Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-06-30
CHAPTER VIII.
A CONFERENCE AND DISCOVERY.

%NHE bookwQrms' row, hardly
street. more a short cut pas
sage between two important
thoroughfares. had through
the course of many years exercised a
subtle fascination for pedant, peda-
, gogue or itinerant litterateur. Higher,
above the little shops, small rooms,
reached by rickety stairways. offered
quiet corners for divers and sundry
gentlemen whose occupations called
for discreet and retired hooks.
In one Of these places, described on
the door as "a private, confidential in
quiry Office" sat on the morning fol-
lowing John Steele's ride in the park
little man with ferret-like eyes at a
dusty desk near a dusty window. He
did not seem to be very busy-was en-
gagged at the moment in drawing
meaningless cabalistic signs on a
piece of paper when step in the hall
way and a low tapping at the door
caused him to throw down his pen
and straighten eXpectantly. A client
perhaps-a woman-nO, a man! With
momentary surprise he gazed on the
delicately chiseled features of his call
er, a gentleman faultlessly dressed
and wearing a spring flower in his
coat.
"Mr. Gillett?" The visitors glance
yelled an expression of restlessness.
His face, although mask-like, was tint
ed with a faint flush.
ha
same, sir, at your service. but l beg
your pardon. Unless | am mistaken
haven't we'-
Yes, a number of years ago on the
Lord Nelson" said the caller in hard,
matter of fact tone. I'VE were fellow
passengers on her until"-
I'VE became fellow occupants of one
of her small boats. An aging expert
ence! But won't you" with that def
erence for rank and position those of
ibis type are pleased to assume, hon
or me by being seated, Lord Rons-
dale?"
The visitor looked at the table, the
window, anywhere save at the pro-
prietor of the establishment, then said,
Il saw by an advertisement in the
morning papers that you had severed
your connection with the force and
had opened this-a private consulta-
ton bureau"
Quite So" The other looked mo-
mentarily embarrassed. "A little fric-
tion-account of some case-unreliable
witness that got tangled up. They un-
dertOok to criticise me after all my
faithful service He broke off.
Besides, the time comes when man
realizes he can do better for himself
by himself. l am now devoting my
self to a small but strictly high class, +"
with an accent "clientele."
Lord Ronsdale considered. When he
spoke his voice was low. but it did not
caress the ear. you know John
Steele, of course?"
The ferret eyes snapped. That
do. your lordship. What Of himY"
quickly.
Ever think much about the Lord
Nelson. GillettT
"She isn't a boat ones apt to for
get after what happened, your lord
ship" was the answer, And. if do
say it. her passengers were Of the kind
to leave pleasant recOllections," the pO-
lice agent automatically added.
Her passengers?" The callers thin
lips compressed Among them. If
memory serves me. were number Of
convictsT
"A job lot of precious ja.lbirds that
| was acting as escort of, your lord
ship"
But who never reached Australian
quickly,
"Drowned-every mothers son Of
themg' observed Mr.. Gillett, with q
possible trace of complacency.
The visitors white hand held closer
the head OF his cane Were they all
drowned. by the way?" he observed as
If seeking casual information on some
subject that had partly passed from
his mind
mo doubt Of It. They were not re-
leased until the second boat got off.
and then there was no time TO get
overheard the life RATS"
True" Lord Ronsdale gazed alb
sently out of the window. "Recall the
day on that memorable voyage you
were telling us about them-who they
were. and so on?
"One. If recall rightly" went on
Lord Ronsdale. was known as-let
me see"-the elastic stick described a
sharper curve-"the Frisco Pet? Re
memberT He bent slightly nearer.
"That do Not likely 10 forget
him, UnmanageabAO; one Of the worst
Was transported for life. with death
as q penalty for returning" A slight
sound came from the noblemaRs
throat
Lord Ronsdale's eyes half closed.
"A heavy hsted. shapely brute. with
muscles like steel. but ignorant" He
fingered on the word. Then his glance
suddenly lifted. Had something on
his arm: recall noticing Il while the
bout was Onr'
Mr.. Gnlett, with a knowing expires
sion. rose, took a volume from book
case and opened IT,
The something you speak Of, my
lord" he observed proudly should be