper, and Smith faded from the room. On a page usually de- voted to important announcements, the following paragraphs stood forth in the boldness of leaded type:â€" “MYSTERIOUS OCCURRENCE IN THE WEST END.” “An affair of some magnitudeâ€"â€" perhaps a remarkable crimeâ€"has taken place in an Albert Gate man- Sion. “Owing to the reticence of the authorities, it is at present impos- sible to arrive at a definite conclu- Sion as to the nature Or extent of the incident, but it is quite certain that public interest will be much excited when details are forthcomâ€"' ing. All sorts of rumors attain credence in the locality, the mur- der of several prominent persons being not the least persistent of these. W'ithout, however, giving currency to idle speculation severâ€" al authentic statements may be grouped into a connected form; “Four weeks ago a party of Tur- kish gentlemen of high rank. in Constantinople, arrived in London and took up their abode in the house in question, after some struc- Mr. Brett to be jocose, it was the tural alterations, pointing at great duty of a servant who knew his place to be responsive. The barrister fully understood security within and without, had been planned and executed. “Attending these Turkish gen- _, . , . . . . Smith S delicate apprecmtionâ€"and tlemcn, or ofiic1als, was a numer- its limits. He instantly noticed that the morning paper, instead of reposing next to his folded nap- kin, was placed out of reach on a sideboard, and that the eggs and bacon made their appearance half a- minute too soon. As an expert swordsman delights to execute a pass en tierce with an umbrella, so did the cleverest anaâ€" lytical detective of the age resolve to amaze his servitor. “Smith,” he said suddenly, com- posing his features to their most severe cross-examination aspect. "I think the arrangement is an excel- lent one.” “What arrangement, sir.” “That Mrs. Smith and yourself should have a few days’ holiday, while Mrs. Smith’s brother takes your place during my forthcoming visit to Lord Northallerton’sâ€"why, man, what is the matter '2 Is it too hot‘l”,â€"for the cover Smith had lift-ed off the bacon and eggs clat- tered violently on the table. "' ’Ot, sir. ’Ot isn’t the word. You're a fair licker, that’s what you are.” , Smith invariably dropped his h’s when he became excited. “Smith, I insist that you shall not call me names. Pass the paperf’ “But, sirâ€"~â€" “Pass the paper. Utter another word and'“I refuse to accept Mrs. Smith’s brother as your locum tenens.” _ Smith was silenced. by the. last terrible epithet. Yet he was so manifestly nervous that Brett re- solved to enlighten him before plunging into the day’s news. “For the last time, Smith,” he J} said, “I will explain to you why“ it is hopeless for you to think of concealing tradesmen’s commissions from me.’.’ The shot went' home, but the en- emy was acquainted with this nic- thod of attack, and did not wince. “You knew that Lord Nor-thal- lcrton had recently invited me to his October pheasantâ€"shooting. During the last few days a youth, who grotesquely reproduces Mrs. Smith’s most prominent features, has mysteriously tenanted the kit- chen, ill-cleaned my boots. and bungled over the studs in my shirts. This morning a letter came with the crest- and the Northallerton postmark. Really, Smith, consid- ering that you have now breathed the same air as myself for eight- long years. I did not expect to be called on for an explanation. Ite- sides, you have destroyed a mas- tel-piece.” “Sirâ€"” began Smith. “Oh, I understand; there is no- thing brokcn but your reputation. Don’t"you see- that the mere plac- ‘ing of the iiewspaper-at a distance, so ‘that you might have a chance to speak before I opened it, was a‘subtle stroke, worthy of Lecoca. Yen‘you'“demand"'fee'ble‘ words; What a pity! Know, Smith. that true genius is dumb. Speech may _ .._.,...._......-.._-...7-_ . . ., .._ ‘nalistie artist. .....5.....