The Washington times., 1906-02-04

We'll. Inspector" he said at last.
The little detectives mead shook out
a negative.
Perhaps you require an incentive"
he sneered. 1T is a matter Of a re-
wai1?"
No, Mr.. Ransom; but it is becom-
ing one Of my personal reputation"
Then. By thunder. you are I'm dam
ger OF losing II. Why don't YOU and
your friend hustle, instead OF Ioiter-
ing around as II you were paid bv
the day? l tell you. man, there are
thousands-hundreds Of thousands
melting, slipping through cur fingers.
every hour, every hour
He sprang from his seat and start
ed his walk again-up and down IN
and down. as We had first seen him.
Shall you be returning TO LOndoD2''
At the question the manager halted
in his stride. staring sharply down
into the inspectors bland countenance.
NO" he said; Il shall stay here.
Mr. AddingtOn Grey. until such time
as you have something definite 10 tell
me-"
y lave an inquiry TO make which I
would rather place in the hands OF
some one who has personal knowledge
OF Nj Ford. Neither Mr.. HaTbord nor
yourself desire 70 leave Meudon Is
there anyone else you can suggest2''
There is Jackson-Ford' valet"
said the manager, after moments
thought He can go. If you lhink him
bright enough. I'll send for him"
While the footman who answered the
bell was gone upon his errand. We wait
ed ia an uneasy silence. There was
the shadow OF an ugly mystery upon
US all Jackson. as he entered, was the
only one who seemed at his ease. He
stood there-a tall figure OF all the re-
specIabilities.
THE inspector here wishes you 20 go
to London, Jackson" said the manager.
He viii explain the details There
is a fast train from Camden at Il"
Certainly, sir. DO I return tonight"
80. Jackson" said Grey. 1T viii
take a day or two"
The man took a couple Of steps to-
ward the door. hesitated and then re-
turne- 10 his former place
Il beg your pardon. sir" he began.
addressing Ransom. But L would
rather remain at MeUdon under pres
cut circumstances"
What on earth do you meang"
thundered the manager.
We'll, sir, was the last 70 see Mr..
Ford. There is. as it were. q suspicion
upon me ! should ike 10 be present
while the search continues. both for
his sake-2nd my own"
Very kind OF you. I'm sure" growI-
ed Ransom. Put you either DO what
l tell yOu. Jackson. or you pack your
boxes and clear out. so be quick and
make up your mind"
Il think you are treating ne most
unfairly. sir. But cannot be per-
suaded out Of what 7 know to be my
duty"
You impertinent rascaI!'' began the
furious manager. But Gray was al
ready on his feet. with a hand out
stretched
Perhaps. after all. can make other
arrangements. Mr.. Ransom" he said.
1T is natural that Jackson should con-
slider his own reputation in this a1sir.
That is all, Jackson; you may so now"
i was half an hour afterward, when
the end OF breakfast had dispersed the
party. that I spoke 10 Grey about it,
Offering 10 go 10 London myself and DO
my best 20 carry out his instructions.
4 had bad luck IN my cal for vol
unteers," he said.
Il should have thought they would
have been glad enough TO get the
chance Of work. They can fnd no par
tCular amusement in loafne- about the
place all day"
Doubtless they all had excellent rea-
soBs." he said with g smile But,
anyway. you ,annot be spared, Air.
Phillips"
You natter ne
II want you 10 stay n your bedroom.
Write. read. do what you Ike. but
keep your door s5s-. Il anyone passes
down the co--.do-. see where he goes.
only don't let him know that you are
watching him = you can help It.
will take my turn at halE-pszt one,
don't mean 10 starve you"
] Cbsyed, After al. 4 was IN a man
Eer promotion that the inspector had
given me; yet L was a tedious, anx-
ious time. No one came my way, ha--
ring a sour-look!ng, hoCseIa.d. I
tried 20 a-gye out the case, but The
deeper ! got tee mere conflicting grew
my theories. ! was never more glad
to see a friendly face than when the
IiTtle man came in upon me.
The short winters afternoon crept
on. the inspector and ! taking turn
and turn about in our sentry duty.
Dinner time came and went. I had
been Of duty from g, but at 1880 I
poured out a whisky and soda and
= ent back to join him. RE was sit
ting in the middle OF the room smok-
ms a ppe in great apparent Satisfac-
ton.
Bed time. isn't it?' 7 grumbIed.
shifting at his strong tobacco.
oh no." he said. THE fact is, We
are going 10 SIT Up all night"
l th.ew myself on a couch by the
window without reply. Perhaps l was
not in the best Of tempers; certainly
did not feel so.
You insisted on coming down with
me. he suggested.
! know all about that" l told him,
Il haven't complained. have /? II you
want ne TO shut myself up for a week.
III do IL: but l should prefer TO have
S0ne idea OF the reason why"
Il don't wish tC create mysteries.
Mr.. Phillips" he said, kindly, but.
believe me, there is nothing TO De
gained In vague discussions"
4 knew that SatrIe6 In as far a he