The Washington herald., 1915-07-04
-=By=
Thomas Addison

This. l trust. finishes the affair" OBJ
served his lordship peevishly. passing
back to Charley the pen and the note.
I'm dashed if you wouldn't think We
were buyinA> the Bank of England
Charley started suddenly.
Was that some one at the door,
Percy?" he asked in voice inordinately
loud.
As II in prearranged response, the door
was thrust open. and a young man OF
slight build, but with a bold blue eye.
strolled in.
Hello. sport" he accosted Mr.. Carter.
and slapped him on the back. Thought
I'd drop in and feel your pulse. What
are you doing with that bunch of kale-
dealing faro? Hey, there. Skeeters.
playing capper?"
Lynham focused his glass on the loud
young man and stared. Charley Oade
apologies for the intrusion
Friend of mine he said. Teddy
Ball"
He let the introduction rest there, but
MIR. Ball was not at all unhinged by this
omission. He bowed with easy grace. and
inquired genialiy:
What's the game? Cutting a melon"
Buying a picture" answered Charley.
"A Tishyan. Four hundred years old.
In that chair. Have a look"
Pom my word. Carter. this is going a
little far" spoke up Lord Lynham with
pronounced irritation. Il would suggest
that YOUR friend retire until we conclude
our business. In short-er-I must re-
quest it.
"Oh. don't mind me-" said Mr.. Ball
pleasantly. And besides. I've nowhere
to go. So this is the Titan. eh? What's
the purse it's hung up for?'
brpdrad opd Al
lars" Mr.. Carter informed him. Dirt
cheap
"One hundred and WHAT" quizzed Mr.
Ball jocosely. Why say. Charley. can
buy this sort down in Grand street by the
dozen at twenty dollars apiece-frams
and all. Quit your kidding
For ten seconds the silence in the room
was so acute that one could have heard
through it spider spin his web. Then
IT was broken by a cackle from Mr.
Teeters.
Turn over. Teddy he hooted. You're
talking in your sleep"
But Lord Lynham was not in jesting
mood. He arose to his feet, elegant and
naughty.
who is this beastIy bounder?'' he de-
manded sternly of Mr.. Carter. III he in
tends his remark as a joke it is Ill
timed, and 1-eh-resent it,
ne HopOuy III PARTICULAR. Teplleu
Charley evenly. "Only Teddy Ball
Sporting editor of the Scream"
Mrs. Kingsley paled. and her daugh-
ter's red lips frightened. Lord Lynham's
monocle clattered down on his vest.
Sporting editor?" he sneered. Nat
urally he knows a Titan when he sees
it-naturally!'
"A Titan. is it?' Knocked Mr.. Ball
He seized the painting. whirled it
pine-board backing. 1t splintered. and
he ripped the pieces off until the canvas
was revealed.
"A Titan. hey?" repeated Mr.. Ball.
Look at this He pointed to a purple
brand imprinted on the cheap cloth-and
he had taken a long chance on finding
it on this particular cut from the bolt.
Gainesville Cotton Mills" he read
out. Huh, Maybe I don't know a
Titan when l see 1t, but I've got a
hunch that old guy never bought his
ago."
"Gollamighty,' croaked Mr.. Teeters.
and slumped down in his chair.
Harry. it's a plant,''/ shrilled Miss
Vera Kingsley, her aquamarine eyes
flashing fire.
Pass that money back" hissed Lyn-
ham. jumping for Mr.. Carter
Charley sidestepped him. The banknotes
were in his pocket. and mis- coat was but
toned over them.
Don't make Inc hit YOU, Harry" he
begged. I've rather liked you. and I'd
hate to muss you up. 1t was a gamble
whether you'd get my money or I'd get
yours. You started 1t. Take your medi-
cine"
Lord Lynham's hand shot back to his
hip pocket, but Mr.. Ball was a bit ahead
Of him. He poked an automatic at his
lordship. and remarked airily:
NO use. old top. I'll make sieve look
as solid as a dinner plate compared to
the way you'll look If you're hunting
trouble. Why. London Harry 1 knew
It was you the minute Charley told me
this morning what was doing. There's
a finish to your work that puts the other
con men in the raw-material class.
And by the way. dear old chap, the
house detective is standing at the door.
Which would you prefer--to walk out
quietly. for the ladies' sake or all of
you take ride down to Mulberry street?
The ride would make better reading for
the Scream, but Charley seems to lean
to the walkout What do you say"
London Harry. being a philosopher ac-
cepted the situation without parley.
Thanks, my good fellow" he drawled.
to his character. Mr.. Car
ter's way is less conspicuous and on the
whole more agreeable. l fancy
Possibly Mr.. Carter will permit us to
take our leave at once?" hinted Miss
Kingsley. And she smiled on Charley
with the sweetness of n werwolf barring
It's fangs.
Sure" said Charley cordially. Sorry.
though. you won't stay to lunch. Some
,ther time perhaps-at Tortoni's.'
"Or elsewhere" the girl rejoined, with
4 slow nodding of her handsome head
hey meet again.
But he only laughed. and going to the
1oor drew 1t OPEN
It's all right, Tom" he assured the
nan outside. Nothing doing" He turn
ed to Lynham as the detective moved
away. BY George, Didn't We nave a
bet up. Harry? You said you'd buy the
oicture-a hundred even? Sure you did.
And you're going to do it, Can't dis
appoint the ladies'. Wait a minute. I'll
tx it." He lattened Lynham's prom
ssory note against the wall and indorsed
I. There you are. Mrs. Kingsley" he
:ried. forcing the paper into the lady's
hand. Payable to your order
Good as gold. You said 1t was; and II
'ays for the Tishyan. I'll send 1t around
% you, Harry. You can mail me your
heck for the hundred Any old time.
luck-and regards to Mr.
Charley stepped back into the room
With Mr.. Ball. Mr.. Teeters still sat
dumped in his chair like a bag of wet
'awdust.-
"Come-On. wouldn't "a believed IT,"
le lamented in q hollow voice.