Evening star., 1918-01-27
The Cases of Paul Beck, hleof1hlmb Detective sZ "A:
BY MCDONNELL BODkIN

'Ry the night mail? Then you will go
up with my brother"
AZ knew that. Her grace told mo so.
hope may be allowed to travel In
bold as to say 80. I have taken a great
fancy for your brother. He's clever,
cool and plucky. or I'm no Judge. Just
the man to help me through with this
He'll be glad to help you If he can.
for this wretched business has worried
him as much as ourselves. He lives in
a nat in London. close to st. James, and
his time is all his own since he dropped
out Of the army"
The Hon. Herbert professed to be very
delighted to have Mr.. Becks company
to town. His sleeping compartment
was abandoned for f1rst-class smoker.
The guard was tipped handsomely to
keep out intruders. and he and Mr.. Beck
smoked and chatted the whole way UP
to town.
The dukes brother shook the de-
tective's hand cordially as they parted
Here's my card" he said. 'Remem-
Der. I'm always ready and willing
whenever you want my help"
II won't forget" said Mr.. Beck.
But 1t SO happened that Mr.. Beck
had the first chance Of helping. By
evenings later.
Are you up to any little game to-
night? Hunting any daring criminal
to death?" said the Hon. Herbert. He
could hardly help smiling at the notion
Of the placid Mr.. Beck hunting a
criminal to death. mo? rhen come
across to my place and have drink
and cigar. Well walk II you don't
mind. want to get a little of the
cool air into my blood. No news of
the opal. suppose?''
II think I've got q step closer to it
today-or rather. tonight"
by Jove! I'm glad to hear that.
Mustn't ask any more. suppose? For
her sake I'm deuced anxious. you
know"
II promise you shall be among the
hrst to know when have my hand on
the thief"
Thanks. awfully. Wei. here we are.
turned the latch key into one Of the
half dozen doors Of a great block
of buildings as he spoke, and they pass
ed into the hall. 'Ths lift is stoppsd
for the night; we keep decent hours.
you see. But 1t Is only the second
floor. You won't mind the stairs?"
Herbert said. leading the way.
He muttered q little petulant oath.
with no. real ill-temper in it. when he
turned the handle Of his own door and
found the room in utter darkness.
II told my fellow to leave glimmer
the lighter or the matches"
Mr. Beck produced a box OF matches
from ono pocket and q little electric
lamp from the other
as he lighted half a dozen Jets. The
room was a large one. furnished with
exquisite taste. Old engravings, plain
and colored. were on the walls, and
ishe4 and black and upholstered in
fowSred damask, was on the thickly
There's nothing like electricity.
said Herbert. as Mt Beck turned on
his pocket. There's q fellow .comfps
TO- at up my rooms with electric light
tomarrow;, %. ,,,,,.., ",
Beck.
THE same-do you know them?"
"A little. They are said to be the
best Arm in London-au the most mod
ern appliances. You see. in my trade
everything. The murderers and the
burglars-the high-class ones, at least
have begun to study. electricity, and
we cannot afford to be left behind"
win you have brandyf I've a rare
Mr. Beck took the old Irish whisky
and choice Havana cigar. and sat
back in q deep easy chair. slipping and
smoking. the very picture of genial SIM
'The duke is coming up to town."
Herbert said. when he had helped him
self in turn. He will be here the day
after tomorrow, and the duchess with
him. She will be rejoiced to hear you
have got on the track Of the opal"
DO they stay long in London?"
only one day-business. They put
up at the Victoria Hotel, but they have
promised to come over to lunch with
me. / hope to have the electric light
fitted UP in time. Her grace has quite
q craze for 1t. Wants the duke to get
it into Holmhurst. Volt and Bright have
promised to send man over to dem
onstrate; it may mean a. big order for
them. By the way, you might look in
while they are here. I'm sure they
would both be glad to have a word
with you"
IF can manage 1t will, but shall
You'll be welcome If you come. Just
one glass more. Well. have a cigar 10