Evening Star Newspaper, April 16, 1930, Page 38

The Emperor Of America | "™ By Copyright, 1930, by North American Newspaper Alliance and Metropolitan Newsraper Service. SYNOPSIS: Comdr. Drake Roscoe of the United States Navy is trying fo break up @ eriminal band known as the Zomes, di- rected by @ man who is called “Head Centre” and who is said to look like Napoleon. Me, in turn, ir under the di- rection of a woman kmown as “Great Head Centre.” With the aid of Dr. Stopford, Roscoe makes his investipa- tions. Deputy Commissioner Burke of the police department locates the head- quarters of the Zones, but the criminals Rave been warned and have ecscaped. New headquarters are immediately set up. After a daring raid which mets them millions. and which makes Roscoe wonder whether a woman known as the Duchesse de Greuze is mot a member of the gang, the Zomes operatives turn to politics. Roscoe suspects Bromson, a candidate for the povernorship, of being in league with the Zomes. He takes John Wilberforce Wrioht, Bromson’s rival, aoainst whom the activities of the Zones are at present directed, and Peler Cham- pion and Page Sutton, two wealthy men who have also been attacked, to Cham- pion's yacht Burke and Ned Regan, a private detective, are also om beard. Roscoe feels that there is mo safely on land, but that the sea offers a refuge. Howerer. an_efort is made to destroy the yacht. When this is foiled, Roscoe ooes to Bromson’s home. There he 13 made prisoner and taken to the under- oround headquarters of the Zones. TWENTY-SEVENTH INSTALLMENT. | “l 'M not satisfied.” Ned Regan de- swung back in his chair, staring | up at the speaker. “Neither am the third man in the commissioner’s rToom, “that Regan, although he saw isn't satisfied that he’s safe.” “Well!” cried Regan. “Where has he “Comdr. Roscoe,” Burke , “Is in charge of State operations ‘This crazy idea of yours about Bronson is giving you a temperature.” | member of official headquarters. clared, explosively, Deputy Commissioner Burke | 1" he growled. “I rather gather,” said Dr. Stopford, come out of the Bronson abode and drive off with some bloke unknown, gone? Why doesn't he report back! Answer me that.” replied, inst the one group. It's no part of his job to report to you—or to me. “Likely enough,” Regan growled. *But when you remember that Solke, your own right-hand man, was one of the bunch—and Partington, and a few more—why not Bronson——" He was Interrupted by a knock. “Come in,” Burke called. Police Capt. Markham came in. “No news of Comdr. Roscoe,” he re- ported. Burke swung around and glared. “Has Mr. Bronson moved & “No, Chief—not all evening!” “Listen,” Ned Regan broke in, “just to oblige me, because I'm crazy and got a bad ncadache, have Markham call at the Bronson home and insist on see- ing Bronson. Say you're anxious about his safety.” “What's gained?” Burke asked. “I'll be satisfied,” Regan told him “if Bronson is there.” “You've got me guessing,” Burke con- fessed. “Like enough. But I'm open to lay a thousand dillars to one that Bronson itsn't there!” “He was seen to go in, Mr. Regan,” Markham said, “and he hasn't come out.” “Then go and talk to him!” Deputy Commissioner Burke, cigar at | a very odd angle in his grim mouth studied the speaker curiously. He had a | healthy respect for Ned W, Regan. He knew that his compatriot could see much farther in the dark than any He had proved it in a dozen brilliantly con- | ducted inquiries. There must be some- | thing in this insistence on seeing Bron- | son. | Burke turned again to Markham, and: “Do as Mr. Regan suggests,” he or- dered. “Daly can take over in your ab- sence, Use what brains you've got and be back quick.” “Any other instructions?"” “‘Sure—start!” Police Capt. Markham started. The nightmare journey was ended, 5o | that the vault in which Drake Roscoe | found himself no longer had power to excite his amazement. Hewn out of living rock, it was roughly oval in shape. The rock was dark green serpentine, so dark that it appeared black, having been refined to a glossy surface. A natural column upheld the roof. It | i tely fashioned to resemble a date palm, and on the vaulted ceiling it expanded six geometrical branches | which swept gracefully upward, dropped | downward upon its walls, and were caught up and supported by six slender THE ' EVENIN€ T pillars. There were arched doorways to right and left of the pillar. Another, larger opening_gave upon the eastefn to end of the vault. In this opening Roscoe stood, man- acled. A vague green light pervaded the place. Far ol echoed and re-echoed | tthe sound of falling water. Roscoe re- | pressed a shudder. He had had a view of that awe inspiring subterranean cata- ract leaping from a vast cavern down- ward to unknown and greater deeps. In a high-backed Spanish chair orna- mented with stamped leather, behind long table, a woman sat watching hi She wore a black, medieval robe and silk half-mask. “Comdr. Roscoe,” she said, “I ex- pressed a hope a year ago that some day we might meet. I added that I trusted 1 should win. Do you remem- ber?" “Clearly,” Roscoe answered. “It was my first introduction to X Radio. “My hope is realized. Don't you think, fully?” “It looks that way.” There was a short but very eloquent silence, then: “If 1 