The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1913-02-14
THE STORY OF
AMAROFF THE POLE
(Continued.)

| Inc sergeant stepped IOFWdrU anu
whispered. The man was sufficiently
satisfied, for he dropped the slide at
once, and the door swung back to adj
NIT us; the hairy-faced porter bowling
a welcome in polite submission. The
inspector led the way up the stairs,
and l followed at his heels. The SER
jeant had disappeared.
| 1t was a broad, low room in which
we found ourselves, the rafters OF the
roof unhidden by the plaster OF cell
ing Round the walls on benches rang
ed behind tables a dozen men sat
smoking and drinking. The chatter
of talk faded away as we entered. In
silence they stared at us, calmly, judi
ciously without fear or curiosity. |
could not have imagined more com
posed and resolute company. l felt
that carried myself awkwardly, as an
impertinent intruder should; but the
inspector sauntered across the room
to a bar on the further side as calmly
as if he were the Oldest and most
valued member in the club.
|
yellow beard rose from his seat be-
hind the glasses. His eyes were fixed
on Peace with a weak, pathetic ex-
preston like a dog in pain.
Good evening, Mr.. Greatman," said
the inspector. Can l have word
with your"
Yes, sir, if you will kindly step into
my private ROOM" he answered in ex-
cellent English, opening a hatch in
the bar. "This is the way, sir, if you
will follow me-"
We walked after him down a short
passage and stopped before the dark
ness of an open door. A squirt of
match and the gas jet flared upon a
| bare chamber hung with gaudy pa
per and furnished with half dozen
wooden chairs set round a deal table
in the center. In place of a carpet,
our feet grated upon a smooth sprin-
king of that grey sand which may
still be found in old-fashioned inns.
1t was here then, if the detectives
were not mistaken, that this crime
der not thirty hours old.
eff you would like a fire. gentlemen"
suggested Greatman. 81 can easily
fetch some Goals"
Pray do not trouble yourself" said
the inspector, politely. "My name is
Peace, of the Criminal Investigation
Department, and l called to inquire if
you can tell me anything concerning
the murder of the sculptor, Amaroff."
Il know nothing"
THAT is strange, seeing that he was
strangled in this very room"
"Here?" cried the Pole, with stare
of unbelief changing into sudden ter
ror. Herein my room"
$50 l believe" said Peace.
The man swayed for an instant.
grasping at the back of chair. and
then dropped to the ground, moaning,
his face covered with his hands. In
that crouching figure before US was
written the extremity Of despair.
Come, come, Greatman, pull your
self together" said the inspector, tap
ping him kindly on the shoulder. IF
you are innocent, there is no need to
make all this fuss"
| 1T was Nicolin who lied to me-" he
cried looking up with bewildered eyes
Very probably" said Peace, cit is
a habit with him"
! "Yet it was I, miserable that I am
who made the meeting between them
Before Heaven, 1t was with the limo
cence of a child If those my com.
rades OF the club but knew"
He hesitated, his eyes searching the
room in sudden terror.
"Oblige me by seeing that we have
no comrades already at the 3eyhole
Mr.. Phillips" said Peace.
There was no one at the door: nc
one in the dark passage; and when
in crumpled heap.
returned found that Peace had lifted
the caretaker to chair. where he sal
you can trust u.s." the detective
was saying. Believe me, Greatman
it will be best for yourself that yor
hide nothing"
| And SO with many fierce cries ant
protestations. this poor creature be
gan his story.
| 1t was Nicolin, it seemed. who hat
discovered that Greatman. the care
taker Of the Brutus Club. was one ane
the same with the forger, Ivan Knoll
of Odessa. who had been wanted b.
the Russian police for close upo1
twelve years. But having a shrewt
head on his shoulders, Nicolin mad,
no Immediate use of his knowledge