The Spectator., 1916-04-28

| Black Hundred was finding it's stock 1 far below par value. Four valuable men locked up in the Tombs await ing trial, to say nothing of the seven gunmen gathered in at the old ware | house. Braine began to suspect that his failures were less due to chance than to calculation, that at last he had encountered a mind which anti cipated his every move. He would have recognized this fact earlier had it not been that revenge had temporar- fly blinded him. The spirit of revenge ever makes for mental clarity.
 There was meeting that night of the Black Hundred Four men were told off, and they drew their chairs up to Vroon's table for instructions. Braine sat at Vroons elbow These four men composed the most danger ous quartet in New York city. They were as daring as they were desper- ate. They were the men who held up bank messengers and got away with l thousands. They had learned to swoop down upon their victims as the hawk swoops down upon the heron. The newspapers referred to them as the auto bandits and the men took a deal of pride in the furore they had created
 Nroon went over the Hargreave case minutely he left no detail un- explained Bluntly and frankly, the daughter of Stanley Hargreave must be caught and turned over to the care of the Black Hundred. It must be quick action. Four valuable members were in the Tombs. They might or might not weaken under pressure. For the first time in it's American career l the organization stood facing actual peril: and it's one possible chance of salvation lay in the fact that no ones face was known to his neighbor. He Vroon, and the boss alone knew who and what each man was. But the plans, the notifications of the organ ization might become public property; and that would mean an end to an exceedingly profitable business.
 The daughter of Hargreave rode horseback early every morning. She sought the country road She was in variably attended by the riding mas ter of a school near by.
 You four will make your own plans"
 If she should be injured?"
 Avoid it if possible
 We have a free hand?"
 Absolutely
 We risk bad fall from her horse if it's a spirited one
 Pretend a breakdown in the road, interpolated Braine. As they ap approach draw and order them to dis mount That method will prevent any accident
 We'll plan it somehow It look: easy"
 Nothing is easy where that gir is concerned A thousand eyes seen to be watching her slightest move"
 We shan't leave anything tC chance. How many days will vol give us?"
 Seven. A failure. mind you, vii prove unhealthy to all concerned, with menace which made the four stir uneasily.
 The telephone rang. Braine reached for the receiver.
 "A man just entered the Hargreave house at the rear Come at once. was the message.
 sI fciI pro tnn Glrad
 We are never without it."
 Then let us be off. No one will stop us for speeding on side street.
 Fourteen minutes by the clock brought the car to a stand at the curl few houses below the Hargreavt home The men got out. The watch CT ran up.
 He is still inside" he whispered.
 Good, Spread out. If anyone leaves that house, catch him. If ht runs too fast shoot. We can beat the police"
 The man obeyed. and the watcher ran back to his post He was des perately hoping the affair would ter minate tonight He was growing weary of this eternal vigilance. and il was only his fear of the man knowr as the boss that kept him at his post He wanted a night to carouse in, tC be with the boys.
 The man for whom they were lyini in wait was seen presently to creeI cautiously round the side of the house He hugged a corner and paused. The, could see the dim outline of his body The light in the street back of th' grounds almost made a silhouette O him. By and by, as if assured tha the coast was clear. he stole down t' the street.
 Halt"
 Instantly the prowler took to hi heels. Two shots rang out. The mai was seen to stop, stagger. and then g on desperately.
 Hes hit!"
 By the time the men reached tn corner they heard the rumble of motor One dashed back to the ca