The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-11-08
(Continued)

groaned. That's what makes me rave. Why didn't you let me punch him? It would have been some satisfaction. Of course he's right. had hunch this was blackmailing sheet from the moment my hot fingers closed on Con- zale's money. But so long as nobody told us we were all right He glared angriry at Minot.
 "You-you killjoy,' he cried. ''You skeleton at the feast. You've put us in a lovely fix"
 "Well, I'm sorry said NIinot, 'but don't understand these heroics.'
 Its all up now, Harry" moaned O'Neill. '"The free trial is over and we've got to send the mattress back to the factory. Here in this hollow lotus land, ever to live and lie reclined-I was putting welcome on the mat for n fate like that. Bacl to the road for IFS. That human [dsh over in the Chronicle office vas prophet-'Yo look unlucky ky-maybe they'll give you jobs on the. Mail, Remember"
 "Cool off, Bob,' Howe said. He turned to Minot and Paddock. "Of course you don't understand You sec we're strangers here. Drifted in last night broke and hungry, looking for jobs, We got them-under rather unusual circumstances. Things looked suspicious proprietor parted with money without screaming for help, and no regular newspaper is run like that. But--when you're down and out, you know''-
 T understa4dN said Minot. smiling. And I'm sorry I called you what I did. I adologize. And hate to be n-er-a killjoy. But as matter of fact. your employer is blackmailer, md it's best you should know it."
 Yes" put in Paddock. "Do you gentlemen happen to have heard where the editor of MT. Gonzales late news paper. pttaKshed in Havana. is now?" We do not" said O'Neill, but may be you'll tell us."
 T will He's in prison doing ten years for blackmail l understand that NIT. Gonzale prefers to involve his editors, rather than himself"
 .O'Neill- came over and held out his hand to Minot.
 "Shake, son." he said. Thank God didn't waste my strength on you. Gonzale will be in here in a minute"
 About those lettersw Howe in- quired. . "Yes,' said Minot. 'They were writ ten to Gaiety actress by q man who is in San Marco for his wedding next Tuesday-Lord Harrowby." I
 "TIis ludship again." O'Neill remark ed. Say, I always thought the south was democratic."
 "Well,'' said Howe, i've owe you fellows something for putting us wise. We've stood for a good deal, but never for blackmailiilT As matter of fact, Gonzale hasn't brought the letters in yet, but he's due at any minute. When he comes, take the letters away from him. I shan't interfere. How about you, Bob?Y
 "I'll interfere" said O'Neill, land I'll interfere strong, if I think you fellows ain't leaving enough of little Manuel for me to caress"-
 The door opened, and the immacu- late proprietor of the Mail came noise 1essly into the room. His eyes nar- rowed when they fell on the strangers there.
 Are you Manuel Gonzalez" .finot demanded.
 lam" The sly little eyes darted everywhere.
 Proprietor of the Mail?' "Yes.c
 "The gentleman who visited Lord Narrowly an hour back?'
 Man, ran! You're wasting time,' ,'' O'Neill cried.
 Excuse me- smiled Minot. 'Unin- tentional, assure you" He seized the little Spaniard suddenly by the collar. ' Were here for Lord Harrowby's let tcrs," he said. His other hand began a rapid search of Manuel Gonzales pock- cts.
 sLet me go, you thief.' screamed the proprietor of the Mail. He squirmed and fought. Let me go!' He writhed about to face his editors You fools! What arc you doing, standing there ? Help i1e-help"-
 Were waiting,"l said O'Neill. Waiting for our turn. Remember your promise, son. Enough of him left for me-"
 Minot and his captive slid back and forth across the floor. The three others watched, O'Neill in high glee.
 "Go to itr' he cried. That's Mime On Dit you're waltzing with. I speak for the next dance, madame"
 MT. Minot's eager hand came away from the Spaniard's inner waistcoat pocket, and in it was a packet of per f,Imed letters, tied with a cute blue ribbon. He released his victim.
 Sorry to be so impolite," he said "But had to have these tonight
 Gonzale turned on him with an evil glare.
 Thief he cried "I'll have the law on you for this"
 T doubt that" smiled Minot. Jack I guess that about concludes our busi.