Omaha daily bee., 1911-04-23
CHAPTER XXXV.

Three men assembled at Green's about
quarter to eight, and went into the pri-
vate room in which two of them had dined
together more than a month before. The
three were DIR. Ramie, Frank Douglas and
Mr.. Groscup. Hartley had not appeared yet.
The table was already set, with pretty red
shades over the candles and button-hole
boquets at each plate.
Good old New York; exclaimed Doug
las, as his eye caught sight of the cock
tails standing by the plates, for one OF
which he promptly reached. Nothing like
this abroad, you know. Nothing but beastly
cold rooms, with shocking draughts every
where, and all the people yapping about
fresh air and coughing their heads off at
the same time. Nothing like this outside
little old New York. holding the cocktail
up to the light and then draining 1t at
a gulp. Tell the waiter to fill that up
again. The temptation was too much for
my manners, boys
moment later Hartley burst into the
room, trembling with excitement. He did
not even say good evening; and although
Douglas greeted cordially and extended his
hand he took it as IL he did not see It, He
did not even take off his hat.
Whats the matter now?' demanded
Read that. will you?" Hartley ex-
claimed, pulling out the latest edition of
the afternoon paper, and samming the
door behind him. Caught him; on my
word! At the eleventh hour. Caught the
whole gang Here it is in the extra. just
out"
Groscup took the paper and found that
the scare headlines announced the capture
of the whole Ardmore gang, and all their
paraphernalia- There was no particulars
except that the leader was arrested in
New York, and three others in Philadelphia
and Boston. All the arrests had been made
almost simultaneously with the arrival of
officers from England with eXtradition
warrants.
What's that got to do with us?" asked
Douglas bluntly.
do with US? Why your man Fletcher
is Ardmore Didn't you know that?'
The other men laughed.
Say, you're getting nutty, Hartley" re-
marked Douglas. sit down ana compose
yourself" Groscup approached Hartley and
gave him nudge. whispering in his ear,
You forget that these gentlemen did not
employ Johnson"
The hint had an immediate and subdu-
ing effect on Hartley who cast about for
something to distract their attention from
him, as he saw they were evidently as
tonished at his conduct.
What are all these places set for?' he
demanded. only four Of us, and table
set for six"
I'VE took the room as IL was" explained
the doctor, ''and as the table is large /
suppose they thought 1t would look better
to dress II as usual"
''Hpra Waifpp To n
waiter who had just entered with some
plates, which he was placing on the side
table. Bring in two more cocktails. /
drank two Of these already"
That fellows no walter" remarked
Hartley. He's only an omnibus Wait I'M
til George comes" Nevertheless, the man
disappeared and brought In two more
cocktails. and then stood with his nap
kin over his arm, as IL waiting to receive
any further orders.
Are you going to wait on us?" demanded
Hartley, rather sharply. The waiter bowed
Then you are a full-fledged waiter now,
eh?" The waiter smiled.
II think re gentlemen will be pleased
with me-" he said, showing his teeth and
bowling again.
We'll, we're all here" observed Douglas.
Lets start in Five minutes to eight now.
Got that check with you. doc?" The doc
tor said he guessed he had everything
with him, and the four men sat down
Lets clear some OF these things off"
said Hartley. What's the use OF having all
this stuff on the table?"
1T looks nice. 1 think" said DR.. Ramie
quietly. but the waiter can remove them
II you like" Then, turning round. he said,
you can bring up the soup now, John,
upon which the waiter disappeared closing
the door softly behind him
Hartley sat facing this door and as
soon as he saw IL shut he observed: That
fellow was no good a couple Of weeks ago