The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, July 30, 1905, Page 3

THE ' SAN FRANCISCO SUNDAY CALL. SONS OF A STOKY Or 00000000002 0000000 0050005 55555505555%) 2 :; The story of the Sons of the bo4 lfl‘d Rose began in The Sunday t: Call May 28 and will continue 3 for several weeks. This is the % et story of railrond life that # has appeared for years. g # b R OS0000 0000000000000 B. de Courcy. of a dark- great Virgi oung lady bends a head thoughtfully e page. The trav- 5 smooth surface. June 15, "83. ar John —— etter is the result of a bit of explain how 1 weeks ugo. with gr. s. So wi takes Octobe thange is & rea near 1 have One w busines: was of the k one looks at heavy, flabby form with a mot- e, out of which peeped e ose of a dozing serper calm malignity of a mothers a 1d the black ging of innocent X e tabled monst of the time v s s shivering be- fore his ke curious pity t & a few z with a very tired ng I awoke headache: for me, y had set o was not e outing me to footfalls was , “Here sleep nglish 1 de- for you as a road in the six months. Blank still holds added to s prestige i at a ruinous g as I do you failure in a d T I was up senti- untried force to no o! 0000000 oG G DR Do L LGS 0000s SN e DR RO000 05 00: B R e e Continued From Page Two.) ce. his head between his hands 1 whispered i to the wall. was a sound in the cave. There was swer to my voice Then 1 we nd my foot touched hers, and s colder than the rock S % they stabbed her had to the hes 1 fought them, and they had s to the heart!” You € aid gently, as he stood back still turne I tho had been left behind? Raffies w flash, his face cing death. he shouted. “I it was broad him- stairs. thing fingers into his -aring it out by the roots. 1 was stark mad. But he had the revolver—hers. He bl at arm’s length and missed died me 1 d hed his funny- bone against the rock bef e could blaze again: the revolver fell with u rattle, but without going off; in ar instant 1 had it tight, and the little wine at my y at last.” You didn’t show him any Mercy? With Faustina dead at my feet? 1 should have deserved none in the next world if I had shown him any in this! No, I just stood over him, with the revolver in both hands, feeling the chiambers with my thumb; and as 1 stocd he stabbed at e; but 1 stepped ately speak of ‘the heavy loss to the company! The men were all high- grade, sober and too intelligent. Wrecks, except an occasional derail- ment or runaway, were unheard of. To e trouble by a heavy reduction of w s was decided to be ‘too open,’ S0 3 *t pathing better than the course I've followed. I replaced the Liank officials by men on wnom I knew - wrptesu, thel Sturted along the wbbivved lines of rallway wreck- ing. The experienced men were fired on the first available pretext; arbitrary de- . based upon rulings and bullet- surb to impossibliity, soon put ‘to let’ upon nearly every cab and caboose. The vacancies were filled with the cres t the country's slums. Mechan- 1d constructive force, cut to half required working capacity, soon filled shops and round houses with dis- led engines, the side tracks with abandoned trains, while collisions, burst ruined engines were of daily occur- ce. Despite my best efforts, I've er been able to get below water line. » glamour of Blank's name scems to You know of the millions the wrong side of our ledger, 1d not hold the dead we of or e paid—- Never mind about that,” interrupted Poltz, harshly; “thinking aleud is a ad habit. Now as to the matter of forcing a strike. You wrote of three men, who, if properly handled, could be d. I placed the extract in my memo- dum book. There it is—John Gray, . intelligent, fully imbued with Blank ideas; stands well with the could be approached only upon grounds—betterment of condi- eturn of road to the old high dard and mutual respect of both des. Brady, a product of the Chicago splendid reputation profes- ly, but quick-tempered and in- to be rough In manner and h; could be handled on personal along line of ill-treatment, ex-master mechanic, a possessing to an unlimited love and respect of all men nave worked under him; has weird notions, but sufficient intelligence to grasp outline of our policy; might be dangerous were it not that ideas are Utopian to ludicrousness; best to ap- T 1 on his duty as citizen to public are the men you suggested. all