The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1910-07-29
CHAPTER VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.
A CONFERENCE AND DISCOVERY.
"HE bookworms row, hardly
IA street, more short cut pas
sage between two important
thoroughfares. had through
the course Of many years exercised
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 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 a step in the hall
way and low tapping at the door
caused him to throw down his pen
and straighten eXpectantly. A client
perhaps-a woman-no, man! With
momentary surprise he gazed on the
delicately chiseled features Of his call
err. gentleman faultlessly dressed
and wearing spring flower in his
coat.
"Mr. GillettY The visitors glance
yelled an expression Of restlessness.
His face, although mask-like, was tint
ed with faint flush.
The police agent ut once rose. 1.-THE
same. sir. at your service. but beg
your pardon. Unless am mistaken
haven't we"-
yes. a number of years ago on the
Lord Nelson" said the caller in a 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
euce! But won't you," with that def
erence for rank and position those Of
his type are pleased to assume, "hon-
or me by being seated, Lord Rons-
daleY'
The visitor looked at the table, the
"AhOO"s any WuClC save Ut tu0 RIO-
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 of.
Besides, the time comes when a man
realizes he can do better for himself
by himself. / 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 I
do. your lordship. What Of him?"
! quickly.
"Ever think much about the Lord
Nelson. GILLETTE"
''She isn't boat ones apt to for
get after what happened, your lord
ship" was the answer. And. If l 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 a number Of
convicts?"
"A job lot Of precious jailbirds that
l was acting as escort of. your lord
ship"
But who never reached Australia"
quickly.
"Drowned-every mothers son Of
them!' observed Mr.. Gillett, with a
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
II 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?
zone, if ! recall rightly" went on
Lord Ronsdale, twas known as-let
me see"-the elastic stick described a
sharper curve-"the Frisco Pet? Re-
member" He bent slightly nearer.
THAT l do. Not likely to forget
him. Unmanageable; one of the worst
Was transported for life, with death
as penalty for returning" A slight
sound came from the nobleman's
throat.
Lord Ronsdale's eyes half closed.
"A heavy listed, shapely brute, with
muscles like steel, but ignorant" He
fingered on the word. Then his glance
suddenly lifted. Had something on