The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-02-11

the door. I thought we'd better not
trust q taxi-might turn over or run
into something. and we can't afford to
take any chances-not this trip. Sim
monds, you go along with Moosseer
Piggott. and put an extra man on the
seat with the driver. Maybe that Cros-
har might try to hold you up"
The same thought was In my own
mind. for Crochard must have learned
OF M. Pigot's arrival; and 1 could
scarcely imagine that he would sit
quietly by and permit the jewels to be
taken away from hlm-to say nothing
OF his chagrin over his unfulfilled
that Grady was wise enough to take
no risk.
You'd better get a receipt" Grady
went on, and arrange that the valise
Is to be delivered only when you and
Moosseer Piggott appear together. That
Will be satisfactory. moosseer?" he
added. turning to the Frenchman.
Entirely so. sir"
Very well, then; I'll see you In the
morning. 1 congratulate you on the
find. 1t was certainly great work"
Il thank you, sir" replied M. Pigot,
gravely. "Au revoir. monsieur" and
with bow to me, he followed Sim
monds into the outer room.
Grady sat down and got out a fresh
cigar.
Well. Mr.. Lester" he said. as he
struck a match. what do you think
or these Frenchmen. anyway
They're marvellous" / said. Even
yet l can't understand how he knew
so much"
Maybe he was just guessing at some
or It.. Grady suggested.
thought or that; but I don't be-
lieve anybody could guess so accur-
ately: For instance. how did he know
about those letters?"
Fact is" broke in Grady. that's the
nrst Ia heard Of 'em. What is that
told him the story briefly, care
fully suppressing everything which
would give him q clue to the identity
Of the yelled lady.
There were certain details" added.
which l supposed were known to no
one except myself and two other persons
and Yet Nd. P1got knew them. Then
again. how did he know 80 certainly
Just how the mechanism worked? How
did he know which roll of cotton con-
tanned that Mazarin diamond? You will
remember he told US what was In that
roll before he opened It,"
Grady smiled good naturally and a
little patronizingly.
That was the last roll. wasn't it?"
he demanded. Since that big diamond
nadnt shown up in any Of the others.
ne knew 1t had to be in that roll. 1t
was just one OF the little plays for eff
rect them Trenches are so fond Of"
Perhaps you are right" 1 agreed.
But II seemed to me that he handled
that mechanism as though he was ia
miliar with 1t. OF course, he may have
prepared himself by studying the
drawings which no doubt accompany
the secret memoir. He may even have
had working model made"
Grady nodded tolerantly.
Them fellers go to a lot OF trouble
over little things like that" he said
They like to slam their cards down
on the table with a big hurrah. even
when the cards amt worth a dainn."
He certainly held trumps this time.
anyway" l commented. And he PLAYED
his hand superbly. He Is an exttaor-
binary man"
And great actor" Grady supple
mented. Them fellers always behave
| like they was on the stage, right in the
spot light. 1t makes me a little tired
sometimes. Hello! Who's that?"
The front door had been flung open:
| there was an instant's colloauy with
the desk sergeant, and Godfrey burst
in upon US.
He cast a rapid glance at the Boule
cabinet, at the secret drawer standing
open, empty; and then his eyes rested
! upon Grady.
SO he got away with 1t, did he?" he
inquired.
Who in hell do you think you are?''
shouted Grady, his face purple. com
ing in here like this? Get out or I'll
have you thrown out!"
"Oh, I'll CO." retorted Godfrey coolly.
I've seen all I care to see. Only IN
! tell you one thing Grady-you've signed
your own death warrant tonight"
What do you mean by THAR" Grady
| demanded. In lower tone.
Il mean that you won't last an hour
after the story Of this nights work
gets out"
Grady's color slowly faded as he met
the burning and contemptuous gaze
Godfrey turned upon him. As for me,
an awful fear had gripped my heart.
DO you mean to say it wasn't Pig
gott? stammered Grady. at last.
Godfrey laughed scornfully.
J mo, you blithering IDIOT" he said,
1T wasn't Pigot. It was Crochard him
| self"
And he stalked out. slamming the
| door behind him.