The evening world. Newspaper, October 28, 1915, Page 17

The Evening W: World Daily Magazine, Thursday. October 28. fe You Never Can Tell |. = By Maurice Keiten crooner crreesreanre ys The Freebdooter! The Strenrce Romance of « New Yorker <2 or wot ve as COMPLETE | CAPENTIAL wy Who Mun od for Treasure on Broady yo NEAR Toe cits ? dgar Sranhina A we CHARS ! tre Leer See CHAPTER IX. HBY made « striking eeu, one whieh | w With nerves artingle, T wes Wilding standing very sireight, siowly recuperating from the perfunctory hand-claspy There wae the real Mr. Templeton eying him askance, hand at glasses, mouth agape, There wae Mr, Stuyvesant, hands behind back, lips pursed, bts eyes shutting between the two Dremios, And there was Miss Cor- jane, tapping her lips with an ostrich fan, while hor eyes never left Dick face, her upper lip curled ever so slightly. There were the four, back- #4 by the swirling cucets, some of whom had stoppea and augmented an ever-increasing, curious audience, As my view of the atage was threat~ ening to be bivoked, | slipped down @ etait or two and crouched againat the baniaters. For once it seemed Dick's nerve and jugenulty refused to rine to & crisis. lie simply looked at Mr. Wa lage Templeton and said nothing. It wae Mr, Stuyvesant who broke the brooding silenoe. “It ie rather @ peculiar coincidence, is MH not, Mr. Tempictap? Le asked politely, turni¢> to poor Dick. For all his suavif 1 did not fanoy Mr, Stuyvesant’s tone, “Why—why, yea—y pipe Wilding, shitting a foot. “1 think there must be some mis- fake,” indidiy pursued his host, “Surely there cannot be two Wallace Templetons--two great peyeree who bave discovered Hphalus?” “Hardly, 1 imagine,” agreed Mr, Tempicion, in a thin, peeviah voice, He rubbed his spectacies with his handkerchief and inspected Wilding Qbew. And still Dick did not reply. it there I thought it was ali off, 1 got ready to repel boarders. out 1 bad forgotten Mias Vorinno. more she came to Wilding eatisicaoe and she rose magnificently to the occasion. 5 canis 02 corre oo her acting—ber entire bearing. It was @ compound of perfect composure, foot breeding, perfect faith, per- fect trust and a@. of the Templeton fami) feoted his vocal cords—evidently. has been good enough to acquaint me with some of his family tree, and I have met them” Turning halt- ironically to the eye-giassed astron- ‘ls it possible you ha tor- the other branch of the fami- ¥—the Kentish Templetons? Sure- ly, not. “Er—why—yes,” agreed Mr. Tem- pleton, visibly flustered. "Er—I never met them, you know, And—and |s this my nephew?" I saw a great wave of rellof, quickly repressed, surge over Miss Corinne, And though Wilding was as much at gee as myself regarding his supposed fesnily connections, now that he had been given this lead on firm ground he began to lie herolcally and with much abandon. ‘Yes, ha waa the xon of John Temple- ton, Temploton Hall, Kent. (This to direct answer.) It was @ great pity @ misunderstanding should have sev- ered the family. Yes, all the Temple- tons were hoi-headed. Yes, indeed. Yes, he was interested In astronomy, athe only dabb He could not hope to emulate his distinguished uncle. (Miss Corinne was adroitly feeding him cues by innocently draw ing Mr. Templeton.) No, he had come to America merely on pleasure, and recetved an inyitation— ‘Here Wilding’s cargo of lies threatened to be swamped, and he commenced to Qounder, Again Miss Corinne came to the rescue, ‘ou see, Mr. Templeton, your wand I are old friends,” sho ed. “Ob, quite, I met him in lon—Jubilee year, And, of course, n he Wrote he was coming over tan invitation to his hot All Was said most matter of factly, with an idle, lazy draw! in her rich ant it a singularly coinel- he ran on, with innocent And galety. wo Mr, Templetons, ero I have been the innocent and happy medium through which nephew and uncle incet for the first time, And now,” archly, “you must improve the i make up that horrid Yo Dear me!" excl squanily Dear n Templeton's son? inguiar, How very sing foued away on the effusive Wilding's arm, pouring ra a continu ous stream the historic family miu “Buch ac t truth Is always stranger How # ery sin ‘ at _ very att said Mr, Stuy- ant’ dryly, en urned his eyes behind ay 11 hastll ned to Jook into the eves of Madewols soll 1, for want of something hint you have a rather Monsieur Plerre?” whe "You nm tony ht fall added with onthe 1 “Bo 1 s09.” 