Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-01-12

"dOod,' ne Sa10, mas Qone notnlng but blunder, and besides"-
 But he got no further, breaking off suddenly and as though with an ef- fort.
 'If that be so," said l, rising, "let us see how Captain Sercombe will man. age matters"
 Hold hard" he interrupted. "Sit down awhile, sir. You have sprung this affair on me. I must take my counsel. Come, what do you say to go- ing shares?"
 I lifted my brows. You are not serious?" I remarked.
 He glanced furtively at Montgom- cry. q will take third" he said, land no questions asked"
 My dear sir," said in amazement, you embarrass me. Your terms are too liberal from a vanquished foe. I could not accept such generosity. And now, if you will allow me, as I have an appointment with MT. Hood shortly, I must"-
 But this alarmed him, as could per ceive. for he changed color and put out a finger to catch my arm.
 T will stand in with all of you!' he cried.
 I smiled, but before I cocld reply an Interruption fell in the entrance of the police sergeant, Jones, whom we had met before. He saluted us, and made an inquiry as to his investigations.
 T am on track, sir" he declared. q can say no more." And he eyed Sercombe attentively.
 "You've not struck those gypsies, l hear" said Sercombe, who had re- sumed his cigar with an appearance of nonchalance.
 "No. sir"
 "They're here today and somewhere else tomorrow. hardly expected you would find them. They nose scent pretty soon."
 I'm on track. sir" repeated Jones.
 Glad to hear it." nodded the cap tain.
 I went out with the sergeant, but Sercombe called to me.
 What is it?" I asked, standing ill the doorway.
 An anxious look troubled Sercombe's eye. T have made you a proposition, Mir. Greatorex.
 That's true." said I gravely, land I will ask you, captain, to better it. But, excuse me. my time is limited"
 You give me short shrift," exclaim- ed he, with bitter laugh.
 "Oh, mo-" said; but I dare say you will have time to think over it between now and 9 o'clock. If you can see your way to more equitable adjust ment, captain, perhaps you would be good enough to let me know by then?'
 At that I left him and caught up with Montgomery, who had gone ahead with Jones.
 Excuse me. sir" said Jones politely, "but are you very old friend of Cap tain Sercombe's?"
 "Why, no," said I, 'I have not known him long,"
 "Ah," said he, "an odd gentleman, Sir. Mir. Hood of the WOodman. he knows some queer stories about him." He says so, does he?" said I.
 Jones emphatically wagged his head. ''Very queer" he added. From which it appeared to me that Mir. Jones might not be quite so smart as he seemed. and also that MT. Hood was even What his object might have been in spreading an evil reputation for Sercombe could not guess. but that be had an object. and material one. did not doubt for moment.
 Though l had introduced the idea 10 Sercombe's notice. and the introduc- lion had had it's effect, I had not yet given shape and substance to my plan of setting off the one scoundrel against the other. fOresaw that could i'm prove my own position very substan- tially by this system of balance. and determined to go now fortnight to Hood on the same errand. He had failed me in the morning. but perhaps he would have grown wiser in the course of the days Imprisonment. There is nothing like solitude and the of reflection to bring man to prudence. and now. too. had seen Sercombe and had genuine offer to consider. came to the conclusion hat. after all. Hood would not prove ,bdurate and that the end of the war fare was almost in sight.
 Tn some such mood as this I made Inc journey 10 the keep. flattering my self with inc success of my diplomacy and compIacently contemplating an honorable settlement which would rid is of our troubles. banish these wretch ad intruders and leave us tO the com 'ortable enjoyment of our share in the treasure of the Vyvians.
 Dinner was over. The clock in the lall had chimei half past g. I expect aI Serrombe at 9 o'clock and must Iurry to secure the interview before hat. entered the dungeon carefully md IOcked the door behind me. ss was ny custom. Then. turning. I cast the ght toward the boxeS upon which Hood had sat
 He was nof there. Hastily flashed he lantern round tho walls There ras no sign of Hood. The dungeon vas empty.