The Spectator., 1915-01-01

| Oi op'hCy JoC
 "Good!" said Pedro promptly, hus- tling them out before Pell could reach them. This escape did not, however. prevent the morning papers from bear ing an account of how Signor E. c. Pedro, the noted Spanish painter, went stunning in disguise
 It was to the little unnamed wine cellar known as "Spikey Joes" that the rescue party went next. Here the very scum of the docks was gathered, and the women were of a kind one never sees by daylight There were thieves and pickpockets, dancing and amusing themselves just as though they were human; and sicklyfaced young men whose profession is un- namable; a terrible group of weary young people, calloused, yet sensation hungry. The three companions had scarcely entered before 1t became evi- dent that here at least was a place in which Hill had been, for girl with flaming cheeks and an unbelievable coiffure turned and pointed to the bear, with scream.
 lheic d lSuuy, Suc Sdlltu out, "a cute little Teddy-bear. just like the other guy had.
 Dancing bear must be - of swell business!" she remarked You've got the coin, ain't you, sweet heart?" and she stretched out her hand to touch his face.
 Pedro had her glass refilled. | ok foI low" he suggested. I'd like to know who my rival is.'
 Sure, Cutie, I'll tell you," she smiled. But all she had to say was that a nice. fresh feller (presumably HilD had been there three days ago, had made his bear perform, got no money for 1t, and had gone away peaceably. When it was clear that neither she nor anyone else there could give him any further informa- tion, Pedro arose and signaled the oth- CTS to do likewise
 Now 1t happened that they soon came upon portion of the one-sided street where the walk had been torn up, and perforce they had to cross the cobblestones beside the water. Here were some covered piers, and beside one of them Pedro stopped the trio that he might light a cigarette. Beau Jean followed suit, and Lovejoy, say ing that he had promised Lola not to smoke, shook his head, and stood look ing up at the semicircular sign above the dock entrance.
 
 pany."
 He spelled it aloud slowly.
 A strange expression crept over Pc dro's face as he listened.
 Let us look at the boat that goes to that glorious country!" he said i'm pulsively. And they began moving toward the ill-lit entrance The gates were open, and in the dim light some men were working about the hold As they approached they saw that small corrugated iron house, story and a half in height, was damned up against the dock; the watchman's dwelling, perhaps, or the company's offices.
 What the devil do you want to go nosing around here for?" complained Lovejoy. "The cold is something fierce!"
 Just a moment," pleaded Pedro. q love that country so-Venezuela!"
 What's he up to?'' Lovejoy whis- pered to the giant. But before Beau Jean could reply lot of things began to happen.
 In the absorption of the moment Pe- l hoA ell hA1 Mr Jones chain, and the bear, giving a sudden tug, found himself free. and bounded off toward the little corru- gated iron house. some twenty feet away, and at once began scratching frantically upon the door that opened upon its porch. Instantly the three men ran after him.
 Come here, you bear!" yelled Love joy.
 Don't. Let him alone!" cried Pe- dro. What on earth could the crea- tures action mean? Then knowledge came to him in flash, and running to the door at which Mir. Jones was now sniffing and giving little growls of joy, he put his ear to the panel. Holding up hand which warned the others to silence. he spoke in a distinct but quiet voice.
 Are you there, Sam Hill?"
 After a breathless pause, as if of unbelief on the part of the occupant of the room beyond, came the answer: Yes; who are you?"
 Pedro" was the reply. Are you prisoner?"
 "Yes!" said the voice of Hill. Good heavens! how did you come to find" The rest of the sentence was lost in a shout for help from Lovejoy; there was a sudden sound of scuffling, and Pedro. turning to his aid. was met by blow on the head from a burly fist CHAPTER XIV.