The Washington herald., 1914-08-16

Now, Jenkins, SAID ne, clear the
decks for action. You stand back of the
door, and hold your tongue, your
breath and your courage The moment
the cadaver comes in close the door
and lock it, wasting neither noise nor
time. I'll take care of Mr.. Valet with
this"
He took a small revolver form his
hip pocket and inspected it closely in the
dim light of the moon
But look here, Billie" said |. 'I hope
you're sure about all this. You know
l don't want to get myself mixed
up"
We'll get out while there's time" re-
torted Rawson. Il shan't really need
you. l thought you'd like to be in at
the death"
"I'n stay to the funeral" l replied,
getting behind the door and leaning
against the wall.
We had not very long to wait-hf-
teen or twenty minutes at the most. At
the expiration of about that time we
heard the soft. stealthy tread of some
body approaching along the corridor,
and in a moment the half-closed door
was pushed wider open and Barlow's
man entered the room. As he came
through the door he reached to the side
Of the door frame and turned the eIc
tric light switch. and then started toward
his bureau As he passed free of the
swing OF the door pushed it gently to,
and, as Rawson had bade me do, locked
it and stood, breathing heavily, with my
back to it. The click of the key in the
lock startled the valet, who turned with
an angrily flashing eye upon me.
What the devil are you doing here?"
he demanded
That's what we've come to ask YOU"
said Rawson. suddenly emerging from
the improvised closet and covering the
valet with his revolver. You looked
50 much like old Tommy Gage that used
to operate on the Long Branch hotels
years ago when they were in the full
tide of their popularity that | thought
Id come up and recall old times"
At the sound of Rawson's voice the
man whirled about to find himself star
ing into the cold muzzle of Rawson's
revolver.
You don't mind, do YOU. Tommy"
said Rawson, with a laugh.
I'D show you damned quick whether
l minded or not" snarled the valet. IF
you weren't two 10 one. Watcha want,
anyhow share?"
Yes" said Rawson
How much" asked the valet coolly.
"All OF it, said Rawson.
You're hell of a professional" said
the valet angrily. Most of us would
be satisfied with a percentage"
Yes. Tommy" said Rawson. But I
don't do things by halves"
"Doncha call me that" snorted the
valet. at amt me name"
Welt was, Tommy. in the good
old days OF Long Branch-Pve mugged
you too many times already in the past
Tommy. to forget that pulcbritudinous
facade OF YOURS" said Rawson "Jen-
kins' he added peremptorily. come
here"
fastened to obey.
Just take this gun" said Rawson,
"and if nv old college chum. Tommy
here shows any fight just let him have
the whole table of contentS-Only don't
you pink me As for you. Tommyboy,"
he added, turning to his captive. Il shall
have to ask You TO lie down on that he'd"
leveled the revolver at the valet as
he hesitated.
"Oh, you needn't shoot" he snar,ed. |
II know when I'm licked. I'll lie down, |
all right. Watcha gOin' 10 do with me-"
I'm going to truss you up, Tommy, |
said Rawson. tearing up a pillowcase,
SOS we can send vou back by parcel |
post to your old home at Sing-Sing-by- |
the-River. Dear old Ossinning! You've |
spent many summers there in the past. |
| believe"
Tommy Gage made no reply, but sui
lenly took his medicine. while Rawson,
true to his promise, bound him hand
and foot with tightly knotted lengths of
sheets and pillowcases.
There" said Rawson, as he tied the
last knot For the safety of the public
we will take you down to my poor but
honest apartment, Tommy, and file you
away for the night. And" he added,
considering the great versatility of your
accomplished pal Mr.. Richard Henry
Barlow. Ma, fancy we'd better
this suitcase along with us"
Rawson picked up a heavy leather
suitcase standing at the back of the
curtained closet.
Here, Jinks," he said to me. You
take the swag, while escort Tommy to
the lower regions, where he belongs"
Rawson seized and threw his astound-
ID victim across his shoulder as handily
As if he had been bag of meal, while
.ook up the suitcase, and, thus burdened,
We made our way down to our rooms
below.
There, Tommy" said Rawson with
l grin, throwing the unhappy valet down
Upon his bed. you go to sleep, and
ion't let anything worry you. I'll guar
lntee that your board and lodging will
De arranged for for the next eight or
en years, anyhow, without its costing
you cent-so let your mind rest easy.
Mr.. Jenkins and will take
IN inventory of your cleanup"
And It was an amazing cleanup. The
suitcase on being opened revealed rich
and marvelously variegated contents
watches, rings, pocketbooks, stick !