The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-02-17
CHAPTER XIII.
A Sporting Offer.

oP0VSuuU OU0Vs
Some two hours later, that same
evening, Mr.. Alan Law. very much
alive and, in spite Of q complete new
outfit Of ready-made clothing, looking
much more like himself than he had
in . fortnight, issued forth from the
Grand Central station, hailed q taxi.
cab, and had himself conveyed to the
Hotel Monolith.
But II he looked his proper self once
more. 1t speedily was demonstrated
that his wish was otherwise: for after
learning from the room-clerk Of the
Monolith that . suite was being held
in the name of Arthur Lawrence, that
was the name Mr.. Law inscribed ON
the register.
On the other hand, 1t was his true
name that he gave to the person whom
he called upon the telephone immedi.
ately after being shown to his rooms.
But then he was speaking to his old
friend and man Of business, Mr.. Digby.
Within another ton minutes this last
was in conference with his employer:
IT think you must be out Of your
head" he insisted nervously, once
their first greetings were over. you
might just as sensibly throw yourself
from the top of the Metropolitan tower
a. come to New York while Trine lives
and knows you're this side the water. -
"Nonsense!" Alan laughed. "Remem-
Der this is New York-not the back
woods Of Maine!"
Alan paused and smote his palm
with q remorseful flst by the Eter-
nal. I'm forgetting Barcus!"
! "Barcus3"
. "Chap whose boat l chartered in
Portland-sheer luck on my part: he's
one Of the salt Of the arth. First,
something must be done for the boy.
You've got influence of some sort In
; New Bedford. surely!"
Disby reflected: Some. There's
i George Blaine. Justice Of the peace"
"The very man. Telegraph him in
Barcus' interests Immediately. And
telegraph Barcus - well-send him
q hundred for expenses. and tell him
to Join me here in New York ~ quick
~ he cant"
"Your friends address," Digby In.
quired, mildly ironic as he sat down
at the desk and fumbled with the sup
ply Of stationery.
New Bedford Jail, of counsel" Alan
chuckled-but cut his laugh In two "a
something huttered from the pack OF
envelopes which Digby had disturbed
and fell to the floor between the two
men.
Face up. 1t grinned sardonic mock
cry of Alan's confidence: It was . trey
Of hearts.
With An ashen face and . trembling
hand, Digby stopped to pick the
damned thing up; but Alan was be
foSehand with him. and got his fingers
first upon the card.
Nov will you believer" Digby de
manded huskily.
"In what? A simple coincidence! ?
Alan houted. Not I! Who knows In
In New York-or that the Arthur Law
renee for whom your agent engaged
these rooms was Alan Law. No, my
friend: it's . bit too thick for me. TAX,
my word for 1t, this IL nothing NOR,
nor less than a souvenir of a poker
party held by yesterdays tenant o
this suite"
'Perhaps-perhaps!" Disby assent
ed. stroking tremulous lips. But In
afraid for you. my boy. Who know
that Trine's spies were not watching
my man when he made this reservs
ton! Who knows but that Arthu
lawrence was too thin = disguise 70
Alan Lawf l tell you. I'm frishtene
to the marrow Of my old bones! D
me this favor at least. my boy: NO,
that you've been warned, whether b
, accident or design-we won't argu
|, that--do leave town-go incognito :
some quiet place near by and wal