The Washington herald., 1912-06-30

Ruff said, Il think we will have a cigai
first There will be plenty of time foi
bridge afterward."
MAY / offer you a cigar, sir" Maj
Jones inquired, passing across a we'll
filled case.
Peter Ruff sighed.
81 am afraid, major" he said, "that
there is scarcely time. You see, / have
a warrant in my pocket for your arrest
and l am afraid that by the tire we got
to the station"
Mai. Jones leaned forward in hi.
chair. He gripped the sides tightly
with both hands. His eyes seemed to
be protruding from his head.
For my WHAT" he exclaimed, in a
tone of horror.
"For your arrest" Peter Ruff ex-
planned calmly. During all these
years you must have grown used to ex-
pecting It at every moment"
Maj. Jones collapsed.
What are you talking about. man !?
he exclaimed. What do YOU mean
Lower your voice. for heay ms sake
Consider my position here! Some one
might oyerhear! If this is a joke, let
me tell you that its a id foolish
oner'
Peter Ruff raised his eyebrows.
Il do not wish" he said, TO create
4 disturbance-at the same time, busi-
ness is business. | hold a warrant for
your arrest, and am forced to execute
It."
What is the charse?" the other man
faltered.
"Blackmail," Peter Ruff said slowly.
The information against you is lodged
by Sir Richard Dyson"
Il seemed TO Peter Ruff, who was
watching his companion closely, that a
wave Of relief passed over the face of
the man who sat covering in his chair
He certainly drew a little gasp-stretch-
ed out his hands, as though to thrust
the shadow of some fear from him. His
voice, when he spoke, was stronger.
Some faint show Of courage was re-
turning TO him.
There is some ridiculous mistake" &"
he declared. Let US talk this over like
sensible men. Mr. Ruff. If you will
wait until ! have spoken to Sir Richard,
/ can promise you that the warrant shall
be withdrawn, and that you shall not
be the loser"
Il am afraid it is too late for any
thing OF that sort Peter Ruff said
"Sir Richards patience has been COM
Pletely exhausted by your repeated de-
mands."
He never told me So" Mai. Jones
whined Il quite thought that he was
always glad to help an old friend. As
a matter of fact, | had not meant to
ask him for anything else The last
few hundreds | had from him was to
end"
Peter Ruff shook his head.
NO" he said. 1t was not the end
Il never would have been the end Sir
Richard sought my advice, and I gave
II to him without hesitation. Sooner or
later, ] told him, he would have TO
adopt different measures. | convinced
him. represent those measures -
But the matter can be arranged, "
Maj. Jones insisted. with a little shud-
der. Il am perfectly certain it can be
arranged. Nh Ruff. you are not ar
ordinary police oficer-I am sure OF
that. Give me a chance of having ar
interview with Sir Richard before any,
thing more is done. I will satisfy him
| promise you that Why. if we leave
the place together like this, every one
here will get to know about it,"
BE reasonable" Peter Ruff answered
OF course every one will get 10 know
about II! Blackmailing cases alway,
excite a considerable amount of inter.
est In the meantime. | must trouble
you TO pay your respects 10 Mrs. Bog
nor and to come with me-
Maj. Jones did not rise.
Mr. Ruff" he said hoarsely. lister
to me. | have been fortunate lately ir
some investments. ! have nv check
book in my pocket. If | write you a
check for. say. 500 pounds, will you
come round with me TO Sir Richard
house in a hanson al once
Peter Ruff shook his head
Five thousand pounds would not buy
your liberty from me. Maj. Jones'" he
said.
The man became abJect
Have pity, then he pleaded. Think
of what it means to a man of nv age
to suddenly leave everything worth hav-
ing in life Just because he may have
imposed a little on the generosity OF a
friend! Think how you would feel,
and be mercifulr'
Peter Ruff shook his head slowly.
Maj. Jones'" he said YOU ask me
to be merciful You appeal 10 my pity
For such as you have no pity nor
have l ever shown any mercy. You
know very well. and | know. that when
once the hand of the law touches your
shoulder. it will not be only a charge
OF blackmai which the police will
bring against you"
There is nothing else-nothing else ~
he cried. Take half my fortune. Mr..
Ruff. Let me get away Give me a
chance-just a sporting chance"
Il wonder" Peter Ruff said, what
chance that poor old lady in Weston
had? No, l am not saying you mur-