第7章 THE SLEUTHS(3)

"You have told me that your sister was a scrub woman.She scrubbed the floors of offices and hallways.Let us assume that she procured such work to perform in a theatre.Where is valuable jewellery lost the oftenest, Mr.Meeks? In the theatres, of course.Look at that piece of programme, Mr.Meeks.Observe the round impression in it.It has been wrapped around a ring -- perhaps a ring of great value.Mrs.Snyder found the ring while at work in the theatre.She hastily tore off a piece of a programme, wrapped the ring carefully, and thrust it into her bosom.The next day she disposed of it, and, with her increased means, looked about her for a more comfortable place in which to live.When I reach thus far in the chain I see nothing impossible about No.12 Avenue C.It is there we will find your sister, Mr.Meeks."Shamrock Jolnes concluded his convincing speech with the smile of a successful artist.Meeks's admiration was too great for words.Together they went to No.12 Avenue C.It was an old-fashioned brownstone house in a prosperous and respectable neighbourhood.

They rang the bell, and on inquiring were told that no Mrs.Snyder was known there, and that not within six months had a new occupant come to the house.

When they reached the sidewalk again, Meeks examined the clues which he had brought away from his sister's old room.

"I am no detective," he remarked to Jolnes as he raised the piece of theatre programme to his nose, "but it seems to me that instead of a ring having been wrapped in this paper it was one of those round peppermint drops.And this piece with the address on it looks to me like the end of a seat coupon -- No.12, row C, left aisle."Shamrock Jolnes had a far-away look in his eyes.

"I think you would do well to consult Juggins," said he.

"Who is Juggins?" asked Meeks.

"He is the leader," said Jolnes, "of a new modern school of detectives.

Their methods are different from ours, but it is said that Juggins has solved some extremely puzzling cases.I will take you to him."They found the greater Juggins in his office.He was a small man with light hair, deeply absorbed in reading one of the bourgeois works of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The two great detectives of different schools shook hands with ceremony, and Meeks was introduced.

"State the facts," said Juggins, going on with his reading.

When Meeks ceased, the greater one closed his book and said:

"Do I understand that your sister is fifty-two years of age, with a large mole on the side of her nose, and that she is a very poor widow, making a scanty living by scrubbing, and with a very homely face and figure?""That describes her exactly," admitted Meeks.Juggins rose and put on his hat.

"In fifteen minutes," he said, "I will return, bringing you her present address."Shamrock Jolnes turned pale, but forced a smile.

Within the specified time Juggins returned and consulted a little slip of paper held in his hand.

"Your sister, Mary Snyder," he announced calmly, "will be found at No.

162 Chilton street.She is living in the back hall bedroom, five flights up.The house is only four blocks from here," he continued, addressing Meeks."Suppose you go and verify the statement and then return here.

Mr.Jolnes will await you, I dare say."

Meeks hurried away.In twenty minutes he was back again, with a beaming face.

"She is there and well!" he cried."Name your fee!""Two dollars," said Juggins.

When Meeks had settled his bill and departed, Shamrock Jolnes stood with his hat in his hand before Juggins.

"If it would not be asking too much," he stammered -- "if you would favour me so far -- would you object to --""Certainly not," said Juggins pleasantly."I will tell you how I did it.

You remember the description of Mrs.Snyder? Did you ever know a woman like that who wasn't paying weekly instalments on an enlarged crayon portrait of herself? The biggest factory of that kind in the country is just around the corner.I went there and got her address off the books.

That's all."