Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-12

Montgomery spraaUled upon the table d
drunken sleep.
He held one hand in his tightly but
toned coat and looked at me with {
watchful eye.
.This is very regrettable. Mr.. Great
Nrex," he said.
The apology sounded so ludicrous il
my ears that broke into a tiny laugl
and thereby relieved myself. The time
Cor action was come.
II must apologize" said I, "for my
unexpected return, the more particular
y as have no doubt interrupted yor
On important business"
'.Not at ALL he said pleasantly; mo,
1t all. had quite finished"
'sThen If you have been successful
Captain Sercombe," said as pleasant
y as himself, 81 think we had better
understand each other at once"
A slight smile rufled his puffy face
bat he kept his hand in its hiding
place. 'That will be unnecessary, sir
assure you" he rejoined. Il fear
am a bad hand at crib cracking"
The Sffrontery OF the man amazed
me, but 1 showed nothing in the face
that wore.
.why not give 1T up?" asked
smoothly.
He shrugged his shoulders. almost
sou PERSUADE me-" he returned jaunt-
~.
Fishing" resumed, sis a more
equanimous pastime, Captain Ser
combe, have heard"
mo doubt" he responded equally
and glancing at the window. A witch
ing Of his mouth belied his calm ap-
pearance, and was disposed to be
lieve that he contemplated desperate
move. I sat down upon chair by
the door and surveyed him coolly.
May I ask" said l, eff you have
found this sort Of thing usually profta-
bler nodded at my bureau.
II was in hopes this would prove
so," he answered smoothly. II am
not an old hand at It."
sBut you have able assistants?" ]
asked.
'Come, come, Mr.. Greatorex," he re-
piled, with touch Of impotence In
his voice, "let u, get to businessv'
by all MEANS" said I. "You will
ind me most reasonable man. In
my profession have had occasion sew.
eral times to deal with your profess
sion"
If l had expected him to vince at
this undkguisetl thrust was doomed
to disappointment. "A smile fitted over
his face. and that was all. He with.
drew his hand from the breast pf bis
coat. May sit DOWN." he inquired in
his most courteous manner. s
Come" said /, ut is rather who
should applyto you for permission"
1--WE will not stand upon ceremony
he observed, whipping chair deity
beneath him.
"a very natural sentiment upon your
part" Iretorted Ironically.
"Mr Greatorex," said he, with his
smile and now thoroughly in charge Of
himself, 'sthere is, one thing pride my.
self upon, and that is command Of my
temper
"a very useful trait-in your profes
sion," remarked.
The captain took a cigarette from his
case. You will not mind" said he
The window will air your bedroom
And he pulled the smoke from his nos
trils, and it hung about his ragged red
mustache. I waited, my eyes fastened
on him.
what are you going to dot" be
asked presently.
His own expression carried not q
trace of anxiety.
''In these cases." / made answer
ssthere is natural course with which
her majesty's dutiful subjects do not
usually tamper. For my own part
confess that was at first tempted to
take matterssinto my own hands, but
on reflection I do not think shall in
terrupt the ordinary course of justice"
"Ah," he said, taking the cigarette
from his mouth, you will call In the
law
nodded, and slow smile illumined
his red face.
II think can persuade you to forego
that satisfaction" he said, though I
may possibly find it more difficult to
prevent youryearlier resolution"
II ana entirely In your hands," said l,
smiling to.Aim. for indeed I swassnow