-me~:.::ir;,:vatamma" ’ ous suite of Moslem guards and servants, whilst, immediately fol- lowing their arrival. came from Amsterdam some dozen noted ex- perts in the diamond-cutting in- dustry. These were lodged in a neighboring private hotel, where they were extremely uncommuni- cative as to their business in Lon- don. They were employed during the day at the Albert Gate house. The presence in the mansion, both day and night, of a strong force of Metropolitan police, tended to excite local curiosity to an intense degree, but no clear conception of the business of the occupants was allowed to reach the public. “Whatever it was that took place, the full particulars were not only well known to the authorities 'â€"~the presence of the police hints even at Governmental sanction â€"â€" but matters proceeded en normal lines until yesterday morning. “Then it became clear that a reâ€" markable development must'have occurred during the preceding night, asthe whole of the Dutch workmen and the Turkish attend- ants were taken~off in cabs by the police, not to Morton Street Police Station, but to Scotland Yard; this in itself being a most unusual course to adopt. They are unquesâ€" tlionably detained in custody, but they have not yet been charged before a magistrate. . “The police, later in the day, carried off some of these men’s per- sonal belongings, from both hotel and "mansion. “A sinister aspect was given to the foregoing mysterious proceed- ings by the presence at Albert- Gate, early. in the day, of twci police surgeons, who were followed, about twelve o’clock, 'by Dr. Tennyson Coke, the greatest living author- ity on toxicology. ‘ “Dr. Coke and the other medi- cal gentlemen subsequently refus- ed to impart the slightest informa- tion as to the reasons that led the police to seek their services, and the Scotland Yard authorities are adamant in the matter. _' ‘ “The representative of a news agency was threatened with arrest for trespass when he endeavored to gain admission to the Albert Gate house, and it is quite. evident that the police are determined to prevent the facts from leaking out at presentâ€"if they can by any means accomplish their wishes." Brett read this interesting statement twice slowly. It fascinâ€" ated him. Its very vagueness, its admissions of inability to tell what had really happened, its adroit use of such phrases as “Turkish gentle- men of high rank,” “Noted ex- perts in the diamondâ€"cutting in- dustry,” “The greatest living au-.. thority -on toxicology,”‘- betray-ed the hand of the disappointed 'jour- ‘.‘Excellent 2” ..-mu'rmured ”aloud. to my nostrils. Smith for my breakfast. he . I ought- to tip Jr I cutting rauâ€" _.____.___._.â€".__â€"__â€"_. ._. read this earlier, I would not have eaten a morsel.” . He carefully examined the page- at the-back. It contained matter of no consequenceâ€"a London County Council debateâ€"so he took a pair of scissors from his pocket and cut out the complete item, placing the slip as a votive offeringl in front of a finely ekecuted buSt of Edgar Allen Poe, that stood‘on a bookcase behind him. Within three minutes the scissors were again employed. The new ' T “There is trouble at Yildiz Kiosk. A Renter’s telegram from Con- stantinople states that a near re- lative of the Sultan has fled to France. The Porte have asked the French Government to apprehend him, but the French Ambassador has informed Riez Pasha that this course is impracticable in the ab- sence of any criminal charge.” “These two are one,” said the barrister, as he turned towards. Poels bust and laid the slip by the stside of its predecessor. This- it possible, -.me he hadmutilatcd a critique' qucnce n of an Ibsenite drama. ' - The rest of the newspaper’s con- (To be continued.) tents had no special interest for him, and he soon threw aside the journal in order to rise, light a cigarette, and muster sufficient cn-. er y..to write a telegram acce iting . . 7 . Logrd Northallerton’s invitatioii .for Between the Rich and P001" the following day. In Spain, where the ruins of He was on the point of reaching lVIoorish‘towers are seen upon the for a telegraph form when Smith crests of many hills as the “exâ€" ,â€" in chronological so fly a.“ Great Levellcr of Distinctions-,3 IS DAILY WINNING FRESH LAURELS. Its uniform high quality commends itself. to all housekeepers. «“BEST FRUIT, BEST SUGAR, BEST PRESERVES." Ask your Grocer for Redpath Extra Granuated Sugar The Canada Sugar Refining 00., Limited, Montreal ‘ ' Established in 1854 by John Redpath. WIIITEWASIII BRU S11 IN SPAIN: the Far East. ' entered with a card. "‘It is the breath ofibattl’e’ Had I‘ M "v‘v'mrww‘... ' "' . " " **â€""~ » ....‘ . a. ' .. -..