Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-17

OBTAINING him at the door by a touch on
the arm. "whistl"
I'm whstllng," craig responded.
What's the excitement. Mixer
Excitement enough, sor." replied Mike,
revellng in the sensation he was about
to spring.
He thrust his hands into both pockets
and drew out two fat rolls of one-dolar
bills.
- touched cm for hundred" he
boosted
Whom do YOU mean?"
Them brbe.s, them corrupters, dye
mind! The fellers who were snoopin
around here the other day. tryln' for TO
make me betray YOU. Well you're be-
trayed, by this token" and he patted the
rolls anectionately. Say. Mr., Ruther-
ford he continued. his eyes shining.
suppose we divide UP even. You take
twenty-five and I'll take what's left"
rutherford had no time to comment
upon the mathematics, for at this mo-
mcnt strange eound came from the
rear room
what's that he demanded
Whist, yer honor! It's them! / got
th~lr money-and I got them. too"
where asked Craig I'm a BREATH the
spirit Of the adventure scizing him.
His man was no less eager.
In the room with your private safe,
like yc told me to, Eor!'
Craig loofed at him with undisguisod
approval
Lead on, Monsieur Goulet!" he ordered.
But Rutherford followed only n few
Sips, He changed his course suddenly,
and went to cabinet whence he armed
himself with a hammcrlcss rev Oliver. Then
he knocked over uple Of heavy chairs
violently. and with a swift tug tore tho
collar clear off the shirt of the astonished
Mike
You would. would YOU" he shouted
Unlock that door and be quick about
it."
Mike gave him second look. this time
OF understanding, then fumblcd clumslly
with the lock on the inner door. lie was
crestfallen. covering creature to behold
when he stuck his head into tho room be-
yoHd, and muttered
We're caught. fehcrs ft's the boss,
and he's got the drop on u.s.
The boss promptly strodc into tho inner
room his weapon very much IN evidence.
Hands up" hn commanded crisply
Two men who had been ltneeing by the
safe leaped to their feet. with hands
raised obediently. They looked into the
barrel of business-ike revolver. and
past that into the steady eyes OF the
man who held IT,.
RutIertord gave quiet glance Mt the
litter In front of the safe Piles of can
celed checks, account books. wallets and
safe deposit boxes were scattered about
The formidable looking safe had held
little OF value during his two years ab-
sence abroad. and only he himself knew
how unnportant were the papers and
objects through which the two men had
been laborously looking
You rascal" shouted Craig at his
their guns. or I'll shoot you!"
Mike Sided fearfully toward the two
men, always with one eye on that steady
revolver. and thrust hand into each
hip pocket. Then he backed away, in
possession oc the opposing weapons.
Put them here at my fcet! directed
Craig.
Cooley meekly oheYed
NOW what are you doing herc?" Craig
asked. looking at his captives.
Dimdently, as II afraid to breathe for
their lives. the two men silently folded
back the lapels of their coats, and
brought 10 view two shining shields.
"Ah!' said Craid with studied surprise.
~ think | have seen those decorations
before. They are supposed to be-um-
secret-service badges, / believe. Right"
The men nodded, somewhat reassured
that he had not already blown their heads
off. Inded. now that their authority
semed recognized. they began to take
on more self-assertion.
"I suppose you lave been searching my
safe for smuEgled jewels" said Ciaig,
dryly.
Sorry, sir" the stocky man spoke up;
but duty is duty"
He made a slight move as though he
would recover his weapons.
"Stop' ordered Craig; "or | won't
be responsible for the consequences, These
hammerless guns are mighty quick on the
trigger, at times. Now. your notions OF
duty and mine don't agree. They haven't,
for some time, as / believe | remarked
the other day, over in 10th street. Still.
think | may be able to render the
Government a service"
With two swift thrusts of his feet he
sent the two weapons lying on the floor
spinning into the adjoining room.
Cooley, lock that doOrw he com
mdnded
Mike again obeyed trcmblinsly.
CONTINUED TOMORROW