The log cabin Democrat., 1914-12-24

odvanced The hate had left his eyes. for there was no time for hate when henA on business Almost close enough to reach out and rest hand upon Loubeques shoulder he was when he halted. his mouth dropping ,udicrously open. his feet apparently ynmmed to the carpet. his fingers twitcbing uncertainty. his eyes fasten- od in amaze at his own face as 1t starad back at him from the tiny mir TOT.
 As he recovered, his hand darting awiftly toward his pocket. the sinister laughter of his master broke the si. lence.
 Keep the hand in the pocket, Thompson. Keep it there or shall be obliged to shoot and muss the place."
 The butler-thief's upper lip curled back from his teeth, giving him the ex- pression of an angry mongrel dog.
 And you thought to play with me!' Loubeque murmured wonderingly, more to himself than to his captive. "The man who knows me better than pny one else thought to catch LoubeQue sleeping. You dared come near me after the second affair. If but had the time 1 should strangle you with these hands They itch for the feel of your throat once n6re. l have a little favor to ask you"-
 The thief growled something inar- ticulate. and his eyes glittered ven omously as he fastened them upon the toes of his boots.
 Now. Thompson, just step to the telephone and call up the desk down stairs" He made significant little gesture with the revolver in his hand, and the man hurriedly took down the receiver. his face pasty yellow.
 Say there is a hotel sneak thief in Mr. LoubeQue's apartment waiting to be arrested. Mr. Loubeque has no time to make charges now, but will return shortly or meet the procession downstairs"
 The receiver dropped clattering from the thief's hand. Loubeque waved the automatic quietly toward it and, as the pitiful eyes of his former servant met his own. they read no pity there-noth- Ing save cold, vindictive intent. The trembling hand took up the receiver once more and. word for word. trans mitted the message as 1t fell like icy particles from the spy's lips. Then Thompson whirled toward him.
 Turn me over. will you! We'll, listen to what's coming to you when you do 1t. know a thing or two"-
 You know too much," smiled the spy coolly. That is exactly, the, reason I am disposing of'-
 And know about her." The thiefs hand waved toward tho corridor. Maybe l can't tell. . thing or two about you and her. Whats she doing here-what's the reason she got on the Empress and stuck to you ever since"-
 The revolver slapped against the op. posite wall as LoubeQue hurled 1t at the mans head. following 1t with his flying body. his frame crashing the man to the floor. his fingers groping for the vile mouth that spluttered on.
 'T ain't saying as what you and me know-Tm saying as what I can tell and what 4t'll look like. What
 Loubeque turned his head suddenly. his ears fairly peaked with the eager ness of his listening. The rattle of the elevator outside reached his ears. He sprang to his feet. dragging the butler after him.
 "We must get out" he breathed hoarsely. We must away before they come. I'll-I'll kill you-for this"- Swiftly the pair darted through the door and down the hall. Loubeque hurriedly twisted the knob to Lucille's door. It flung open. With a gasping sob of relief he dragged Thompson after him and slapped the door shut. maintaining his hold meantime.
 And that is what you would say would tell?" His voice was not harsh. not even indignant. merely curious.
 That's whatv' Thompson straight ened. a touch of braggadocio about his very figure.
 Slowly. inexorably. the fingers of Hugo LOubeque reached out and grasp ed the mans wrists. Slowly. inexora. ply. he pressed the cold metal of the automatic iron. into the useless palm. Slowly. inexorably. that weapon bear ing hand was lifted. lifted until 1t pressed against the blueing lips of the thief. then stopped. Loubeque's voice was soft. purring. soothing.
 Open the teeth. my old friend open them or I'll knock them out! Put the gun inside your mouth. It's sim