Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-26
Continued from page 8

"but it's tough on the little girl, that's all
Of course, you could get the number and
give the message yourself; but don't sup
pose you'd be decent enough even for that
Chappelle looked him over with piercing
scrutiny, while Ryker played a tattoo with
his fingertips. Suddenly he brought down
his fist on the table. Il told you liked you,
Kid he exclaimed. "You'r re game! I'm
going to take a chance Far be it from me
the NUMBER"
Morning 1868, Ryker answered. with
culver of hope that had in it something of
despair He nearly fell from his chair when
the other added:
Call it Yourself | don't want to butt
into family affairs. But be careful what you
say, and make it short Remember, I'll be
at your elbow. with our little friend here,
and he fondled the revolver.
Ryker crossed the room to the telephone,
with Chappelle at his heels. He removed
the receiver CHANGING at the number on the
box in front of him mt the same moment.
What followed occupied less than two
minutes.
"Morning 1928. Yes WHAT. .Ryker.
| can't get home What? This is O432-"
He was flung across the room, while the
receiver hanging to the length of its cord
banged against the wall. Chappelle, with
blazing eyes, and the revolver aimed straight
at his head, marched him backward to the
chair
MCCLINTOCKh had gone home early and
A'A was skimmimg over a novel prepare
tory to going to bed when the telephone
rang He thought it was the office, which
made him gasp. All he caught was "Ryker
can't get homc-this is O432, and the
sounds of scuffle before the name of the
branch exchange could be spoken.
THAT was Ryker's voice, he pondered
rapidly. Hes in trouble, or he wouldn't
call me here and give that number. But
where the dickens is he?"
Quick action was McClntock's long suit.
He called the girl operator, who knew who
he was, and asked from what branch the call
had come. The answer was plaza Then
he called police headquarters and got Lieu
tenant Funston, who was in charge of the
detective bureau at night.
THAT you, Bill? This is McClintock,
The Star Say, Bob Ryker's in trouble.
He Just called me up to tell me he couldn't
get home. That, of course, meant he was
somewhere that he couldn't get out Then
he started to give me his number. 1t was
O432: but before he could finish he was
grabbed away. | could hear struggle. The
Exchange is Plaza, I found out. Will you
get couple of your fellows out in a hurry?
They can trace the number. Ryker wouldn't
boiler for help if he didn't need it.
"All right, Mac replied Funston. "I'll
send Fogarty and Hogan
60" exclaimed Chappelle, when they had
~ resumed their seats, "that's the way you
repay my kindness, is it? You tried to
squeal. after all? That1l be about all for
you, young mani"
Apparently, Ryker, on his own account.
was furiously angry. kindness" he re-
torted with sneer. "You are simply luna
tic. There's no other explanation. You
permit me to phone to my wife, and before
l can tell her anything you yank me away.
Now she'll be worse than ever. What the
deuce did you get SO maniacal about"
what did you mean by giving this num-
ber?"
1.-THE girl asked for it-lost the connection,
l guess. Didn't that ever happen to YOU
But | didn't give it anyway You slammed
into me before had chance"
In the circumstances he was gratihed that
he had accomplished as much; but he had
little hope. He was not sure it was McClin-
took at the other end of the wire, and, if it
no bod no ri oh,