The Spectator., 1916-05-12

for a telephone booth. But as he passed the line of desks and busy reporters he did not note the keen scrutiny of smooth faced. gray haired man who stood at tue side of Norton's desk awaiting the reporters return.
 Why, Jones'" cried the surprised Norton. What are you doing all this way from home?"
 Orders" said Jones, smiling faint ly as he delivered a note to the re- porter.
 Anything serious?'
 Not that am aware of. Miss Flor ence was rather particular. She want ed to be sure that the note reached your hands safely"
 And do you mean to say that you came away and left her alone in that house?"
 Again Jones smiled. T left her well guarded, you may be sure of that She will Sever run away again." He wait ed for Norton to read the note.
 It was nothing more than one of those love orders to come and call at once. And she had made Jones ven- ture into town with it! The reporter smiled and put the note away tenderly. And then he caught Jones smiling, too.
 I'm going to marry her, Jones"
 That remains to be seen," replied the butler, not unkindly
 Well, anyhow, thanks for bringing the note. But I've got to disappoint her tonight. I'm off in deuce of a hurry to interview General Tender son. I'll be out to tea tomorrow. You can find your way out of this old fire trap. By-by!"
 The moment he turned away the smile faded from Jones' face, and with the quickness and noiselessness of a cat he reached the side of the booth in which Gregg believed himself so se- cure from eavesdropping. The half dozen words Jones heard convinced him that Norton was again the object of the Black Hundreds attention. He had seen the mans face that memora- ble night when the balloon stopped for its passenger. Before Gregg came out of the booth Jones decided to over- take him and forewarn him, but un- fortunately the reporter was nowhere in sight.
 There was left for Jones nothing | else but to return home or follow when he came out. As this night he knew Florence to be exceptionally well | guarded, both within and without the house, he decided to wait and follow 1 the spy.
 When Braine received the message he was pleased. Norton's assignment fitted his purpose like glove. Before | midnight he would have MT. Meddling Reporter where he would bother no | one for some time-if he proved tract able If not, he would never bother l any one again. Braine gave his or | ders tersely. Unless Norton met with unforeseen delay, nothing could pre- vent his capture.
 When Norton arrived at the Hen | derson place, a footman informed him | from the veranda that General Hen | derson was at 49 Elm street for the | evening. and it would be wise to call there. Jim nodded his thanks and set | off in haste for 49 Elm street. The | footman did not enter the house, but hurried down the steps and slunk off among the adjacent shrubbery. His mission was over with.
 The house in Elm street was Braine's l suburban establishment. He went there occasionally to hibernate. as it were, to grow a new skin when close | pressed The caretaker was man rightly called Samson. He was a | bruiser of the bouncer type. l It was fast work for Braine to get out there. If the man disguised as a footman played his cards badly Braine would have all his trouble for noth- | ing. He disguised himself with that 1 internal cleverness which had long since made him terror to the police, who were looking for ten different men instead of one. He knew that Norton would understand instantly that he was not the general; but on l the other h""' he would not know that he was addressing Braine.
 So the arch-conspirator waited: and so Norton arrived and was ushered into the room. A single glance was enough to satisfy the reporter, always keen eyed and observant.
 q wish to see General Henderson" !" he said politely.
 General Henderson is doubtless at his own house"
 | "Ah!"
 Don't be alarmed yet" said Braine smoothly.
 'I am not alarmed" replied Norton, q am only chagrined Since General Henderson is not to be found here | l must be excused" ''I will excuse you presently" "Ah! I begin to see" "Indeedl" mocked Braine. q have tumbled or walked into a | trap"
 "A keen mind like yours must have