The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-08-28
WOMAN'S ! { ENCHANTMENT} } { By William Le Queux 2 | Copyright, 1909, by 2 William Le Queux
 |
Copyright, 1909, by William Le Queux

| (Continued.) "Ah. there. you have entirely mis-
 judged me-" the stranger said. "Gough
 is my friend. though his friendship is | dangerous-very dangerous-to me-" 'In what way?" That's a question we cannot enter | into now. It is outside this present | discussion. I simply tell you that Cough is my friend" What proof have of that?" ''The easiest. Cough is in London I know. You will see him tonight or tomorrow. See him. this very night if you can. and tell him-well. tell him you've met Tom Winch:
 Winch" I repeated; Every we'll. I shall remember the name." The strangers attitude puzzled me. He seemed to be treating me with un- concern. His chief interest was Gran ny.
 eff you know that Cough is in Lon don. and is in the habit of visiting me you surely need not have taken the trouble to follow me to Worthing. MT. Winch" I remarked.
 "I have reasons for not approaching him."
 May I not know them?"
 T had a motive in speaking to you thus privately-because am Coughs friend. Ask him. and he will tell you whether speak the truth"
 Was this man a crook. like Granny? I examined his dress. and saw that it was just a trifle showy. Was he an adventurer and a sharper?
 It struck me that he was. therefore I grew little more confidential.
 'I'11 certainly tell him. Where are you staying. if he wishes to see you?'
 See mer he gasped- "I hope he won't see mer'
 "Bu. he's your friend!"
 That's just~why\ don't wish to see him."
 You're speaking in enigmas." said. "Why don't you tell me openly what your game is?" My game is rather an intricate one" he laughed. as we swung through one of the suburban stations. "It is to betray my friend.''
 '"To betray Granny Cough" cried. "wer. my dear sir. you're at least frank"
 'T told you I would be if you replied to my questions. Granny Cough lives in glass house. and stones are dam gerous. Certain people are now throw ing stones. Do you now follow me?"
 ''Not exactly.'' well. then. I will speak palmer. I am here to betray Granny Cough into the hands of the police." "And yet you are his friendr' cried. staring at him. "I repeat what have said. MT. Ra1- ston. Because am his friend do not go near him. I have travelled with you to-day in order to speak with you and to warn him." "Of what?' "Of imminent danger" was the man winch's earnest reply. "See him to- night as soon as you get to London. and tell him that you have met me. and that urge him to disappear at once. Every moment brings the peril of arrest nearer. If you are his real friend. MT. Ralston. assist him to get away from London tonight. Tell him not to try and get back to the con- tinent. Better for him to remain in hiding in England.' ''But he's at the Hotel Cecil" I ex- claimed in apprehension. eff the po-
  easily find him. "He is no longer at the Cecil" was the strangers cool reply. 'T have a1- ready seen to that. This morning I forged your name to a telegram-for- give me for it-telling him n go at once in secret to the Nueens Hotel, near the Crystal Palace, and there await your arrival at 9:30 tonight. So as soon as we get to Victoria. take train down to the Crystal Palace. meet him. and get him clear of London. He only escaped from the Cecil to-day just in time. They are now watching for him there-expecting him to return"
 "An this is very alarming de- clared. ''Is there real danger? Tell me plainly"
 'Dangerw echoed the stranger. ''Why. there's the greatest danger. By this time the whole police of England are seeking for him. Therefore ar range his hiding place in some out-of- the-way place in the country. If he attempts to leave by any of the con- tinentaI routes he'll be arrested in stantly.''
 "For what?" Upon terrible charge-a charge of murder!'
 CHAPTERs Tx. A Few Plain Questions. What the stranger told me served only to confirm my suspicion of Gran