The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-05-19
CHAPTER XII.
"ThIs house is watohedI"


 was somewhat tumu1tuous,
 Gage burst into the room chat tering incoherently like a monkey. He was followed by a thick set. coarse young man, very much the worse for Greenwich village whisky,
 Mrs Martin and KreisIer eyed them cOldly, unmoved until Gage managed to sputter out:
 EThis house is watchedi"
 ''Friedrich!'' gasped Mrs. Martin. At the word her constant fears became fulfilled prophecies of evil. But Kreis- ler's pale gray face remained calm.
 ''Nonsense!' he said doubtingly
 Gage, without waiting for comments. began feverishly opening secret caches and packing his belongings in a suit case Skidd 1urched forward against the table and brought down his fist with a crash that spattered acid about Don't you?" he demanded, drunken ly. 'FWeI, do you believe I'm drunk?'' The Germans disgusted grovl was sufficient answer.
 well" went on Skidd, they didn't get me so drunk I couldn't keep my eyes on them.''
 He dropped into a chair, grumb1ing def1antly Mrs. Martin approached him tremulously.
 What is 1t? What has happened?''
 Some one's on to us,'' snapped Gage without turning his head. Skidd way ed his hand for silence and told his story with the exaggerated impressive ness of the importantly drunk. But it was none the less alarming.
 "A wise young guy tried to warm up to me in 8 saIoon.'' he said, while X S-A@ oIr Iy, land I couldn't get him drunk. And, believe me. there's something do- ing when I can't get man drunk.
 And there's a new newsboy over on the corner. That's dern funny. now, afn't tt?" without the slightest hurry or expression of alarm Kreisler began packing his things away in their hid ing places. And Skidd. proud of the impression he had made, continued:
 "And what want to know is, Are they after us or are they after that new skirt you've got in here? Who is sheY' he demanded, glaring at Mrs. Martin Whats she wanted for?''
 She's all right. Skidd." Mrs. Martin assured him. watching Kreisler at his swift and silent work. 'tShe's not wanted for anything. I know all about her''
 well, what's she so-so mysteri- ous about herself for?'' demanded Skidd. What do you want to keep her shut up in that room for all the time? I may be drunk. but ain't so drunk I can't be suspicious want to see that grip
 '4That is impossible,' declared Mrs. Martin firmly
 Gage stepped forward and took the drunken mans arm.
 ''You better go down and hit the hay. Bill,'' he suggested. Skidd, blink ing at him ahectionately, instantly turned from his former design.
 "D'you think I better, Simmy?' he Inquired.
 Without answering him Gage pushed him out of the door and returned. Kreisler was grumbling savagefy un- der his breath.
 Then Gage declared himself, shifting nervously from one foot to the other as he talked.
 ''WeH, fly this coop in the mornin'," he declared-"early mornin'! We're nothin' but pack of deuces. Skidd pfckIed, your pocket picked and a pet ticoat down in the parlor that you can't get introduced to! Me for Philadel- phiaY'
 Kreisler's lip curled contemptuously.
 tsI would advise then, MT. Gage he began, ''that you take''-
 The door burst open, and Skidd stag gered into the room. All three started at the expression of his round face. The drink had died from his eyes. His skin was pink and white and the whole expression was one of utter terror.
 Mrs Martin he gasped, there's a man-there's a man down therer'
 Before any of the three could recover the power of speech there was sound of quick, firm footsteps and a rustic of skirts, and Kayton strode into the room, followed by Miss Mazuret. The detectives eyes were flashing with an ger as they rested on Skidd. The oth- CTS, save Mrss Martin, he ignored. What do you mean by trying to force your way into this young lady's room?'' he demanded, advancing threat eningly as Skidd retreated before him. ''Adrs. Martin, is this the sort of pro- tection to have in your houseP'
 '"Who is he?'' demanded Sddd of Kreisler. 'eEovv did he get in?" The German swiftly seized him by the arm in a powerful grip that inn posed silence.
 sFMr. Skidd, go to your room," order ed Mrs. Martin severely. She rose to the situation instantly and turned to Kayton with half apologetic manner ''He's been drinking she explained. "Who the devil is hep demanded skidd, but not with his former bellig- erence. He was inwardly completely l covved and frightened.
 s'What business is 1t of yours?" de- manded Mrs. Martin angrily. Are you running this house? Go to your room!'' Gage took his arm and dragged him reluctantly to the door. Skidd still pro- l testing feeblv
 Cro be Continued-)