steps for our final move. stage gets in a party will He is the general marager of ‘le of labor organization. He illy gpproached, and, supported, he will ss strike. There is a of two hours and forty min- between New York and Unitah 1 want the final decision of the e to be made about 11 a. m. I'll pipes laid at my end. Some of gers of Jurid English in the 1ese jous for syndicate gold. blic is to be taken into r ce, and when the panic- \ing fraternity removes the limit from their adjective machines the D. P. will howl in a concert of horror. Then when the strike is declared by a body of justly incensed employes who are 1ed to rule or ruin they will fall r themselves to sell out. About o'clock T'll throw a heavy block ock on the floor of the exchange. In the ensuing wreck I depend upon drawing old Blank's hoarded holdings, if inspired financlal columns in all pa- evening and morning—are fluence.” nid the ensuing silence came the rumbling of the stage. A slouching, esitating series of footfalls was fol- ved by. Mr. Poltz’s uncertain voice in command: “All right, Weaver. Ex- | to Mr. Coleman the plan we talked It rests upon his approval to re- ject or close the deal.” ‘hus adjured the labor leader began ¥ plan is the formation of a of labor trust in direct railway vice. We find the men of the West re ruled to their detriment by the pre- nce of the conservative Eastern In the solution:of prob- affecting—-" all th ush and come to busi- growled Mr. Coleman. Vell resumed Weaver hesitatingly, an do this if T can get in touch with fellows Mr. Poltz referred to. I can a strike in twenty days.” n do it," sald Mr. Poltz, as-lean- ard he transfixed the speaker with lurid Semit es, extending an unsigned check soon as a legitimate de onder embership. m directly strike is declared Mr. Coleman will at- his signature to this, hereby bet- condition $10,000."" of a crisp paper, then “You can go now. And ch day vou knock from your Iimit stand for an additional thousand.” luncheon I had a good opportunity taking quiet note of Mr.. Weaver's appearance. He is a tall, lanky man of yut 40, with a long, livid scar on the ght cheek. but you will probably make acquaintance with the receipt of thig letter. John, I'm very glad to be enabled to put you and vour friends on their and T would be very glad if my dylike action would result in perma- nent good to you all. Sincerely, your friend, MADGE DEANE. A few days later a party of three were <eated upon the vorch of Mr. Jasper's hospitable home. Under the smoke wreaths they silently looked down over the crowded vard - cars yet on No. 17" remarked 't run a train all night,” com- back to that one and brought him down a bullet in his guts. nd I can spare you two or three 1 said, for my poor girl could not fired a shot Take that vne to hell with you—and that—and that!’ Then 1 started coughing and wheez- ing like the Count himself, for the place have w full of smoke. When it cleared my man was very dead, and I tipped him’ into the sea to defile that rather than Faustina’'s cave. And then—and then—we were alone for the last time, she and I, P our own pet haunt; and I could scarcely see her, yet 1 would not strike 4 match, for I knew she would not have me see her as she was. I could say good-by to her without that. I said it; and I left her like a mun, and up the first open-air steps with. my head in the air and the stars all sharp in the sky; then suddenly they swam, and back 1 went like a lunatic, to see if she was really dead. to bring Mer back to life * * * Bunny, I can't tell you-any more.” “Not of the Count?’ I murmured at last. ot even of the Count,” saild Raffles, turning roupd with a sigh. “{ left him pretty sorry for himself; but what was the good of that? I had taken blood for blood, and it was not Corbuccl who had killed Faustina. No, the plan was his, but that was not part of the plan. They haud found out about our meetings in the cave nothing simpler than to have me kept hard at it overhead and to carry on Faustina by brute force in the boat. It was their only chance, for she had sald more to Stefano than she had ad- mitted to me, and more than I am going to repeat sbout myself. No persuasion RO mented Mr. Jasper, calmly, “and held the flyer forty minutes getting up steam on a washout.” “Must be about to the end of their string,” said John; adding, *but