The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1910-06-02
CHAPTER XIII.
Common TAKES A HAND.

COMMON TAKES A HAND.
II Is an axiom at Scotland Yard, BE
ware Of an audience" Enemies of our
police system advance many and cur
tous reasons for this bashfulness. In
particular they place a sinister inter-
probation upon the desire of the po-
lice to carry out their work without
fuss and without ostentation, for the
police have an embarrassing system OF
midnight arrests. Unless you adver-
tise the fact, or unless your case Is
Of sufficient Importance to merit notice
in the evening newspapers, there is no
reason why your disappearance from
society should excite comment, or why
the excuse, put forward for your alb
eence from your accustomed haunts,
that you have gone abroad should not
be accepted without question.
interviewing his wise chief, Angel re-
ceived some excellent advice. ..
IF you've got to arrest him, do 1t
quietly. II. as you suggest, he barri-
cades himself in his house. or takes
refuge In his patent vault, leave him
alone. We want no fuss, and we want
no newspaper sensations. II you can
square up the Reale business with
out arresting him. by all means do So
We shall probably get him in-er-
ordinary way Of business
Every good, sir" said Angel. nothing
10th to carry out the plan.
From what know of this class OF
man." the assistant commissioner went
on, lingering his grizzled mustache. "he
will do nothing. He will go about his
daily life as though nothing had hap
pened: you will find him in his Office
this morning, and IL you went to ar
rest him you'd be shot dead. No, IL
you take my advice you'll leave him
severely alone for the present. He
won't run away"
30 Angel thanked his chief and de-
parted.
possessed by a desire to see the law
yer. BY midday this had become so
overmastering that he put on his hat
and sauntered down to Lincoln's Inn
Fields.
eyes, Mr.. SPEEDING was in" said
sober clerk, and-after consulting his
employer--"Mr. SPEEDING would see
him."
The lawyer was sitting behind big
desk covered with beribboned bundles
OF papers. He greeted Angel with
smile and pointed to chair on the
other side of the desk
"Tye been in court most of the morn
ing" he said blandly, but I'm at lib
erty for half an hour. What can
do for your"
Angel looked at him in undisguised
admiration
you're a wonderful chap" he said
with shake OF his head.
you're admitting me-" said the law
yer. lingering paper knife, "in very
much the same way as an enthusiastic
naturalist admires the markings of a
horned viper"
ssrr~l. Il \ al
truthfully
The lawyer had dropped his eyes on
to the desk before him; then he looked
up.
'what is it to be?" he asked
"a truce" said Angel.
II thought you would say that" re-
piled SPEEDING comfortably, because
/ suppose you know"
"Oh, yes" said Angel with nonchai-
ant ease, Il know that the right hand
which is SO carelessly reposing on your
knee holds weapon Of remark able
precision"
"You are well advised" said the
lawyer. with a slight bow.
"Of course" said Angel there Is
a warrant in existence for your ar
rest"
"Of course" agreed SPEEDING polite
II got 1t as precautionary mea-
sure" Angel went on in his most
affable manner.
NATURALLY" said the lawyer; "and
now"
"Oh. now" said Angel, Il wanted to
give you formal notice that, on behalf
OF Miss Kent, we intend opening the
safe tomorrow"
7 will be there" said the lawyer.
and rang a bell.
And" added Angel in a lower voice,
keep out of Jimmy's way"
Speddtngs lips twitched, the only
Sign of nervousness he had shown
during the interview, but he made no
reply. AS the clerk stood waiting at
the open door, Speeding, with his most
gracious smile, said
"Er-and did you get home safely
this morning."
no wise perturbed by the mans au-
dacity.
Il ibid you find your country quarters
---er--comfortable"
Perfectly" said Angel, rising to the
occasion, but the function was a
failure"
2 .srhe function?" The lawyer bit at
the bait Angel had thrown.
EYES," said the detective. his hand
on the door, "the house warming, you
know"
Angel chuckled to himself all the
way back to the Embankment. His
grim little jest pleased him so much
that he must needs call in and tell his
chief, and the chiefs smile was very
Watering.
you're bright boy" he said, but
when the day comes for you to arrest
that lawyer gentleman, l trust you
will. as precautionary measure
purge your soul Of all frivolities, and
prepare yourself for better world"
"If," said Angel Il do not see the
humorous side of being killed, shall
regard my life as badly ended"
"Get out" ordered the commissioner,
and Angel got.
He realized as the afternoon wore on
that he was very tired, and snatched
q couple Of hours sleep before keep
ing the appointment he had made with
Jimmy earlier in the day. Whilst he
was dressing Jimmy came in-Jimmy
rather white, with a surgical bandage
round his head. and carrying with
him the pungent scent Of iodoform.
'.Hullo," said Angel in establishment,
ewhat on earth have you been doing?"
Jimmy cast an eye round the room
IN search OF the most luxurious chair
before replying.
"Ah." he said with a contentment
rs he seated himself that's betts.."
Angel pointed 20 the bandage.