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Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

"

Le Drieux sat in silence for a few minutes. Then he said:

"I appealed to you, Mr. Merrick, because I was not thoroughly satisfied,

in my own mind, of my conclusions. You have added to my doubts, I must

confess, yet I cannot abandon the idea that the two men are one and the

same. As my suspicion is only shared by you and your niece, in

confidence, I shall devote myself for a few days to studying young Jones

and observing his actions. In that way I may get a clue that will set all

doubt at rest."

"We will introduce you to him," said Patsy. "and then you may question

him as much as you like."

"Oh, no; I prefer not to make his acquaintance until I am quite sure,"

was the reply. "If he is not Jack Andrews he would be likely to resent

the insinuation that he is here trading under a false name. Good night,

Mr. Merrick. Good night, Miss Doyle. I thank you for your courteous

consideration."

He had risen, and now bowed and walked away.

"Well," said Patsy. "what was he after? And did he learn anything from

us?"

"He did most of the talking himself," replied Uncle John, looking after

Le Drieux with a puzzled expression. "Of course he is not a jewel

merchant."

"No," said Patsy, "he's a detective, and I'll bet a toothpick to a match

that he's on the wrong scent."

"He surely is. Unfortunately, we cannot warn Ajo against him."

"It isn't necessary, Uncle. Why, the whole thing is absurd. Our boy is

not a gambler or roysterer, nor do I think he has ever been in Europe.

Mr. Le Drieux will have to guess again!"

CHAPTER XV

A FEW PEARLS

The next morning Patsy, Beth and Louise met in earnest conference over

the important proposition made them by young Jones, and although Uncle

John and Arthur Weldon were both present the men took no part in the

discussion.

"Some doubt has been expressed," said Beth judicially, "that Ajo is

really able to finance this big venture. But he says he is, and that he

will carry it through to the end, so I propose we let him do it."

"Why not?" asked Louise.

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