Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-04-03
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self (theres CODY there,J has allowed couple to be made since the picture has been In his possession He hunt ed up the painters addresses, and the rest of the evening 1 spent iu hunting up the painters themselves, but their work had been done on commission. One copy had gone out of the country. and I'm still on the track of the 0jh- er.'
 Then you haven't seen Craggs yet"
 ''Seen him and made friends with him, and, if possible, he's the fHnnier old cuss of the two; but you should the horns this morning. went in and lied like Ananias. and it was just as well l did. The old rutian sails for Australia by tomorrow's boat l told him a man wanted to sell me copy of the celebrated 1nfanta Maria Teresa of NelasqueZ; that I'd been down to the supposed owner of the picture only to find that he had just sold it to him You should have seen his face when l told him that He grinned all round his wicked old head. Did old Debenham admit the sale" says be- and when said be did he chuckled to himself for about five minutes. He was so pleased that he did just what I hoped he would do. he showed me the great picture-luck fly, it isn't by any means large one also the case he's got it in. It's an iron map case, in which he brought over the plans of his land in Bris bane. He wants to know who would suspect 1t of containing an old mas ter too? But he's had it fitted with new Cbubb lock. and l managed to take an interest in the key while he was gloating over the canvas. 1 had the wax in the palm of my hand and I shall make my duplicate this after noon."
 Rallies looked at his watch and jumped up. saying he had given me a minute too much.
 By the way he added. you've pole tonight
 IF"
 "Yes. Don't lock so scared. Both of us arc invited 1 swore you were dining with me. l accepted for us both but shant be there.''
 His clear eye was upon me, bright with meaning and with mischief l implorcI him to tell me what his meaning Was.
 You will dine ill his private sitting room, said Rallies. Tt adioins his bedroom, You must keep him sitting as long as possible. Bunny, and talk ing all the timer
 In q flash l saw his plan.
 Your Fe going for the picture while were at djnner:''
 'I am.
 'If he hears you.'
 "He shan't.''
 'But if he does.''
 And fairly trembled at the thought
 If he does" said Rallies. there will be a collision, that's all Revolver would be out of place in the Metropole but l shall certainly take a life pre- server"
 But it's ghastlv." I cried. ITO sit and talk to an utter stranger and to know that you're at work in the next room,''
 Two thousand apiece" said Rallies quietly.
 "Cpon my soul, believe l shall give it away
 Not you. Bunny. know you better than you know yourself"
 He put on his coat and his hat What time have I to be there?" asked him, with groan.
 Quarter to s. There will be tele gram from me saying can't turn up. He's a terror to talk. You'll have no difficulty in keeping the ball rolling. But head him off bis picture for all you're worth. If he offers to show it you, say you must go. He locked up the case ella borately this afternoon. and there's no earthly reason why he should unlock it again in this hemisphere"
 Where shall find you when I get away?"
 II shall be down at Esher 1 hope to catch the 9:5o'
 But surely l can see you again this afternoon:" I cried in ferment, for his hand was on the door, 'l m not half coached up yet. I know I shall make a mess of it.'
 Not you," he said again, "but l shall if waste any more time. I've got q deuce of lot of rushing about to do yet. You won't find me at my rooms. Why not come down to Esher your self by the last train? That's it-doWn you come with the latest news! I'll tell old Debenham to expect you. He shall give us both bed. By love, be won't be able to do us too well if he's got his picture.'
 "Ifr' I groaned as he nodded his adieu. And he left me limp with ap prehension. sick with fear, in d per l fectly pitiable condition of pure stage | fright
 For, after all. I had only to act my l part Unless Rallies failed where he never did fail. unless Rallies the neat and noiseless was for once clumsy and oil fn do inIoa1 tN