there comes the mail.” Howe distributed the liberal assortment of letters and papers, remarking slyly as he tossed a heavy envelope into John's lap, “Idle men soon acquire lady corre- spondents.” Breaking the seal John was soon ab- sorbed in Madge's letter. An uncon- scious ejaculation attracted the others’ attention to When be had finished and sat grave- faced, lccking with stern eves out past his companions, Howe said laughingly, “What is it, John. Weddine cards?” Ignoring the questioner John turned to Mr. Jasper, saying, “I wish, sir, to read you all this letter. It seems,to me as though we had Some quick work to do and soon.” The contents of the fateful - letter proved very absorbing. Twice Mr. Jasper asked that portions be reread, then as the end was reached he inter- rupted Brady's hot “Wait until I get my two hands around that Weav neck” by saying, excitedl God bless that girl. She has deliverec the Philistines, bound, into our hands.” The others could only look their sur- prise. . continued the old gentlem:an as he clashed his fist heavily down upon the porch raMing. “We surely have quick work to do, and all inside and behind our teeth at that. John, the flushed angry face.. you have a cipher—wire Lawrence to meet you at the Lindell, Denver. Here, take it down. ‘Lawrence: Meet me at Lindell Hotel, Denver. ~ The utmost importance to Mr. Blank. Answer.’ Now hurry it off. Lawrence must have had a premonition of this day.” John, in silent wonderment, did his bidding. Soon a message addressed to John Snyder was flashing its innocent way eastward. Returning to the house, he found Mr. Jasper pacing the porch in fuming anxiety. “Did you get it off?” he asked. “Yes,” replied John. “But why are you so interested in the affair?” “My God, boy, are you so dumb that you can't see the power that letter glves us! Putting the very powder of their masked guns in our hands. Sup- i RN e FEE A pose Lawrence or Mr. Blank are out of town!” “I think I begin to see daylight.” d Howe musingly. “You want (o let Mr. Blank get strings on that block cof stock referred to.” “Shut up!” cried Mr. Jasper, clutch- ing the surprised speaker's shoulder. “Never even think of it!” “Boys,” he continued in calmer tones. . have been placed in a position be- yond our powers. The only thing we can do safely is to keep still. If Weaver shows up before we can get into touch with Lawrence our duty is to fall into his trap absolutely. In this we cannot go wrong—and, Brady, one more kick -will 1la you, tled and gagged, in the cellar. “A lamb-like look crept quickly across PRGN . Brady's astonished face. -A few hours later a New York telegram, signed “John Snyder,” was placed in John's hands. Translating, he read: “New York, 10:15, John Gray, Unitah: Start at once to meet you @s per request. Lawrence.” : “Good,” gasped Mr. Jasper, his very white and drawn. “Now, John,” he said, “I'll stand all expense. Here is $0. Pay your fare and T'll keep the expense sheet against the day of Mr. Blank's return.” Two evenings later two forms dimly outlined under drooping boughs paused in a long, eager conversation. The elder said in a voice of wistful longing, “John, how good it seems to be again in ‘God's country.” After the roar and dirt of New York the breeze from old Pike seems almost celestial. Then to think that it is through the raw country lad I met at Mammy's a little over three years ago that I am to again . come back! John, your service in this matter is of the kind that makes history. Of course, I know what we owe to Jasper and the others, but this great.good has come through you and I look upon it as being the ‘crown of my penitence.” “About as much as that of the soldier face who spikes the enemy’s guns,” returned Lawrence, decidedly. ‘‘Remember you are fighting for Mr. Blank, the old men and ideas, against a thing foreign to every drop of blood in your veins, and if ever the motto of Torquemare, ‘The end justifies the means,’ fits, it does in this case. We have covered all detalls. 1 know you will go through it to success. This letter, with your permission, I will take back with me. Mr. Blank will be much interested in it—especially that part referring the Allen brothers.” An hour later the friends were sepa- rated by flying miles. On his arrival at Unitah- John hastened to Mr. Jasper's. On the porch his friends awaited him. Mr. Jasper with a warning droop of his eyellds said, “Strike anything?"