The Spectator., 1916-05-12

compatibility.
 Tt is yours on one condition" said Braine, reaching out his foot stealthily toward the button which would sum- mon Samson.
 And that is," interpolated Norton, that join the Black Hundred"
 "Or the great beyond, my lad" took up Braine, his voice crisp and cold.
 Norton could not repress a shiver. Where had he heard this voice before Braine! He stiffened.
 Murder in cold blood?" he managed to say.
 Indefinite Imprisonment Choose"
 T have chosen"
 "H'm!" Braine rose and went over to the sideboard for the brandy. I'm going to offer you drink to show you that personally there are no hard feel ings. You are in the way After you, our friend, Jones. This brandy is not poisoned, neither are the glasses. Choose either and I'll drink first. We are all desperate men, Norton; and we stop at nothing. Your life hangs by a hair. Do you know where liar greave is?"
 Norton eyed his liquor thoughtfully.
 Do you know where the money is?"
 Norton smelt of the brandy.
 T am sorry" said Braine. "I should have liked to win over head like yours"
 Norton nonchalantly took out his watch, and that bit of bravado per haps saved his life. In the case of his watch he saw a brutal face behind him. Without a tremor, Norton took up his glass.
 T am sorry to disappoint you" he said. but I shall neither join you nor go to by-by.'
 Quick as bird shadow above grass. he flung the brandy over his shoulder into the face of the man behind. Sam son yelled with pain. Almost at the same instant Norton pushed over the table, upsetting Braine with it. Next he dashed through the curtains. slammed the door, and fled to the street, very shaky about the knees, if the truth is to be told. General Henderson's views upon the latest Balkan muddle were missing from the Blade the following morn ing, Norton, instead of returning to the generals and fulfilling his assign ment like dutiful reporter hurried out to Riverside to acquaint Jones with what had happened. Jones was glad to see him safe and sound. That new reporter started the game he said T overhead word or two while he was talking in the booth. All your telephone booths are ramshackle affairs, you use them so constantly. I tried to find you. but you were out of sight. Now, tell me what happened"
 "Sh!" warned Norton as he spied Florence coming down the stairs.
 T thought you couldn't come!" she cried. But ten o'clock"
 T changed my mind" he replied, laughing.
 He caught her arm in his and drew her toward the library. Jones smiled after them with that enigmatical smile of his, which might have signifed irony or affection. After half an hours chat, Florence, quite aware that the two men wished 10 talk, re tired.
 At the door Norton told Jones what had taken place at 49 Elm street.
 An! we must not forget that num- ber," unused Jones. My advice is, keep an eye on this Gregg chap We may get somewhere by watching him"
 Do you know where Hargreave is 9"
 Jones scratched his chin collectively. Norton laughed. "I cant get any thing out of you
 Much less any one else. I'm grow ing fond of you, my boy. You're "a man
 Thanks; and goodnight"
 When Olga PerigoT called the next day Jones divested himself of his liv- cry, donned plain coat and hat, and left the house stealthily. Today he was determined to learn something definite in regard to this suave. hand some Russian. When she left the house Jones rose from his hiding place and proceeded to follow her. The re- suit of this espionage on the part of Jones will be seen presently. Meantime Jim went down to the | office and lied cheerfully about his missing the general. Whether the city editor believed him or not is of no matter, Jim went over to his desk. From the corner of his eye he could see Gregg scribbling away. He never raised his head as Jim sat down to read his mail. After awhile Gregg rose and left the office; and, of course, Jim left shortly afterward. When the newcomer saw that he was being fol | lowed, he smiled and continued on his way. This Norton chap was suspi, cious. All the better; his suspicious should be made the hook to land him with. By and by the man turned into drug store and Jim loitered about till he reappeared. Gregg walked with brisker steps now. It was his in-