Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1910-07-26
CHAPTER XIV.


TT was nearly 8 o'clock when 'the
Cherub was landed at his city
hotel and 8 before he had finish.
! ed dinner.
He had just ordered his second demi
tasse when he heard his name being
.paged" through the grill room. Hold
ing up forefinger to admit his iden.
tity. he was handed a cablegram OF
four sheets, with toll charges marked
collect The ever ready McQuade
had lived up to his reputation. In one
day he had unearthed all that was to
be learned Of the history Of Count
Luigi Salvatore y vecchi.
On page I were recorded the facts
concerning the birth, parentage and
early childhood Of the count. Page
took him on to youth. when he be-
gan to have escapades which had be-
come matters Of public record. Page
8 was largely devoted to accounts Of
his rumored engagements and brief
statements concerning two duels in
which he had been concerned. It was
while hastily skimming the last sheet
that Mr.. Devine was moved to ex-
claim, with explosive eagerness. "Ah,
hap Mr. McQuade's message closed
In this manner:
"Sent to private sanitarium in I.ogos,
Switzerland. Aug. 10. 49,. Died there
Nov. %, same year. Funeral private.
Family hushed up affair.""
NEARLY two years ago." commented
the Cherub. "Then l believe he's
good and dead by this time. But
why shouldn't. the Hewingtons have
knOwn?"
Further speculations were interrupt
ed by the announcement that person
who gave his name as ]. Binks was
at the desk asking to communicate
with Mr.. Devine. He mentioned that
he was connected with some agency
or other.
Mr.. ]. Binks. a bristly haired man
with an undershot jaw and narrow
set eyes. tiptoed apologetically in
among the tables.
Excuse me-" he whispered hoarsely,
"but we got your gent, all right. He
was walking out as cool as you like.
too. sir. when we nabbed him."
THE deuce you say! But what have
you done with him?"
Just what was bothering us, sir.
Generally we has papers and takes 'em
to the nearest station house. But in
this case. as says to the chief, Chief
says 1, this is the peculiarest'
YES. It is little odd." broke in the
Cherub. But where's your man now?"
Outside. sir, 'cuffed to Mr.. Coogan,
my side partner. Now, II you would
step around to the sergeant's desk and
swear OUT
"But can't, Mr.. Binks. You and
Coogan have done well. Here. split
that between you." and Mr.. Devine in
yellow backed note into an
palm. Nov all you have
to do Is unchain your man from Mr..
Coogan, lead him in here and leave
him with me-"
'And there amt no charger"
''None Mt all. Mr.. Binks. All want
Is his company for few minutes"
wen, I'm Jlggered, ami!
The bogus count seemed rather meek
and subdued. His clothes were wrin-
kled and dusty, his shirt bosom rum
pied, and he was in need Of shave.
With some hesitation he slid into the
chair opposite Mr.. Devine.
whatever your little game was. it's
queered," said Mr.. Devine. You fool
ed me all right, but of course you
fool Mr.. Hewington or the
countess. What was the idea. any
way?"
81 was just joking. I'm going to
make you smart for your share In this.
Mr.. Cherub Devine."
''Of course you are. That's only
You'll bring suit for damages
and all that sort of thing. and I'll have
to have you arrested on charge Of
attempted blackmail. and between US
we'll keep the courts busy for a year.
I have that all figured out. But what
10 you say to a good dinner f1rst?"
An involuntary rolling Of the eyes
:oward the menu card betrayed the
-uSt tudI Tue SuSBcSlAOA was q P1Sdo
ng one.
"How would a nice thick sirloin.
With mushrooms and baked potatoes,
strike you? And few little necks to
tart on. Ell? Good! Here, waiter!'
Suddenly. however, Mr.. Devine ask
ID abruptly:
"Well, got me all sized up? Then
cts get down to facts. What's your
eal bona fide name, anyways"
The man flushed a little.
"Suppose"-and pair Of piercing
lark eyes watched for the effect |
hrewdly-"suppose came direct
rom Count Vecchi as his personal
epre"-
won't do" interrupted Mr.. Deyine.
unless you can show your pass from
he old bow You see. know lust