have your wrists freed,” the | woman went on, “will you give me your word to attempt no violence,” “No,” said Roscoe promptly. ‘The masked woman smiled. “You have nothing to gain. No man, unguided, could find his way und these walls and around the lake.” “I agree with you,” he answered quickly, “but there must be another way, . ... duchesse!” He had counted on this stroke—the | expression on his brown face betrayed the fact. He was tense as he watched for its effect. In that green light he seemed unnaturally pale. The effect he looked for did not come. Momentarily he doubted—won- dered—questioned. Then the woman stood up, walked around the end of the table and faced him. She dropped the medieval robe and unfastened the silk mask. Beneath her robe she wore a simple sea-green gown. Her long, unfathom- able eyes looked into his. . I knew you would recognize me,” she stated calmly. “It was inevitable.” This was a night of revelations. Great Head Center was the Duchesse de Greuze! “I suppose,” said Roscoe, and laughed dryly, “I am privileged because my hours are numbered?"” ‘The duchesse leaned back against the | table, resting her slender hands upon its edge, and: “You can make your own choice,” she answered softly. “I have a goal upon which I keep my eyes steadily fixed. You have tempted me to glance aside. I am strong. So are you. To- gether we should be unassailable.” stared, met her unwavering look and understood. “Thanks,” he said—but not mock- ingly. “Let's talk about something el ‘Would you care to be so kind as to slve me a cigarette and light it for me?” The Duchesse de Greuze hesitated for one long moment. Then from the table Let us prove Durant Superiority -WE CAN! There has been a lot of talk about *challenges,” “comparisons” and what not in automobiles. 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Ros- ' |coe took his cue from her. \ { “Flynn appeals to me,” he declared. 1“Tell 'me more about him.” “He is remarkable. Alone and un aided, except by guide lines and a torch, he explored miles of the cav- erns and charted them. He passed the great falls and penetrated to this vault. | 1 may add that he is an old sailor, This may account for his skill and courage.” “Sailors are notoriously mad,” Ros- coe_mutfered. nate!” She faced him, and: “In all my life,” she said intensely, spect—until I met you. Does this con- fession interest you?" “It does,” he said. bad but a very wonderful woman. respect is an honor.” ‘The Duchesse de Greuze watched him unwaveringly as he spoke. Her ex- pression never once betrayed he A speck of red light glowed on the pillar above Roscoe’s head, and: “H. Q,” said a nasal voice. “Head Center is here.” The duchesse turned to Roscoe. “As I have an important conference,” ishe said, “I must give you an hour's leisure to consider your plans for the future.” She went behind the table and touched a button on a switchboard. Roscoe dropped his cigarette and set his heel on it. “In one year from tonight,” said the duchesse softly, “I shall control the greatest empir- in history . . . . the American ..pire! You may share it 1{ you wish. Think over your deci- sion. . . . “Bronson wouldn't see me, chief,” Po- lice Capt. Markham reported. Ned Regan brought his fist down on the table with a resounding crash. “What did I tell you?” he shouted. Deputy Commissioner Burke heaved himself out of his chair and confronted the speaker. Your | his 1brary with orders not to be dis- “They are also dense—and obsti- | “I have never met a man I could re- | “You are a very | R WEDNESDAY, Markham, cowed, as he was invari- ‘dson'l hnye to come back till you've seen | fore you start.” ronson ! ably cowed by this mood of his supe- rior, tried to defend himself. “What could I do?” he protested. “Is he home?" “Sure, he’s home. But he's locked in turbed.” “I knew it!” Regan shouted. “What you know doesn’t oncern me!” Burke cried. “Gentlemen,” Stopford intervened, “don’t be dam’ silly. For Heaven's sake do something.” “You're right!"” said Burke. He took up a phone. “Send Capt. Daly,” he cried, and re- placed the receiver. He turned to Markham. “Go out and get Judge Walsingham,’ he ordered tersely. “Chase him, if he’ from home, but get him, and put him through to me.” Markham hurried from the room, col- liding with Police Capt. Daly, who was hurrying in. “Daly,” Burke went on without pause, “take a raid squad and go to Bronson's and demand to see him. If you're re- fused, smash the library door. But you ' Aching FEET The minute you put your sore, burn- ing feet in a TIZ bath you ca 1 grateful comfort soaking in as pain is being drawn out. TIZ draws out acids and poisons that make feet burn, swell and smell. Revives tired feet and makes them comfortable and happy. Get a package of TIZ—any drug store. “It isnt what you told me” he shouted back, “It’s what I told you!” APRILIL 16, 1930. monocle. “Good work,” he murmured—*"clean, sparklin' work.” (To be continued.) Got, it clear?” “All clear, chief.” “Wait for powers. Report to me, be- Dorsch is baking something entirely new in this Swedish Rye Loaf Ditferent from regular Rye Bread “Very good, chief.” “Beat it. Get busy.” Dr. Stopford busily burnished his | The rye in it is only one feature. 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