The Spectator., 1915-01-08
CHAPTER XVII.
Plots.

Plots.
 Now on the evening of that day upon which Pedro first learned of Hills disappearance, and shutting the studio door behind him, sallied forth in the wake of the anxious Guneviere, the ground floor of the Muldoon place house served to stage curious scene. It was past eight o'clock when the | first actor appeared, and, entering the large, old-fashioned parlor. proceeded to light the lamp upon the center table. It was Rowe, or Ricardo Val dez himself, and the anxious manner in which he glanced at the clock be- trayed the fact that he was expecting the arrival of some one. After he had settled the light to his satisfaction he went to a small safe that occupied one corner of the room, and taking key from his watchchain, worked the com bination, and presently swung open the heavy door.
 He knelt before the open safe, and extracting a little packet of official looking documents, proceeded to com pare one of them with another which he took from his breast pocket. The l comparison seemed to satisfy him, for presently he put all back in their pigeonhole including that which he i had been carrying, and then looked at the clock again. It still wanted moment or two to the hour of his ap- pointment, and he utilized these to l place in security a considerable sum | of money in bank notes. Then the l doorbell tinkled, and, hastily locking 1 the safe, he arose to answer the sum- mons.
 l The man who stood, hat in hand, at the entrance was none other than he who in disguise of wayfarer, had at | tempted to rob Iris on the lonely road that autumn day, long past. Now he was shaved, garbed in the inconspicu- ous clothing of responsibility, and it would have taken a second glance to tell the chance observer that the face was untrustworthy. Rowe made a welcoming gesture, and the man stepped in. laying aside his outer gar ments.
 q am the first, I see," said he in the same language. Why do we meet here? Is it safe?"
 Hill may be missed" explained Rowe, "and we are certainly being watched. Consequently this place is safer than any other. To all appear ances it will merely be an evening party. Any news?"
 Yes" said the other, q have some thing for you"
 Give it to me before the others come" said Rowe nervously. Tt is from Venezuela, of course"
 Certainly" said the other, "and fortunate it is for you, my friend, that l am in the employ of the post office of the United States Otherwise it is scarcely likely that the millionaire as- phalt contractors greetings from the Venezuelan government would come into your hands"
 You are well paid" retorted Rowe, "and in the future you shall be paid even better, but of that later. Let me see what they say. Of late it has been very difficult to alter the communica- tions in such way as to render them sufficiently antipathetic. They are growing rather friendly toward him, and on several occasions I have been obliged to suppress letters entirely. That one which you allowed to reach him was nearly fatal to our plans"
 But you repaired the damage!"
 With infinite risk and pains!" re- torted Rowe. Although have opened and altered so many epistles both of his and theirs and have become pretty expert. You must remember that the man we are dealing with at this end, at least, is no fool"
 "Yes, Vanderpool is no fool!" agreed the man.
 Hush! No names. beg!" warned Rowe, "and lower your voice, my friend" Then he continued in a more ! composed tone. Tt is essential that | he should go on believing that we are necessary to his success. Once he dis covered that the Venezuela secretary of commerce would be willing to treat | with him direct. we should lose our hold upon him, and, with him, our chances of improving our fortunes! | But come. let us see your latest find!"
 The man fished for moment in the | inside pocket of his coat. and then