Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-18
CHAPTER X1r-tcontInuedl.

duty OF sccret-servce man Is to keep
himself in perfect physical condition. You
agree with mc?"
They assured him that they did
rutherford put his revolver back into
his pocket. With his eyes still fastened
upon the men, ne stepped backward and
took down from the wall n long slim,
and exceedingly pointed rapler. This lie
switched through the air a few times
with the ease OF an accomplished fencer
Still testing the blade he turned his
attention to the stocky man: 1t was the
same fellow who had tried to wrest the
buckle away from its wearer on ship
board.
What is your name?" he asked.
John Meyer" the man answered sui
lenly.
1T does as well as any" Rutherford
observed. "Nr Meyer, l can tell by the
whites of your eyes-which are yellow
and by your compeXion-which Is bad
that your liver is in no condition to do
duty as the liver of real, live secret
service man. Unless YOU take little
wholesome exercise, other than paving
over private papers which don't concern
you, ] give you only six months TO i've;
then you'll die of fatty degeneration or
the heart"
The man smiled feebly and shifted from
one foot to the other. Evidently he didn't
know what to make of this self-possessed
young man who delivered medical advice,
with n raper and a revolver used by
way of emphasis.
"1hank you" he muttered.
"Oh, YOU needn't thank me for that!
That's only a prelude. | mean to give
you something really worth while"
Craig sought Cooley with his eyes.
That Irishman could scarcely mask the
wildly appreciative glow of satisfaction
behind his assumed look of cowardice.
He was fairly revelng in the situation.
mike. you rascal, open up the win
dows Exercise always demands plenty
of fresh air
Mike promptly did as he was told.
Now, gentlemen, off with your coats.
Craig instructed.
The men looked scared, but they made
no move to obey.
Very well, then. I shall not insist,
But | am afraid you will find your coats
cumbersome before we are through. Have
either of you gentlemen ever heard of
what is called the 'settinG-up' eXercise?'
The men darted swift. worried Slances
at each other.
Its great for the liver, and good for
the heart" Craig continued. But before
we begin, I'd like to know the name
of the man who employs you 10 bother
defenseless women, and enter cabins and
apartments in their owners absence?"
There was low grumble from the
men, but nothing that sounded intelligi-
BILE.
Like a flash, Craig was at them. His
rapier swished dangerously close to their
ears. The point Of it touched one of them
upon the knee.
Down on your haunches!' he COM
manded.
They minded with surprising swiftness
Now up!" he ordered. II tell you. it's
the finest exercise ever invented. Now
down. Now up. now down, now up, now
down again"
They were hard at it by this time,
Without mercy he made them bob up
and down, the perspiration streaming
from their faces the while.
Told YOU you ought to have taken off
YOUR coats! But never nind-a free per-
spiration Is good for one. 1t opens the
pores. Great, isn't it? Now who Is your
employer"
Howbeit, with all their sweating and
putting, they would not answer.
"Ah, a little more of the setting-up,
eh?"
After that, for few minutes. Craig
did not speak His commands were the
vicious motions of that villainous looking
blade. As it sang about them they bobbed
up and down like clockwork until their
unaccustomed muscles seemed ready to
burst,
At the end of FIVE minutes Mr.. Meyer
rolled painting back against the safe.
III can't do on, governor" he said.
Still Craig didn't waste words. He sim
ply touched the recumbent figure with the
rapier point. Mr.. Meyer resumed the
wholesome torture.
'I4ordw he gasped, two minutes later
'I'm done. I'll tell"
NO. the Simmer thief objected
"Yes! Meyer grOaned.
your mind is made up. Mr.. Meyer?"
asked Craig.
You bet!' was the heartfelt response.
"Then stay where you are and rest.
"Well take another ounce or two OF fat
from the left Yentricle OF our firm young
friend"
The Younger man stayed at 1t with
pluck that made Rutherford respect him.
He bobbed until he literally could not
force his body to obey his will. He sank
down exhausted but silent. Craig knew
however. that he had Meyer In eomnu-
nicative mood.
NOW tell me. Mr.. Meyer, are you still
after that necklace2"
Nope. that never was our game" said
the man.
"Then what?" asked Craig in some sur
prise.
"A blue buckle" was the reply.
In spite of himself Craig started. Was
all the world blue-buckle crazy?
why did you want thatT' he de-
manded.
"Dunno." The man shook his head.
"orders is ordersW
"You didn't find It, did your
"Nope not this time"
zone thing more, then. I must know
the name of the person who sent you
after It,"
Meyer pressed his lips tightly together.
What? Rested already?" asked Craig.
''You don't mean you banker after more
OF the setting-upW
Lord. no! II was Miss Arany wants
lt-but / don't know what for All l
know is she's free with money"
Miss Arany again! Evidently she had
set her heart upon obtaining that bit OF
steel! Ana the businesslike way In which
she had set about II showed that she was
no mean antagonist The fact, also, that
she always sent her men In his absence
assured Craig that his movements were
being watched. lie must be doubly On
nis guard.