The Monticellonian., 1916-05-25


 tadns that he felt distinct thrill at npst sight of the advertisement. Yet late might well have chosen a more appropriate ambush in anyone of a hundred of the strange clippings which We're grist to the Advisors mill. Out or a bulky pile of the days paragraphs, however, 1t was this one that leaped, significant, to his eye:
 W4NTED-TEN THOUSAND IOATHLY Y plaek beetles, by householder who con Sasled s, 10 leave house in the same con- aieon as he found 1t. Ackroyd. 100 w sixteenth St. New York.
 Black beetles, eh?" observed Aver aga Jones. This Ackroyd person seems to be a merry little jester. We'll, I'm feeling rather jocular, myself, this morning. How does one collect black beetles, l wonder? When in doubt, inquire of the resourceful Simpson"
 He pressed a button and his con- fdential clerk entered.
 Good morning, Simpson," said Av- craze Jones. Are you acquainted with that shy but pervasive animal, the domestic black beetle?"
 Yes, sir; 1 board" Simpson simply.
 T suppose there aren't ten thousand black beetles in your boarding house. though?' inquired Average Jones.
 Simpson took it under advisement. JAardy," he decided.
 I've got to have 'em to fill an or der. At least, I've got to have an in- stallment of 'em. and tomorrow"
 ''Ramson. down on Fulton street, will have them, if anyone has," Simp- son said presently. He does busi- ness under the title of the Insect Nemesis, you know. I'll go there at once"
 Returning to his routine work, Av- craze Jones found himself unable to dfslodge the advertisement from his mind. So presently he gave way to temptation, called up Bertram at the Cosmic club. and asked him to come to the Astor Court temple offices at his convenience. Scenting more ad- venture, Bertram found 1t convenient to come promptly. Average Jones handed him the clipping Bertram read it with ascending eyebrows.
 Whats at One Hundred West Six teenth street," demanded Jones.
 One Hundred West Sixteenth; let me see. Why of course; it's the old Feltner mansion. You must know it. It has walled garden at the side; the only one left in the city, south of Central Park"
 Anyone named Ackroyd there?"
 That must be Hawley Ackroyd remember, now, hearing that he had rented it. Judge Ackroyd, you know, better known as Oily Ackroyd. He's a smooth old rascal"
 Indeed? What particular sort?"
 "Oh. most sorts, in private. Pro- fessionally. he's a legislative crook; head lobbyist of the Consolidated"
 Ever hear of his collecting in- sects?"
 Never heard of his collecting any thing but graft. In fact, he'd have been in jail years ago, but for his fam fly connections. He married Van .Haltern. You remember the famous -Van Haltern will case, surely; the million-dollar dog. The papers fairly reeked of 1t year ago. Sylvia Ora ham had to take the dog and leave the country to escape the notoriety She's back now, l believe"
 Eve heard of Miss Graham" re- marked Average Jones.
 Well, if you've only heard of her and not seen her" returned Bertram, with something as nearly resembling enthusiasm as his habitual languor permitted, you've got something to look forward to. Sylvia Graham is a distinct asset to the Scheme of Crea- tion."
 An asset with assets of her own, l believe" said Average Jones. The million dollars left by her grandmoth- CT. old Mrs. Van Haltern, goes to her eventually, doesn't it?"
 Provided she carries out the terms of the will, keeps the dog in proper luxury and buries him in the grave on the family estate at Schuylkill des- ignated by the testator. If these terms are not rigidly carried out, the for tune is to be divided most of it go- ing to Mrs. Hawley Ackroyd, which would mean the judge himself"
 "Hm. What about Mrs. Ackroyd?' ?'' Poor, sickly, frightened lady! She's very fond of Sylvia Graham. who is her niece. But she's completely domi- mated by her husband"
 Information Is your long suit, Bert. Now. if you only had intelligence to correspond" Average Jones broke off and grinned mildly, first at his friend, then at the advertisement.
 Bertram caught up the paper and studied it. Well, what does it mean ?" he demanded
 Tt means that Ackroyd, being about to give up his rented house, intends to saddle It with bad name"
 Tt would be just like Oily Ack- royd," remarked Bertram. Hes a vtndictive scoundrel. Only few days ago, he nearly killed poor devil of a drug clerk. over some trifling dispute. He managed to keep 1t out of the newspapers but he had to pay stiff dne;" That might be worth looking up, too," ruminated Average Jones thoughtfully.
 He turned to his telephone in an- swer to a ring All right, come in, Simpson" he said.
 The confidential clerk appeared.