Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-11-17

the room and the house were searched
by New York detectives, whose war
rant 1t was useless to resist" ~
but what's the charge against Mr..
Bookam| 49,.
ITS something to do with the dis
asters in - the young man con-
fided. "The governor of the state, who
is Mr.. Bookam's cousin. is in the same
trouble. Better sit down
moment, sir. You're looking white"
Mr. Fischer threw himself into an
easy chair. He felt like a man who
has built a mighty piece of machinery,
has set 1t swinging through space. and
watches new its imminent collapse:
watches some tiny but CHASTITY flaw.
pregnant with disaster, growing wider
and wider before his eyes.
What papers did the police take
away with them?" he asked.
"There wasn't very much for them."
the secretary replied. There was
list of the names of the proposed or
ganization which. owing to your very
wise Intervention, was never formed.
There was a list Of factories through
out the United States in which NUM-
tions are being made. with a black
mark against those holding the most
important contracts. And there was
a letter from Gov. Roughton."
"Mr. Bookam hasn't drawn any
cheqaes lately for large amounts"
Fischer inquired eagerly.
There are three in his private
check book, sir. the counterfoils of
which are not filled in" was the some
what dreary admission.
Have you any idea about those
cheques?" he demanded. -.
II am afraid" the other acknowl-
very discreet. i Reminded him Of
your advice-that the money should
be passed through Sullivan--but he
didn't seem to think it worth WHILE"
Look Look /. here r, let me know the worst
believe that any one Of those cheques
who are under arrest?" - ~ ~ a.
II am afraid the secretary de-
one were found on the person Of Ed
Swindles. intact CO. = ,,-'.T
Fischer sat for moment with his
head buried in his hands: ''"rhat any
man could have been such fool. An
organization would have peen.a thou
sand times safer. Max Bookam was
only very worthy and Industrious
clothing manufacturer; with an in
Tense Tense love ~. for the Fatherland ana a
tons. What he had done no had done
Whole-heartedly but foolishly. He was
man who should never have been
trusted for moment in the game.
Fischer took his leave and reached
his. hotel a little. before midnight
Already he had begun to look over
his shoulder in the street. He
sense Of relief, marred BY one little
disappointment Nikasti was to have
been there to bid him farewell
Milasti on. his way back to Japan.
Motel that there had been no telephone
message or caller Then he turned to
his correspondence, some presentment
already clutching at his strained
nerves. There was letter in large
addressed to him in Nikastis fine
handwriting. He tore open the
envelope, and slow horror seized him
as he realized its contents A long
eyes. The first few words brought
confusion and horror. to his sense. His
brain reeled. This was defeat, indeed!
1t was q photograph of that other
hha a bsr l;san letter; ,, The one which
him in small pieces. mere was no
other line. no message, nothing but
this damning proof Of his .,plicity.
He fought like a Gagged man for some
way out. Every. sort Of explanation
occurred to him only to be rejected,
every sort Of subterfuge. .only to be
cAsl dSiue Win d KIM OF RnaStly COM
tempt. He felt suddenly stripped bare.
His tongue could serve him no more
He snatched at the telephone receiver
and rang up the number for whici, he
searched eagerly through the book.
rs that the Office-Of the American
Steamship Company?' he asked.
What time will the New York sailo"
I'm three-quarters Of an hour. Who's
speaking?" -. - -.
Mr. Oscar Fischer. Keep anything
yon have for me-"
He threw down the receiver for fear
of refusal. packed IA few things
feverishly In dressing bag, dashed
Inc rest OF his correspondence into his
pocket. and'wfth the bag in one hand,
and. an overcoat over the other arm,
he FASTENED out into the street. He
was obliged at first to board street
car; Afterward he found taxicnb,
ana drove under the great wooden
shed as the last siren was blowing
lie hurried up the gangway. 81 grim
remorseful figure. a sense Of defeat
EnaWing at his heart. a bitter haunt
ing fear still with him even when,
with shrek Of the tugs. the great
steamer swung into the river. He
was leaving. forever the work to which
ne had given so much of his life. leav-
,hg 1t fugitive and dishonored The
blaze OF lights. the screaming of the
great FERRY boats all the triumphant
brazen noises Of the mighty city.
sounded like requiem to him as In
the darkest part of the promenade
deck he leaned over the railing and
h,'r3ed MS agony. the supreme agony
or an ambitious man.--failure.
CHAPTER XXXvII.