The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1915-04-14

any one again Braine gave his or
ders tersely. Unless Norton met with
unforeseen delay, nothing could pre-.
vent his capture.
When Norton arrived at the Hen.
from the veranda that General Hen.
derson was at 40 Elm street for the
evening, and 1t would be wise to call
there. Jim nodded his thanks and set
off in haste for 40 Elm street The
footman did not enter the house, but
hurried down the steps and skunk off
among the adjacent shrubbery. His
mission was over with
The house in Elm street was Braine's
suburban establishment He went
there occasionally TO hibernate, as 1t
were. to grow a new skin when close
pressed The caretaker was a man
rightly called Samson he was a
bruiser of the bouncer type
II was fast work for Braine to get
out there. II the man disguised as
footmsn played his cards badly Braine
would have all his trouble for moth
ing. He disguised himself with that
internal cleverness which had long
since made him terror to the police,
who were looking for ten different
men instead of one He knew that
Norton would understand instantly
that he was not the general; but on
the other hand he would not know
that he was addressing Braine.
SO the arch-conspirator waited and
SO Norton arrived and was ushered
into the room. A single glance was
keen eyed and observant.
81 wish to see General Henderson"
he said politely.
General Henderson is doubtless at
his own house"
"Ah!"
Don't be alarmed - yet" said
Braine smoothly.
81 am not alarmed" replied Norton
81 am only chagrined Since General
Henderson is not to be found here
I must be excused"
Il will excuse you presently"
"Ah! | begin to see"
Indeed Knocked Braine
81 have tumbled or walked into a
trap"
"A keen mind like yours must have
recognized that fact the moment you
discovered ! was not the general"
81 am indebted to the Black Hun
dred?" coolly.
Precisely. We do not wish you ill.,
Mr. Norton"
ITO be sure, MOI" ironically. What
with falling safes, poisoned cigarettes,
and so forth, | can readily see that
you have my welfare at heart What
puzzled me was the suddenness with
which these affectionate signs ceased"
You're man of heart, said Braine
with genuine admiration. These af-
ceased because for the time being you
ceased to be a menace. You have
become that once more, and here you
are!'
And what are you going to do with
me now that you have got me?"
reached into drawer and drew out
a thick roll of bills There are here
something like $4,000"
Quite a tidy sum; enough for a
chap to get married on"
The two eyed each other steadily.
And in his heart Braine sighed. For
he saw in this young mans eyes in
compatibility.
1T is yours on one condition." said
Braine, reaching out his foot stealthily
toward the button which would sum-
mon Samson.
And that u.s." interpolated Norton,
that ! join the Black Hundred"
Or the great beyond, my lad" took
up Braine, his voice crisp and cold.
Norton could not repress a SILVER.
Where had he heard this voice before
Braine! He stiffened.
Murder in cold blood?" he managed
to say.
Indefinite Imprisonment Choose"
81 have chosen"
HIM" Braine rose and went over
to the sideboard for the brandy. I'm
going to offer you drink to show you
that personally there are no hard feel
ings You are in the way After you,
our friend, Jones. This brandy is not
poisoned, neither are the glasses
Choose either and III drink first. We
are all desperate men, Norton; and we
stop at nothing. Your life hangs by
hair. Do you know where Har-
greave is?"
Norton eyed his liquor thoughtfully
DO you know where the money ISL"
Norton smelt of the brandy.
Il am sorry" said Braine. 81 should
have liked to win over a head like
yours"
Norton nonchalantly took out his
watch. and that bit of bravado per-
haps saved his life. In the case of
his watch he saw brutal face behind
him Without a tremor. Norton took
up his glass.
Il am sorry to disappoint you," he
said, but | shall neither Join you nor