The Washington times., 1911-07-02
CHAPTER Ill.
The Rubber-Covered Packet.

-OR several moments after the
~ voice ceased there was silence in
the room. Morgan had arisen
and was standing motionless by
the bedside. Elmur Ludolf was to all
appearances dead, but we knew this
was not so, and 1t was even possible
that he could hear us. 1t was the weird
if Morgan shared it, he gave no sign.
Suddenly he looked across at me.
You have heard, Robinson. Can
there be any doubt as to what we
should do?" said he quietly.
l knew he meant that we ought to Sc
cure the paper which the man had de-
clared was strapped beneath his shirt.
nodded acquiescence,N with the men,
tai reservation, If, indeed, there is any
document at all"
his hand upon the window; the case
ment yielded readily to his touch. Never
for moment did he seem to doubt the
mans wild story, for he said:
He left the window fastened. but it
can now be opened. So II is probable
the fellow came in that way. You see,
the court is just outside, and the sill
scarcely sly feet from the ground"
He reached up and drew down the
shade, examining to see if there was a
crack at the bottom. l think l should
have made a remark, some expression
OF doubt, but l thought that If the man
could still hear, 1t would be poor taste
to say anything at that moment. So l
only watched Morgan and waited fer
developments
Having attended to the window, he
crossed over and locked the door
TO be interrupted might prove awk-
ward" he explained.
Then he returned to the bed and look
ed down at the mOtionless figure.
Bending over, he unbuttoned the
waistcoat and loosened the studs in the
bosom of the shirt. / leaned forward,
curious to see what was about to hap
pen. Morgan barred the mans broad
chest to the flare Of the gaslight
1t was as he had told us. A strap
was bound tightly around his body Just
below the shoulder blades. This strip
Of leather held in place a fat, elong
ated package. 1t lay near the center Of
his breast and was wrapped in white
rubber cloth.
Morgan felt along Ais side and loos-
ened the buckle. TO thrust the strap
and the attached pocket into the. pocket
of his OvercOat was the work of mo-
ment; then he rearranged the shirt and
waistcoat, and turned to me with a
grim smile lowering upon his lips.
Il am not sorry we happened in here,
Robinson. You have heard the mans
story; you have heard what he has un-
dertaken, and-it would be pity If he
failed,' said he soberly.
For he was a brave man and de-
served something better than that" l
replied, nodding toward the bed.
For a moment Morgan remained ST.
lent.
But he shall not fail. / can promise
it, And 1 do not promise lightly" said
he at last. raising his voice a little, a
strange expression crossing his face.
Whether he was addressing himself,
the man on the bed. or me. l was not
certain, but I fancied 1t was Elmur Lu-
dolf whom he desired should hear.
And If the man could hear, 1t is pos
sible he died with that promise i'm
pressed upon his failing brain. and with
the hope that in some manner the rub
ber-corered packet would be delivered
to its rightful owner in Brescia.
At that moment scarcely realized the
full significance of my companior'S
words; later understood better.