Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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"No, sir," he answered with a smile. "A case of mistaken identity. My

name is Jones." Then, continuing his speech to Patsy Doyle, he said:

"There is no need to consider the acoustic properties of our theatres,

for the architect--"

"Pardon me again," interrupted the man, more sternly. "I am positive this

is _not_ a case of mistaken identity. We have ample proof that Jack

Andrews is parading here, under the alias of 'A. Jones.'"

The boy regarded him with a puzzled expression.

"What insolence!" muttered Beth in an under-tone but audible enough to be

distinctly heard.

The man flushed slightly and glanced at Le Drieux, who nodded his head.

Then he continued firmly:

"In any event, sir, I have a warrant for your arrest, and I hope you will

come with me quietly and so avoid a scene."

The boy grew pale and then red. His eyes narrowed as he stared fixedly at

the officer. But he did not change his position, nor did he betray

either fear or agitation. In a voice quite unmoved he asked:

"On what charge do you arrest me?"

"You are charged with stealing a valuable collection of pearls from the

Countess Ahmberg, at Vienna, about a year ago."

"But I have never been in Vienna."

"You will have an opportunity to prove that."

"And my name is not Andrews."

"You must prove that, also."

The boy thought for a moment. Then he asked:

"Who accuses me?"

"This gentleman; Mr. Le Drieux. He is an expert in pearls, knows

intimately all those in the collection of the countess and has recognized

several which you have recently presented to your friends, as among those

you brought from Austria."

Again Jones smiled.

"This is absurd, sir," he remarked.

The officer returned the smile, but rather grimly.

"It is the usual protest, Mr. Andrews. I don't blame you for the denial,

but the evidence against you is very strong. Will you come? And quietly?"

"I am unable to offer physical resistance," replied the young fellow,

as he slowly rose from his chair and displayed his thin figure.

"Moreover," he added, with a touch of humor, "I believe there's a fine

for resisting an officer.

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