The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1907-11-05

1ouli not want 10 attend to busl-
ness till all the boys are here?" asked
Dicky.
Not unless there's something to be
done" | responded dryly.
Dicky gave me a quick glance.
"Of course" he said with a laugh
that was not quite easy. mot unless
.here's something to be done. But
thought there was something"
you've got a fine mind for thinking,
Dicky." replied. You'd better cult
vate it,
wen, they say there's nothing like
society for that sort OF cultivation.
said Diclxy, 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 ii struck mploasantly on me that
there was something behind.
"Oh, here's a 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.
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
the collar. Check and chin could
see were covered by a thick blonde
beard. His movements were apparent
ly clumsy. but his figure WIS 1.-THE and
sinuous. And his eyesl Once seen
they never could be forgotten. Al
their glance, beard and sou'wester
dropped away before my fancy. and
| saw in my inner vision the man OF
the serpent glance who had chilled my
spirit when | had first put foot In the
city. 1t flashed on me in an instant
that this man wac the same man dis
guised, who has ventured into the
midst OF his enemies to see what lie
might learn OF their plans.
AS | watched Dicky advance and
greet the newcomer with apparent il
quiry. a low. harsh voice behind gave
me a start Of surprise.
This is your wine, | think"-and
a lean, wrinkled arm passed over my
shoulder, and wrinkled face came
near my own.
l turned quickly. 1t was Mother
Borton. leering at me with no appar-
ent interest but in her errand.
What are you doing here" asked
the crone in a voice still lower.
You're not the one they take you TO
be, but you're none the less IA danger.
What are you doing with his looks.
and in this place? Look out for that
man you're with, and the other Yes,
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 took
seats opposite. | commanded my face
to give no sign Of suspicion. but the
warning put me on the alert. had
come on the suppOsttion that was 10
meet the band to which Henry VIII
ton belonged. Instead Of being among
friends, however. it seemed now that
/ was among enemies.
Its all right" said Dicky careless
ly. Hes been sent" ar
That's lucky" said with equal
unconcern. I'VE may need an extra
hand before morning"
The newcomer could not repress a
triumphant flash in the serpent eyes
I'm the one for your job" he said
hoarsely, his face as impassive as q
stone wall.
"Whsd do you know about the job?"
l asked suspiciously.
only what I've been told" he an
swered.
"And that is"
THAT it's a job for silence. secrecy.
and"
"Spondulicks." said Dicky with
laugh. as the other hesitated for the
word.
"Just So" said the man.
"And what else?" I continued. press.
ing him firmly.
We'll, he admitted hoarsely, II
learned as how there was to be a
change Of place tonight, and might
be needed"
l looked at him inquiringly. Per-
haps was on the threshold of knowl-
edge OF this cursed business from the
mouth OF the enemy.
Il heard as how the boy was TO be
put in safer place." he said, wagging
his head with affected gravity.
Some imp put 1t into my brain to
try him with an unexpected bit Of
news.
oh" / said coolly, that's all at
tended to. The change was made yes
terday."
The effect of this announcement was
extraordinary. The man started with
an oath.
THE hell you sayl" he exclaimed
In low, smooth voice, far different
from the harsh tone he had used thus
far. Then he leaped to his feet, with
uncomfortable rage.
"Tricked-by God!" he shouted i'm
pulsively, and smote the table with his
fist.
His outburst threw the room into
confusion. Men sprang from their