Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-02

side the actual question. Look here" he
said, it strikes me as bit risky to use
valuable lot of gems as bait for dangerous
thief and by tine way, Mr.. Ormond, where
did you get those gems!"
limitations, returned the unruffled one;
but such clever limitations that l defy you,
as an expert, to tell them from the real article
without most careful examination"
Well see about that later, retorted Girard,
while the business creases once more appeared
round his incisive mouth. In the meantime,
just one more thing. You say you called on
me at the Victoria with view of securing my
aid in this affair,-with the aim of borrowing
my yacht, borrowing my name, and borrow
ing my valuable time in the interests of an
utter stranger. Now, what reason, sir, had
you to imagine, for one fraction of minute.
that would not kick you all the way down
stairs to the street where you belong!"
Ormonds eyes narrowed as he answered with
a slow and cold assurance of his ground. BE
cause of my intimate knowledge of your per-
sonal affairs, which are guarded so carefully
from the eyes AMI nose of the general public.
Because of my acquaintance with your bust
ness patrons, those WASHINGTON officials who
stand with one hand on the helm of the ship of
state and the other on the tape of a Wall Street
ticker. Because"
A GAIN Marcus Girard was on his feet, this
time forgetting everything on earth be-
yond the personal equation and shot which,
if not bulls eye. came certainly within the
outer ring. His face grew purple while he
swelled to the bursting point of rage.
You hound!" he cried. "I'1l settle with
you for this! Yes, and for something else be-
sides your blacknall III settle with you for
stealing my yacht in order to carry out your
other theft! Do you think that l, an adult, in
possession of my senses, would swallow this
bunch of childish lies you are telling me? Nom
sense, Sir! You're couple of crooks who have
played your game and are caught with a
crooked wheel! l know your breed, and now
by Heaven"
His fist came down with crash on the table;
but another fist came down beside it.
Drop it!' commanded Or1nond in tone
of stern authority. I've stood enough of your
garrulous noisei Sit DOWN.
No longer was the man a meek defender of
poor position, but grim, relentless officer of
the law, aroused at last to action. He placed
two powerful hands on the shoulders of Marcus
G1rard and forced him into seat, then stood
over him, his eyes swapping and his jaw set.
Do you suppose" he Numbered, that the
United States Government cares hang for
you and your time and your little two-for-a-
nickel yacht? If you've lost time, we'll pay
for it; but in Heavens name don't make
scene for which you will only be sorry in the
endl l have tried to be patient; but even Of
fetal courtesy must have its limits, sir! Now
please be rational; otherwise you will force me
Against my every peaceful inclination-to
place you under arrest!
HE flung back his coat, revealing glittering
police badge pinned on his breast, and
Marcus Girard sat still and stared at it. He
did SO for two reasons. First, because it came
to him that another Wall Street balloon was
preparing for graceful flight; second, because
for twenty years no one had dared to speak to
him as Ormond spoke, and it took the old
mans breath away. 1t was his own pet method
of argument, and now he saw it work-though,
truth to tell, the experiment failed to please
him overmuch.
Sir" continued Ormond, but in far less
forcefu1 tone, Il can scarcely blame you for
harboring doubts of me, and am trying to over
look your present attitude in the hope that you
will remain no longer bar to justice. Two
courses are open to your choice. First, let
matters rest as they are until we reach New
York. where the police of that city will vindi-
cate me of any intentional wrong to you and
yours. The second is this: Call in Mr. George
c. Brown and question him. If his own an
swers do not convince you of his knavery, then,
my dear Sir, you are at perfect liberty to pitch
me overheard or otherwise deal with me at
your own discretion"
Old Marcus Girard sat still and looked at
him. He gave no further evidence of asserting
his business mind, even though Captain Larris
was now standing in the doorway.
"Valda," said Girard weakly ring the
bell'
Valda complied and soon the ministerial