The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1914-12-31

dred or a long time under cover, II
/ our friend Braine learned that Russia
/ was now taking an active interest in
the doings of the Black Hundred. And
eventually all our work would have
to be done over again"
"Ahi"
"You look a tft mussed up. Any.
thing happened?" asked the keen-eyed
butler.
Nothing much. made a cigarette
out of the letter and smoked it"
Jones chuckled. T see that you
have had an adventure of some sort;
but 1t can wait"
TT can"
Because 1 want you to pack off to
Washington"
Washington"
Yes. | want you to interview
those officials who are most familiar
with the extradition laws"
"A new kink?"
What | wish to learn is this: Can
a man, formerly undesirable, take out
naturalization papers and hold to the
protection of the United States gov
ernment? That is to say, a poisoner,
menaced by Siberia, becomes an Am
erican citizen. He is abducted and
carried back to Russia. Could he look
to this government for protection?
That is what want you to find out"
That will be easy. When shall l
start?"
"As soon as you can pack your
grip"
That's always packed" replied the
reporter. you see, I'm eternally
shunted hither and yon, at a moments
notice, 80 l always have an extra grip
packed for quick travel"
The Russian agent wants Braine,
Vroon, and the countess; and tonight
I'm going to try to point them out to
him. 1t would satisfy me more than
anything l know to eliminate this
precious trio in Russian fashion. It's
thorough; and once accomplished,
good-day to the Black Hundred in Am
erica The organization in Russia
has still some political significance,
but on this side of the water it is
merely an aggregation of merciless
thugs"
"Ill take the first train out. But
you will tell Florence?"
Surely"
And take care OF your own heels.
You were watched at the hotel"
1 know it; but the watcher could |
learn nothing, Henri Servan as a name |
VIII suggest nothing to the fool who |
followed me. Besides, we both knew |
that he was trying to peek through |
the keyhole. That hotel, you know, |
still retains the old-fashioned key.
holes"
To keep the maids in good humor,
suppose" laughed Jim. well, must
De on my way to make that flyer"
The two shook hands and Jim hur-
ried off. The butler watched him till
ne disappeared down the subway.
He's a good lad he murmured,
and a brave lad; and money Is only
an incident in human affairs after all.
I'll be a good angel and let the two
De happy, since they love each other
ind have proved 1t in a thousand
ways"
Meanwhile the Russian agent settled
iown before his writing portfolio; and
'nce or twice as he wrote he thought
lie heard a sound outside the door.
No doubt this butler of Hargreave's
lad been watched and followed. By
md by he rose, drew his revolver, and
iptoed to the door obliquely so that
he watcher outside might not become
ware of his approach Swiftly he
wung back the door and the member
4 the Black Hundred stumbled into
he room. Almost instantly the Rus
ian caught him by the collar and
eld him up.
What were you doing outside MY
1oor?"
The man did not answer He was
irying to collect his thoughts.
"A spy of some sort, eh?"
I'm a detective" said the man
lnally, thinking he saw his way clear.
And what did you expect to learn
" looking through the keyhole of my
Ioor?"
Servan laughed. Show me your
'adge of authority"
The man fumbled In his upper
ocket, hoping against hope that the
nuzzle of the revolver would waver
You're an ordinary thief" declared
he Russian; "and as such / shall
instantly hand you over to the hotel
uthorities unless you tell me exactly
Tho and what you are" il
The man remained dumb. He hung
etween the devil and the deep sea.
he told the truth the organization
'ould soon learn the truth; If he kept
till he would be lodged in Jail, per- {
APPS indefinitely, for he hadn't a saw I
ry police record. Presently his
erve gave way in face of the steady
ye and hand, and he confessed the {
ny and wherefore he had sought the {
eyhole of Servan's room.
I'VE are after this butler. Where
yer he goes we follow" {
well, you've wasted your time, my