Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1911-06-08

ployers, among whom had been Jim
my Valentine, Chicago Whitley" and
other leaders in their profession, had
in the past shown a aattering willing
ness to recommend him (not in their
W handwriting. to be sure) as a
thorough artist. an untiring student
and n who n day would probably
revolutionize the business Of caring
for other peoples money. In a word,
Red was thorough, which means q
great deal in his line.
So. true to his reputation, Red, fear
ing complications because Of the pitch
to which Avery had unconsciouslv
raised his voice, had stepped behind
the portieres to keep watch on the
short hallway that led to it. This hall
way opened out into the main hall of
the hotel, at the far end of which was
a carriage entrance. AT the opposite
side of the parlor was an exit lead
ing to a dining room, which in turn
had an opening directly next to the
lied that a casual passerby might be-
come suspicious of Avery's words
should they be overheard. Besides,
the implacable Doyle was in town. A
friend Of his. q runner for Doc Sla-
ter's faro bank, had so Informed Red
that very morning.
Red suddenly issued a warning hiss.
Duck, Avery! Here comes Doyle!"
The two thieves. having no oppor-
tunity to do better. hastily concealed
themselves behind the portieres,
Valentine. very much disturbed.
made an effort to calm himself. He
beated himself beside a convenient ia
bic. He picked up a magazine and
began to peruse its pages in seemingly
unconcerned fashion.
"Hello, JIMMY!
With these words Detective George
Doyle entered the room. Garmented
in the latest cut of fashionable cloth
ing, panama hat and patent leather
ties with batwing laces, he appeared
the dilettante, the man about town,
rather than the tracker of desperate
men-the man Of leisure, every inch
of him. an uninitiated observer would
have pardonably judged not only from
his attire. but also from his debonair
blase manne Any one describing
Doyle as the man who broke up the
give Points gang and the "Whyo'
gang in New York city would have
been laughed at for his folly, yet such
was his record. His work in scatter
ing the troupes of election and primary
day "hoaters" and "repeaters" in some
of the most disreputable districts was
equally meritorious.
And yet Doyle had his other side
He was growing fond of the easy life
that came from having a staff Of "stoo
pigeons TO do his work for him.
Jimmy Valentine turned his heac
slightly to answer Doyle, who, ht
we'll knew. came on no Grand tina
would benefit a released prisoner.
"How are you, Doyle?" he replied
indifferently.
Doyle's shifting, %farseeing eyes, how
ever, caught the nervous twitching O
Valentines fingers as they ran owe
the edges of the magazine.
you're perfectly innocent now,
hear" went on Doyle, a sarcastic not
coming into his voice.
Perfectly" Valentines voice wa
as even as though conversing with hi:
most intimate friend.
$50 you told the governors? com
mented the detective.
"Oh, yes"
i've seen the governor too"
HE didn't have much to do thi
morning, did he?" humorously.
VERY pretty, Jimmy. Let me asl
you a question. Do you think l woul'
be your friend if 1 could?"
do you think SO yourselfy
Eyes, if you were willing to eS
change the ordinary courtesies be
tween friends"
Meaning exactly what?"
"Favors. Now, I'll do the first one.
He seated himself opposite the ex-con
vict.
"Thank you," in gay mood.
Sarcasm won't win you anythin
with me, Jimmy. 1 said I'd do you
favor"
What is it," Valentine began t
inspect his visitor a%nxiously.
The detective paused momentarily
Then he said deliberately:
= a
The detective leaned back in hi
chair, inserted his thumbs in the arm
holes Of his waistcoat and gazed fixed
ly at Jimmy Valentine.
The eyes Of the man addressed be
came directed at the cover of tn
magazine he still held, but only 70
an instant. He shot a defiant glar
at Doyle.
81 was never in Springfield in m
life," he said Indignantly.
(Which Springfield" asked Doyl
significantly.
"No Springfield"
"You dodge it nicely"
IT don't see how"
"Now. which Springfield did I thin,