The Washington times., 1894-07-08

Ranking. fling him out of my way, and es-
cape from the hotel-but fortunately this in
sane project was dissipated by knocking st
the door.
The detective stepped back and opened the
door, admitting the landlord.
There's a lady outside wants to see Mr..
Theodore Mills. privately" said the propris-
tor OF the Griffin.
THANK heaven for this-whatever IL
meansi'' exclaimed. quietly.
''Mr. Mills will see the lady in Ave minutes
or less said the 'tectiye HE Is at present
engaged with me. out l will be done with him
presently Ask the lady to wait. will you?
Mr.. Mills will ring the bell when / am gone"
''All right. sir said toe lsllord. backing.
"Now. my good fellow said Mr. Ranking.
this may possibly put new aspect on your
case. II may bear out your somewhat incred-
IDLE story OF the haberGasher. or it may fasten
the guilt on you completely. I'll tell you
what I'll do. I'll hide myself under the
table"-poihting to the dinner table. which
was covered with cloth which almost met
the floor. III you have no objection to let
ting me oyerhear your conversation with this
person who wants to see you, am willing to
help you out as far as ever l can. But allow
me to add that il you make any attempt to
leave the room I'll not hesitate TO impede
your progress with this little article of furni-
ture." taking a six-chambered revolver from
the breast of his eoat and pointing at it with
the forefinger of his left hand.
1 had no option but to consent. so Mr..
Ransing proceeded to cut with penknife .
small round hole in the tabeeloth.
'Now, stand away from the door-get over
near the fireplace said he, "where I can
keep an eye on you, and when l am ready
you can ring the bell.
As soon as Mr.. Ranking was under the
table rang the bell and in few moments
the door was opened and the landlord OF the
(.rffF -hara int. +h.. thal lalx ~wk&
had spoken to me on the platform at Euston.
l was overcome with amazement, and then
swift sense OF pain seized me as reflected
that II there was any swindling or other form
OF criminaiity on footthe beautiful girl whose
fIee had been haunting me was either a dupe
or an accomplice. For one brief moment
deliberated whether would warn her OF the
presence of Mr. Ranking and take the coBse-
quences; but she gave me no opportunity OF
doing anything. however rash. to protect her.
She was scarcely well iuto the room when she
said. with smile that went q long way to
wards Disseminating ne:
Il have called to take away the manuscript
which was left in your charge at Chester.
Here is the order for it, signed By your sport
ing friend.'
As stretched out my hand. a strange feel
ing of pain possessing me. there was rustic
under the table. and then. with swift spring,
Mr. Ranking had seized hold of my en-
chantress.
This looks pretty straight for you now
he observed with a leer. The lady and I
are acquaintanees' - struggling with the
woman.
I WAS horrified. To see this beautiful
creature ia the grip of an officer OF the law
was almost more than / could stand, and
was about to interfere on her behalf when
Mr.. Ranking, evidently guessing my inten-
ton. said:
snow haven't you go. into trouble enough
already, young man. without rushing into
further mischief? Keep cool; keep cool.
She an old band
''This is more OF Harry Platts bungllng,'
fumed the woman, who was now perfectly
quiet. Course him. the idiot! I'll never trus:
a man with too mnch jaw again.
II suppose you don't know the sort OF hab-
erdashery you were in charge or asked the
detective tuning to NE and smiling.
II do not AN quite upset.
"fou Won't carry samples for strangers in
hurry again, / exrect. Mr.. Mills? You were
the bearer to this country OF f20 900 worth
OF forged bank notes-ir.sh bank notes.
That's the sort OF manuscript that lies in Mr..
Platt's yalise. He h.s given me rir. round-
about chase after him. but all's well that ends
wei. You puzzled no this morning when I
went out to seo where you were going to A.
range about the distribution OF tlis stuff 4
cemetery didn't seem likely pla, . for pass
ing bank notes, and you quite put me out
when caught yon arranging deal with the
monkeys in the Zoo