The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1915-11-13


of it. The thug slipped suddenly
away. Probably hid the letter in his
loin cloth
That's unfortunate"
II have sent out a general stOp-Or-
der TO one will be able to draw
against it. The sum will create sus-
picion anywhere"
Have you any idea who was back
of the thief? Is there any way can
be of service to you?"
Il really suspect Mallow and
gambler named Craig, but no court
would hold them upon the evidence |
have. tt my belief that it's prac-
teal joke which measures up to the
man who perpetrated it. He must
certainly realize that a letter so large
will be eagerly watched for
Il shall gladly take charge of the
matter here for you. | suppose that
you will eventually meet Mallow?"
Eventually suggests d long time"
grimly.
"Ah =. Is there DO
YOU tHiilh tIele Will DC any uSSu VI @
watch hoder?"
Il honestly believe you would like to
see me have it out with him."
Il honestly would. But unfortunate
ly the dignity of my office forbids. He
has gone up and down the settlements.
Dragging and domineering and fight
ing. | have been given to understand
that he has never met his match"
It's a long lane that has no turn
ing. After ALL" Warrington added. let
ting go his reserve; you're the only
friend have. Why shouldn't tell you
that Immediately l am going out III
search of him, and that when ! find
him am going to give him the worst
walloping he ever heard tell Of"
Il ought not to want to see you at 1t.
but, hang it, do"
Human nature. It's a pleasurable
sensation to back up right by might
Four years ago l vowed that some day
I'd meet him on equal terms. | may
not see you again. If the letter of
credit turns up. you know what to do
with it, I'm keen to get started. Good
by, and thank you"
A handclasp, and he was gone.
81 wish" thought the consul gen.
eral, Il could have told him about the
way the scoundrel spoke of Elsa
And Warrington, as he sought the
cafe veranda, wished he could have
told the basic truth of his fighting
mood; the look Mallow had given Elsa
that day in Penang. Diligently he be-
gan the search. Mallow and Craig
were still in their rooms. doubtless
sleeping off the debauch of the pre-
ceding night He saw that he must
wait. Luncheon he had in town.
At four o'clock his inquiries led him
into the billiard annex. His throat
frightened a little as he discovered the
two men engaged in a game of Ameri-
can billiards. He approached the table
quietly. Their interest in the game
was deep, possibly due to the wager
laid upon the result; SO they did not
observe him. He let Mallow finish
his run. Liquor had no effect upon
the mans nerves, evidently. TO. his
eyes and stroke were excellent. A
miscue brought an oath from his lips.
and he banged his cue upon the floor
Rotten luck" said Warrington SYM
pathetically. with the devils banter in
his voice.
Mallow spun around, stared for
moment, then grinned evllly. Here's
our crow at last, Craig.
Speaking of birds of ill-repute, the
crow passes his admiration to the kite
and the vulture" Warrington spoke
coolly
Mallow looked at Craig, who
scowled back. He was beginning to
grow weary at the sight of Warning
ton, bobbing up here. bobbing up
there, always with subtle menace.
He chalked his cue. got the balls into
a corner and finished his string.
"Thatn be five pounds" he said.
And fifty quid for me-" added War
rington. smiling. though his eyes were
as blue and hard as arctic ice.
'Ill see you comfortably broiled
first" replied Mallow, as he tossed five
sovereigns to Craig. Now. what else
is on your mind?"
Warrington took out the cigar band
and exhibited it. 81 found that IN my
room last night. You're one of the
few. Mallow. who smoke them out
here. He was a husky Chinese. but
not husky enough Makes you turn
a bit yellow: Ell. Craig. you white-liv-
cred cheat? You almost got my money
belt, but almost is never quite. The
letter of credit is being reissued. 1t
might have been robbery; it might
have been just deviltry; just for the
sport of breaking a man. Anyhow. you
didn't succeed. Suppose we take lit
tie haunt out to where they're build