The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-12-11

ing him fast. No sooner tfas this done,
and the door shut upon them. than It
was opened again to admit Rowe. who
was followed by a dark little Spaniasd,
presumably one Of the ships officers.
"Sit down." commanded Rowe, lock
Ing the door.
Hill paid no attention, standing
speechless with rage. Rowe drew 10
volver from his hip pocket. pulled mp
an armchair to one side of the table.
and pointed to q second seat, which
was placed opposite. He indicated the
chair with the muxzle of his weapon.
"Sit down." he repeated politely.
Hill sat.
Nov, my dear. mysterious land
lord" began Rowe. Il have at last dis
covered your real trade. / always
thought you were rotten painter. but
never dreamed that you were q de-
tective-a spy!"
But I'm not!" exploded Hill. vainly
endeavoring to appear calm. Let me
explain. I'm not watching
Pardon met" said Rowe. "Our last
meeting, taken in connection with this
one, explains the situation far more
fully than any words of yours are like
ly to do. You are a government spy.
and suppose you are chortling at hav.
ing caught us with the goods as you
Americans say
II haven't caught you at anything.
so far as know, except striking tot
tering old woman!" responded Hill.
And, by God! I'm going to make you
smart for that! As for being a secret
service man-you are all wrong.
there!"
"Paugh!" exclaimed Rowe, flushing
angrily, whats the use Of bluffngi
Why don't you make show Of arrest.
ing us?"
Look here!" exclaimed Hill, re-
strained from assaulting the man only
by the sight of the gun that the other
was still caressing. Look here, you
can't keep me like this. you know!
I'm not a detective, and l don't even
know what the devil you are making
all this fuss about"
At this all the other men shouted
with laughter. Rowe leaned over the
table, an evil leer on his cunning face.
mo detective! hal hal" said he.
you don't really expect US to swallow
that, do you? Why, next thing you'll
be telling us that you didn't know II
was contraband to take arms out Of
the country, eh?"
Hill sat back, shocked into momen-
tary silence.
81 did not know It," he said simply.
The quiet that followed these f1vs
clear-cut words was charged with cleo
tricity. Then, Rowe, his face very
white, his eyes fixed upon Hill, rose to
his feet.
"By God! believe you are speaking
the truth" he said at length.
That's one joke on you, Ricardo"
said the little Spanish officer with q
short mirthless laugh.
,"Well, he knows it now, II he didn't
beforel" put in one Of the longshore-
men.
Hill said nothing at all, but sat star
ing at the group In wonderment. What
on earth did It all mean?
That's true. You needn't inform
me Of It," said Rowe bitterly, "and de-
tective or not, he'll inform now II we
let him CO. But he's service man. all
right" he added, his confidence in
himself returning. Wasn't he up at
Mikey's? He'll. something must be
done with him; and something will be
done. never fear! will get the senior
chief, and he shall help US decide the
matter"
The little officer nodded, and Rowe.
slipping out OF the cabin. closed tho
door behind him. In silence they wait-
ed, while thousand conjeotures
whirled through Hills brain. What
had he stumbled upon?
In a moment more, footsteps were
heard outside in the passage. The door
handle grated, and Hill, bracing him
self for whatever was to come, swung
about and found himself face to face
with Iris father, Hon. Reginald Van
derpool-millionaire asphalt king.
CTO BE CONTINUED)