New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1918-05-25

and [ noticed furtive movement Of
his hand toward a pocket which I was
sure concealed weapon.
That he would take no chances
once he had made up his mind that
the other man suspected him l was
certain. He would shoot, and that
quickly.
The officer, however, showed only
casual interest in the bowls Of the
poor brute which grew louder and
more agonized each second. If my
eyes hadn't been sharpened by fear,
I would not have noticed that he was
poised upon the balls of his feet,
watchful, ready, if necessary, to
spring upon the ferret-faced youth.
do you know he drawled, as if he
were discussing the price Of lobster
salad, I'm sure YOU must be mis-
taken about the lady leaving here 90
minutes ago. That dog bowling SO
| disturbingly is hers, I'm positive, and
she would never leave him in such
distress as that. She may have start
ed and come back for some reason
without you seeing her. And I'm sure
either she or the dog have met with
an accident of some kind If you
don't mind I'll just look around for
her
"The hell you Will" Ernest snarled.
Now let me tell you something,
shoulder straps. You've just handed
out the spiel that I'm seven different
kinds of a liar, and that don't go with
me if you're the whole United States
army"
He was evidently trying to provoke
the other man into rage on the theory
that an opponent blinded by anger
was less dangerous than a CALM, judi
te-{r, 1yo
of Judging the cool-headed Yankee
before him by his own temperament.
Don't get fused, BROTHER the Off
Ger advised coolly, and only a watch
full observer could have seen that he
even family resented the insolence of
the ferret-faced youth. mo offenSe
was intended, and I'm sure you will
see the advisa bility of letting me look !
for my friend. Come along with me |
if you don't want to let me go by |
myself
''CaII 1t Co.
His drawing, soft voice, his con-
ciliatory words seemed to have |
curious effect upon Ernest. He stood I
motionless in the path and gazed as if |
hypnotzed at the other man.
Call it a CO. he said hus1ily at !
last. 81 suppose I was a bit quick
with the f1atiron under the collar, but
it always makes me see red to have
anybody call me liar. But 7 tell |
you you've got this doped out wrong. !
did see the lady go away, and she
had the pup with her. This dog back
here belongs to one of the walters. 1t |
turned ugly today, and he gave it a !;
dose, thinking it would settle it's hash. !
But it must be like cat, has nine |
lives, for it's singing around as lively
as ever"
Ernest stopped and looked as com
placent as if he had just settled all
the worlds affairs satisfactorily. The :
officer, however, was gently persistent.
you surely don't mind my having
look at the dog, though. do you?"
Madge Steps Forth.
The two men faced each other I
tensely. Between them was the pre-
tense of courtesy, but each knew now
and knew the other knew-that it
was a death duel Of wits between
them.
Ernest was the first to speak
"Of course not" he said suaveIy !
But he's a savage brute and he'll Just
about tear you to pieces if his master
isn't around. ] can't do a thing with
him. I'll just call him over here He
can't be far away"
His voice rose in a nervous shrek
of "Otto!"
Recollections shook me with a nerv-
Gus chill. I could hear his words to
Otto on the stairs:
Beat it around the back way to the
wireless, and fix that SOUP so if you
hear me call like this: otto, where
in the devil are your you can throw
it in p. d. q. If you can get away
first, all right; if not, you'll be dying
for the fatherland, you know"
Something about his tense figure. |
his excited voice, told me that he
meant to give the signal at once.
must act quickly if I prevented the
destruction of the wireless.
I drew the pistol Nine Hofer had
secreted in my coat from its hiding
place and crept noiselessly to the
door. down the steps, and out on the
lawn.
Hands up, Ernest" said in a tone
Otto could not possibly hear, but
which was perfectly audible to the
ferret faced youth.