* John's eye fell upon a man with scafred face sitting beside Brady. “Tell you later,” he laughingly replied. “Make you acquainted with Mr. Wea- ver,” sald Brady. John busily - engaged with a refractory ‘overcoat button In some way overlooked the extended hand. “Come in the house,” commanded Mr. Jasper. Comfortably seated before the blazing coal fire John was keenly consclous of a pair of eyes furtively searching his face.” Finally Mr. Jasper broke the awk- ward sllence by saying: “John, Mr. ‘Weaver represents a new assoclation of railway employes—the National Associa- tion—the views presented meet with our approval. Having confidence in your judgment, I would suggest that he kina- ly, for your more 'perfect comprehen- sion, briefly outline his proposed plan.” “Qur assoclation, Mr. Gray,” quickly responded Weaver, in a dictatorial volce, “js based uvon entirely new lines. As at present constituted, the rallway pro- tective orders are lald upon extremely narrow lines. The different branches of the service. having each individualized orders, the tendency to a selfish absorp- tion in the interests of a single order to the perfect exclusion of the others is emphasized. Now our working motte is ‘Injustice to one is the injury to all. and our aim Is ‘the formation of a federated whole. We wish to gather into a common fold the men who pull the throttles; the men who throw coal; the men who carry the balls; the men who set brakes, make couplings or jug- gle tralns; the men who build or repai tamp ties or pound brass. Now I'll be perfectly frank with you,” the speaker wondered at the strange gleam in Gray's eyes, then dropping his volce to a low confidentlal key, resumed. “We have done very well on the roads of the Middle West, but it is very essential that we bring ourselves prominently before the public. The best way t¢ effect this Is by means of a successful strike. For this purpose this road, the Inter-Moun- tain, has been selected. It is an open secret that discipline is with you a farc that deliberate and successful efforts are being made to discharge all the Blank men. Your personal experiences prove this. The standard bearers of your local lodges exist in name only. In the chaotic blundering mass, the heavy hand of your masters selects unchecked the victims ordained to the sacrifice. Towering over all our earthly brother- hoods is the somber shadow of Calvary —the altar of the divinely chartered ex- ponent of the Brotherhood of Man. whose antithesis is the ritual of Human Nature, ‘Am [ my brother's keeper? Cain's sneering question has through the ages battered against the throne of God and great honor awaits the men and time who can answer in . the affirmative. This we are endeavoring to do. Can I count on your ald?” Here the speaker swept his flashing eyes across the faces of his audience. John looked toward Mr. Jasper, who, with a heightened- flush upon his face, sat moodily staring into the fire. A faint sneer running through his words, Brady asked: “If you have worked off all your steam, suppose you take the stack and get down to busi- ness? You say that you wish to get up a strike and need our help. Let us know plainly on what grounds you wish the dust kicked up and the part you wish us to take.” “The grounds are easily found,” re- turned Weaver quickly. “The officials of the operating departments are to a man unfit for théir pesitions. " Their discipline resembles the weak unreason of fittul children. Their continuance In service perpetuates conditions under which no men can in justice to them- selves afford to cast their future lot. The final deep dig of the devil's fine- tooth comb across this continent could not take up a set of men nearer to his heart than your officials. From presi- dent to section foreman a virulent hate concentrates upon the rank and file. The man who treats his subordinates as human beings looks for a blue en- velope in each succeeding mail. Cole- man has no vested interest in the road other than his salary. He is responsi- ble for its policy. By concerted action of all employes, demand of the board of directors the removal of himself and his satellites; if they refuse, tie up the road from the roundhouse sweeper to the man on the fast mail. Mr. Jasper, you are in