The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-25

But in thinking that Legar would
for long relfnquish his relentless pur-
pose of revenge, they had sadly mis-
judged that vicious master-criminal.
From certain inside sources he
learned Of the proposed festivities,
and at once decided the opportune
moment had arrived for him to strike.
and strike hard. Among the per-
nicious crew which did his bidding
was a swarthy-faced Neapolitan
bomb-setter known as Black Tony
Because Of this mans prociivities for
high explosives he was selected. as
the particular instrument for the con-
summation of Legar's Ubiquitous
scheme.
r = y
A little later, in the Owls subter-
ranean retreat, he was receiving his
final instructions from the lips of his
scar-marked leader. Black Tony
might well prove a plant and dan
gerous tool in skilled hands, bat he
was sadly deficient in that initiative
essential for any work more COM
Gerry shops of his notwithstanding
compatriots. For this reason Legar
had prepared n rough diagram, which
be now carefully explained to the
furtive-eyed blackmailer.
That TINS diabolicai undertaking
was entirely to the liking of Black
Tony was evidenced by his evil. vel
low-toothed grin as ne took the pa
per from Legar's fingers and placed
It in his pocket. Carrying a small
and well-worn black bag. he started
blithely forth on his terrible errand
of destruction.
Dressed in a rusty Tuxedo, the sup
posed waiter emerged from tho gayly
striped marquee where the long sup
per table was receiving it's finishing
touches and paused for q moment on
his way to the small service tent
which was pitched near by. His eyes
roved over that assemblage much as
the eyes of n cold blooded butcher
might appraise flock of sheep herded
Tor slaughter. AS his glance rested
upon the massive oak towering over
the refreshment tent. he made a lit
tie grimace OF evil satisfaction.
Several feet from its base the great
trunk had been nearly sawn through
by Legar's picked henchmen, work.
Ing under the cover of darkness. And
now their ruthless handiwork had
been supplemented by the charge Of
powerful explosive which waited only
the spark of ignition to send that
huge oak patriarch crashing down
upon the flimsy affair of canvas under
its branches.
The dark-skinned italian, exulting
over the successful completion Of the
frst part of his deadly mission, stood
amidst scene of wondrous beauty.
High in the heavens swung the full
moon, casting it's mellow effulgence
over shimmering lake and wooded
hill. Dispelling the wavering shad-
ows were myriads Of softly glowing
lights. festooning the trees and be-
spangling the shrubbery.- From the
rose garden came the sound of gently
splashing fountains as they flung
their silvery cascades into the scent
ed air. Beautifully gowned women
and their somber clad escorts danced
on the velvety lawns to the softly
swelling music of the great orches-
ira. or strolled arm in arm about this
brilliant land Of enchantment.
A slender, golden-haired girl was
the center of laughing group. As
she caught sight of something NOV
Ing at her feet she stopped and picked
up a sleepy and blinking-eyed collie
puppy, which she held snuggied In
her arms for a moment.
Now, Sandy" she admonished, as
she set him down. cit is time all good
little dogs were in bed, so run homo
as fast as you can"
The dutiful Sandy started for the
house in obedience to the commands
of his mistress. but as he passed the
caterers service tent sundry whiffs
and odors assailed his nostrils with
an insistent temptation that was not
to be denied, He. quietly slipped
through that inviting opening and.
finding no one to dispute him, nosed
inquiEtively Into various hampers Of