The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1905-09-15

Miss Greystone.''
His orders were obeyed with alac-
rity, and l found myself prisoner
trudging YEARLY and warily in the
footsteps of my captors. who by their
manner evidently believed Leroy.
Hans in particular was most offensive,
and would have made no bones about
throwing me over any of the preci-
pices in which the district is so rich.
However. promised myself speedy
revenge once we reached the confines
of civilization. and cursed my folly
in accepting the comradship of chance
companions. Leroy was a man whose
acquaintance made casually at Basel.
where he acted as interpreter to a
party of English tourists. of whom
made one Oh why had not gone on
with them to Turin instead of vast
Ing my time at Grindewald with Miss
Greystone! OF thinner and Jones I
had slight knowledge, being intro
duced to them by Leroy himself only
the day before.
l recollected now that what did
thought of conspiracy did not cross
my mind, for any absurdity seemed
possible in so badly-conducted
world, but dismissed it. Who would
conspire against poor retired officer
of Indian irregulars? Bitterly | left
was to blame more than any one
else for having fallen into the trap
of the internal thinner. who / be-
lieved now was the real culprit, and
| cross-examined him for the benefit
of the party as well as our position
would allow, but he merely sneered;
Jones prodded me brutally with his
alpenstock and Leroy advised me to
reserve my defense. Miss Greystone
amongst the faithless was only faith.
full found, her conversation being
streaked with references to the absent
pop and incisive satire on the OBJ
trusive Leroy.
We could hardly be described as
merry company when we reached the
Elsmeer, where we encountered re-
lief party, signalled for by Hans. the
first moment the fog lifted, and at
Grindelwald gendarmes took the
places of my companions.
pass over the ensuing two days,
they were the most anxious l eve,
spent. One point of light alone re-
lieved the gloom. Prof. Greystone
and Pierre were recovered from a
snowdrift nothing the worse save for
shock and exposure. On the third
morning l learned that thinner and
Jones had been arrested and that
was at liberty. Subsequently l re-
ceived ample apologies from Leroy
over an excellent breakfast.
And now for the explanation"
said, lighting cigar.
Quite simple" he replied. For
the past four years l have been on
the track of a select gang of ruffians
who have operated in every capital
of Europe; two were English, the
third German When l had the honor
of making your acquaintance at Basel
was close on their traces; when
we met at Grindewald they were in
my company"
thinner and JoneS!
Those were the names by which
you knew Them" he replied.
Then why not arrest the rascals
on the spot?"
The great detective smiles. You
judge things from the military stand
point" he answered; I'VE work by
more subtle methods. | had infor-
nation that they were journeying to
meet the third at Turin, the worst of
the three, man whose cunning goes
to lunacy verge-so perfect an adept
at disguise that he would conceal him
self from himself"
You interest me exceedingly"
said, and the passionless Jungfrau
caught my eye through the open win
| dow.
Naturally" replied Leroy. you
may be said to have personal graft
| fication in their capture"
But you have your eye on this ras-
cal at last?" l remarked, knocking
off some ash.
| He shook his head. Chance favors
him! he is almost unknown to his
confederates. directing their move
ments from afar; Jones met him
| once, thinner never. And they want
ed very much to meet him." contin-
ued Leroy, blowing a smoke wreath,
| because he has secured the lions
| share in their last great coup. the for
gerry of English bank notes. and some
on the Bank of France. You have
no idea of the finished perfection Of
the plates. After their refusal to work
with him longer he invited them to
Turin. really, as they suspected, to
get possession of those very plates,
thinner being the artist. The chiefs
speciality was manufacturing the pa
per. They had run out of the supply
and had to fall in with his sugges,
tion."
But why arrest me? Surely you be
lieved that thinner gave me that
wretched packet?"
DO you recollect the rope? 1t did