a position to know the tem- per of the people of this State. How long. think vou, would a strike—made . of the true before the authority under a clear definition state of affairs—continue machinery of executive would be set in motion?" “About three days,” came the decided reply. “Now, Mr. Brady,” resumed Weaver slowly, “as to the part I wish you and your friends to take in this affair. It is known” to every man upon the sys- tem that Mr. Jasper, Gray and yourself are Blank men, and as such bearded Coleman in his den, resigning when he boldly claimed the condition of this blood-soaked road as the result of a policy of his deliberate creation. Now 1 abjure you, go forth among the men, keeping ever before your eyes the faces of friends rotting beneath six feet of desert sand; the anguish of others, as, borne upon the icy winds sweeping over hundreds of leagues, they hear the wails of their starving babes. . Carry with you always, sacred as the memory of a dead mother's face, the thought st that in this struggle you are sure of the ever-present loving justice of God. The thing which these men represent, if allowed to fatten, unchecked, upem our. blood, will fn the near futurs con- ceal the stars and stripes beneath its slimy folds, with its slavering tongue besmirch -liberty, faith and duty, and exult in the language of hell over an embruted people and a ruined land. Gentlemen, in arraying yourselves against creatures like Coleman you are fighting the emissaries of the deepest pit. Flends who, glutted with the wreckage brushed beneath their feet, endeavor with reeking hands to stain men's souls in the lurid livery of their Master.” With a flerce gesture the speaker arose, to stand., arm upon the mantel- piece, moodily gazing into the five. For a full minute the brooding silence re- mained unbroken. Then took place a thing which caused Mr. Jasper to sink with gaping mouth, a huddled heap Into his seat—Brady. with an oath to clutch with crushing force the arms of the chalr, and Howe to sit ashen-faced with quivering lips. This is what they saw. Amid the deep silence John arose slowly. Cross- ing to Weaver he stood looking quietly into his eyes. Then he sald: “Mr. Wea- ver, you have termed us Blank men. In this you are right. We are to him and his interests as the needle to the pole. Personally, nothing would do me more good than to add him in any way. but now it seems I stand before the great- est duty of my: life. “Weaver,” at the new note of earnest compassion thrilling, threadlike along the deep voice, each heart beat faster. “I have listencd closely to your words and from the concluding ones I am led to belleve that you are standing at the parting of the w: Standing as might have lscariot when from a dark gate- way in old Jerusalem he saw the skulk- ing soldiers, priest led, puss into Geth- semane. Did you ever think what it would have meant to all men if he had then—while Calvary was but obscure Golgotha—passed into the garden and, standing by his Master’s side, cast the accursed silver into Calaphas’ sneering fuce?" The head before him is bowed upon the mantel. Plucing his hand upon the convulsed shoulder ae says in & voice of wistful sympathy, “Mr. Weaver, once to-night I refused your hand. Now I extend mine. It's clean. Can you take it Then under his eyes the craven form rises, erect, to an equal height, the eyes meet firmly, as the hands from an inner pocket briugs forth u long, black pock- etbook. Then as a slip of engraved pa- per flutters to the floor a strange voice rings out heartily, “Yes, I can, or any other man's now. “What are you soing to do with the asked Mr. Jasper. a little later. keep it,” replied Weaver. “When all is over I wish to take it— I have a boy at home to’ whom I wish some day to show it.” The conference ensuing was long and careful. Weaver's defection was an in- valuable aid. His thorough knowledge of Poltz's plans, combined with his real ability, made the conspiracy almost an assured success. Dawn was breaking as with the last detail well threshed out the weary party separated to their welcome beds. The task of arousing the entire Inter-Mountain force to de- cisive action was extremely easy. The force was almost to & man uon-union, men debarred for a variety of rea- sons from membership in existing or-’ ganizations. They welcomed gladly the advent of the non-questioning. all em- bracing “association.” The high posi- tions held by Mr. Jasper and his popular assoclates was a most compelling fac- tor. In less than ten days Mr. Coleman indited the following letter from Uni- tah: “My Dear Poltz: Weaver must have an urgent use for an even'$10,000. Mis - work is almost past belief. Everything is enthusiastically ‘National Associa- tion.’ The infection is complete, ex- tending even to the clerks in this build- ing. ‘Patent insides’ are vying with our city papers in a unanimous decrial of ourselves and methods. I would not be at all surprided to see my devoted chief clerk march in behind a N. A.. pin. Even the plate pushers at the hotel are wearing them. Old Jasper is king bee, with Gray as first assist- ant. I am in receipt of a most father- ly letter from the old fellow, in which he pleads for an interview. As my last tongue lashing from the same source still rankled, I declined the honor with thanks. I inclose you copies of our most virulent denunclations. Very truly, “J. COLEMAN.™ Mr. Poltz in the privacy of his innes office ran his eye eagerly along the burn= ing lines. The editors had evidently got beyond space and annual considerations, and were responding to the extent of their vocabulary of scathing adjectives to the feverish beating of the public pulse. The most conservative element of the State—banks and pulplts—wers working in unison with strange companions. Even the most convincing “straw’ was be- ginning to drift in the awful rush of pub- lic opintfon—with an eye to anchors to windward, hungry politicians were clam- oring the Governor to appoint & commite tee to inquire into, etc. ’ (Continued Next Sunday.) N WW‘“""‘“““‘”WWWW ¥ FATE OF FAUSTINA ¥ B T T TR would have induced her to listen to him again; so they tried force; and she drew Corbucei's revolver on them, but they had taken her by surprise, and Stefano stabbeq, her before she could fire.” “But how do you know all that?’ [ asked Raflles, for his tale was going to pieces in the telling, and the tragic end of poor Faustina was no ending for me. ~0,” said he, “I had it from Corbucci at his own revolver's point. He way waiting at, his window, and [ could have potted him at my ease where he stood against the light listening hard enough but not seeing a thing. So he asked whether it was Stefano, and I whispered, “‘Bl. signorc’; and.-then whether he had finished Arturo, and I brought the same shot off again. He had let me in before he knew who was finished and who was not.” “And did you finish him?" “No; that was too good for Corbucel. But I bound and gagged. him about as tight as man was ever gagged or bound. and I left him in his room with the shut- ters shut and the house locked up. The shutters of that old place were six inches thick and the walls nearly six feet; that was on the Saturday night. and 'the Count wasn't expected at the vineyard before the following Saturday. Mean- while he was supposed to be in Rome. But the.dead would doubtless be discov- ered next day, and I am afrald this would lead to his own discovery with the life still in him. I belleve he figured on that SR GGG PRGNS himself, for he sat threatening me gamely till the last. You never saw such a sight as he was, with his head split in iwo by a ruler tied at the back of it, and his great mustache pushed up into bhis bulging eyes. But 1 locked him up in the dark without a gualm, and I wishea and still wish him every torment of the damned." “And then?” “The night was still young, and within ten miles there was the best of ports in a storm, and hundreds of holds for the humble stowaway to choose from. But 1 didn’t want to go farther than Genoa, for by this time my Itallan would wash, co 1 chose the old Norddeutscher Lloyd, and had an éxcellent voyage in one of the boats slung inboard over the bridge. That's better than any hold. Bunny, and 1 did splendidly on oranges brought from the vineyard.” ‘*And at Genoa' o “At Genoa 1 took to my wits once more, and have been living on nothing else cver since.~ But there I had to be- gln all over again, and at the very bot- tom of the ladder. I slept in the streets. I begged. 