The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-09-24


show, because Malta was the only one
who spoke In English. She rescued
me, too, from one beastly mana sort
Of thug, who frightened me terribly
Just before you came"
WAS that when you screamedr'
"Yes."
The girl redeemed painfully. It was
evident that she did not wish to exc
plain herself more fully, and the eyes
Of the two men met. In that moment
they EXCHANGED a lent VOW which
boded Ill for All s. M and his myrmi-
dons.
Bronson was beginning to give his
sister and May Manning a detailed ac-
count Of events leading up to the raid
on All Chow's Joint when the telephone
tangled an interruption. Kemp was on
the wire, demanding instant speech Of
Manning.
Are you alonef' inquired the police
captain.
DO" was the answer. II am In
Mr.. Bronson's library, and we are all
gathered here"
II thought I'd better warn you that
have something very unpleasant to
say" went on Kemp. "An Singh has
been at 1t again. There's call from
Senator Johnston's house, and 1 fear
the worst. am just going there. It's
on Long Island, about midway be-
tween here and Fern Brae. Can you
meet me there In half an hour?'
YES" replied Manning, speaking in
very casual tone. He stood up, and
his quiet, Unconditional manner effectu-
ally concealed the new dread gnawing
at his heart.
II am wanted at Senator Johnston's
place." he went on. "Will you come
| with me, BronsonT
"Rather!" cried the young banker,
who suspected at once that something
unusual was afoot and was eager not
to be left out Of the hunt.
The two girls, of course, imagined
that the business was semipoliticaL
They little dreamed the frightful truth.
The man chiefly responsible for the In
PRODUCTION Of a strenuous anti-alien
law into the legislature was then lying
dead in his beautiful home, stricken
down by the hand of Ali Singh-ruth-
lessly murdered at the height Of his
| career and in the very prime of an nc
tive and useful life.
The closest investigation showed that
| the affair was wrapped in almost i'm
penetrable mystery. The senator and
his secretary had been hard at work
In the library, since Johnston was jour-
neying to Washington that night, and
good deal OF correspondence had to
be transmitted prior to his departure.
He had, in, fact, just been reelected
to the senate, and this gratifying trib-
ute Of public confidence meant the dis
patching Of many messages OF thanks
to his chief supporters and arrange
ments for mass meeting to be held
at an early date in the state capitol.
| The weather was fine, though rath-
er chilly, and strong wind was blow
| ing, which did not trouble the two
workers until the butler opened the
door to bring In a letter, when 4 swirl
ing gust swept several papers OF the
table.
That's pretty fierce" said tho sen
ator, with smile. you might close
all the windows, Brown"
The secretary obeyed and was at
pains to lock the latches and draw
the blinds, SO that this trivial incident
proved conclusively that the room
could not be entered from without
The senator opened the letter, which
the manservant explained had been
brought by a lady, who would not
wait for an answer. Mr.. Johnston
found only a blank card inside the
envelope. Naturally he was greatly
surprised and turned the card back and
front in close examination.
Somebody is playing joke on me, >
he laughed at last. what sort Of lady
was she, Jenkins?"
Jenkins raised a reflective hand tt
his mouth.
$50 far as I was able to observe
SIR" he said, 'she was q mighty good
looking one"
"well dressed toors
Eyes, SIR"
The secretary now Joined his EN-
Iployer In puzzled scrutiny Of the card
The senator looked up at Brown witt
a quizzical smile.
''She must be q singularly discreet
young person." he said. II guess this
affair Is more in your line than mine.
II wouldn't have her call here, a
any rate, SENATOR" retorted the young
or man.
Then they both noticed that the carl
emitted a peculiar scent. But Tins
was precious. They were far too busy
to devote more than few seconds K
a matter that was trivial II somewhat
peculiar. Tho senator threw envelop,
and card on the table. and work Wal
resumed.
| About an hour later the secretary
was dismissed for the evening and Mr.
Johnston locked himself In the room
with strict injunctions that he was no
to be disturbed untilsthe time came To-
his departure for Washington. Tit
secretary dined alone. He and thu
builder we're actually discussing thu
appearance Of the lady who hat
brought that seemingly meaningless
letter when q scream Of agony cam'
from the library.
! It was undoubtedly the senators