The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-02-23

Watcnful eye.
This is very regrettable, Mr.. Great
orex," he said.
The apology sounded so ludicrous in
my ears that l broke into tiny laugh
and thereby relieved myself. The time
for action was come.
Il must apologize" said I, FOR my
unexpected return, the more particular
y as | have no doubt interrupted you
on important business"
Not at ALL" he said pleasantly; mot
at all I had quite finished"
Then if you have been successful,
Captain Sercombe," said l as pleasant
~ as himself, Il think we had better
understand each other at once"
y slight smile ruflied his puffy face,
but he Kept his hand in its hiding
place 'That will be unnecessary, sir,
l assure you" he rejoined. Il fear |
am bad hand at crib cracking"
The effrontery of the man amazed
that | wore.
why not give it up?" l asked
smoothly
He shrugged hts shoulders. Almost
you persuade me-" he returned jaunt
lily.
Fishing" l resumed, sis more
equanimous pastime, Captain Ser
combe, l have heard"
NO doubt" he responded equally
and glancing at the window. A witch
ing of his mouth belied his calm ap-
pearance, and l was disposed to be-
lieve that he contemplated desperate
move. l sat down upon chair by
the door and surveyed him coolly.
May | ask" said /, IF you have
found this sort of thing usually profita-
ble?" l nodded at my bureau.
Il was in hopes this would prove
So" he answered smoothly. II am
not an old hand at it,
But you have able assistaEts"
asked.
Come. come, Mr.. Greatorex." he re-
piled, with a touch Of Impotence in
his voice. 'let us get to business
by all MEANS" said l. You will
find me most reasonable man. In
nv profession have had occasion sew.
,rai times to deal with your profess
Sion
If I had expected him to vince at
this undisguised thrust | was doomed
10 disappointment. \ smile fitted over
his face, and that was all. He with
drew his hand from the breast of his
coat. May / sit down. he inquired in
dis most courteous manner.
Come" said |, lit is rather l who
should apply to you for permission"
We will not stand upon ceremony"
he observed, whipping a chair deity
beneath him.
"A very natural sentiment upon your
part" | retorted ironically.
Mr.. Greatorex," said he, with his
smile and now thoroughly in charge of
himself, there is one thing pride my
self upon, and that is command of my
temper
"a very useful trait-in your profess
siOn," | remarked.
The captain took cigarette from his
case. You will not mind" said he.
''The winjnv will air your bedroom"
AIi lac puf"d the smoke from his nos
tril&. and il hung about his ragged red
muN;ache. | waited, my eyes fastened
on him.
What are you going to do?" he
asked presently
His own expression carried not q
trace of anxiety.
In these cases." | made answer
there is natural course with which
her majesty's dutiful subjects do not
usually tamper For my own part !
confess that | was at first tempted tc
take matters into my own hands. but
On reelection do not think | shall in
terrupt the ordinary course of justice"
All" he said, taking the cigarette
from his mouth, you will call in the
law
| nodded, and slow smile illumined
his red face
Il think | can persuade YOU to foregc
that satisfaction" he said, though j.
may possibly find it more difficult to
prevent your earlier resolution"
Il am entirely in your hands" said /
smiling to him, for indeed | was now
chuckling to myself not only at the
mans equanimity, which was quite tc
my taste, but at my own mastery of
the situation.
He looked at me inQuiringly, and ]
was amazed to see the difference in his |
eyes now. They were tense, sharp, and
every trace of idle Indifference had left |
them.
You are aware, Mr.. Greatorex, what
we are quarreling over?
Il assure you, my dear sir" said !, |