The Washington times., 1912-08-24
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY.
THE DIAMONDS"
By J. S. FLETCHER
copyright. A. Munsey Co,
Copyright. 1912. Frank A. Munsey Co.,
By J. S. FLETCHER

or rest, therefore Hollins' story was a
fabrication; 1t had also been discov-
cred that a moorsman, crossing the
to answer Hoiilns' description descend
ing alone from the plateau of rocks
whereon Vasselli's body had been found
earlier In the morning.
The The suspicious circumstances under
winch Hollins had gone away were
also narrated, and 1t was finally stated
that the authorities were inclined to
believe that Lloyd's disappearance was
the result of foul play and were anx-
lous to have news Of Hollins.
And then, by way of postscript, fol-
lowed very careful description of
Hollins himself, in which considerable
stress was laid on the character of his
had always been very proud and was
the distinguishing feature of his face.
III Hollins could have pulled out his
mustache hair by hair he would have
done 1t there and then. He felt cer-
tain that now that the whole business
had got into the newspapers he would
be recognized very quickly, and that
things would be made extremely un-
pleasant for him. There was a strip
of mirror in his compartment and he
got up and looked at his reflection in
1t. There were great holows under
his eyes and lines about his face that
had not been there three days before.
But Hollins did not notice them; his
gaze was fixed on his mustache.
. He left the train at Derby, went into
the town and wandered about until in
a small side street he came across a
little barber,s shop of such humble
ing It, The barber was reading q
newspaper when Hollins walked in, and
the sight made him sweat with fear.
He sat down and asked for a shave
and watched the BARRIERS face narrow
ly in the mirror as he shaved his
cheeks and chin, thinking that he would
soon detect any signs of recognition
But the barber gave no sign OF curl
osity, and Hollins. with a clean chin
and cheeks, asked for a clean upper lip
The barber seemed surprised.
Bit of pity, isn't it, to take off a
fine moustache like that?" he said
There's them that would give their
eyes to have one like It. What a fuss
some of 'em do make cause they can't
grow one!'
Hollins, to whom fear had communi-
Gated various acts during the last few
days, gave an exhibition of dissmula-
ton
IT'S not question of choice" he
said. ITS a question of necessity.
I've got new place as coachman and
the governor insists on clean shaves-
so off it's got to come"
Not even a side whisker?"
Not a hair" said Hollins. IT'S a
wonder he don't want me to wear a
wig"
well, if it's good place." said the
ee But o% yoS not aks grow bit OF sae
like that in a hurry again, / can tell
you! / reckon you've never shaved 1t
any time"
cant say as evere l did," said Hol-
Inns.
He went out of the barbers shop
with a hairless face and with the GER
tainty that no one would recognize
him. He felt easier after this episode.
ana, returning to the station pursued
his journey northward.
Before he got into the train he Wis
tied the refreshment bar and had a
drink or two and refilled his flask and
he took a pull at it whenever the
world looked black. He refreshed him
self in this way at Sheffield, and again
at Normantown, and the flask went
across the counter empty In the re-
freshment room of both stations and
was returned to him full.
late at night, and by that time the
liquor he had taken was having some
effect upon him, but in way which
he could not understand He was ex-
nearly out of his skin when, having
turned out Of the station door, he felt
a hand suddenly grasp his arm. He
faced around with a savage growl on
the man who had thus accosted him.
D. you!" he snarled. Let me
60"
The man who had laid hands on him
drew back a little: he lifted a depre-
eating hand.
"Eh Bll?" he said Don't you re-
member me, your old pal, Stafford
Finney? Here-come along with me
I've something to tell you. And for
Gods sake, Bill Hollins, keep on the
dark side of the street,
A Continuation of This Story VIII