The Washington times., 1912-09-09

exchanged opinions with the proprietor.
usually ON matters relative to horse
racing or the prize ring.
He. therefore, felt much interest in
Mr.. kllner, and had he been himself in
stead Of what he seemed to be he would
nave gone up to him and greeted him
warmly IN an old acquaintance. But
only gaze at Mr.. Kilner's mountainous
hgure and think of old times.
He stood in Lower Abbey street for
some some time staring at the door Of the
did not come out. The advertisement
IN the window presently acted SO
strongly upon his Imagination that he
decided to take drink himself, and he
1ingled few coppers in his pocket and
started across the street with a thirsty
tongue and itching lips.
He walked into the saloon. There, be-
hind the bar, his coat off. his shirt
engaged in polishing glass with a white
cloth, stood Mr.: Kilner, just as much
at home among his bottles and barrels
Ponts ne haa ptc% once been among his Blue
Mr.. Baxendale dlssembled with
marked success. He selected three cop
pers from a. little handful which he
drew from his pocket, and asked for a
bottle or Bass as he laid them on the
Mr.. Kllner selected a bottle, un-
corked 1t, poured 1t carefully into a tall
glass, held 1t up to the light and esti-
mated Its qualities with one eye closed
and the other screwed up. and set it
before his customer with a flourish.
IF that amt in prime condition" >"
| said Mr.. Kilner, 'call me Dutchman," :"
| and he swept the three coppers into his
cloth.
Young Mr.. BaxendaIe rolled the am
Der liquid over his palate. which had
oeeR Repv not Dice one 15nd from bis youth upwSrd
know, how to keep bottled beer, mister,
MIR. Kilner took the compliment with
gracious countenance, and smiled in
| an elephantine fashion.
Ale" he said, that is to say bottled
ale, Is no use unless 1t Is in good condi-
tion. 1t should drink sharp. l reckon, -
he continued. glancing at his customer,
Il reckon you're from England"
dale.
And from the North country" said
Mr.. Kilner. with a strong emphasis on
well. thereabouts," replied the Gus
toner. smacking his lips once more over
the beer
II used to live In Leeds myself once"
be expansive In the presence of COM
by rights"
"oh. indeed!" said young Mr.. Baxen-
Yes, said Mr.. Kilner, but I'm very
have been doing to your eye?"
Fell down the blooming hatchway
"and caught the eyebrow on the corner
of chest Wonder 1t didn't do for
"Ah! I should think So" said Mr..
place Is the eyebrow. It.
At this moment the door Of the inner
| sanctum swung open and there emerged
IA military looking man, very correctly
| attired in a neat suit of dark blue serge,
who carried his left arm In a slins
made out Of a black silk handkerchief.
He nodded affably to the man be-
hind the bar, bestowed quick Keen
patch. and marched out, nto, the street
twirling the points of his grizzled mus
tache with very white hand; oa
The loafer saw the hand as 1t moved
the counter and breathed gentle sign
Young Mr.. Baxendale had found Rich
ard Claye.
He was as dead certain that he had
run his quarry to earth as that he was
himself He knew the strong white
hand with an absolute knowledge
had two disfguring marks, one llttle
blue anchor tattooed on the back of the
wrist, the other the lack of one-haf ol
the third finger.
There was no disputing that evidence
the man In the quiet, unassumine
well-cut suit, the man with the aristo
cratic bearing and handsome grizzlec
mustache was Richard Claye without
/ a doubt.
Young Mr.. BaXendale began to think
hard. II was evident that Claye wa!
lying hidden with Kilner, who was M
doubt an old friend of his. Was 1t pos
sible that Kilner was in the secret
Baxendale thought not. Claye was no
likely to sacrifice one pennyworth n
the diamonds now that he had go
them all to himself.
Now, how would 1t be If II wero sug
; gested that he and BaXendale shOulC
secure the prize, or at amy rate forc'