8 aye dryly, "Rut eup. I hay tome to say to » It's about Mr. Wilding,” she led,#ae I followed her to the cor- Perundee oor Mise Corinne «1 Monsieur he knew wae on ne what punter. @ male rt i hie conquests te “it's « te” ead 1 ongeget ne And all the other state ments are lee Ah, L knew the fat Colonel wae « fvber, 1 dide't believe it of Mr. Wild 1. looking into aguinet the wall, “you friend to ny master and me “On.” ghe said evasively, twisting her litte apron, “Just beowuse” mean & Feel answer, mademotselie, | not @ woman's.” | “And-—and, Monsieur Pierre, I deteat that slobbert Col, Partrid "Oh do youT” asked a votce that out Nike & ranor ‘Indew And Mra Partridge emerged from a door be hind us. | She bad Anished her tardy prepara- | tions for the party, and stood con fronting us, lorgnette at eye, in a biack Ince dress that admirably dis played every bone in ber neck and shoulders, Bbo raked Marie with the jormnette as if inspecting some curious object | “Impertinent little baggage,’ she drawied. “i will find occasion to « =, your miatress with your views. nd kindly conduct your amours where they beiong—in the eT | not outside my door.” Mademoiselle Marie had taken the) reproof in silence, for she had earned ig whe resented th at alur, ae | “Madam,” said I, respectful, saw the blood tn Marie's face, “1 auggest that the scullery ts pellte enough not to insult those who can- not resent itt i Mra. Partridge was too angry to speak. Sho swung her cold eyos to mine. And as I stood and met them a twinkling, Sashing something in bosom attracted my gase. I shifted my eyes, subconsciously, and ther ‘ for the surprise Ta Perea mat swamped discretion, I hoe : “Why, that is mine—| jean, my | master’s!" L blurted out. mt hat dia- | mond butterfly vin, madam. It * Mr. Wilding’s, “What? What fresh fepertnacs| is this?” asked Mrs. Partridge, ‘semi. | tragically transferring a hand to the Jewel. at bis ma my r reply Mrs. Partridge put u lorgnette, killed me all over emits an entirly frewh fashion, bestowed a final broadside on the silent Marie, carefully drew away her skirts in order to escape contamination, and, like a Lady Macbeth, in majectic Jlence swept down the broad stair. cane. And silence followed her, I busy with my thoughts, found the mysterious answered me. “That butterfly pt she volun- teered dryly, “was given to Mra, Part- ridge by Miss Corinne,” was Had I at last thief? Marie “Thunder!” I ejaculated. “Are you sure?” “Quite, Monsieur Pierre, I was present this morning when Mrs. Part~ ridge was admiring the pin which lay on the bureau, Her hints were s0 pressing that there was only one thing to do—give it to her, which Misa Corinne did.” The patterns of my conjectures wero shifting like a kaleidoscope, “Are you sure that it formerly be- longed to Mr, Wilding?” asked Marie slowly. “Why—now that Leome to think of Mt, I'm not at all sure,” 1 lied, But I was, Oh, yes, I was quite sure. For 1 had removed it from Mr. Bodeley’a soarf that night in the Belmont, ‘9 doubt Mr, Wilding gave it to her,” commented Marie. It was a very commonplace obser- vation, and, from her standpoint, en- tirely logical. And yet there was something in her voice that I did not like, It did not ring true, I looked into her eyes, but they met mine with infantile candor, “No doubt you are right,” I agreed. Afterward 1 ws to my room and endeavored to lase myself In a book. But that strange cadence in Mari voice irritated me. And surely Miss Corinne was not a kleptomaniac. No, that was silly, But where had sho gotten the pin? Perhaps an hour or two had passed in retrospection and cogitation when a knock came to the door and Marie foliowed, nd," sald she demurely, “Miss une would like to see you a mo- , Monsieur Pierre, She ts in the brary." library was on the second floor, ed save for the waiting girl. ntly she had escaped during a , for [ heard the orchestra