-'--~ “ name and addressâ€"~ “The Earl of Fairholm-e, Gate.” thought Stanhopc “Curious,” “Where is his lordship?” he said study. aloudâ€"“at the door, or in the street?” (His flat was on the second floor). “In a keb, sir.” “Bring his lordship up.” It bore the press” train crawls along at the rate of 15 or ‘20 miles an hour, the evidences of surviving Moorish in- fluence upon the people and customs Brett, of Andalusia make an interesting In the city of Ronda it is plain that the ideas of home build- ing which the Arabs brought into the Iberian peninsula remain vital [toâ€"day. The whitewash brush is the great A rapid glance at “DEbI'Ctli-‘i 1‘8- leveller of distinctions between the vealed that the Earl of Fairliolmelyich and. the poor in Spain. thirty, unmarried, the four-lexmyiors of homes, was teenth of his line, and the posses- sor of country seats at Fairholme, Warwickshire, andGlen Spey, In- verness. The earl entered, an athletic, well-groomed man, one whose lines were usually cast in pleasant places, but who was now in an unwont-ed state of flurry and annoyance. Each man was favorably impress- ed by the other. His lordship pro- duced an introductory card, and Brett was astonished to find that it bore the name of the Underâ€"Sec- retary of State for Foreign Affairs. “I have comeâ€"-â€"” commence-d his lordship hesitatingly. But the barrister broke in. “You have had a bad night, Lord Fairâ€" holme. You wish for a long and comfortable chat. Now, won’t you start with a whisky and soda, light a cigar, and draw an easy chair near the fire '5” “ ’Pon my honor, Mr. Brett. you begin well. You give me confi- dence. Those are the first cheerful words I have heard during twenty- four hours.” The earl was easily manoeuvred into a strong light. Then he made a fresh start. , ' “You have doubtless heard of this Albert Gate affair, Mr. Brett 2” “You mean this ’2” said the other, rising and handing to his visitor the longer paragraph of the two he had selected from the news- paper. - “That is very curious, earl, momentarily startled. ,But he was too preoccupied by his thoughts to pay much heed to the incident. He merely glanced at the cutting and went on: “ch, that is it. . Well, Edithâ€"â€" Miss Talbot, I meanâ€"â€"yows that she won’t marry me until this beastly business is cleared up. Of Course, we all know that Jack didn’t slopc‘ with' the diamonds. He's tied up or dead, for sure. But ~â€"â€"n0 matter what may have become of himâ€"why the dickens that should stop Edith from marrying me is more than I can fathom. Just look at some of the women in Society. They don’t leave it to their rela~ tives to be mixed up in a scandal, I can tell you. Still, there you are. Edith is jolly clever and awâ€" fully dctermined, so you’ve got to find him, Mr. Brett. Dead or alive, he must be found, and clearec .” “He shall,” said Brett, gazing into the fire. The quiet, self-reliant voice steadied the young peer. He. check- ed an imminent flow of words, picked up the newspaper slip again, and this time read it. Then he blushed. ” said the manner when yOu probably. have n'e‘Ver "heard- of "the" people -I am talking about.” , 7 “You ‘ will- tell' me, holine, if you get quietly to work, “You‘must think me very stupid, «Mr. Brett, to burst out in, suchsas » Lord Fair- .great manor houses upon the haciendas, huts of mountaineers clinging to the sides of the almost perpendicular hills, handsome homes of rich merchants in the cities and humble tenements are nearly all of plaster. A few of them are kalsomined in blue or brown or pink, but the maj- ority are pure white. Ronda is a white city with a few patches of blue and pink and looks as if. the whitewash brush had just been apâ€" plied. a“... rI'rHr sumos. About the only time a man ob- jects to being overrated is when he pays his taxes. The great trouble with the men who get to the front is that they feel so big we can't see over their heads. Clothes may not make the man, but they sometimes make a dan- erous imitation. 'The only proof against disap- pointment is to expect the unex- pectcd. The fellow who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth generally marries a girl who makes him fork over. The friend who takes your part sometimes forgets to return it. Some people have such taking: ways that they leave little to be de sired If lots of us made it a rule to pug. as we go we wouldn’t get very far. V )‘1 I LEPEI’LS NOT INCREASING. ‘ “The leper colony in. Hawaii has not grown any the last several years.” says 0. B. Cl‘homas. of Hon- olulu. “In fact the number of lepers confined on the island Molokai has been decreased by the discovery that some of them were not suffering from the disease. The district in whch the lcperslivc is separated from the mainland by a high range of mountains. and the oi lepers have a