The Washington times., 1911-03-23
PHSSS~] THE TIMES SOCIETY AND HOME PAGE -
Milady of the MerCenarleS
BIZ LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE
Copyright. The Frank A. Munsey Company.

nv comPanion?"
"Signais? Yes: marveled to see
met, and you drew the blind. That
was all there was of the incident.
had not then. any more than I now
have. any idea as to who she is"
| "You deny. then"
''Oh. comet" Jimmy interrupted in
evaporation. Tell me all at once
what you conceive 1 have done to
you. and have done with i'll"
The stranger ,.quieted Lazard. LET
me talk to him." he said. 81 know the
language better than do you" He
turned TO Jimmy and, in English. i'm
presstvely indicted him: In some way
you got wind of our plans in reference
to certain country. That was while
YOU were out West You hated NV
trlend, the general, so greatly that YOU
gave up your work there and came East
expressly TO foil him. Since then your
agents here have persisteptIy shadow
ed us; your friend in Connectiut has
watched us as cat a mouse. 1t is ar
noying, and we intend that IL shall come
TO an end now" Here he broke off.
rhough how you ever found out about
the Brookside place is more than 1 can
account for"' he exclaimed.
Jimmy laughed. There I am with
you heartily he answered. Look
here, sir; I'll be perfectly frank with
you. ! don't know where this Brookside
place is. and i don't care. / have TO
agents in the city; if you are being
watched, that's your own lookout; yon
are up to some lawless mischief un-
doubtedly, and the Government is prob
ably. concerning. itself with you. AS for
coming East, I'did so knowing nothing
about your plans in reference to a cer-
tain coUntry'-though / am now willing
TO guess that filibusterinG's your mair
line. I came to make a living, and I'm
doing 1t, and mindIng my own business
AS for friend in Connecticut, 1 doubt
il had one"
That's a lie!" said the general, jump
ing up. You say you don't know
IIaigh?'
NO; do know him-that is. I am
acquainted with BIN. But il he is in
Connecticut it's news to me. came
here expecting. to have a quiet talk
with him. nothing more"
Bah" snarled the general. You
came here to get his report, you liar"
Softly. JOSEF cautioned the stranger.
"Oh, I don't mind said Curtice cool
j.. IT'S another thing to remember
Lazard cursed roundly. This is non
sense, senor." he clustered furiously.
Put an end TO it,
Good" concurred Jimmy. That's
the first sensible word I've ever heard
you say"
Seriously, SIR said the stranger.
II can't believe you. The evidence Is
all against your word. Your attitude
forces us to give you the alternative
DEATH cried Lazard melodramatical-l
ly.
'I don't see the alternative"
And don't follow you
"I can't associate myself with a pair |
of scoundrelly blackgiards like
But you can die" suggested Lazard. |
with malevolent grin,
Not just now" Jimmy amended |
calmly. Not at YOUR hands, dog
Wen try" Lazard produced a re-
'Tf you use that" Jimmy explained. |
you'll have the whole -neighborhood |
about your ears in two seconds"
That's true, Jose. Put II away" I
But this is silent" The mercenary |
flashed a bowie from HIS belt.
My" Jimmy spoke with admiration. |
you're a walking arsenal, Lazard."
For the last time" said the stranger. |
You have a choice. VIII you join u.s."
In what, senor?"
I'm the revolution against President
Malone"
''Malones a friend of mine; l fight !
with him, If at ALL
Lazard had risen from his chair, knife |
in hand. The stranger was still at the |
door. but not lounGinG: quite ready for |
action. rather. Jimmy alone remained |
seated.
"One moment, If you please, before |
you proceed. Let me warn you that I
have means of calling a friend who can |
he here within ten minutes. IF either
Of YOU makes a hostile move, I'll call !
him. He'll find you both here, too; I'll
what lie is this?" Lazard turned to
the stranger. At that instant Jimmy |
leaped to the red box on the wall,
swung the indicator around 20 the word |
Police. -. and before the two had COM
pretended his action he stood upon the
defensive. swinging a chair above his
head. The buzzing of the call resounded
loudly.
WHATS that?" cried Lazard.
Police CALL" answered his companion,
watching Curtice with something like
admiration in his eyes.
Lazard hesitated, snarling and threat
ening. Jimmy laughed.
Better clear out, you and your pal"
he advised Stand back. there-keep
your distance, general or I'll brain
you"'
The stranger seemed to accept defeat,
but not so LaZard. Blind with rage,
he threw himself toward Jimmy. feint-
ing with the flashing knife. You fool,'
cried CUrtice, swinging the chair to give
1t impetus. Suddenly he brought it
down with crushing force, shattering
frantic from a glancing blow upon the
elbow. Curtice turned to the stranger,
upon whom he had kept the tail of his
eye throughout the affair.
DO you want some, you cur?" he de-
manded.
The man shook his head; he had made
no attempt to take part in the en-
couner; in fact, he seemed amused
rather than angry.
Then unlock that door," Curtice told
him peremptorily, land get out!''
He did so. and the reporter turned tp
the Spaniard. whom he relieved of his
revolver without difficulty. Then he
assisted him to the door and thrust him
into the hall
CO.. He motioned with the revolver.
And go quickly, if you don't want TO
meet the police"
They went, Lazard supporting himself
upon his companions arm. Jimmy
laughed shortly, slowed the weapon in
mis- pocket, and, after a slight delay,
locking the door and placing
the kew under the rug. At the foot OF
the stairs he met fat and angry police
man.
Hey. young felier! Party name O.
Haigh live here?"
"FIe does" Jimmy admitted courte-
ously. The other side of the building
top foor"
The representative of the law turned
away grumbling.
(The Continuation of This story Will