1 did all manner of terrible things, rather hoping for a bad end, but never coming to one. Then one day I .saw a white-headed old chap looking at me through a shop window—a window 1' had designs upon—and when I stared at him he stared at me; and we wore the same rags. So I had come to that! But one reflection makes another. I had not « BB BRI O] recognized myself; who on earth would recognize me? London called me—and here I am Italy had broken my heart— and there It stays.” Flippant as a schoolboy one moment, playful even in the bitterness of the next, and now no longer giving way to the feel- ing which had spoiled the climax of his tale, Raffles necded knowing as 1 alone knew him fer a right appreciation of those last words. That they were no mere words I know full well. That but for the tragedy of his Itallan life that life would have sufficed him for years if not forever I did and do still belleve. But I alone see him as I saw him then, the lines upon his face and the pain behind hind the lines. How .they came to dis- appear and what removed them you will never guess. It was the one thing you would have expected to have the oppo- si% effect, the thing indeed that had forced his confidence, the organ and the voice_once more beneath our very win- dows: Margarita de Parete, era a' sarta 4’ ¢ signore: se pugneva semepe ¢ ddete pe penzare a Salvatorel - :;i}" Salvatore! a0 @ cacclatore! e ou s corpa tal . - Chello ch’ e fattc, e fatto, un ne parlammo 1 simply stared at Raffles. Instead of deepeni®g, his lines had vanished. He looked years younger, mischievous ana merry and alert as I remembered him of oid in the breathless crisis of some madcap escapade. He was hoid- ing up his finger; he was stealing to the window; he was peeping throuzh the blind as though our side street were Scotland Yard itself; he was stealing back again, all revelry, excite- ment and suspense. “I half thought they were after me betore,” said he. “That was why I made you look. I daren’t take a prop- er look mysélf, but what a jest if they were! What a jest! “Do you mean the police?” said L “The. police! Bunny, do you know them and me so little that you can look me in the face and ask such a question? My boy, I'm dead to ther-— oft their books—a good deal de: than being oft the hooks! Why, if I went to Scotlamd Yard this minute to give myself up they'd chuck me oat for a harmless lunatic. No, I fear an enemy nowadays, and I go in terror of the sometime friend, but I have the utmost confidence in the dear police.” “Then whom do you mean?” ““The Camor I repeated the word with a different intonation. Not that I had never aeard of that most powerful and sinister of secret socleties, but I failed to see on what grounds Raffles should jump to _the conclusion that these every-day or- gan-grinders belonged to it. “It was one of Corbuccl’s threats,” said he. “If I killed him the Camorra would certainly kill me. He kept on telling me so. It was like his cunning not to say-that he would puf them cn my tracks whether or no.” & “He is probably a member himselfr™ “Obviously, from what he sald.” “But why on earth should you think that these fellows are?’ I demanded as that brazen voice came rasping through a second verse. “1 don’t think. It was only an idea. That thing is so thoroughly Neapolitan, and I never heard it on a London organ before. Then, again, what should bring them back here?” I peeped through the blind in my turn, and, to be sure, there was the fei- low with tts blue chin and the white teeth watching our windows, and ours only, as he bawled. “And why?" cried Raffl his eyes dancing when I tpld him. “Why should they come sneaking back to us? Doesn’t that look suspicious, Bunny; doesn't that promise a fark? “Not to me,” I said, baving the smile for once. “How many people, should you imagine, toss them five shillings for s many minutes of their infernal row? You seem to forget that that's what you did an hour ago Raffles had forgotten. His blank face confessed the fact. Then s he burst out laughing at himself. “Bunny,” sald he, “you've no imagina- tion, and I never knew I had so much! Of course you're right. - I only wish you were not, for there’s nothing I shoula enjoy more than taking on another Ne- apolitan or two. You see, I owe them something still! T didn't settle in full. I owe them meore tham ever I shall pay them on this side Styx!™ He had hardened cven as he spoke; the lines and the years had come again and his eyes were flint and steel, with an honest grief behind the glitter.