The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-06-26

1t did not matter; also you had been
paid an immense sum; enough, 1 per-
ceive, to keep you in funds FOR a long
time.
| And the source of my information7
1t began when 1 received that menacinS
note Then 1 remembered an incident
concerning Branna's stay in prison
which had been related to me BY the
governor when was making inquiries
at Blackmoor. This incident was
Branna's tumble down the quarry.
The governor had pointed out the place
to me during a pleasant motor drive
We had together. The more I thought
of 1t the more 1 distrusted it. / re-
solved to visit this quarry. 1 had 10
do that by stealth. 1 went by night,
last night, Bartle. Well, in the cavern
behind the horn bush 1 found a few
ashes of burned clothing. The weather
had not penetrated that hole. You had
not been very thorough in the work OF
destruction. although I admit that an
efficient thoroughness could not have
appeared highly desirable 1 found q
half-burned civilians boot, a fragment
OF a linen collar, and one enamelled
sleeve-link engraved j. B.-J. c. Your
initials and those of Janet Cassidy.
That is all. Bartle What do YOU
think OF it?'
Bartle, who had listened with the
most acute attention. flung himself into
an armchair, sullen, inclined to de-
fiance.
Even supposing all that to be true.
how can you prove it? How can you
use it against me?" he asked, with a
touch of savageness..
Why. might take my story to the
police. I have interest with New Scot
land Yard answered Tredways child
ingly. They always treat what tell
them with great respect, and they are
perfectly right to do so. But person.
ally am willing to forget all about it,
Come you have guessed what I want %
mo. I'm damned II have" was the
sulky response.
Il want details about the gang who
bought your three yeare. I want a
name, an address. something definite
to work upon. Tersely. L offer you
silence in exchange for this informa-
ton"
Bartle bounded from his chair. Il
will never, never give it, he burst out
Listen purred Tredways. ct have
spent the best part of my life exploring
the labyrinth, tortuous and terrible, Of
!; the underworld or crime. Inat maze
has for me a fascination not to be re-
sisted. When strike a fresh track
down there, I warn you I am not
turned off easily. Well. have struck
fresh trail And I am going to pur-
sue it right to the end. You can help
me. and you shall! Has that soaked
in?"
Bartle was now white as chalk.
And If refuse?'' he snarled.
You pay the penalty of course You
committed a serious crime in aiding a
prisoner to escape. That is palpable to
you. Come. your answer"
Il refuse, emphatically."
Tredways got up Il think UNDER
stand, Bartle" said he. still without
! harshness. 1T is not that you are
afraid, after ALL Shall tell you what
do think? 1 believe that you have
> allowed yourself to be dazzled by a
woman, by this woman member of this
set of spies. She was seen leaving
your fiat here, 1 remember. Now I.
r also, am fascinated by this beautiful
creature. but in a different sort OF way.
I feel, with sure instinct. that she il
a star Of high magnitude in the neither
( armament of crime. AID 1 must dis
] cover her, really must. But you, you
, must cut her out!"
5 THAT will never do" breathed
] Bartle hoarsely.
: Tredways changed his tone Soft
! persuasion became abruptly a rasping
word of iniexible command. Decide"
You have had my answer said
l Bartle in scarcely audible voice.
Tredways took three swift strides to
, the phone upon small table. He
: whipped off the receiver Give me
q New Scotland Yard" he flashed.
t Bartle turned toward him, his nstts
clenched his face bloodless. 1 stepped
between them. He looked me up and
. down. 1 smiled. The moment was
electric with tension. II was relieved
: by Bartle calling OUT
IAN right. agree. You shall have
D what you want"
t Tredways hung up the receiver. -Of
q course" he answered. soothingly. Il
a will let you down easily, Bartle. All
{ 1 press you for Is the name and the
address OF THIS single beautiful crea-
i ture. You shall not be troubled by me
q again, promise
!, Bartle crossed the room TO the vim
dow. TheScurtains had fallen back n
= little as IL disturbed by the breeze
blowing into the room. He stood for
, fully a minute. his head sunk, his eyes
e closed. When he spoke It was in q
hard, strained. bitter tone He sad:
r Her name is
The splitting, cruel report OF pistol
: sounded in the outside dark. Tredways
1 ieaped at Bartle and caught him in his
e arms as he fell backward. One glimpse
Il I had of the victims face, Of his star
: ing eyes in which the lamp OF life had
4 been blown out with appalling abrupt
Z ness.
7; Get him. FTancie." roared Tredways
at the top of his voice.
I, was through the open window in a