Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-04
THE SEVEN PEARL
EPISODE VII.
Episode Ne. z.


ing less than a miracle that had saved
them from death in the counterfciters'
den. They could hardly believe that
they had escaped even when they were
hauled into the fresh air and felt the
breeze blowing on their faces.
Although lima was exhausted and
her companion nearly so, they managed
to get to nearby cottage and ex-
plain their plight to the owners. They
were at once taken in and made COM
Portable. while the police departed to
resume their investigation Of the
mysterious room wrecked by the ex-
plosion.
Into this room shortly after lima
and Harry had left 1t peered the ma
licious face OF Perry Mason, and over
his shoulder the saturnine one OF the
executioncr. They laughed in unison.
and then Perry, turning away, beck
oned the executioner to follow. With
two torches they made their way along
the dark galleries and vanished ap-
parently on the best of terms.
AS for the counterfeiters, every one
OF them had been killed by the terrific
power of the nitroglycerin hurled at
them by the irresponsible Perry. There
was nothing for the police to do but
hoist II above.
lima and Harry, refreshed by their
rest and by the good care bestowed
upon them by their hosts, left the cot
tage for town. anxious to tell Stayne
that they had proof to free him of
completely In the murder of Perry
Masons brother.
The burglar had been living a miser-
able existence in Harry's apartment.
Just before Harry's arrival he had an
swered the phone to hear confederate
INFORM him where he could find two
pearls. presumably two of the seven
that had once formed the glory of the
Snltan's necklace.
Stayne was pleased, but his taste
Tor burglary had been perceptlbly
dampened when lima and Harry, bring
Ing policeman with them. appeared
at the door. and the burglar tried to
escape. He was too late. SO he dropped
on his knees. II am innocent" he
cried; Il didn't do It,"
lima laughed. Harry laughed and
the policeman laughed. II know YOU
didn't do it," said the good-natured
officer. but hope It Will be lesson
to you. We shall have our eyes on
you; SO walk straight"
Mr.. Staync. on hearing that he was
again 4 free agent, assumed a COM
pletely new attitude. He was attir.d
III slut of Harry's clothes, and when
that young man commented on the
fact he started gayly for the next room
to change.
Walt minute" said Harry. Be
Tore you go we Will thank you for the
pearl you promised. We've fulfilled our
part of the bargain; hand 1t over"
But Stayne backed away. why, !
Was only fooiing." he said, with a
laugh.
"oh, you were" cried Harry advanc-
Ing. Well. l wasn't fooling and I'm
not fooiing now-come along: hand /,
over"
But Stayne refused. Harry swung at
him and missed and lively fight en-
sued in which both men swayed back
and forth before the terrified eyes OF
lima, who feared that Harry would be
seriously hurt. and yet could not help
but admire the way in which he tackled
his opponent.
At last, with clever twist, Harry
fioored Stayne and forced him to de-
liver the pearl. AS Harry passed the
jewel to lima, the burglar rose and
swore vengeance.
Get out" said Harry. you're a
welcher. and the worst kind at that
lima wrapped the treasure in a piece
of blue tissue paper and laid it on the
ia BILE, while Harry followed Stayne to
the door and banged 1t after him.
The burglar shook his fist at the
people within and then his face lighted
He tapped softly on the panels, and
On being admitted. faced Harry with an
apologize air.
Il was too hasty. Harry, we'll call II
square, and to show YOU I'm on the
level I'll put you wise TO where you
can get two more of the pearls"
You will?" cried lima. "Oh, then, we
| forgive you" and she moved forward
to get the information from Stayne
write it down." said Harry, and lima
name. a
Miss borothea sanderlee, Fair.
banks-on the Hudson"
That's right" said Stayne. She's d
rich girl, and she's got two OF the
pearls set in earrings; they've jus,
come as a present from her fance."
Stayne started, then went hastily
on to give directions as to the best way
to reach Fair Oaks. He started because
he observed stealthy figure slip into
the room and taking the tissue paper
with it's prize, substitute therefor an
other piece Of paper and silently van
ish., A black mask concealed his eyes
| Stayne held his peace and departed
Grinning maliciously as the door closed
behind him. but his grin changed as he
came face to face with the EXecu-
toner, who stared at him with such
concentration that he was glad to flee
The Executioner moved toward the
door and listened Harry and lima
were sitting by the table where the
piece of blue tissue paper rested.
Well" said lima, we're on the right
track; at this rate we shall soon have
the Seven Pearls safe and sound, and
/ shall have the joy OF freeing my dear
Mustapha Bey from all danger"
You certainly are the right sort