The Washington herald., 1912-05-26

other doctor here who would see you.
Let US in.
There was no answer. Antoine turn
ed to his companion with little shrug
OF the shoulders, as one who would say
II have done my best What would
you have?"
John Dory put his shoulder to the
door
Listen" he shouted through the key
hole, Mr.. Sick Waiter. or whoever
you are, if you do not unlock this door,
l am coming in"
81 have no key" said a faint voice.
Il am locked in. Please break open
the door"
But this is not the voice of Fran
co.'s" Antoine exclaimed, in amaze
ment.
Well soon see who it is" John
Dory answered.
He charged at the door hercely. At
the third assault it gave way They
found themselves in a small back bed
room, and stretched on the floor, very
pale, and apparently only half-con-
scious lay Peter Ruff. There was a
strong smell of chloroform about. John
Dory threw open the window. His 6n-
gers trembled a little 1t was like Fate
this At the end of every unsuccess-
full effort there was this man-Peter
Ruff!
What the devil are you doing here?"
he asked.
Peter groaned.
Help me up" he begged, and give
me little brandy"
Antoine set him in an easy chair and
rang the bell furiously
1T will come Directly" he exclaim-
ed. But who are you?"
Peter Ruff waited for the brandy
When he had slipped it, he drew little
breath as though of relief
Il heard" he said, speaking still with
an evident effort, that Lemaitre was
here. had secret information.
thought at first that I would let you
know sent you a note early this
morning. Afterward. discovered that
there was a reward, and I determined
to track him down myself. He was in
here hiding as a sick waiter. do
not think" Peter Ruff added, that
Monsieur Antoine had anv idea. l
presented s:yseIf as representing
charitable society, and l was shown
here to visit him. He was too clever,
though, was Jean Lemaitre-too quick
for me"
You were a fool to come alone"
John Dory said Don't you know the
mans record? How long ago did he
leave"
About ten minutes" Peter Ruff an
swered. You must have missed him
somewhere as you came up. l crawled
to the window and l watched him 60.
He left the restaurant by the side en-
trance. and took taXicab at the cor
ner there II went northward toward
New Oxford Street.
John Dory turned on his heel-they
heard him descending the stairs. Peter
Ruff rose to his feet
Il am afraid" he said, as he plunged
his head into a basin of water, and
came into the middle of the room rub
bing It vigorously with a small towel,
Il am afraid that our friend John Dory
will get to dislike me soon He passed
out unnoticed. eh, Antolne:"
Antoine's face wore a look OF great
relief
There was not a soul who looked
he said. We passed under the nose Of
the gentleman from Scotland Yard. He
sat there reading his paper; and ne had
no idea. | watched Jean step into the
motor. Even by now he IS well on his
way southwark. Twice he changes
from motor to train. and back They
will never trace him
Peter Ruff, who was looking amaz-
ingly better. slipped a further glass OF
liqueur. Together he and Antoine de-
scended to the street
Mind" Peter Ruff whispered, Il
consider that accounts are squared be-
tween me and Double Four now Let
them know that this sort Of thing isn't
in my line"
For an amateur" Antoine said,
bowling low. Monsieur commands my
heartfelt congratulations y
Copyright 1872, BY the Associated Literary Prsal
OF coon THEEP