her real character.

She resided in a fine brown-stone mansion up town; sported an elegant
carriage and a spanking pair of bays, and, to all appearances, possessed
an unlimited bank account.

She was sometimes attended on her drives by a gentleman, many years older
than herself, who appeared to be something of an invalid, and who, as
far as the detective could learn, was engaged in no business whatever.

These latter facts increased his suspicions, for the reason that the
woman who had robbed Mr. Palmer had wished to submit her selections to
the sanction of an invalid husband.

Disguised as a spruce young coachman, Mr. Rider managed to ingratiate
himself with a pretty, but rather vain young servant-girl in Mrs.
Vanderheck's employ, and by means of well-turned compliments, re-enforced
now and then with some pretty gift, he managed to keep himself well
posted regarding the mistress' movements and her social engagements, and
then he diligently followed up his espionage by frequenting the many
receptions and balls which she attended.

At these places she was always magnificently attired and seldom wore any
ornaments except diamonds, of which she appeared to possess an endless
store, and all were of great beauty and value.

It was at a Delmonico ball, which was given in honor of a person of
royal descent, and on the Friday evening preceding Ray Palmer's visit
to Hazeldean, that Mr. Rider found his plans ripe for action and
accomplished his great _coup de grace_.

He had learned, through the pretty servant-girl, that Mrs. Vanderheck
was to grace the occasion with her presence and was to be attired in a
costume of unusual richness and elegance--"with diamonds enough to blind
you," the lively and voluble Fanny had boasted to her admirer.

Consequently the detective got himself up in elaborate style, obtained
a ticket for the ball by some means best known to himself, and, when the
festivities were at their height, slipped in upon the brilliant scene.

He was not long in "spotting" his prey, who was conspicuous in white
brocaded velvet and white ostrich tips, while her person was literally
ablaze with diamonds.

"Great Scott!" the man muttered, as he ran his keen eye over her gorgeous
attire; "it is a mystery to me how any woman dare wear such a fortune
upon her person; she is liable to be murdered any day. Why, she--Aha!"

His heart gave a sudden leap, and for a moment, as he afterward described
his sensations, it se