play. one of, those dreamy things of uss's. will you ank you,"* entered. She was facing me, chin in hand od ata great black oak desk, An kindly shut the door? said Miss Corinne aa & ric lamp with an old rose shade and attenuated brass stem at he elbow threw up the splendor of bust and skin, The room Was in darkness fulgent glow bathing ting girl, her big » for this slende: childish eyes searching mine over the arch of her hands, Mr. ‘Templeton's mar a slight flush ris- ing to her ¢ I bowed. was evidently at a loss how to continue “TI want you to tell him to go, To leave at once,” she sald at length, a catch In her breath I bowed again—walting for the axe to fall “It's for his good—for your good,” whe added, “I have just learned that there Is a detective in the house.” I could not deny hi es, I could no longer Me, adam," sak) 1 gravely, “you know that Mr mpleton is not Mr, ‘Templeton? You know that I am not what I pretend to be?” “I do.” she said quietly, “I have known it ever since I first met—Mr, Wilding.’ . Wilding pin" T reit- | 4€ COUNTE He COMFORTS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY ! ‘ IT pecans. tt (ees C5 fs) | ©: You NEVER CAN TELL ! ty AS ie, a ‘i === = wits so foolish, so reckless of Mr, wu pg. Why did he do it?" Her ri, not the budding woman, was I digested this, “Madam,” said I again, “may I ask why you think we are here the diamond slight flush as he suddenly looked up ad met my ma “Provpably Miss Cortnne's,” 1 sug jerked over his shoulder in that curl- ously intent attitude of listening, Lt erves on edge. The silence, “I “have heard of most. “My father suspe dryly. “By the wa : I. ys Dick.” 1 ory of past alarma worked necklace,” she said coldly, “A detes- he is not a relation of Mr. ‘ . Pi id v1 yo 6 el tives it rere iy your pias Partridge wearing t bpon me strangely, I listened with every faculty on the alert, but heard nothing, Again Dick went very softly to the door, standing rigid guard. Again he flung it wide, He almout collidéd with ing here and forestalled you.” “And you think us guilty, madam? You think we came here to rob you?” "That is entirely beside the ques- happened if I hadn't taken the p cuution of finding out all about Mr, Templeton from a press bureau, A “he agreed public disgrace would inean that you ee 1 hap- tion. It is of the utmost Indifference could. never. hope, for regeneration : Ho 4 re 5 pened to be dancing with Mias Btuy- aman. Itw Horner. There waa to me,” she sald haughtily, "I give Yes, you must Ko int at the time, and, before f could sleco elienes ae they etood cantroate you a chance; kindly take it without will go to-morrow, mi . think, I blurted out. And who do you ing each othe cavi And,” I finished with hesitane: think gave it to Miss Stuyvesant?” “Well?” asked Dick coldly, a hid- den menace in his voloe, “Pardon,” bowed Horner with easy suavity, “Can I bother you for « Nght?" deprecatingly eying a clear- ette between finger and thumb. “There's nothing but those electric lights in my room and the chamber- maid forgot to leave matches, [ al- ways smoke before going to bed. A bad habit, by the way. T saw your Nght and ventured to intrude,” “But,” I persisted respectfully, for 1 knew where her heart was, “you think so of ye—and yet you give us this chan “Because I think you both were made for better things," she said, and her lips quivered elightly.” “Thank you,” I gaid simply, “But, madam, | am not @ thief, nor ta Mr, Wilding, We have been many things, but not that. You have been atly felt her generosity, her falta, er trust—all this humanity in a mere slip of a girl—"l want to thank you, if I can, for what you have done. A Kind word goes a long way, @ Very Je long way, when the world Is against you, but a kind act—why, madam, that is the blessing of God Himself.” “It was nothing—nothing, murmured, with a girlish flus though I knew that it had all been “Can't imagine.” Dick selected a cigarette with elab- orate indifference. “Whot" | asked as he remained st- mt. “Mademolselle Marie, Tom.” CHAPTER X. T'S a lie,” said I hotly. For a fraction of @ sec- “ Kkind, ‘very kind, madam, 80 done for Richard Wilding 1 cou ; far trespase on your———" fyselt’ fortunate in sharing ond Wilding’s oyes blazed. “Won't you come in and help us “What is it? 1 have no inclination bounty, “LE mean,” I added sul- smell up the room?" asked Dick per- Cy hike Lens m wou “You will say nothing to Mr. Wild- lenly. “Of course Miss ! ea We wo, ee same bad sour story, madam, Would you ing? Nothing that I have sald? 1 stuy my man and care to listen?.T will be brie. T think think itis best,” ehe wald, toying with Stuyvesant spoke the truth, but Tue porner declined with easy me: © “I know,” he cut In, “You mean,” bluntly, “that Mlle. Marie is not the thief? Well, I'm with you on that~ it is due you; for you have trusted us, and I do not wish you to think you have trusted in vain, May I tell the story, madam.” race. “Good night, gentlemen, and ny thanks and apologies,” “There's a rum go," mused Dick, filling his chair, “What do you think a paper-knife, "I will respect your confidence, madam,” “Thank you"—— Someone knocked She hesitated, glancing at the door on the door. It waa Wifflin f ier » do KH—the 5, ; ait ¢ it? ay, if fering interruption, ‘ feiesulets icicle, Womens for your sake. ‘The charge could have" yyormtched my chin to promote # nO concern of mine,” she — “Bey pardon, madam, but Mr, Stuy- been credited to Miss Stuyvesant If thought, “I don't know, [t seemed said coldly. veenne haa bi very natural, didn't 0?" n looking f ." And #ho had not unconsciously explained yo! “L will try to make it so, madam," I hjy Jittle lizard eyes darted from me -. “Except sald Dick. dryly, “his ventured, to Miss Corinne. He coughed apolo. 2° tt came into her possession, Clr~ room happens to be on the same floor "What do you mean, sir?" head and gotically, cumstantial evidence js the most as mine—the second. Do you think a eyebrows up. Then | she laughed. ~ And go 1 bowed my way out and re- damnable abstract in the world, But guest would venture up here? I know Well, well,” idly, “perhaps I can turned to my room, It was almost how did Miss Marie get hold of it? We all will do a lot for the sake of a spare a few minutes. Won't you be two o'clock when Wilding joined me, That pi iroulat bunch. *™oke, but hardly that. No, I'm qui seated? 1 am listening.” My quarters were on the third floor Tt Pin circulates like tho bunch- sire Horner was listening mt our back in the ‘Arabian Nights, &. crook somewhere around h ing out you and me, Thomas,’ ished ironically. m sure Miss Marlo did not take it,” I reiterated doggedly, “I'm sick g; of this eternal suspicion, We seem to,bo living on a balr-trigger”—— door.” “Wonder what he thinks of a mas- ter smoking with his man,” I com mented maliciously, “Let him think what led Dick. And so I told the salient points of the hap I have just narrated, and I think they did not lose in the telling. Once or twico Miss Corinne laughed and once or twice her ¢; grew wet. And they lighted again end again for all her great pretense of in- difference, t the end of the corridor, and he had slipped up. He looked weary and jaded, “Well, it's over, Thomas, ‘The farce ts 8 played olit. To-morrow the curtain s down, And at the last minute near to being egKed out at t And he told me of his meeting With Mr, ‘Templeton, he ikea," 1 asked, "You tell them — well—yes, very warned Wilding softly, w ns well,” she whispered half to herself, “Miss Corinne is @ brick!” he con- holding up a warning hand BAe Sonera ee ane ul are: with some abstraction, cluded, moodily, “Of course, ahe must What?” I whispered as I read sus- 4 way nothing of detectives. | It's She sighed and her eyes eiowly have known ail along who I was, and picion in his eyes and listening ear. ginny,” he added with a frown, “but caine back from dreamland, 1 saw she has becn merely playing with us, For anawer he began to chat idly of go you know, 1 feel as if something that the fact that Wilding Nad come 1 wonder why she didn’t sea me mers commonplaces, at the saine time Wig going to huppen to-night—some- to prey only to learn to pray had not thrown out head first long ago, 1 tiptoeing softly to the door, Very {ith not down on the books, I can't escaped her, and I felt that