The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1915-04-06

"a Siupptu, Nltnereu woman stood
by the door. She admitted Balthazar
with no word or sign, but as Owen ap-
peared III the aperture. she uttered a
startled cry and stepped in front OF
him.
lnstaltly owens arms were gripped
by two men, who sprang from either
side of the doorway.
lie trembled in their grasp Ray
mond Owens courage lay on safer
lines than those of physical encounter
with his fellow man. And, as three
otner men, who had been at work in
the room, caught up revolvers and
sprang toward him, the last strength
OF his spirit departed
Before he had stopped to pleading.
however Balthazar was at his side.
A friend, friend-the Mr.. Owen
that | told you about-you fools," he
cried.
Who are fools?" demanded a tall,
lean man, striding to the gyLsy. Shall
We permit friends to walk into our
-home-unnoted? Shall we let even
you bring strangers here without the
proper signal?"
Il gave the signal"
For yourselves. 1t is five taps,
not three when you bring a-friend. :"
He turned and eyed Owen suspi-
clously. You can let him 60" he said
to the men who still held the secre-
tary.
owen came forward. He had mas
tered himself with quick understand
ing OF the situation. Il hope" he said,
that II | am not welcome | shall be
allowed to leave Immediately. | did
not seek this meeting. | was con-
Quoted here by my friend, who as
sured me that we were both expected.
III there mas been a mistake
on, no mistake whatsoever, Mr..
owen, exclaimed Rupert Wallace,
the chief of the counterfeiters. at
was only bit of oversight on the
part of Balthazar. You will readily
understand that we are-well-not
inclined to be hosts to all who honor
US with visits. Now that we know
who you are
"We can talk business" said Owen.
| abruptly, taking command of the stu
alton, but still casting curious eye
about the remarkable establishment
in which he found himself.
The room was overheated because of
the presence OF gas forge on which
cauldron Of metal was being melted.
On one side there was stamping
press, and on the other set of molds.
Wallace noted Owens curiosity, and
stepping to the table in the middle of
the room, picked up a handful Of
half-dollar pieces.
You are interested in our work
the work of supplying the poor with
sufficient funds to meet the increas-
ed cost of living" he said, smiling.
These are some of our product We
are proud of them. The weight is
| exactly true ofthe fifty-cent piece.
| And only one man in fifty could tell
the difference in the ring of the met
al"
Owen looked at the coins in sincere
| admiration. Those who devote them
selves to evil become enamored of its
arts.
1T is very remarkable" he said.
But Balthazar tells me-
81 know. You have little business
of secrecy for myself and my friends
You may speak here in perfect safety
Gossip is not a fault nor a possibility
of our profession
II do not believe that there is any
thing to say but that which Balthazar
has already told you except
| Owen hesitated with pursed lips.
| Except what, master? Is there a
change in the plan?" he asked, step
ping quickly forward
Il think there might be. Some
thing occurred today that might give
us favorable lead"
Something at Castle Marvin
| Yes; Miss Pauline received as a
gift terrier dog. | believe it could
! be made use Of. Don't you think so?"
"In what way?" asked the counter
feiter
"By stealing it and bringing it here"
answered Owen.
81 don't UNDERSTANDABLE, yes: indeed
do"
| Excellent, master" exclaimed Bal
| thazar. ''It could be done today. Can
! I have two of your men, Rupert?"