The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-12-10

sim, SalloW-fdced haIf-caSte was somewhat notable Cook guessed at once that the leader of this singular band was none other than Ali Singh
 Manning and Bronson had described the Higher Ones remarkable appear ance, and had admitted candidly that his air of command and expression of great intellectual powers were such as to distinguish him in any circle no matter how select and cosmo- politan.
 The newcomer did not introduce himself. He gazed down on the pris- oner with deep-seeing eyes, which conveyed singular mixture of in- terest and disdain
 You are Captain Ralph Cook, l am told" he said
 Yes" replied the soldier For the life of him he could not help being thrilled by that uncanny voice, which seemed to stir strange tremors in his being
 T do not wish to cause you any needless suffering 7 went on the other. "I am given to understand that you have in your possession the formula of quadrinolite, the high explosive in- vented by VOLT uncle. Give it to me. I shall satisfy myself that it is gen uine. and you will then be set at liberty. You cannot deceive me. I am Q skilled chemist, SO"
 By this time Cook had recovered his self possession.
 You can spare yourself any fur ther explanation. he said quietly.
 
 The tall man bowed gravely. His satellites suddenly became ave- stricken and bent in deep salaams.
 Well" continued Cook, "you've been fooled. as usual. MT. Singh :, The formula of quadrinolite Is where neither you nor any other thief can hope to lay hands on it."
 Ali Singh's face grew yellow with rage. not alone because. of the pris- oner's contemptuous indifference but owing to the fact that he feared lest an elaborate kidnaping plot might in truth prove absolutely useless.
 Search him." he cried imperiously, and two orientals examined most thoroughly every article in the off : cer's possession. Cook, as it chanced, carried no important documents whatsoever. A ball program-curious symbol of civilization in his present state-and small sum of money were alone produced.
 When Ali Singh was certain that his spies had misled him again his rage became a fearful thing. Dis regarding the prisoner for the mo- nent, he turned on a terrified China man like wild beast.
 "In future the penalty of all who fail will be immediate death," he snarled.
 The men fell to the deck, gibber- ing some prayer for mercy, but Ali Singh motioned imperiously to two of his satellites, and while Cook watched the scene with fascinated eyes he saw the wretch tied hand and foot and carried out of the cabin. A few seconds later he heard a loud splash.
 Such was the end of the hapless zealot who had unwittingly deceived his master. After many days some fishermen at the mouth of the Hud. son found the floating body and an other unsolved mystery was added to the many registered by the New York police.
 The waters had hardly closed ovel the victims head before Ali Singf turned again to the captive officer
 You have witnessed the means b. which I enforce my will" he said q now give you three days, withou food or drink. in which to chang your mind. If, during that period yon decide to tell me how and wher . I can obtain the formula of quadrino lite, will keep my promise and ire you. At the end of that time. shoul' you still remain stubborn. you will b slowly tortured to death. I hay sn0l<ar,t',