Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 387: what you’re looking at

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

discovery.’ “Well, really, Mr. Sargent, you have come to a very poor source for any suggestions regarding the mat- ter,” said Helena, coimposedly, ‘and I am surprised that you should have thought it necessary to inter- view me upon the subject. If I had had anything to offer, [should probably have made wy comimuunica- tion before this.” “ “Exactly; I inferred as much, therefore I con- cluded that a little soeial chat might sharpen your ideas soinewhat, and waybe you would have some- thing to offer upon second thought,” the man con- eluded, in his most insinuating tone, while he re- garded her with a look of wninistakable adiniration. Helena shot @ quick, keen glance at him. “T have not, and [do not know as I care to discuss the question further at this late day,” she said, cold- ly, and wifh a shrug of her shapely shoulders. ‘If you, With your superior aciutevess and knowledge of your profession, have failed to trace the necklace, it seelus worse than folly to ask a novice like myself where or how to find it.” “But you are atrifle premature, Miss Stewart, in assuming that Ll have failed to trace the necklace,” was the affable rejoinder, ‘for J have a trace of it!” Helena was all on the alert now. “Ts it possible 2” she exclaimed, animatedly. ‘“How delighted mamma will be! Do tell we who you think is the thief,” The detective sat back in his chair and regarded her for a moment with a sinile of intense enjoyment. “T have a theory—it may be all moonshine, you know, but perhaps you'd like to know what it is, and will kindly give me your opinion, of = ward—and it is this,” the man said, his ‘eefihempolt SOR