The San Francisco call., 1913-09-24
'BAYARD WELLER

Griggs occupied by the desk so that
| the three were close together, and
could speak softly.
English Eddie wasted no time in
getting to the point
Now, look here" he said, rapidly
i've got the greatest game in the
world Two wears ago n SET
! of Gothic tapestries, worth 100000
and set of Fragonard panels. worth
from a chateau in France and SNUG
| gled into this country
L have never heard of that Mary
said. with some interest
No." Griggs replied You naturally
wouldn't, for the simple reason that
it's been kept on the dead quiet"
| Are them things really worth that
mueh?' Carson exclaimed.
Sometimes more" Mary answered.
! Morgan has a set of Gothic tapestries
worth half million dollars"
Carson uttered an ejaculation of
disgust.
He pays half a million for a set of
rugs" There was note of fierce BIT
terness come into his voice as he sar-
castically concluded: AAnd they won
der at crime"
GriggS went on with his account
About a month ago, the things I
was telling you of were hung in the
! library of a millionaire In this city"
He hitched his chair a little closer to
the desk, and leaned forward. lower
ing his voice almost to a whisper as
he stated his plan.
Lets go after them. They were
smuggled, mind you, and. no matter
what happens, he can't squeal. What
do you say2'
Carson shot a piercing glance at
Mary.
Its up to her" he said Griggs re-
garded Mary eagerly, as she sat with
eyes downcast. Then, after a little
interval had elapsed in silence. he
spoke interrogatively:
"Well?'
Mary shook her head declsIvely.
ITS out of our line" she declared.
: Griggs would have argued the mat
ter II don't see any easier way to
get half a million" he said. aggres-
sively
Mary, however, was unimpressed.
IF II were fifty millions. 1t would
make no difference. It's against the
law"
'.oh. I know all that. of course"
Griggs returned impatiently. But if
you can"
Mary interrupted him in tone of
finality:
MY friends and never do anything
that's Illegal Thank you for coming
to us, Mr.. Griggs. but we can't go in.
and there's an end of the matter
But wait minute" English Eddie
expostulated: you see. this chap,
Glider is"
Mary's manner changed from indif-
ference to sudden keen interest
Glider. she exclaimed. question
ingly.
yes. You know who he is" Griggs
answered; ''the drygoods man.
Carson in his turn showed a new
excitement as he bent toward Mary.
"why, it's old Glider, the man
you
Mary. however. had regained her
self control. for a moment rudely
shaken. and now her voice was tran
quill again as she replied
sI know. But, just the same, it's IL
legal. and I won't touch ii. That's all
there is to it,
Griggs was dismayed.
But half a millionl" he exclaimed,
disconsolately. There's a stake worth
playing for. Think of itr' He turned
pleadingly to Carson. Half million,
joe"
The forger repeated the words with
an infection that was gloating.
Half q millioni"
And it's the softest thing you ever
saw"
The telephone at the desk rang. and
Mary spoke into 1t for moment. then
rose and excused herself to resume
the conversation over the wire more
privately in the booth. The instant
she was out of the room Griggs turned
to Carson anxiously,
~ ,rY1 Ia I. x@1a IL
got a plan of the house." He drew a
paper from his breast pocket and
handed 1T to the forger. who seized II
avidly and studied it with intent,
avarieious eyes.
1T looks easy" Carson agreed, as
he gave back the paper.
1T is easy" Griggs reiterated.
What do you say?"
Carson shook his head in refusal,
but there was no conviction in the
act
Il promised Mary never to
Griggs broke in on him.
But q chance like thisi Anyhow.
come around to the back room at
Blinkey's tonight and we'll have a
talk VIII you?"
What timer Carson asked hesi-
tatingly, tempted.
Make 1t early, say g." was the an
sWer. VIII your
"Ill come Carson replied, half
Mary re-entered
Griggs rose and spoke with an air
of regret.
ITS follow the leader" he said,
''and since you are against it, that
settles It,"
yes, I'm against it." Mary said,
firmly.
I'm sorry" English Eddie rejoined.
But we must all play the game as
we see II. Well, that was the
business / was after, and as it's I'm
| tshed, why, good afternoon, Miss Tur-
ner.' He nodded toward Joe and took
| his departure.
Something of what was in his mind
was revealed in Garsons first speech
after Grigg's going.
That's a mighty big stake he's
playing for
And big chance he's takingr'
! Mary retorted. mo. Joe, we don't
want any of that. we'H play a game
| that's safe and sure"
| The words recalled to the forger
weird forebodings that had been trou-
bling him throughout the day
Its sure enough he stated, "but
! is it safe?"
! Mary looked up quickly.
What do you mean?" she demanded.
| Carson walked TO and fro nervously
| as he answered.
"S'pose the bulls get tired .of you
putting it over on 'em, and try some
rough work."
Mary smiled carelessly.
Don't worry, Joe" she advised. Il
know way TO stop it,"
We'll, so far as that goes. so do
T." the forger said. with significant
emphasis
"Just what do you mean by that?p