Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1909-08-05

you to accept IT."
despite the fact that you're an hon.
est man. Kirkwoodw The fat lips
twitched with premature enjoyment.
| I'm desperate man tonight, what
ever l may have been yesterday" The
young mans tone was both earnest
and convincing. II think I've shown
tnat by my pertinacity in hunting you
down"
| "Well-yes." Calendars thick IN.
gers caressed his lips. trying to hide
the dawning smile.
rs that offer still open?"
his nonchalance completely restored
oy the frankness Of the proposition,
calendar laughed openly and with a
! trace OF irony. The episode seemed to
De turning out better than he had an
ticipated. Gently his mottled fat fin-
gers played about his mouth and chins
as ne looked Kirkwood up and down
I'm sorry" he replied. that 1t isn't
now. You're too late, Kirkwood.
I've made other arrangements"
TOO bad" Kirkwood's eyes mar
rowed. "You force me to harsher
measures. Calendar"
Genuinely diverted, the adventurer
laughed a second time. tipping back in
MS chair. his huge frame shaking with
ponderous enjoyment Don't do any
thing you'd be sorry for" he parroted,
sarcastical. the young mans recent ad-
monition to the captain.
NO fear, Calendar. I'm Just going
TO use my advantage. which you
wouldn't dispute"-the pistol described
an eloquent circle. cleaning in the
lamplight-'to levy on you a little le-
Ultimate blackmail Don't be alarmed
| shan't hit you any harder than
have to-"
"What" stammered Calendar. aston
ished. What are you driving att"
"Recompense for my time and trou-
DIE You've cost me pretty penny.
first and last. with your nasty little
conspiracy. whatever it's all about.
Now. needing the money. purpose
getting some Of 1t back. | shan't pre-
cisely rob you. but this is a holdup. all
right. Stryker." reproachfully. II don't
see my pearl PIN"
II got 1t ERE responded the sailor
hastily. fumbling with his tie.
"Give 1t me. then" Kirkwood held
out his hand and received the trinket.
Then. moving over to the table, the
young man. while abating nothing Of
his watchfulness. sorted out his be-
longings from the mass Of odds and
ends Stryker had disgorged. The tale
Of them was complete. The captain
had obeyed him faithfully. Kirk wood
looked up. pleased.
Now, see here. Calendar. this COL
lection Of truck that l was robbed of
by this resurrected Joe Miller here
cost me upward of $780, I'm going to
sell it to you at a bargain-say $50.
$50 francs"
''The deuce you are!'' Calendars
eyes opened wide. partly in admiration.
"Dyou realize that this is next door
to highway robbery. my young friend ?"
High seas piracy. If you prefer" as
scented Kirkwood with entire equanim-
ity. I'm going to have the money,
and you're going to give it up. The
transaction by any name would smell
no sweeter. Calendar. Come fork
over!'
"And If l refuse?
II wouldn't refuse If l were YOU"
"Why not?"
1.-THE consequences would be too
painful"
"You mean you'd puncture me with
that gun?'
mot unless you attack or attempt to
follow me. l mean to say that the
Belgian police are VIGOROUSLY a most
efficient body and that I'll make it my
duty and pleasure to introduce 'em to
you If you refuse. But you won't"
Kirkwood added soothingly, will you,
Calendar"
NO" The adventurer had become
suddenly thoughtful. mo. l won't.
Glad to oblige you"
He tilted his chair still farther back,
Strengthening out his elephantine legs.
inserted one fat hand into his trousers
pocket and with some difficulty ex-
tracted combined bill fold and coin
purse, at once heavy with gold and
bulky with notes. Moistening thumb
and forefinger. How'll you have itT'
he inquired. with lift Of his cunning
eyes, and, when Kirkwood had advised
him. slowly counted out four fifty-franc
notes. placed them near the edge of
the table and weighted them with FIVE
ten-franc pieces. And THAT alp" he
asked. replacing the pocketbook.
THAT will be about all. leave you
presently to your unholy devices, you
and that gay dog over there" The
captain squirmed. reddening. Just by
way Of precaution. however. I'll ask
you to wait in here till I'm Off" Kirk
wood stepped backward to the door
Of the captains room, opened 1t and
removed the key from the inside.
''Please take Mulready in with you,"
he continued. by the time you get
out I'll be clear of Antwerp. Please
don't think Of refusing me. l really
mean it."
The latter clause came sharply as
4 L. 1 1 49,. Ill