Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-26
SUNDAY MAGAZINE FOR JANUARY g. 1918

ing of the he had been nvountariy studying
face he encountered. 1t not until he had met
this that some subconscious thing had told him.
That explained the mysterious attraction He sat down.
and his mind began to work like machine. He recalled
the words of the description, which he had committed to
memory-thirtyfive years old. medium height, slender
build clean shaved, brown hair and eyes Certainly
they fitted the the table, though they
might well have fitted any of thousand other
men. Moreover, the mans talk, almost confession,
and his action, supplied the rest But what
could be his purpose? Ryker that Chappele
did not really know him. And yet why was he doing
this?
The shock of surprise the unexpected sight of the
weapon passed instant. Then he quite calm,
and he laughed little as he answered, Put that toy
away. 1t might not be loaded, in which event should
probably be killed. can stand for almost anything but
death. That, you know, is incurable.'
"Let you, then said the other, catching
the mood at is fully loaded"
well then, perhaps you will be good enough to en-
tighten to this extraordinary conduct" His feel
ing now of mystification. He could not decide
whether the man was insane or criminal who thought
himself desperate situation. In either his
position difficult and while he talked, sparrng for
wind it were every brain cell pounding in the
effort to find way out
MEANTIME Chappelle was saying, al don't thnkt's
AvA necessary; but rather like you and you might be
interested to know that instead of trailing me for
the last month more have been trailing you. My
dear boy, it very slick of the Muberryst. bunch
to put kid on this job whom they thought didn't
know. But 1t d1dn take me long to get wise, eSpe-
cialy as | had you with them so often
"Oh' exclaimed Ryker, genuinely surprised. "You
take me for Central Office detective? That's excel
lent! But, it happens, | am not. | am merely
humble citizen. At the time, while haven't the
remoes notion who the bazes you still feel
constrained surrender yourself for crime shall
feel it my duty to hand you the police If your
purpose is robbery, go ahead but you that you
won't find much. l shall enjoy that too, kind of
highway robbery de luxe,-invtng to his apart
mens in order to frisll him.
I am not aft laughed Chan
pele. 81 have plenty However, we will have a look
for possible instruments of violence"
Still keeping his prisoner covered with the weapon,
he edged round the table and searched Rker Finding
nothing he backed to his chair with rather perplexed
look. "You are engaging youth, he said affably;
"but l confess l don't understand your methods. In
the first place. what induced chap of your mental
equipment to choose such degraded caing?'
II might ask you the question, retorted Ryker.
seven though might be argued that the protection of
society through the apprehension of criminals is
worthy occupation"
well then why did you nger so long this job?
l suppose you waiting for some missing link of
evidence, Ell? Well, anticipated yOu and instead OF
allowing you to take in custody you what has
such good friends, that have decided to quit.
have about worked out my string here. Naturally,
did intend to be interrupted at the last moment by
the annoyance of arrest. That's why invited you
here. | have proposition to make"
"Since it is obvious that you have at disadvan-
tage, replied Ryker who was beginning to enjoy the
situation 81 suppose you'd better make it. Only beg
you to be more lucid"
at is very simple | am leaving the country tomor-
row. It's getting too warm for me; so I'm going
go unhindered That cannot be done until you
disposed of. Therefore must request you to remain
my guest up the my ship sails, when YOU
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