The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-10-28

appearance in that place almost start
led me. She might have been near
Ing seventy, and a hard and evil life
mad left its marks on her bent frame
and her gaunt face. Her leathery
cheeks were lined deep, and a hawk
like nose emphasized the unpleasant
suggestions conveyed by her face and
hgure. But the most remarkable fea-
ture about her was ner eyes. There
was no trace Of age in them. Bright
and keen as the eyes of a rat, they
gave me an unpleasant thrill as
felt her gaze fixed upon me
when I entered the door, arm in
arm with Dicky. It was as though
they had pierced me through, and had
laid bare something I would have con-
cealed. 1t was a relief to pass beyond
her into a recessed part of the room
where her gaze might waste itself on
the back Of my head.
Mother Bortons up late tonight
said Dicky thoughtfulIy, as he ordered
wine
You can't blame her for thinking
that this crowd needs watching" |
suggested with as much Of airiness as
| could throw into my manner.
Dicky shook his head for a second,
and then resumed his light-hearted,
bantering way Yet 1 could see that
he was preplexed and anxious about
somethin8 that had come to his at
tention OF our arrival.
You'll not want to attend to bust
ness till all the boys are here?" asked
Dicky.
Not unless there's something to be
done" l responded dryly.
Dicky gave me a quick glance
"Of course" he said with a laugh
that was not quite easy, mot unless
there's something 10 be done But l
thought there was something"
You've got a fine mind for thinking,
Dicky," replied. You'd better cult
vate it."
Well, they say there's nothing like
society for that sort of cultivation"
said Dicky, with another laugh. They
don't say what kind, but I've got a
pretty good stock to choose from"
He was at his ease In banter again,
but 1t struck unpleasantly on me that
there was something behind.
"Oh, here's 2. queer friend" he said
suddenly, looking at the door. I'D
better speak to him On the matter of
countersigns."
by all MEANS I said, turning in
my chair to survey the newcomer.
l saw the face for an instant The
man wore a sou'wester, and he had
/ drawn his thick, rough coat up as
/ though he would hide his head under
see were covered by a thick blonde
beard. His movements were apparent
| ly clumsy. but his figure was 1.-the and
sinuous. And his eyes! Once seen
! they never could be forgotten at
! their glance, beard and sou'wester
| dropped away before my fancy, and
! l saw IN my inner vision the man of
the serpent glance who had chilled my
spirit when l had first put foot in the
city. 1t flashed on me in an instant
that this man was the same man dis
guised, who has ventured into the
midst of his enemies to see what he
might learn of their plans
AS l watched Dicky advance and
greet the newcomer with apparent in
quiry. low, harsh voice behind gave
me start of surprise.
This is your wine, I think"-and
lean, wrinkled arm passed over my
shoulder. and a wrinkled face came
near my own.
1 turned quickly. It was Mother
Borton, leering at me with no appar
ent interest but in her Grand.
What are you deing here?" asked
the crone in a voice still lower
You're not the one they take you tc
be, but you're none the less in danger
What are you doing with his looks
and, in this place? Look out for thai
man you're with, and the other. Yes
4 sir" her voice rose. "A small bottle
of the white; in a minute. sir
understood her as Dicky and the
newcomer came to the table and tool
seats opposite. l commanded my face
to give no sign of suspicion, but the
warning put me on the alert. l haC
come on the supposition that was tt
meet the band to which Henry VIII
ton belonged. Instead of being among
friends, however. it seemed now tha
was among enemies.
It's all right" said Dicky careless
ly. Hes been sent"
That's lucky" said I with equa
unconcern. We may need an extra
| hand hafOrs r,1OrninC"
The newcomer could not repress
triumphant fash in the serpent eyes
I'm the one for your job" he sail
hoarsely. his face as impassive as
stone wall.
What do you know about the Job ?
l asked suspiciously.
only what I've been told" he an
swered.
that t.