The Red Cloud chief., 1907-08-09

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"And %bcyond?'
~ passage and the billiard room"
Spencer seemed dissatisfied.
IL fancied," he muttered-'but | sup
pose it must have been fancy. DO the
women servants use that passage?"
"Of course! Upon my word" Dun
combe added, with a nervous little
laugh, you all seem to be trying to
make my house into a Maskcyne and
Cookies home of mystery. Let us go
into the dining room and have Il wills.
ky and soda"
Not for me, thanks" Lord Runton
declared. IL must go back. The real
object of my coming here, Duncombe,
was to see If the Mr.. Spencer who
called at Runton House today was
really Mr.. Jarvis Spencer, and If so
to ask him whether he would help
me-"
ITO what extent, Lord Runton?"
Spencer asked quietly.
ITO the extent of recovering or at
tempting to recover the papers which
were stolen from the Baron de Rothe,"
Lord Runton said. "Thc baron was a
guest in my house. and | feel the oc-
currencc very much. lie will not let
me even mention the matter to the po-
lice, but | feel sure that he could not
object to Mr.. Spencer's taking the mat
ter in hand
Il think you will find Spencer said.
that De Rothe has already placed the
matter In the hands of his own peo-
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pretty active over here, you know. /
have come in contact with them once
or twice"
Nevertheless for my own satisfac-
tion,' Lord Runton continued, 81 should
like the matter inquired into by you.
Mr.. Spencer"
81 am not quite sure whether | am
free to help you or not" Spencer said
slowly. May / come and see you to-
morrow morning."
IF you prefer it," Lord Runton said
doubtfully. Come MS early as pos
sible. food night, Duncombe. /
should like to know who your noe
turnal visitor was"
"If he comes again." Duncombe said,
II may he able to tell YOU
He walked to his desk and. taking
out Il revolver, slipped it into his peck
ct. Then he rang the bell for Lord
Runton's carriage. 1t seemed to Dun
combe that there was n shade of cool.
ness In his visitors manner as he took
his leave. He drew Spencer a little on
one side.
Il want you to promise to come and
see me in any case tomorrow morn
ing" he said. There is something
which | should prefer saying to you
in my own house to saying here"
Spencer nodded.
"Very WELL" he said, 81 will come. l
can promise that much at least
Lord Runton departed. Pelham went
off to bed. Spencer and his host We're
left alone in the library.
billiards orr Il whisky and soda In
the smoke roomY" the latter asked. II
know that you are not a late bird
Neither, thanks. Just a word with
you here" Spencer answered.
Duncombe paused on his way to the
door. Spencer was standing in a re.
Elective attitude, with his hands be-
hind his back, gently balancing him
self upon his toes.
81 am very much disposed" he said,
ito accept Lord Runton's offer. Have
you any objectionT'
"Of course l have" Duncombe an
swered. "You are working for me-"
WAS working for you" Spencer cor
rected gently. THAT is all over, isn't
it?"
"wha do you meanT Duncombe ex-
claimed.
Spencer stood squarely upon his feet.
He looked a little tired.
) MY engagement from you was to
find Miss Phyllis Poynton," he said
softly. "You and l are perfectly we'll
aware That the young lady in question
is-well, n few yards behind that cur
tain,' he said, motioning with his head
toward 1t. "My task Is accomplished,
and / consider myself a free man.
Duncombe was silent for a moment.
He walked restlessly to the window
and back again.
"How did you find out tl''t CIV" was
here?' he asked.
Spencer looked a little Disguised,
my dear fellow" he said, "any one
with the brains of q mouse must have
discovered that. Why, Lord Runton,
without any of the limitations which
/ have received, is a little suspicious
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