New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1918-11-22

tured, "for those who are loyal"
Peter Niburg gave him a sidelon'
glance. Difficult indeed" he sal
briefly.
II think" Milky observed, "that
after l see you safely home, I shall
report this small matter to the police.
But here Peter Niburg turned ever
paler. "NOt-not the police!" h
stammered.
But why? You and I. my friend
will carry their insignia for some days
l have a mind to pay u debts"
Peter Niburg considered. He stop
ped and faced Milky. II do not wish
the police" he said. perhaps l have
said too little. This is a private mat
ter. An affair Of jealousy"
II seew
Naturally, not a matter for pub
licity."
Every WE'LL" Milky assented. But
in his mind was rising dark suspicion
He had stumbled on something. He
cursed his stupidity that 1t meant, SO
far, nothing more than a mystery to
him. He did not pride himself on his
intelligence.
"You were not alone, ! thinkY'
Peter Niburg suddenly remembered
Herman. and stopped.
"YOur friend must have escaped"
ale would escape" said Peter NJ
burg sc%ornfully. "He is of the type
that runs"
He lapsed into sullen silence. Soon
he paused before a quiet house, one
Of the many which housed in cavernous
depths %uncounted clerks and other
small fry of the city. Good night to
you" said Peter Niburg. Then, rather
tardily. "And my thanks. But for
you l should now" he shrugged his
shoulders.
Good night, friend" said Milky.
"And better keep your bed tomorrow
He had turned away and Peter NJ
burg entered the house.
Milky inspected himself In the glow
Of a street lamp. Save for some dust.
and a swollen lip, which he could not
see. he was not unpresentable. Well
enough, anyhow, for the empty streets.
But before he started he looked the
house and the neighborhood over care
fully. He might wish to return to that
house.
For two hours he walked. and re-
sumed his interrupted train of thought.
At last, having almost circled the city,
he came to the Cathedral. 1t was
nearly midnight by the clock in the
high tower. He stopped and consulted
his watch. The fancy took him to 60
up the high steps, and look out over
the city from the colOnnade.
Once there, he stood leaning against
n column, looking out. There was
someone coming along the quiet
with a stealthy, shuffling gait
that caught his attention. So, for in
might a weary or a wounded
man drag along. Exactly so, indeed.
had Peter Niburg shambled into his
house but two hours gone.
The footsteps paused, hesitated,
commenced n painful struggle up the
Milky moved behind his col
ann, and waited. Up and up, weary
step after weary step. The shadowy
1gure. coming close, took n form, be-
a man-became Peter Niburg.
Now. indeed. Milky reused. Beaten
md sorely bruised, Peter Niburg
should have been in bed. What
business Of the night brought
lin out?
Fortunately for Nikky's hiding place.
he last step or two proved too much
or the spy. He groaned, and sat
down painfully, neal the top. His
lead lolled forward, and he supported
t on two shaking hands. Thus he sat,
luddled and miserable, for five min
tics or thereabouts. The chime rang
tut the hour.
At ten minutes past the hour, Milky |
,eard the engine Of an automobile.
70 machine came in sight, but the
hrobbing kept on, from which he
judged that a car had been stopped
round the corner Peter Niburg heard
t, and rose. A moment later a man,
With the sprInginess of youth. mounted
he steps and confronted the messen-
Ter.
Milky say a great light. When
'eter Niburg put his hand to his
'reast pocket. there was no longer
Dom for doubt. nor, for that matter.
line for thinkNg. AS a matter Of
act, never afterward could Milky re-
all thinking at all. He moved away
hidden by the shadows of the
Behind him. on the steps,
he two men were talking. Absorbed
a themselves and their business, they
either heard nor saw the figure that
through the cOlonnade, and
ropped, a blood curdling drop. from
he high end of 1t to the street be-
wv.
Nikky's first impulse, beside the car,
'as to cut a tire. By getting his op-
onent into a STOPPING position. over
he damaged wheel. 1t would be easier
D overcome him. But a hasty search
evealed that he had lost his knife in
he melee. And second thought gave
i'm a better plan. After all, to get
he letter was not everything: To
now Its destination would be impor-
ant. He had no time to think fur
Ter. The messenger was coming
the steps. not stealthily. but clat-
,ring, with the ring Of nails In the
cells Of heavy boots.
Milky flung his long length into the