regular municipal government of their own. They have their schools and their amuse- ments and pursue their daily work with as much pleasure and industry as the inhabitants of thriv- ing vllages.” V ‘4 DATES BACK TO CHARLES Ii Few women are aware that the word “miss,” as indicating an un- married woman, dates from the time of Charles If. John Evelyn, in his famous “diary," writes of young girls as “misses, as they be: gin to be callec.” Until that reign even a- small girl was ad- dressed'a's “mistress.” like her mother. "Itwas found; however, in- convenient to'use so-little distinc- tion between a girl and: a woman, and so the word “miss” was invent- ed, as .a diminutive of, ‘A‘mistressf' servants retaining the old form of and try to speak, so far as you find address. . ”7...“... -.T.~._--...:.â€"...â€".â€"¢.~._..~.._.~. - “.._.... --¢>~ -.....___. _..‘ w ._â€"A...':: 0-4» nu_xa.-._~-.i..u_..¢"‘ ' i Lh.i‘ki§'....‘%;."" .~ " ‘.’--’-a:' «in. ..._._.,._. _ _ The . den treasure began to buzz. lure in his possession. I Extra Granulated Sugar ‘ good ..._ _..- ...._.___.__._ WHERE IS '1‘le IISI‘S GOLD? A Story to Account for the. 'l‘rcas- ure of Empress Dowager. A legend as persistent as those clustered around the whereabouts of 00m Paul’s gold is growing up in It concerns the mys- tery surrounding the disposition made of the great treasure of the- late Empress Dowager of China. Tze Hsi. That the remarkable old woman of China died with a tremendous fortune is perhaps the only accurate part of the story. Besides being, very much of a diplomat she was thrifty, and the. gold and jewels that poured into her coffers she kept. Only a few trusted servants that had stood closest in her confidence knew the amount of her private fortune and what disposition she made of it during her lifetime. ' i-ai'dly' had the blue and white streamers of mourning gone up over the lintel of every doorpost in China at her death when whispers about the Dowager Empress’s hid- It was said in Pekin that she had left directions that her gold and jewels should never be disturbed in their hiding place, and that three men alone knew where that hiding place was. Then came the rumor that one, of 6these three eunuchs of the palace had murdered the two other pos- sessors of the secret- and had fled the country with part of the treas- So persist- ent- was this report that a year ago, when a Chinaman was murdered in Patani in the Malay States and among his effects were found some Jades of remarkable beauty and value, it was instantly decided that the plunderer of the imperial cache had met. his end. Now a- new tale comes out of the East, less romantic to be sure, but it hit more probable. This version has it that all of Tze Hsi’s wealth. aside from the gems she used as personal adornment, had been as- :emblcrl in the shape of bullion while the Dowager Empress was still alive and that it had remained under guard in a room of the palace in Pckin after her death. Sonia I'ime ago representations were made to the councillors of the Prince Ite- reut of the danger of allowing so great- a treasure to remain in Pekin and the folly of not banking it so that interest might accrue. The Prince Regent gave permis~ sion to remove the gold bars to a -l';russels hank.- Various insurance agents were sought to give rates for the protection of the, gold on its long journey, but finally the imper- ial councillors'decided to send the 'mllion to London and thence to Brussels at the Government’sown risk. It was forwarded piecemeal, so that no word of the rich ship- ment might escape. The last of it, so it is reported in the North China Daily News, went to England on the Chinese cruiser Haichi, which went to represent the empire at the coro- nation. W __,_.... FEMALE POLICE IN BERLIN. A body of women police has been mustered in Berlin, Germany. Ono section will devote their attention to ordinary police work, and to the other portion will be entrusted the care of infants. It is essential that the guardians of the children pos- sess aknowledgc of medicine. The women constables will be armed with revolvers, so that they will be able to protect themselves if neces- ‘sary when entering houses in the lower quarters of the city where they have suspicion. that children are being ill-treated. Thirty wo- men will be engaged at the start. i Y I ' I m E‘If a word to the wise is sufficient 7' the average married" woman must ‘ consider her husband 'foolish‘ in- deed. ' s 1.. WV\ 3.: ..-v~ . _. .