The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-03-15
The Rope Ladder

actly?" asked one man who did not
seem to like the look Of the Neap 1litan-
Il will tell you. They were particu
lar, precise. I was forthwith to jour-
ney to London. I was not told who
was to see; It was a very secret bust
ness, but I must arrive at certain
time at your Charing Cross. and
where the automobiles wait. I was to
make a sign. put my hat under my
arm and mop my head and face, ana
an automobile would come and take
tons I do not know where I go to;
it may be a cellar: but no. it Is here.
You cannot astonish me. have seo1
too many surprises"
Were you told nothing more?'' an
other man asked.
mo, no; and I am not here to be
questioned" was the excited answer.
ct get my instructions and I say no
more. 1t is done and 1 CO., I am
Neapo1itan. I DO not wait, have no
long patience. 1t is always now with
me; tomorrow do not care about
| tomorrow
IF you talk less you will be able TO
listen better" said the Jew at the
table IT have heard of you. even
know your name. No. I shall not men
safer for US ALL You are Number
Thirteen. that is all that concerns US.
You are a good man but a little too
self -opinionated, inclined to be insub-
ordinate to your masters. I am one Of
those masters. although you know
nothing of me. Now pay attention.
Were you followed to London?"
mo"
"How can you be sure OF THAR"
II have told you. I do not travel
direct. I am one sort Of man today.
Quite another when you meet me
again. I am not easy to follow
You were warned of a fair-headed
young man. said the Jew. IAN incon-
spicuous individual who talks sport
and appears to care for nothing but
idleness and pleasure. Did you see
him?"
NO" ana the Neapolitan laughed
| He is clever but he cannot beat me.
I am one in front of him all the time.
He has tried me before. this Valentine
West. BAH He need not make you
afraid"
| Who is this West. A detective? ~
asked one man. turning to the Jew
Not exactly detective, more the
secret agent. Nobody knows much
about him beyond the fact that he
i plays golf at scratch and belongs tc
one or two good London clubs. Ii
Il Scotland Yard is at work you have tc
DO with a detective, but If the govern
ment is trying to unearth a secret yor
are likely to have to deal with VaIen-
tine West That is why our friend here
was warned about him"
!, He does not exist in this business,
said the Neapolitan., IF he knew any.
thing, or were any good, do you thinl
I should have been allowed to arrive
here?"
NO. don't" was the answer.
Then to business. I have myself t
think Of. take precautIon, nevel
forget. Tonight lose myself1 in you
London, and when am seen again 70,
will not know me-"
The Jew was thoughtful for q few
; moments, then leaned forward over thu
table and lowered his voice.
I'VE DO not like the present ar.
rangement Of power balance in Bu
rope" he said. TT Is not good fo
certain national ambitions, nor To-
financial interests. This country. guild
; ed by certain Of her ministers. Is re-
sponsibie for the present position
I Court and political influence hav,
made strong combination. not to b,
destroyed by the removal of one O
| two men. Tomorrow there is a pro
3 cession to the city. Royalty. our owl
. and foreign, will be in It, and all o
. nearly all the ministers I have in mind
1t Is an opportunity not to be missed.
I He looked at the NeapoIitan.
a "Ahi Ny explosive"
The Jew nodded.
There Is nothing like It" said tn
Neapoiitan, his hand on his suit-cas.
These are toys of mine, but I hav
mere what six times over would max
rubbish heap Of this house. and of u
I-Poof! We should not be any more.
The statement was startling ana hi
" audience moved a little uneasi1y.
!, mo, do not show tiny secret.
= he went on, talking as a man with
hobby will talk. You might find OF
all about it. then who would send fo
me? No one. You would do this bust
ness yourselves, and II have no NOR
excitement, no more pay. I shout
= starve and that is not at all as
q should be-"
These men smiled at his conclusion
: They We're conspirators. ready to pie
deviltry, but not prepared to take to
e active a part in it. They paid som
e one else to do that, and took ever
y precaution that no one should betra
them.
e no. show nobody" the Neapolita
went on. and I do not let any on
touch my 30 innocent looking baggag
nor do leave it anywhere You said
e Leave it IN the hall: 1t will be quit
safe. I bring 1t with me, it is niue
q safer. Besides. 1t is better. I think, fl
me. Some day a trap may be set II
me. If you were to show suddenly thf
Y you were my enemies, touch this /
M just one way. Dioi It would be tel
rible."
Fear peeped out from one OF tw
u. faces, but the Jew at the writing tab
I smiled.
Is We are all friends here" he sal
, Tomorrow you shall act against OF
enemies. There IL a house in IL
Strand which has a roof excellent fl
NJ your purpose, well screened and wi;
re ADEQUATE means of escapa W. sh,