The San Francisco call., 1910-03-27
The San Francisco Sunday Cal
x7a @@HE SOCIE wolf

reached the last roon- he placed hIfnseh OppoSser
the black entrance to the conservatory and waited
watchful and ready.
He knew that St. Geoffry would move unless he had
word from Coskar before tE.e wedding march began.
But he looked for a swifter climax than that Sud
denly aware that he presented an excellent target
alone in the middle of the he drew little aside,
leaving clear way from the conservatory to the
breakfast doors A ringing tinkle of glass
sounded from the greenhouse then the thump of
some solid body and the crash of overturned flower
pots From the black void OF the srchway between
the portieres a dashed into view, like figure
thrown sharply upon blank screen.
1t was St Geoffry, shirt bosom awry, clothes dis
arranged and stained with garden mold He stopped
suddenly in the flood of light and looked through the
connecting rooms toward the 'front.' where the wed-1
ding in progress And then he Carter.
HI glared moment without recognition The Viz
gnian returned the stare calmly. The Englishma5
smiled
Il see," he observed Quite effective"
Heavy footsteps came from inside the conservatory
and at the moment ST. Geoffry leaped across the
to the sliding doors of the breakfast room
Carter did not seek detain him. but retained his
position guarding the reception The English
man thrust of the doors aside and disappeared
closing the entrance after him. Then another figure
flashed from the darkness of the conservatory. 1t
was the tall, chunky shoudered man to whom Carter
had spoken in the hall. His immaculate attire had
suffered with his barbered finish and his face was
flushed
(Which way?" he demanded
I'm there Tobin," said Carter, pointing to the
breakfast "He can't get away. How did you
miss him."
The Silver Candelabra
Jumped from me like cat while / was getting
through the window" puffed Tobin. He's tough
one Lucky he has gun"
did you place your mem"
Ones in the dining room and another in the
Kitchen as you said"
The first is probably having his troubles, said
Carter. You'd better close in"
Tobin, revolver in hand slid of the doors aside
with extreme caution and looked into the breakfast
room After accommodating moment he advanced
through the opening But Carter did not follow. He
into the conservatory, straight down the central
aisle. In the bay the window still raised and
the sill lay St. Geoffrys coat and hat. Carter
took the silver forks and spoons from his pockets and
placed them in the Then, carrying his evidence
lie started for the breakfast room.
1t was strange spectacle that confronted him.i
Across the threshold to the dining wa
sprawIed one of Tobins men, supporting himself on
one arm and gazing with stupid expression his
chief. There broad cut his forehead This
was the guard who had stood between the consprator
and the front of the house where the wedding party
was gathered. Tobn himself in the middle OF
the room with leveed revolver
On the opposite side of the table, with his back
the wall, St GeOHry. over ms shoulder he held
of the heavy candelabra, battered out OF SEM
blance to its graceful companion piece With this
strange weapon he had attacked the PROSTATE de-
tectve and with it he stood at bay. Carter had
always known the Englshman for a fighter and once
he gave the reckless adventurer and criminal
mental tribute
St Geoffry was still smiling, but his smile was not
pleasant see. His had been almost torn from
his back in the struggle with the dining room guard
He breathing hard and his glance slipped past
Tobin to Carter with malignant light.
Put that down. said Tobin quietly
Come and take it,, taunted ST. Geohry
Put it down I'll shoot" continued the detective
"Oh, no. you WON'T said the other with 'sneer
"A fine scandal you'd make of it. Osterman wedding
performed to the of pistol shots? Try something
else, my man..
What's the use, ST Geoffry?' said Carter advanc-
ing He'll have to shoot if you try to get away, no
matter what comes OF it. You're too wise to try a
chance like that"
81 don't know but what you're right my honey boy
from Dixie, said ST. Geoffry, after pause He low
cred the weapon. And by the way, I'd like to know
the meaning of this" he in a Iofter tone.
Il find crawling in the conservatory window.
He attacks me- l go for help and second rufian
tackles Tobn. my friend if that's your name, =
what charge can you make against me?"
The detective, uneasy glanced at Carter mo
trouble about the charge Tobin" said the Virginian
Here's his coat pockets stuffed with valuables And
what about thsa' He stopped, drew the bundle OF
silver from under the table and cnked it with a
smile. fash of fury crossed St Geoffry's face He
swung his candeabrum with scream and dashed
at Carter. But the Virginan too quick for him
From his STOPPING position he hurled himself forward
He struck ST. Geoffry low with his shoulder and the
futile blow wrenched the groesque weapon from the
EngIishmans hands. As the two spun and struggled
furiousy Tobin caught St. Geofrys wrist and there
a snap of steel springs.
moment later Carter. slightly disheveled, but
quite presentable, passed through the dining room