Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-03-29
xvT-cont,nued,

l was punctually called and punctu-
ally served the next morning by Hood
himself, who, whatever his faults, was
a capital servant. He said nothing be
You'd making the customary inquiries
of landlord, and if had been in any
other mood than that of desperate cha
grin the irony of that "Tea or coffee,
sir?" would have tickled my sense of
the ludicrous. But was not disposed
to talk, and so was equally silent with
him. Nor was my quietude broken un.
til some two hours later, when Ser
combe entered.
Look here, Mr.. Greatorex," said he
quickly, "if we're not careful, this lit
tie enterprise of ours will be taken
clean out of our hands"
Il thought" l observed, that the
game was over wondering all the
time what he was meaning.
'Yes. and no." said he, "but there's
many slip 'twixt the cup and the lip,
and you don't know what has been
happening while you've been here"
I'm other Words answered, my
friends may not have been caught as
easily rs myself, although you will
note that still have that key"
I fancied that he WINGED, but he went
on hastily THAT is so, and besides, in
any case, you are bound by your COM
pact of silence"
IF you will tell me what you are
driving at began.
See here, SIR he broke in. There's
been deal of talk in the countryside,
and, what with that mutton faced fool
Jones' suspicious, the authorities have
begun to smell rat"
Il am very sorry for you," said l
dryly II understood that he had not
high opinion of YOU
"His opinion be hanged" he retort-
ed; but won't have any interference
nor, take it, will YOU"
mo; l prefer my prison, naturally"
l declared.
what want to tell you is this" he
resumed, paying no heed to my sar-
casm. TT seems that Jones and the
other meddler have got wind of your
disappearance. The police have been
securing the Gwent and what must
the beast do but cast his suspicious
eyes on me-"
He dropped his voice. "They are
outside now, and Hood is parleying
with them They've got that silly ass
of parson with them, who is by way
of being my friend. He's taken to me
nightly because l had brother or
cousin at Rugby, and nothing must
serve them but that they must make
investigations in the inn"
l shrugged my shoulders. upon my
word, l don't see what I can do for
you," said.
Eyes, you do he replied sharply. 81
have told the sergeant that you are
here right enough, but are staying
with me as my guest He swears he
must see you and find out for himself.
And the parson, amiably embarrassed,
vows / am being insulted. However,
there you are"
every WELL" said slowly; "let them
in"
Sercombe scrutinized me keenly, as
though he would read my soul, and
then, apparently satisfied, left the
room.
In another moment knock sounded
at the door, and Hood, flinging it open,
said, Gentlemen to see you, SIR
The little parsoh entered, followed
by the sergeant who had called at the
castle. 1 looked up from my books and
rose instantly.
Chow do you do, vicar?" said, Of
fering him a hand. Good day, SER
geant."
The policeman was taken aback and
stared at me sheepishly, but the par
son turned to him triumphantly.
II told you so, JONES'" he declared.
81 am not in the habit of doubling Cap
tain Sercombe's word"
Gentlemen" 1 said, feigning as
tonishment, may ask what is this?"
ooh, it's an absurd piece Of business
from the start" said the vicar emphat-
- A. A. III,