The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-12-08

E1TfHATEvER misgivings Matt may EMt have had as to their real desti- nation were set at rest by the
 cIang of a locomotive bell and the noise of heavy freight cars being moved and shunted. What was there to fear with such men all about them, busily watchfuI, and likely at any time to dart up from the unlikelest places? Nor was there anything alarm ing in the sight of the side tracked car.
 Mir Kay begged Matt to wait at the steps while he went inside to announce their arrival. It was a good ten min utes before he returned, and then, in a state of such discomposure that Matt knew not what to make of it Rasping out something that meant to follow him, he turned again, apparently con fdent that Matt would obey. Matt found himself in narrow passage, bordered on one hand by a row of staterooms that ran half the length of the car The door of every one was closed, and the passage itself ended in darkness In imagination he saw crouching figures behind their doors hushed and stealthy figures, mutely signaling from room to room, and ready to leap forth as soon as he was we'll within their power. MT Kay paused at the last door, opened it and beckoned Matt within It was an or lfnary Pullman stateroom and bore no sign of any recent occupancy. There was no break in the serried white tow els overhead. The racks were empty, and the pegs supported nothing, but the fact that the blinds were drawn struck oddly on Matt's attention.
 He seated himself and watched MT. Kay drawing the baize curtain across the open doorway That the latter did not shut the door, but was taking par ticuIar pains with the curtain, increas- ed Matt's uneasiness. The action was significant and again suggestive of stealth and mystery Even after he had settled himself opposite Matt MT. Kay had to jump up once more and again adjust the curtain. as though his previous efforts had left him disSatis- fed
 Now, tell us what you want,' he said in a voice that shook a little. "Ask [ for the moon-anything-an we'll get it for you
 .'In return for something I haven't eotE' inquired Matt Cant you get 1t into your head once and for all that l don't know the man you're after?''
 -sBroughton. that isn't true-'
 ''Oh. yes, it is.''
 You positively refuse $1oo,oO0 for this informationT'
 --I tell you once more haven't got it"
 But offered you s1ooOoo and you refused it7''
 Yes"
 A rustic of the green bafze made Matt feel that the question was less for MT Rays benefit than that of some hidden person The sensation was agreeable. He would have given a great deal at that moment to have had a loaded revolver in his pock- ct. Mir Rays III concealed agitation and his almost terrified glances at the curtain were disconcerting, to say the least of it.
 .ewould it help at alI,' continued the latter. '-or give us a possible basis for agreement If I could prove to you that <ou do know the gentleman we are eesk1ngT
 'fFrt you cou1dn'tr' cried Matt.
 ooh. yes" said MT. Kay. producing something from his pocket. Look at this. for instance"
 Matt. in utter astonishment, gazed at fhe ring lying in MT. Kay's palm. With a cry. he picked it up and examined it. It was John Mort's ring-the ring those rascaIIy jewellers had flched from him. What do you say to that?'' asked MT. Kay, gently, but firmly regaining possession of the ring and slipping it over his little finger.
 sNothing!" exclaimed Matt furiously. STho gave 1t to. you7'