The Washington herald., 1912-05-19

gued. @and all that you have in return
is the fellows promise to see you
through. II isn't like you to part with
money so easily. Richard Did he hyp-
notize your
Just then three men entered the
room. Two remained in the back
ground. John Dory. of Scotland Yard,
came forward toward the table.
Sir Richard Dyson" he said, grave
ly, Il have come upon an unpleasant
Grand"
Go on" Sir Richard said, lingering
something hard in the inside pocket of
his coat
Il have warrant for your arrest"
Dory continued, in connection with
the disappearance of Job Masters on
Saturday, sthe 10th of November last
This gentleman. believe, is Col. Dick
inSons 7"
THAT is my name. sir" Dickinson
answered, with unexpected fortitude.
Il regret to say" the detective con-
tinued, that | have also warrant for
your arrest in connection with the same
matter"
Sir Richard had hold of the butt end
of his revolver then Like grizzly
phantoms, the thoughts chased one an
other through his brain. Should he
shoot and end it-escape disgrace, but
die like a rat in a corner? His finger
was upon the trigger. Then suddenly
his heart gave a great leap. He raised
his head as though listening Some
thing flashed in his eyes-something
that was almost like hope. There was
no mistaking that voice which he had
heard in the hall!
Then the door opened and Peter Ruff
walked in, followed by Job Masters,
whose head was still bandaged, and
who seemed to have lost a little flesh
and a lot of color. Peter Ruff looked
around apologetically. He seemed sur
prised not to find Sir Richard Dyson
and Col. Dickinson alone. He seemed
more than ever surprised to recognize
John Dory.
Il trust" he said smoothly, that our
visit is not inopportune. Sir Richard
Dyson, l believer he continued, bow
ing-"my friend, Mr.. Masters here, has
consulted me as to the loss of a bet
ting book, and we ventured to call TO
ask YOU. sir, If by any chance on his
recent visit to your house
God in heaven, it's Masters Dy-
son exclaimed. It's Job Masters"
That's me, sir" Masters admitted.
"Mr. Ruff thought you might be able
to help me find that book
Sir Richard swayed upon his feet.
Then the blood rushed once more
through his veins.
Your books here in my cabinet, safe
enough" he said. you left it here
after our luncheon that day. Where on
earth have you been to, man? he con-
tinued. We want some money from
you over Myopia."
I'll pay all right, SIR" Masters an
| swered. Fact is, after our luncheon
party I'm afraid l got bit fuddled. |
/ don't seem to remember much. he
sat down a little heavily.
The detectives face had been a study.
| HeSknew Masters well enough by sight
there was no doubt about his iden-
tityl His teeth came together with an
angry click. He had made mistake
1t was a thing which would be remem-
bered against him forever!
Your visit, Masters Sir Richard
said. with a curious smile at the cor
ners of his lips. rs, in some respects,
a little opportune. About that little
matter we were speaking Of he con-
unued. turning toward the detective.
We have only to offer you our apol-
ogies, Sir Richard" John Dory an
! swered.
Then he crossed the room and con-
fronted Peter Ruff.
DO | understand. sir. that your name
is Ruff-Peter Ruff" he said.
That is my name, sir Peter Ruff
admitted pleasantly. Yours, be-
lieve, is Dory. We are likely to come
across one another now and then, /
suppose Glad to know YOU
The detective stood quite still. and
there was no geniality in his face
IL wonder-have We ever met be-
! fore" he asked. without removing his
eyes from the others face Peter Ruff
smiled-under a far less aristocratic
pseudonym there are photographs of
| him in New York and Paris. St Pet
ersburg, and Chicago, Vienna, and Cape
| Town, but there are no two pictures
which present to the casual observer
the slightest likeness to one another.
| Not professionally, at any rate he
answered. Il know that at Scotland
Yard you don't think much OF us small
| fry. but we find ont things sometimes y
John Dory went out, followed by his
men. Sir Richard took Peter Ruff BY
the arm, and, leading him to the side
board, mixed him a drink.
Peter Ruff" he said. "youfs a
clever scoundrel. but you've Gained
your FIVE hundred guineas Hang it.
you're welcome to themI"
Copyright. 1872, by the Associated Literary PresAl