Thus it was
apparent that the three jewels had been stripped from the necklace
by forcible contact with the iron rail of the fire-escape at the
point where Average Jones had found the "color" of precious metal.
The stones were identified by Kirby, from a peculiarity in the
setting, as the end three, nearest the clasp at the back; a point
which Jones carefully noted. But there the trail ended. No more
fire-blue stones came in.
For three weeks Average Jones issued advertisements like commands.
The advertisements would, perhaps, have struck the formal-minded
Kirby as evidences of a wavering intellect. Indeed, they present a
curious and incongruous appearance upon the page of Average Jones'
scrapbook, where they now mark a successful conclusion. The first
reads as follows:
OH, YOU HOTEL MEN! Come through with the
dope on H. M. G. What's he done to your place?
Put a stamp on it and we'll swap dates on his past
performances.
A. Jones, Astor Court Temple, New York City.
This was spread abroad through the medium of Mine Host's Weekly and
other organs of the hotel trade.
Pages:
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