The Washington herald., 1914-09-27

went on, 'the telephone rang. l an
swered it, and the voice which spoke
70 me was the voice of Mr.. TyrrwelL !
could tell At once from his tone that
something was wrong. He told me
that he w5s down at the cafe over
which the man Grika lives, from whom
he has receirsd Russian lessons, and
there was something going on which
be did not understand
"He was left alone for moment, from
what gathered, and had rushed to a
I telephone in the back room. He seemed
to be afraid that they were going to
keep him there for some purpose. He
begged me to come down at once, but
| TO come quietly. In the middle of the
last sentence the telephone was discon-
! nected."
Disconnected Lord Wimbledon ex-
claimed.
The little man nodded
81 heard Mr.. Tyrrwelis voice sud-
denly choke" he said. what happen
/ ed, without doubt, was that some one
had stolen up from behind and dragged
him away" n
Good God" Lord Wimbledon cried.
What did you dor"
q took an automobile to the place, "
the man replied. Il saw Prof Grika
at once He seemed surprised, but not
I'm the least discomposed, at my visit.
| AS to your son, he assured me that he
had not seen him. for ten days
Il threatened to go 10 the police. l
spoke to him seriously. 1t was useless.
| Grika begged me to take any steps l
| liked, to have the place searched. Meth
er could ] find any telephone upon the
premises. Therefore | came away. /
could think of nothing to do. sent
you the telegram in your sons name"
Lord Wimbledon sprang to his feet.
why didn't you 60 to the police at
once" he exclaimed.
Because if the affair becomes
known" Antin replied, Il presume that
Mr.. Tyrrwell will get into trouble at
the embassy"
IN a sense that is true" Lord VIM
bledon admitted "On the other hand,
my sons personal safety is the chief
concern- What do you think, Mr..
Brooke?"
81 should suggest" Brooke said, that
you allow me to pay visit to Prof.
Grika. 1t can do no harm and will only
delay matters little"
Lord Wimbledon jumped at-the idea.
''I place myself entirely in your
hands, Brooke" he declared. You have
gifts in affairs of this sort which have
been denied to me. We will await your
return"
Better go to Warren's rooms, |
think" Brooke advised. Get back
there as quickly as you can, and wait
for me. Now write down this man
Grika's address, if you please" he
added, turning to Antin.
| The little man tore off piece from
the menu and obeyed. Brooke turned
TO Lord Wimbledon, lowering his voice
a little
'If | were YOU" he said, 81 should get
back to Warren's rooms as quickly as
you can, and take this man with you"
Even the driver of the automobile
hesitated when Brooke directed him to
drive to So Rue de Mont Bleu.
1T is far, monsieur" he objected.
@and the roads are very narrow and
difficult"
You will do So" Brooke assured
him cheerfully, and you will receive
for pourboire another OF these when
our errand is accomplished"
The man pocketed the hve-franc
piece and mounted little reluctantly
to his box. Even though he drove with
the customary recklessness of his class,
they reached safely in time the district
they sought
Here their progress became slow. The
streets were i'll lit, the men and women
had little OF the air of French people.
There was another turn, long and
silent boulevard filled with decaying
houses. a steep climb, and another mar
row street. At a cafe half way along
it the automobile came to a standstill.
"Voila, monsieur" the man an
nounced.
You can wait" Brooke ordered.
Brooke stepped through the swing
door into the cafe. The place had none
of the characteristics Of similar eSt76-
lishments on the other side of the city.
The illuminations were dim and scanty.
the sawdust on the floor was stale, the
few customers were gathered together
at table in remote corner, intent on
watching a game of dominoes.
They turned their heads at Brooke 5
entrance and stared with something in
their faces which reminded one of hun
CRY vermin
Brooke addressed himself to a lady
of great size who stood behind the
counter. She had very fat cheeks and
small black eyes She looked at him
with the palms OF her two hands
stretched fat upon the counter.
Brooke. carefully dressed notwith-
standing his journey, his smooth, boy
ish face unwrinkled, his mouth still a
trifle open, his monocle in his left eye,
was a type of person of whom madame
had had no experience. As she stud
led him the many wrinkles in her face
relaxed Her lips parted a little and
disclosed her yellow teeth.
Il understand" Brooke said, that
Prof. Grika lives here and that he
gives lessons in Russian. should like
to see him"
Prof Grika has gone into the coun-
try for three days." madame declared.
He is not TO be found here
Brooke hesitated for a moment With
out turning his head, he was yet aware
that the little group of men in the cor
ner had suspended their game. Their
faces were turned toward him. They
were all listening
1T is unfortunate" he continued, as
have come so far. Is it possible, may
ask, that you give me the address of
Prof Grika :"