she for- wonder.” gently he turned the handle, paused exoiiin jt, I fecl aa if] were waiting wave the former for the sake of the — “Heouuse she's # woman,” said I. [ for an instant, listening, and then for Sale wane latter, could say no more, for 1 had passed flung it suddenly open with incredible f°, tat the tension you've. been nd, madam," I concluded, “Col, my word to her. Dick was silent. swiftness, For a space nothing bUL jiwing under, And possibly the Horn- Partridge is naturally Br, Wilding's | "I'm sure her father knew, and only his legs greeted meas the dark cor- ¢° inojdent. Go to bed and sleep tt enemy and may seek to work him Kans avis to save ner. he commented, ridor swallowed pad and shoulders ° mischief." “L chanced to see him speaking with Finally he cloaed the door and con- So aiail ‘h rie Yeu, I have reason to know,” she her in the conservatory. He's 4 very fronted me, bands in pockots, asmhied ily ag, Be ficken sald slowly. I hoped she had branded nice, simpe old gentleman, but he "I wae sure [ heard some one out- Mnorning aa a lio the statement that Wilding could not manage to look sorry when side there,” he answered my eyes, Dae hiate dares at cawinn Drawand ged to another. 1 could not I told him 1 was going morrow, Was quite sure ab on Montes Hore retiring, pus broach the matter, though [ had I suppose he thinks It's best to let “Perhaps you only felt it, I didn’t fy) afraid my thoughts were more sinuated as best I might the great sleeping # snore,” hear a thing." occupied with Marie and the butter- 2 in which he held her enc aw Dick = But Wilding shook bis head aa he qe ae" Miternined, before leaving iss Corinne was silent. And then, mechanically knocked out the loose & vk her pointblank how she had for she only @ girl with a wo- reo from a cigarette, We smoked jeqyired if, Por Lowned to & sneak man’ 10 looked y. sai ion that Miss Maris had come at ine, a great pleading in er ones hief T found. Wonde must got to bed yawned. iito jp lifo to stay. And { fell asleep Hah 0706. nave toid me the truth he commented with after two." his head with her eyes leading the vanguard of R e oe IN A . my approaching dream fancies, Mr, Jones? Forgive ine, but you = aia 28 Sasa { awoke with that vague, terrify tnust appreciate my position Ing, Indefinite sensation that some 1 do--fully, madam, It is. tho Wh Ww Id mie, or thing, Was sharing the room truth, Honor of a some-time gentle- ja ou — with me. Somewhere downstairs [ Don't say that. she whispered.|| If you were an ordinary everyday New Yorker, and suddenly found your. |] heard the muffled whisper of « clock yee y in ulways be. 5 y ou self President of a Republic? That is one situation ta one remaining om ers of wt keep your honor you and—an the family took up the chant. ‘This Mr. Wilding." ts ail mon oF woman CAPTAIN VELVET’S FAREWELL tingihio. wounds amid the. univers w help you nay. i} lence and shadow of night PON aueh non Hes ae iaamarcone | By EDGAR FRANKLIN Fe a oe iat fied do not believe you had anything to do) | The Evening World's ¢ Novel for next week, This story tella the severing fancy from fact 1 was in with the diamond necklace, hut these) | anal and most exciting ntures of the quaint old soldier of fortune ||a sweat from the nameless terror, detectives are dreadful—they can| fi || for the sensation had obsessed me prove anything, it And it (4) | Whore exploits are funillar to you from the earlier “Captain Velvet” || Restiesaly 1 turned on my right alde, not safe here. 1 know Mr. Bond aus-|| romances in ning World, It is the very best of the whole "Velvet" | tucing the windows. ‘Then I became pects you both, And Mr, ‘Templeton'e eres, arfival complicates thinks. Ob, it] SO Read it. aware of 4 figure standing motion- es regarding me steadily, and I } . What should he be listening for?” 4 mance, wae that mene rn in the dining: room te june whispered Waid &. And po We crept down the stairs down through ¢ nt, sleeping house, and with he chills play sta The big dining room was on the leround floor butlers pantry exit and in whieh connecting with t From the dining 4 necting with the owned no other the the were shed