Arizona republican., 1911-02-04
THE ADVENTURES OF
MR. PETER RUFF
BY c. Phillips oppenhsim-Ths De-
mand of the Double Four
(Copywright, 1909. by the Pearson Pub
fishing Coz
CONTINUED from Yesterday

He led the way out into that smelly
network OF passages. up the stairs to
the first floor. Room after room he
threw open and begged John Dory to
examine. Some of them were garishly
furnished with gilt mirrors, cheap lace
curtains tied back with blue ribbons.
Others were dark, miserable holes, into
which the fresh air seemed never to
have penetrated. On the third floor
they reached the little sitting-room.
I which bore more traces of occupation
than some of the rooms below. An
tome would have passed on, but John
Dory stopped him.
4 There is door there" he said.
I'VE will try that"
." II is the sick waiter who lies
Within" Antoine protested. Mon
sieur can hear him groan."
There was. indeed, something which
sounded like a groan to be heard, but
John Dory was obstinate.
" II he is SO ILL.," he demanded, how
is he able to lock the door on the in
side? Monsieur Antoine. that door
must be opened"
Antoine knocked at II softly.
Francois" he said, there IL an
other doctor here who would see you.
Let us in"
There was no answer. Antoine
turned TO his companion with q little
shrug of the shoulders, as one who
would say have done my best.
What would you have?"
John Dory put his shoulder to the
door.
Listen" he shouted through the
keyhole. Mr. Sick Waiter, or whoever
you are, If you do not unlock this door.
! am coming in!
/ have no key" said a faint voice.
81 am locked In. Please break open
the door,"
But that is not the voice of Fran
COTS! Antoine exclaimed, in amaze
ment.
We'll soon see who 1t is" John
Dory answered.
He charged at the door fiercely. At
the third assault 1t gave way. They
found themselves In a small back bed
room, and stretched on the floor, very
pale, and apparently only half-con-
seious. lay Peter RUIZ. There was
strong smell of chloroform about.
John Dory threw open the window.
His fingers trembled little. II was
like Fate-this! At the end Of every
unsuccessful effort there was this man
Peter Run,
What the devil are you doing
here?" he asked.
Peter Run groaned.
Help me up" he begged, and give
me little brandy"
Antoine set him in an easy-chair
and rang the bell furiously.
at win come Directly" he ex-
claimed. But who are your"
Peter Run waited for the brandy.
When he had slipped 1t. he drew little
breath as though of relief.
81 heard" he said. speaking still
with an evident effort, that Lemaitre
was here. I had secret information.
thought at first that l would let you
know sent you a note early this
morning. Afterwards. discovered
that there was a reward, and deter
mined to track him down myself He
was in here hiding as q sick waiter. I
do not think" Peter Ruff added, " that
Monsieur Antoine had any idea. I
presented myself as representing q
charitable society, and I was shown
hnr N VII IT,
though, was Jean Lemaitre-too quick
for me-"
You were a fool TO come alonei"
John Dory said. Don't you know the
mans record? How long ago did he
leaye?"
About ten minutes" Peter RUIZ an
swered. You must have missed him
somewhere as you came up. l crawled
to the window and | watched him go.
He left the restaurant by the side en-
trance. and took taxicab at the cor
ner there 1t went northward toward
New Oxford Street"
John Dory turned on his heel-they
heard him descending the stairs
Peter Run rose to his feet.
Il am afraid" he said, as he
plunged his head into a basin of
water, and came into the middle of
the room rubbing It vigorously with
a small towel, 81 am afraid that our
friend John Dory will get to dislike
me soon! He passed out unnoticed.
Ell, Antoine?"
Antoine's face wore a look Of great
relief.
There was not soul who looked"
he said I'VE passed under the nose
OF the gentleman from Scotland Yard.
He sat there reading his paper; and
he had no idea watched Jean step
into the motor. Even by now he is
well on his way southwards Twice
he changes from motor TO train. and
back. They will never trace him"
Peter RUIZ, who was looking amaz-
ingly better. slipped further glass of
liqueur. Together he and Antoine de-
scended to the street.
Mind" Peter RUIZ whispered. 81
consider that accounts are squared be
tween me and Double Four now.
Let them know that. This sort Of
thing isn't In my line"
For an amateur" Antoine said,
bowling low, Monsieur commands my
heartfelt congratulations! "