Ainslee's Magazine, February 1913 — page 160: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

150 I lay there gazing, first at the arch- duke, then at the colonel and Miss Munt, in astonishment, not quite sure whether I was awake or not, or in full possession of my mind. “You are not dressed for the ball,” I ventured vaguely, noting all three were in their traveling clothes. “The ball was over this morning,” smiled the colonel, glancing at his watch. “We have been somewhat occupied since then, Come!” he exclaimed. “It is only fair to you that we should en- lighten you briefly as to the truth of what you have been so innocent and un- fortunate a witness to. First, you must know that Mr. Gaines here,” nodding to the archduke, “is more celebrated in protecting celebrities than being one himself.” “No more so than you are, Crowell,” laughed grimly the big fellow at his side. ‘Or Miss McLeed,” he added, chucking up his fat chin knowingly at the little old maid. “You had better wire Tomlin, also, to headquarters, Miss McLeed,” inter- posed Crowell. “Very good, sir,” and she sat down at my open desk. “Secondly,” proceeded Crowell, ‘the one whom we hoped to lay our hands on during the days we have been together has eluded us, since, contrary to our judgment, he did not put in an appear- ance. He is worth having, being the brains and leader of as clever a gang of international hotel thieves-as exist. The ‘Mawlyns’ were, among others, working AINSLEE’S for him, but neither the woman nor Mawlyn have had Reeves’—better known as ‘Dandy Ryan’s’ record or ex- perience. He is older than he looks. All three, I am glad to say, are now on their way to London in charge of our people from Scotland Yard. As for the Countess of Baylesford’s jewels, they are again in that lady’s possession.” . For a moment I was too much aston- ished to speak. Then the reality of it all dawned upon me. All I could say to these able detectives was that I was grateful to them for my life. “You saved that yourself, sir,” put in Gaines. “The cry you -gave was heard by a passing housemaid, reported at the desk, and we notified. There was not a shadow of a doubt as to who were your assailants. We arrested Maw- lyn in his bed—‘unable to move,’ natu- rally,’ smiled Gaines, “until we ‘moved’ him. His guilt was, of course, unde- niable. You remember the little inci- dent the night before the ball, when he fished for the bit of cork? It is just as well to have the finger prints of such swine as he when you can get them. The Bertillon system has been a god- send to us in our profession. The woman and Reeves we arrested down- stairs.” “Tf you don’t mind,” interrupted Miss McLeed briskly, “I'll ring for a cup of tea. I always have a raging headache after a hotel case is over. What time is our train, Mr. Gaines?” And she laid her active finger on the electric but- ton, (C@ VOO)|K (C@