the hall we muffled ve nk ae of wil An we ve hear the sibilant, men and an occasional ¢) ver, Dick softly padded his way to the drawing room via the door in the hall. We experienced some little difficulty in avekding furniture, Our guiding goal Was a long crack of gold running from floor to cetling—~« slight npertectly closed wild reached it in safety A Kuod if a6 division in the wn. view of the dining ore Um “And there at but iler, and Mr, floor were littered with every possible larticle of value—silver, china, Jewelry, clothes. The house had been gutted, For a moment we stood aghast, and hoard Wilding’s breath whistle. ren he had stormed through the 4, and his gun was covering the rears, “Phe game's up.” he said, as they swung their surprised faces our way, “You've been clever, you two—damn~ led clever, but now the government can em| your talents, Up with our hal Ion really felt highly dramatic and [heroic brandished # poker at Wiffling’ die h, have been an 1 caught Marie had been present. All this time Wiffling Lad been ey- ing us with strangely rained eye~ brows and a eomewhat disconcerting Finally, with conmposure of manner, a slightly amused emile, despite Wilding’® command for elevated hands, he picked up a smoldering cigurette from the table and began blowing ironical amoke at us, hande in pocket, While he leanéd negligently, against the mantelpiece, “Your dramatic arrival, gentlemen, gave me quite a turn,” he sald lacon~ ically at length, idly flicking the ash from bis SHeREOLSS “Much obliged for your help, but we don't need it. I think you've naturally got. the wires crossed,” and he grinned at Wilding. “Non f that,” threatened Wild- ing. “I'v “None of what?" asked Horner coolly. ‘Seo here, Mr, Templeton, or whatever y name may be, ely drop! into ou don't know who I'm Horner, of the Central Office, and on the job, all right. L suppose you're sore because your fireworks have fizzled out, but that's what they have, I've been laying for some crooks who had it framed up to crack this bunk—and T caught ‘em dead to rights with the goods on, Don't belleve it? ‘Think it's bull con?" lacenicaily, “Well, neeing’s believing, they @ay., They're in there,” waving to the butlers pantry. Nicely gagged up. While we're waiting for the local one po- Uceman,” with an idie gneer, “we might as well go over these things, Wifflings. And thanks for your help. Completely ignoring us, Mr, Horner, assisted by the profoundly insulted Wifflings, proceeded to aasort the loot. “Fancy the flowery guests will have a hot time finding out what's what in this bune! he commented once, run- ning his hand through @ pile of lace nery Cloarly we had run into an egre- gious mistake, and all my fine dra- matic instinct slowly dissolved, I felt curiously foolish, and | saw Wilding surreptitiously, half ashamed, guess,” the vernacular, you're talking t slip the gun he curried Into his pocket. But he was not quite satis~ fled, it seemed, or would not own chagrin through pure stubborness, “TL muppore you! wouldn't mind showing me your credentials?’ he asked of Horner dryly. “And don't you think It would be @ good Idea to awaken the house?" nty of time, young man,” sald Horner, with much superiority, “Still kind of shy, eh? Well, well, take a chalr over there and I'll show you who I am, all right enough. Just a moment, Two eighteen carat watches, did you say, Wifflings? U-m Ali righ Wilding took the proffered chair at the table, and I joined him. And ao In silence, ansorded, we watcned tim butler and Horner as they finished their assorting. The minutes passed. “I'm wating,” aaid Wilding, edly And then, because my ears were not swamped by my own volen, f thought heard a footstep in the hall. T nudged Wilding, and his hand slipped into his pocket. The steps entered the room and halted. T vaught a some. thing in Horner's eyes ax they looked over my head, It had all occurred in a se In a breath Wilding and C had pushed back our chairs and swung about, We wore confronting three men with sacks over ir thouldereBedsley, Dunn and “ihe chauffeur. Then, #efore we could draw, as potnt- Wain ® defeneeions i tons | me beck feation