Arizona republican., 1911-01-03
(Cesfissed tyc-r y,5frydaJ)

made some absurd blunder. If you really possess the warrants you speak of. however, Colonel Dickinson and will accompany you wherever you choose"
 Then the door opened and Peter Ruff walked in, followed by Job Masters whose head was still bandaged, and who seemed to have lost a little flesh and lot of color Peter Run looked round apologetically. He seemed sur, prised not to find Sir Richard Dyson and Colonel Dickinson alone He seemed more than ever surprised to recognize John Dory.
 "I trust" he said smoothly. that our visit is not inopportune. Sir Rich ard Dyson. l believer" he continued. lowing -" my friend, MT Masters here, has consulted me as to the loss of betting book, and we ventured to call 10 ask you, sir, if by any chance on his recent visit to your house"
 God in Heaven. it's Masters! " Dy- son exclaimed. It's Job Masters. !"
 That's me, sir" Masters admitted. Mir. Ruff thought you might be able 10 help me find that book"
 Sir Richard swayed upon his feet. Then the blood rushed once more through his veins.
 Your books here in my cabinet. safe enough" he said. co You left it here after our luncheon that day. Where on earth have you been to, man?" he continued. We want some money from you over Myopia"
 I'll pay all right, sir" Masters an swered. Fact is, after our luncheon party I'm afraid I got a bit fuddled. I don't seem to remember much"
 He sat down a little heavily. Peter Ruff hastened to the table and took uI a glass.
 You will excuse me if give him a little brandy, won't you, sir?" he said He's really not quite fit for getting about yet. but he was worrying about his book"
 Give him all the brandy he can drink Sir Richard answered.
 lhIt udu Dttu q study He knew Masters we'll enough by sight-there was no doubt about his identity, His teeth came together with an angry little click. He had made a mistake! It was a thing which would be remembered against him forever! It was as bad as his failure to arrest that young man at Daisy Villa.
 Your visit, Masters" Sir Richard said, with a curious smile at the cor. ners of his lips. is, in some respects, a little opportune. About that little matter we were speaking of" he con- tinued. turning towards the detective.
 We have only to offer you our apologies, Sir Richard" John Dory answered.
 Then he crossed the room and con. fronted Peter Ruff
 Do understand, sir, that your name is Ruf-Peter Ruff?" he asked
 That is my name, sir" Peter Ruff admitted, pleasantly. Yours, I be- lieve, is Dory. We are likely to come across one another now and then, suppose. Glad to know you"
 The detective stood quite still, and there was no geniality in his face.
 wonder-have we ever met be- fore?" he asked, without removing his eyes from the others face. Peter Ruff smiled. Not professionally. at any rate." le answered. ''I know that at Scot and Yard you don't think much of us small fry, but We find out things sometimes. Why didn't you contradict all hose rumors as to his disappear | lnee? the detective asked. pointing O where Job Masters was contentedly ! tipping his brandy and water. was acting for my client. and in | ny own interests" Peter Ruff an- l wered. "I It was surely no part of ! ny duty to save you gentlemen at | Yard from hunting up mares { tests! |" John Dory went out. followed by his s nen. Sir Richard took Peter Ruff by | he arm and, leading him to the side 4 oard, mixed him a drink. Peter Ruff," he said, you're a lever scoundrel. but you've earned our five hundred guineas. Hang 1t, I ou're welcome to themi Is there any ] hing eise can do for you?"
 Peter Run raised his glass and set down. again. Once more he eyed 'ith admiration his clients we'll lrned out figure. a
 You might give me a letter to your ,ilor's, Sir Richard he begged. Sir Richard laughed outright-it 'as some time since he had laughed! You shall have it. Peter Ruff" he eclared, raising his glass -" and ere's to you!"
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