The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-07-08
G6e
BLACK
BAG
By Louis Joseph Vance
Copyright. 1908. by the Bobbs.fferiii Co.

ing that the adventurer. with his keen
intelligence. would not handicap him
self by ignoring this point Indeed, II
he were to be judged by what Kirk
wood had inferred Of his character,
Calendar would let nothing whatever
hinder him. neither fear Of bodily hurt
nor danger of apprehension at the
hands of the police. from making de-
termined and savage play to regain
possession of his booty.
Well. (I>irkwood set his mouth saw
agely.) Calendar should have run
for his money!
For the present he could compliment
himself with the knowledge that he
had outwitted the rogues. had lifted
the jewels and probably two-thirds OF
their armament. He had also the
start, the knowledge Of their criminal
guilt and intent and his own plans 10
comfort him. As for the latter. be
did NOT believe that Calendar would
Immediately fathom them. so he took
heart of grace and tugged at the oars
with a will. pulling directly for the
city and permitting the current to drift
him downstream at its pleasure. There
could be no more inexcusable folly than
TO return 10 the Quay Steen landing
and possibly the arms Of the despoiled
boat owner.
At first he could hear crash after
splintering crash sounding duly muf,
fed from the cabin Of the Alethea, a
veritable devils tattoo beaten out by
the feet Of the prisoners. Evidently
the fastening, was serving him better
than he had dared hope. But as the
black rushing waters widened between
boat and brigantine the clamor aboard
the latter subsidized. indicating that
Calendar and Stryker had broken out
or been released by the crew. In ig
norance as 10 whether he were seen
or being pursued. Kirkwood pulled on.
winning In under the shadow OF the
quays and permitting the boat to drift
down - lonely landing on the edge
of the dockyard quarter Of Antwerp.
Here alighting. he made the boat
fast and. soothing his conscience Will
Q suSmise that its owner would find IL
there In the morning, strobe swiftly
over 10 the tram line that runs along
the embankment, swung aboard an adj
ventitious car and broke his first ter
franc piece in order 70 pay his fare.
The car made a leisurely progress
up past the old Steen castle and the
quay landing. Kirkwood sitting quiet
ly. the gladstone bag under his hand.
a searching gaze sweeping the water
side. No sign Of the adventures re-
warded him, but II was now all
chance. all hasa;d. He had no more
heart for confidence.
They passed the Hotel du Commerce.
kirkwood sized up at its windows.
wondering.
A little farther on disengaged
E-cre. its driver alert for possible
fares. turned corner into the espla-
made. AT sight OF IL Klrkwood. in
spired. hoped nimbly of the tram
car and signaled the cabby. The lat
ter pulled up. and Kirkwood started
TO charge him with instructions. some
thing which he did haltingly, hamper
ed by a slight haziness Of purpose.
While thus engaged and at rest IN the
stark glare Of the street lamps. with
no chance Of concealing himself, be
was aware Of rising tumult IN the
direction Of the landing and. glanclng
round, discovered a number OF people
running toward him. With no time IL
wonder whether or no be was really
the object Of the hue and cry. he
tossed the driver three silver francs.
"Gare cen,rale." be cried. "and drive
like the devilv'
Diving into fhe fiacre. be shut the
door and stuck his head out Of the
window. taking observations A rag.
ged fringe Of silly rabbIe was bearing
down upon them. with one or two gen.
darmes In the forefront and a giant.
who might Or might not be Stryker. q
close second. Furthermore. another
cab seemed 10 have been requisltionei
for the chase. His heart misgnve him
momenfariiy. but bis driver had taken
him az bis word and generosity. and IN
breath the fiacre had turned the cor.
ner on two wheels. and the glitiering
reaches Of the embankment. drive and
promenade were blotted out. as Il
smudged with lampblack. by the oh.
security Of narrow and tortuous side
street.
lie drew IN bis head the better q
preserve bis brains against further
emergencies.
After q block Or two Kirkwood pick.
I'd up the gladstone bag. gently opened
the door and put a foot On the step
pausing 70 look back. The other cat
was pelting after him with al the en-
thusiasm OF hound on a fresh trail
He reflected that this mad progress
through the thoroughfares Of a civi
lized city would not long endure with
out police Intervention. SO be waited
watching bis opportunity. The fiacrs
hurried onward. the driver leaning for
ward from bis box TO urge the hors'
with lash of whip and tongue. entirely
unconscious of bis fares intentions.
y Pptvepn two streets the mouth 0f 4