The Washington times., 1917-08-23


One man conducted him; q sec
ond was on guard outside. Both
hurried with him to the curb. piled
into the car that drew up for them,
and vanished into the night.
CarslAke was for making tracks
instantly for certain regions in
another part OF the city where he
knew he would be safe from fur
ther police search, but the men
with him had orders to deliver him
to the Spider" and they would
listen to no other plan.
Accordingly. as Pearls patience
was Just about nearing its end, the
door suddenly burst open and Cars
lake appeared. immaculate and
smiling as ever.
Good evening" he said with .
pleasant little bow.
Instantly Pearl rushed toward
him.
"Ths violet diamond-auickI
where IL itf" she urged eagerly.
A Little Surprise.
Carslake's smile broadened.
MY Dear Girl" he protested.
you really didn't think I'd give
you the diamond. did your
Pearl Easped. She was over
whelmed by this turn OF AFFAIRS.
"But-cf course. bought your
freedom IL paid the Spider
nifty thousand dollars" she declared
The Spider nodded quietly.
quite true. 50 she did" he ad-
mitted. and, turning to Pearl. he
added. And I'm very curious 10
know where you got IT."
Carslake turned to the Spider
nonchalantly.
''out OF the bank, most likely
he said. This young lady IL Pearl
standish. the richest girl in Amer
lea Her-er-ransom-o to be
worth nve times nfty thousand dol
lars"
The Spider and his men Eaxed
with awe and Amusement upon
Pearl at this. and Pearl returned
their glances with an expression Of
alarm.
The Spider was nrst 70 recover
from his surprise.
so your idea was TO trick Mss
stAndishT' he said You had no
intention Of living up to your
promise to herT"
NY promise meant nothing. I
mean to hold her for ransom, Of
oozrseT replied caraiake. 'The
girl is worth one hundred million
doilarsT'
The Spider scrutinIssd hin, AZ
reptile.
An Uldmatum.
There 10 honor even among
thieves" said the "spider." Then
speaking with cutting cnlmneAs;
TN my neighborhood va keen our
bargains and live up to our COM
pAct1 among ourselves"
"But this girl isn't one Of us and
she doesn't belong In our neiEh-
borhood." answered CaFsIake I'm
not going to give hsF the violet
diamond. and that's naaL"
He turned to 90. P0aFi uttsFsd
. cry Of protest and gaEed al the
spider appeslinEly. The Spider
turned TO his men.
stop him" he said.
Instantly they advanced to block
Carsiaks's way, Outnumbered, he
had no choice but to yield grace
fully, He turned back to face the
Spider"
You will bring the violet dia-
mond to this room within ths hour,
or you will lose your taste for dia-
monds or for anything else" said
the Spider"
His sharp eyes glittered as they
rested upon CarslakS, CarsIaks
shrugged.
Very well. I'll 90 out and get
IT,? he said
my men will accompany you"
said the Spider" And I advise
you to hurry!"
Carsleke turned on his heel and
vanished. followed by the men with
whom he had come.
There followed another tiresoms
wait. Pearl paced the floor. The
Spider sat quietly behind his
table, studying her with speculative
eyes
It was eleven-thirty by Pearls
wrist-watch when Carslake finally
returned with the violet diamond
ard the setting IN his pocket
with such good grace as he could
muster. he delivered them 10 Pearl,
who seized .them with frantic Joy
and relief. thrust them into her
hand bag and took her leave.
We'll. I suppose ! may go. now"
drawled Carslake, sarcasticaIly,
looking at the Spider"
Yes" said the Spider"
~ - ~