The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-02-16

soul in sight Now Tor SPIN 10 ING
Bronx"
Hooking was not long in starting
the car. In his palmy days he had
had his owr motor, and was an eH-
pert driver. He soon sent the
brougham gliding along. leaving the
drunken chauffeur fast asleep On the
pavement to await the tender mercies
of the police.
The rain slasheG against his face
bat he cared little. He lad started on
a new career. and enrolled himself I'M
der the banner Of Ishmael: his hand
from hencef nth VSuI be against
every mans.
New York was asleep, and that only
/ added to the weirdness of the situa-
ton. The brougham passed rows upon
] rows OF houses-houses suffered and
with drawn blinds, and the breath of
New York seemed to rise up in heavy
steam of fog and vapOr-the close,
hot breath OF the sleeping town.
When they got into Harlem the rain
came down faster and the wind began
| to moan and shrek.
! Hooking grew very thoughtful as
he drove on. Where was he going
and what would be the end OF the
journey? Adventures are to the Ad-
venturous." He quoted DtsraelPs
well-known line and wondered
what strange game Tweedledee was
playing, and II he could have any
| further share in the strange mid
night adventure.
What a strange figure he must pre-
! sent, he reflected. driving a motor
brOugham at full speed under mid
night sky, dressed as he was in an
evening suit and wearing a crush
opera hat He wondered what the
woman was like who was accom-
panying Tweedledum. and he felt half
sorry for her. He could not imagine
any woman starting an intrigue with
such man as Tweedledee for pleas
ure; she must have some strong out
/ side object.
Curious About the Woman.
Hooking grew very curious about
the woman as he drove on; once he
slackened the pace Of the motor to
listen IL Tweedledee and his COM
panion were talking together, but no
sound OF voices broke the silence, no
| light laugh or gay chatter.
J "a funny. quiet sort of eIopement,"
muttered the man to himself. Il hope
| all's right. / wish / could catch
sight OF the woman. though. I'm
not going to help Tweedledee In any
villginy against a woman"
| Strangely enough, as the thought
crossed bookings brain, something
went wrong with the motor, a trifiing
| accident which. however would
necessitate the driver getting down
| and seeing to the machinery.
Hello, what are you stopping
fort" cried Tweedledee. putting his
| head out OF the carriage window.
| Nothing seriously wrong, eh?"
Something's gone wrong under
meath the car" replied Hooking
shortly. not troubling himself to give
Z Tweedledee technical details Here,
can you get out and strike a match
, for me?" he went on: cor better still,
hold one OF the lamps out for me.
must see what's wrong"
Tweedledee got out with a NUT
tered oath. and while he tried to
undo the lamp, Hooking seized his
opportunity. He ran around to the
carriage door and looked in, laugh
ing as he did so.
Must see the lady" he muttered
You are selfish beggar, Tweedledee,
not to Introduce me" The words had no
sooner left the mans mouth than he
started violently. his laugh ceasInC
abruptly. for he noticed with something
akin to horror that the woman who lay
back in the carriage was partially
gagged by a tight shawl muffled around
her face-but the dark pleading ewes
sought his compassion.
Those eyes. Where had he seen them
before? Guy Hooking suddenly realized
with thrill Of rage that he was gazing
at his cousin, Esther VasseIl. He laugh
ed wildly and hercely. Now he under
stood the game. Fate had been playing
with him that night; he had been ap-
pointed TO save Esther from the power
Of the wolf.
Where He Led Them.
Esther. by all that's unholy! :" The
laugh upon Guy bookings lips died
away as he recognized the pale face of
his cousin emerging from the heavy
wraps which had enveloped her. He
turned to the scowling man who stood
by his side. and epostrophlzed him saw
agely.
You unmItigated blackguard, Trvee-
dledee! What game are you playing?
And l have been helping you In your
villainy! I've a mind to-
Tweedledee's long arms were round
him, and in a moment he was twisted
away from the door Of the brouEham.
Guy, weakened by dissipation, was no
match for his Wiry antagonist.
shut up, you fool" cried Tweedledee
You're mad or drunk! / tell you you
don't know the lady who Is allowing me
TO abduct her. The whole thing IS pre-
arranged, and a lot depends upon II.
hnN fS a