of wow 4 off with sound And we're prinoners,” 1 edded There's ne ow that door but Con you f : Devit « force after @ futile vy onk a thiek “And the windows, likewtse,” 1 added “Bare an inch thick." We thought « moment in silence I've gut it.” | exclaimed presemtiy to the announced Wilding performance on the it could resist ve men dur ont derfully, my 4t a beautiful irony there is and what « beautiful head- Funny how people ean euc- coeafully anore in auch « harrowing plight” he growled, “Last time Vil poor, confiding friend. Was completed in profound diseom- fort Wilding had ewitened on the light, and being the leas weighty I firet eseayed the stanchneas of our unique elevator, It owned but ene hinged shelf which could be . { had just enough space in which to equeree, and reached the kitchen én safety, Wilding handling the ropes. Hut it Was another story whan It came his turn, I heard bim groan. « ing and cursing, and finally his mut. fled voice: “It's no go, Tom, 1 can’t wet into the infernal pill-box.” “Well, it's no matter,” I called back. ean let you out Stupid not to have i aa of it before, Just | walt @ moment, And #0 1 made the kitchen and lnundey, iSoated the back stairs, ert the dining-reom and Ms 1d released Wilding. ‘A rum (ed he commented, gian- elng round room, y've off with practioally everything. What time is it? Only four-fifteen. We couldn't have been asleep very tong, Heavens shove! What ‘advamest repeale that and anon ¢ wecrney carried {t off well,” I = ve sioomily “How did they min: age Shee ‘easy enough to see. Wifflings was their pal all the time, When My Btuyvemsnt aoe ote send for a d e ran, Horner with faked credentinies "They made a careful sop ee of It, Hello!™ he finished, looking about, must have left in a hurry. ie ailver- ware and stuff. Well, I suppose it's we te » ee to Liiey ee And get @ hot roast for Wie panned frost.” a Les “If you only had Iistened advice. Dick.” a" “0 head’ any that cant- be oonahaded, wink. ing hin ‘in warning. “What was that?" Then I caught the very faintest of sounds—a soft, almost noiseless, pad- pad. Dick hastily put his hand tmto his pocket—and drew it forth empty, with @ stifled grunt. He had been considerately relieved of his gun. And just then an ap 2- peared in the doorway. It was dressed in a bright pink-and-white ne robe igen hel # buck rabbi face, armed spectacles, and tts bair "ieee — in 3 me nauareiy in the right eye Ve up!" came @ fat votee, t barber. ole advanced. And t ge. be na devil of @ mess, for tt wi friend, Mr, Bond. alte vo CHAPTER Xi. srinned at us amiably es we stood rooted in petrified amazement. “Just in time, sehr” he asked coolly, “Sort of Johnny-at-the- rat-hole, I think I was awakened by your partners going off in the buggy. Suppose they left you to bring along any Uttle keepsakes. ‘This isn't your first exploit, is it? he pursued pleasantly, “I rather suspected yoo two, don't you know?—the son of the ~ boss and his toteresting friend trom the sanitarlum, Well, well, {t's a long lane—that doesn't end in jail," saw from Dick's face that he thor- oughly appreciated our position, with mcaniy Mad aenity, ti made a porrible mistake" — Bare "No, bu a will 0 your hands," “Tout ta Bond” + Sere “L tell you you have,” blurted out Dick hotly, heediess, “We discovered the real burglare, They knocked west-and-crooked, and t it met hold of a better yarn than advised Bond laconically, “be- fore the police happen tn to hold the knitting. I wouldn't believe vow i you were smothered {ff Bibles. No, it's all up—away up to a little cottage called Sing Sing,” and he chuckled fatly, He was in bigh feather over his capture, and was playing to the absent gallery, oo now, march!" he ordered sharp! ‘Where to?” waked Dick, lowert “To Mr, Stuyvesant's room. We'll give him a little surprise party, and while he phones for the cops we can hold hands tn the cozy corner, Head the procession, gentlemen, And don’t look back, or what happened to Lot's wife won't be a cireumstan what will happen to you. I never tatively, "quite liked the Idea of @ bullet knocking at the back door te goo if my liver was at home, Did (To Be Continued.)