Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-09-07
CHAPTER XY.-(Continued.

Bliss stared at him. Not only were
the brown freckles gone from his face
but the mans appearance was IN every
way changed. He wore soft black
hat which came forward over his eyes
There was q suggestion of a black
mustache upon his upper lip. and
black lines under his eyes.
Il am an actor, you idiot he pro
ceeded What business is it OF
yours? Do as you are hidden faith
fully. and you are going to get five
pound note for yourself tonight Is
that not worth while?"
"Rather!" Bliss replied. you
mean as well as the five pounds fol
the hire of the carr"
"Of course" the man assented
give pounds for the car and five
pounds for your pourboire."
"Right-o.' Bliss said Where
to-"
you will drive me- the man di
Yected. Ito the far corner of the High
street, Houndsditch. You will leave
mo there, and you will forget all about
me. For taking me there-this!" he
continued. handing note to Bliss
For forgetting me-this!"
Bliss pocketed the two notes, lit
tie dazed. The man turned away and
opened the door of the car. Bliss
heard something like the growl iof a
wild beast; then the womans softer
voice, pleading. The door was
I slammed.
go on" the man called out
Bliss drove slowly up the Strand
He turned eastward, but almost at
10 IL f,,rv 70 a
left and climbed the hill leading to
Bow street. The man ratified upon the
window, but Bliss took no notice OF
him.
He drove straight to the door of
the police station and beckoned to the
constable who stood in the doorway
As it CHANGED he was talking to an
inspector, who also obeyed Bliss
summons
Look here" Bliss said, leaning to.
ward them, II may be making fool
Of myself, but l don't quite under
stand my fares inside. I took the man
up without a hat or coat in Harley
street He thought was driving a
taxi and offered me five pounds for
half-an-hour's job. drove him to
Adam street, and while he was at the
top of building there, woman
sneaked in behind When the man
came down he was disguised. and
gave me orders to drive him to
Houndswitch"
The inspector turned toward the
door Of the car. Bliss also dismounted.
As he glanced in he gave little cry
of surprise. Its only occupant was
the woman. The inspector looked at
( Bliss questioningly.
"He was there a second ago" Bliss
declared.
The woman remained silent. The
0cial addressed her.
Madam he said, "the driver
here tells me-"
He was interrupted by her little
laugh.
my dear friend she began.
The inspector took an electric torch
from his pocket and flashed it into her
lace. Almost Immediately he blew a
whistle. Two or three policemen
came running out
Search this neighborhood at
Once," he ordered. "A man has es.
capped from this car within the last
few seconds. He is probably Peter
Crazen. Quick, driver how was he
dressed?"
Bliss explained as we'll as he could,
and the policeman started off Then
IN obedience to the inspectors COM
manding gesture, he followed the lady
Into the building. The former led
them past the charge.room to small
once.
81 come. Mr.. Inspector the woman
said indefinitely because am
always 30 pleased to do as you ask.
You have no charge against me, |
Think"
None the official replied. Have
you anything to say to me? 1t will
make things easier for you some day."
She laughed.
mot word
The inspector took down Bliss
and dismissed him.
Bliss returned to the garage left
his car, and as there was no one there
IN authority to whom he could make
report, went back to his room and
TO bed.
On the following morning Bliss was
sent for in the managers office The
same elborate young man was there
seated upon the table, with usual
cigarette in the corner of his mouth
q brown canvas duster over his other
wise irreproachable attire.
"You wanted to speak to me, sir?"
Bliss inquired.
The young man folded up the news
0Der he was reading and laid it
down
You were out with the sixcylinder
car last night, weren't your" he
asked.
t.'Yes, sir"
''You took Sir James Aldroyd TO
Walton and back?"
"Yes. sir"
what did you do after your re-
turn"
Had quite an adventure. sir
Bliss answered. 81 took a man up in
Harley street who offered me five
pounds for half-an-hours job Then"
Don't you know" the young man
Interrupted that it is against the
rules for you to eccept fares in that
way? AS soon as your errand was