Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-11-03
THE KING OF
DIAMONDS
By LOUIS TRACY.
Copyright, 1904, by Edward ] CIode. }
TO-DAY'S INSTALLMENT.

e are lOOlS 10 dlSCusS suNu
things here 1t is your fault, Grenier.
Why did you drop this bombshel on me
SC Unexpectedly? You COMPOUNDED ac-
tors are always looking out for a cur
tain. You should not try the expert
ment on your chums in a crowded bar"
Now, my dear Langdon, do be rea-
sonable. How could tell that the
mere name Of Philip Arson would Gre
ate a scene? You look as sick as a
man who has just been sentenced to be
hanged, and my old pal Hunter seems
to have suddenly gone mad"
Indeed, his words were justified Mr.
James Crichton Langdon was corpse
like in pallor, and Mason, alias Hunter,
though his tongue was stilled, bore
every indication of a man enraged al
most beyond control.
Come away, then" said L.angdon,
with horrible attempt to smile indif-
ferently.
No, no. There are too many eyes
here-.that we should leave with the air
of set of stage muSderers Sit down.
Let us have a nip Of brandy. Talk
about racing, women, anything, for a
little while and then go out quietly"
Grenier was right. A, detective had
already nudged an acquaintance and
whispered:
The pigeon seems to be upset. And
one OF the hawks is in rare temper,
too. I'll keep an eye on that collec-
ton"
He watched them through a mirror
He saw Grenier exert himself to put his
companion in a better humor. When
they went out he followed, and ascer-
tanned from the commissionaire at the
door that they had gone toward
Shaftesbury avenue.
By walking rapidly he sighted them
again, and saw them turn into a door
way.
"Greniers chambers he said.
What a splendid nerve that fellow has.
Reports himself coolly at Scotland Yard
every month. and lives in style not half
a mile away How does he manage it?
must make some inquiry about the
others"
Certainly the methods OF the superior
scoundrels of London are peculiar.
Grenier knew that he was a marked
man in the eyes OF the police. He
knew that the particular saloon bar he
affected was the rendezvous not only OF
others like himself, but of the smartest
detective officers of the metropolitan
force. Yet this was his favorite hunt
ing ground. Where the carcass is there
are the jackals; he would never dream
of honest endeavor in a new land to
begin life anew. The feast was spread
before his eyes. and he could not re-
sist 1t.
But Grenier was q careful rogue.
After a boyhood of good training and
education, he drifted into a bad set al
the beginning Of his adult career. Once,
indeed. he endeavored to put his great
natural abilities to some reasonable use
by going on the stage. The industrious
hardship OF the early years Of an &C
tors striving were not to his liking,
however. No sooner had he attained
position OF trust as manager OF tour
ing company than he tempered with
moneys intrusted to his care.
His Career.
He was not actually found out, but
suspected and dismissed. Then the
regular gradations of crime came nat
urally 10 him Gambling, card sharp
ing. company frauds, even successful
forgery. succeeded each other in their
recognized sequence, until, at last, came
detection. and heavy sentence, for the
authorities had long waited for him 10
drop into the net
Now that he was free, he did not
intend TO revisit any OF His Majesty's
convict settlements IL he could help it.
His wits were sharpened, his cool in
tellect developed, by prison lie and as
sociations He personally would keep
clear OF the law and make others APP
plaud him.
He would depend on two classes Of
contributories- like Langdon, and
sIow-witted criminals. like Mason. Be
ing a really clever man, 1t would be
strange II his own middle path were not
kept clear OF letters.
In the mystery surrounding Philip
Anson's influence over these two he
scented interesting developments. Be-
ginning with a young rake's attempt
to ensnare beautiful girl, he sud
denly discovered q situation pregnant
with the potentially of gain to himself
1t did not matter to him who paid
him. whether Arson or Langdon. He
would betray one or the other or both
impartially.
Mason he liked The mans rugged
strength Of character, his sledge- ham
mer viIainy, his dogged acceptance OF
the leadership OF more skilled ras-
cal. appealed TO him. Mason was tool
and a hard-hitting one, He would use
him. safeguard him II he could but
use him anyhow
In the seclusion OF Grenier's small
fat I.angdon poured out his spleen.
To Be Continued Tomorrow.