The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-12-31

Sir Richard had hold of the butt end
of his revolver then. Like grizzly
phantoms, the thoughts chased one an
other through his brain. Should he
shoot and end it-pass into black
nothingness-escape disgrace. but die
like rat in corner? His finger was
upon the trigger. Then suddenly his
heart gave great leap. He raised his
head as though listening. Something
was almost like hope. There was no
installing that voice which he had
heard in the hall. He made great
rally.
can only conclude" he said, turn
Ing TO the detective, 9 that you have
made some absurd blunder. II you
really possess the warrants you speak
of, however, Colonel Dickinson and /
will accompany you wherever you
choose
Then the door opened and Peter Ruff
walked in, followed by job Masters.
whose head was still bandaged and
who seemed to have lost little flesh
and lot of color. Peter Ruff looked
round alphabetically. He seemed sur
prised not to find Sir Richard Dyson
and Colonel Dickinson alone. He
seemed more than ever surprised to
recognize John Dory
/" trust" he said smoothly, that
our visit is not inopportune. Sir Rich
ard Dyson, believer he continued,
bowling -" my friend, Mr.. Masters
here, has consulted me as to the loss
Of betting book. and we ventured to
call to ask you, sir, il by any chance
on his recent visit to your house
God in Heaven, it's Masters. 2 Dy-
son exclaimed. It's Job Masters!
That's me, SIR" Masters admitted.
Mr.. Ruff thought you might be able
to help me find that book
Sir Richard swayed upon his feet.
Then the blood rushed once more
through his veins
" Your books here in my cabinet,
safe enough he said. You left it
here after our luncheon that day.
Where on earth have you been to.
mani" he continued. We want some
money from you over Myopia.'
I'll pay all right. sir Masters an
swered Fact is, after our luncheon
party I'm afraid got bit fuddled.
I don't seem TO remember much"
He sat down little heavily. Peter
Ruiz fastened to the table and took up
glass.
You will excuse me if give him .
- - :, =
He's really not quite fit for getting
about yet. but he was worrying about
his book
Give him all the brandy he can
drink Sir Richard answered.
The detectives face had been
study. He knew Masters well enough
by sight-there was no doubt about his
identity. His teeth came together
with an angry little click. He had
made a mistake. 1t was a thing
which would be remembered against
him forever. 1t was as bad as his
failure to arrest that young man at
Daisy Villa.
Your visit. Masters" Sir Richard
said, with a curious smile at the cor
ners Of his lips, is, in some respects,
a little opportune. About that little
matter we we're speaking Of" he con-
tinued, turning towards the detective.
We have only to offer you our
apologies. Sir Richard John Dory
answered.
Thea he crossed the room and con.
fronted Peter Run.
Do I understand, sir, that your
name is Ruff-Peter Ruff? he asked.
That is my name, SIR" Peter Ruff
admitted, pleasantly. Yours, be-
lieve, is Dory. We are likely to come
across one another now and then,
suppose. Glad to know you"
The detective stood quite still, and
there was no geniality in his face.
/ wonder-have we ever met be-
fore?" he asked, without removing
his eyes from the others face. Peter
Ruff smiled.
Not professionally, at any rate"
he answered. know that at Scot
land Yard you don't think much of us
small fry, but we find out things
sometimes.
Why didn't you contradict all
those rumors az TO his disappear
ance?" the detective asked, pointing
TO where job Masters was contentedly
slipping his brandy and water.
= was acting for my client, and in
my own interests" Peter Ruff an
swered. 1t was surely no part Of
my duty to save you gentlemen at
Scotland Yard from hunting up mares
nests,
John Dory went out. followed by his
men. Sir Richard took Peter Ruff by
the arm and. leading him to the side
board, mixed him drink.
Peter Ruff" he said. you're a
clever scoundrel. but you've earned
! your FIVE hundred guineas Hang it.
you're welcome to them! Is there any
thing else can do for you? Z"
Peter Ruff raised his glass and set
It down again. Once more he eyed
with admiration his clients we'll
turned out figure.
. You might give me letter to your
tailor's, Sir Richard he begged
Sir Richard laughed outright
~ = I. y