The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-11-02
Poor spiders

We walked up the StE3Bd ana nufFlsQ westward iA<1
that narrow court. with It's iron posts and descending
steps, upon which opens a wel-known wine cellar. we
turned. Then, going parallel with the Strand, but on the
Enbankment level, we ran round the back of the great
hotel, and came to double doors. which were open. An
arc lamp Illuminated the interior, and a number Of men
were at work among the casks. crates and packages
stacked about the place, We entered.
'Itulo:' cried a man in a white overall. where d
YOU think you're golng?"
saith grasped him by the arm.
Il want to get to the public part of the hotel without
being seen from The entrance hail" he said. win you
please lead the way
Here began the either, staring
Don't waste tne!' snapped my friend, in that tone
OF authority which he knew 50 well how TO assume It's
"a matter of life and death. Lead the way. l say"
Police. sir2' asked the man oivilly.
Yes said Smith; "hurryH'
OF went our guide without further demur. sklrtlng
seulleries. kitchens. iaundries and engine rooms, he led US
through those mysterious labyrnths which have no exist
ence for the guest above. but which contain the machinery
that renders these modern khans the AIaddins palaces
they are. On a seeond-ioor landing we met a man in a
tweed suit, to whom our ccerone presented us.
Glad I met you, sir Two gentlemen from the police"
The man regarded us with a suspicious smile.
who are your he asked You're not from Scotland
Yard at any rate"
Smith pulled out a card and thrust it int the speak
ers hand.
III you are the hotel detective" he said. take us
without delay to Graham Guthrie"
A marked change took place in the others demeauor
on glancing al the card in his hand.
Excuse me SIR he said doferentially: but, of
COURSE, didn't know whom l was speaking to, We all
have instructions to give you every assistance"
rs Mr Guthrie in his roomT'
He's been il his room for some time, str, You viii
want to get there without being seen2 This way, We
can Join the hft on the third floor.
off we went again. with our new guide. In the lift:
Have you noticed anything suspicious about the place
tonight asked Smith.
Il have, was the startling reply. That accounts for
your hndins m where you did. My usual post is in the
lobby. But about II O'Clock. when the theater people be-
gan to come III ! had a hazy sort Of impression that some
one or something slipped past in the crowd-sometn.ng
tnat had no business in the hotel"
We got out OF The lift.
4 don't quite follow you said Smith. II you thought
you saw something entering. you must have formed a
more or less definite impression regarding It,"
That's the funny part OF the business" answered the
man doggedIy. Il didn't. But as stood at the top OF
the stairs could have sworn that there was something
crawling UP behind a party OF lour-two ladies and two
gentlemen
a aos. for iastance?"
at didn't strike me as being a dog, sir. Anyway.
when tae party passed me, there was nothing there. Mind
you, whatever it was it hadn't come in by the front, /
nave made inquiries everywhere, but without result" He
stopped abruptly. Number 1S9-Mr. Guthrie's door. sir"
smith knocked.
~Huilor' came a mufaed voice. what do you want?'
open the door Don't delay; it is important"
He turned to the hotel detective.
stay right there where you can watch the stairs and
the ufi," he Instructed, and note every one and every
talng that passes this door. But whatever you see or
near, co nothing without my ORDERS
The uan moved Oft. and the door was opened. Smith
wAispeted In my ear.
Some creature of Doctor Fu-Manchu's is in the
hotel"
Graham Guthrie, British resident in North Bhutan, was
a big. thick-set mAn-gray-haired and norid. with widely
openeu eyes of the true lighting blue. a brsttng mus
,a,ne and prominent shaggy brows. Maryland Smith in
tgoduced himself tersely, prorering his card and an open
letter.
no doubt. you Will realize that the business which brings
ne and my friend. Doctor Petrfe, here at such an hour
; OF the first Importance,
He switched off the light.
There is no time for ceremony he explained. TT Is
now twenty-five pas. IL. AT haif-past an attempt will be
made upon Your life"
Nj. smith said the other. who, arrayed in his paja-
MAJ was seated on the edge Of the bed, you alarm me
yery greatly may mention that was advised OF your
81 esence IN England this morning.
no yoa know anything respecting the person called
Observation-Disclosures Fu-Manchup'
only what ! was told today-that he 8 the agent OF
an advanced POLITICAL group
at IS opposed TO his interests that you should return
10 Bhutan. A more guiibie agent would be preferable,
IAsrefore, unless you implicitly obey my instructions, you
viii never leave England
Graham Guthrie breathed quickly, was growing
more used 10 the gloom. and ! could dimly discern him.
his face turned toward Saytand smith, Whiie VITA nus
think. must have shaken the nerve OF any mani
"Eut. Mr.. Smith, he said, surely am safe enough
Aeses The0plare is full Of American visitors at present,
ARD I have had 10 be content with q room right at tho
lop: so that the only danger I apprehend = that q hre."