The Spectator., 1916-05-05

and defensive fighter may last q long while, but he seldom wins; and the butler knew that they must win or go down in bitter defeat There was no half way route to the end; there could be no draw. It all reminded. him of thunderbolts; one man knew where they were going to strike.
 The telephone rang; at the same moment Florence left the piano. She stopped at the threshold.
 Hello, You? Where have you been? What has happened?" Who is it?" asked Florence, step ping forward.
 Jones held up a warning hand, and Florence paused.
 Yes, yes; I hear perfectly. O! You've been working out their new quarters? Good, good. But be very careful, sir. One never knows what may happen. They have been quiet for some time now. .. An! You cant work the ceiling this time? :. Window over the way. Very good, sir. But be careful"
 The word sir" caught Florences attention. She ran to Jones and seized him by the arm.
 Who was that?" she cried, as he turned away from the telephone.
 Why"
 You said sir"
 Jones eyes widened. "I did?"
 Yes. and it's the first time I ever heard you use 1t over the telephone. Jones, you were talking to my father,"
 Please, Miss Florence, do not ask me any questions. l cannot answer any. dare not"
 But if l should command. upon the pain of dismissal?" coldly. "Ah. Miss Florence" and Jones tapped his pocket, you forget that you cannot dismiss me by word. am le- gally in control here. am sorry that you have made me recall this fact to you
 Florence began to cry softly.
 T am sorry, very sorry" said the butler. torn between the desire to comfort her and the law that he had laid down for himself. Tt is very gloomy today, and perhaps we are a little depressed by it. l am sorry" 70. I realize. Jones, that all this intending mystery annd secrecy have a set purpose at back. Only, it does just seem as if l should go mad some times with waiting and wondering"
 And if the truth must be told. it is the same with me. We have to wait for them to strike. Shall 1 get you something new to read? l am going down to the drug store and they have circulating library"
 Get me anything you please But I'd feel better with little sunshine"
 That's universal" replied Jones. gong into the hall for his hat
 Had the telephone rung again at that moment it is quite probable that the day would have come to close as the day before had, monotonously. But the ring came five minutes after Jones had left the house.
 'ls this the Hargreave placer"
 Yes" said Florence. Who is it?"
 This is Miss Hargreave talking?"
 Yes"
 This is Doctor Morse. am at the Queen hotel. Mir Norton has been badly hurt. and he wants you and Mir. Jones to come at once We can. not tell just how serious the injury is. He is just conscious. Shall tell him you will come immediately?
 Yes. yes!"
 Florence snapped the receiver on the hook She wanted to fly, fly. He was hurt. How. when, where?
 Susan, Susan!" she called.
 What is it. Florence?" asked Susan, running into the room.
 Jim Is badly hurt. He wants me to | come at once. O, Susan! I've been l dread.ng something all day long, Flor ence struck the maids bell. My | wraps, You will go with me, Susan"
 Where, Miss Florence" asked the | maid alive to her duty.
 Where? What Is that to your" de- | manded Florence, who did not know | that this maid was detective.