Middletown transcript., 1921-07-09
CHAPTER lV-Continued.
FOUR.

81 heard you were down here" she
said gravely, holding out her hand to
him. 'I've been sick with anxiety
ever since father told me he'd seen
you"
Hugh imprisoned the little hand in
his own huge ones, and smiled reas-
suringly.
Don't worry, little girl he said.
years ago l was told by an old gypsy
that l should die in my bed Of old
age and excessive consumption of in
valid port. AS 4 matter of
fact the cause of my visit was rather
humorous. They abducted me in the
middle of the night, with an ex-sol-
dier of my old battalion, who was, l
regret to state, sleeping off the effects
of much Indifferent liquor, in my
rooms. They thought he was your
American millionaire cove, and the
wretched Mullings was too drunk to
deny it. In fact, l don't think they
ever asked his opinion at ALL" Hugh
grinned reminiscently. "A pathetic
spectacle"
"Oh! but splendid" cried the girl
little breathlessly. 'Tell me, where
is the American now?"
'Many miles out of London" an
swered Hugh. II think We'll leave
it at that. The less you know, Miss
Benton, at the moment-the better"
"Have you found out anything?" she
demanded eagerly.
Hugh shook his head.
"Not thing. Except that your
neighbors are as pretty bunch OF
scoundrels as 1 ever want to meet"
"But you'll let me know if you do"
She laid a hand beseechingly on his
arm. "You know what's at stake for
me, don't you? Father, and-oh! but
you know"
IT know" he answered gravely. II
know, old thing. l promise I'll let
you know anything l find out. And
in the meantime l want you to keep
an eve fixed on what goes OH next
door, and let me know anything of
Importance by letter to the Junior
Sports club" He lit cigarette
thoughtfully. Il have an idea that
they feel so absolutely confident in
their own power that they are going to
make the fatal mistake of undertaking
their opponents. We shall see.' He
turned to her with twinkle in his eye
Anyway, our Mr.. Lakington will see
that you don't come to any harm"
"The brute!" she cried, very low.
"HOw l hate him." Then with
sudden change of tone she looked up
at Drummond. Il don't know whether
it's worth mentioning" she said
slowly, "but yesterday afternoon four
men came at different times to The
Elms. They were the sort of type
one sees tub-thumping in Hyde Park,
all except one, who looked like re-
spectacle workingman."
Hugh shook his head. {:
"Don't seem to help much, does it?
Still, one never knows. Let me know
ANYTHING like that in future at the
club"
"Good morning, Miss Benton"
Peterson's voice. behind them made
Drummond swing round with smoth-
ered curse. "Our inestimable friend,
Captain Drummond, brought such a
nice young fellow to see me last night.
and then left him lying about the
bouse this morning. I have sent him
along to your car" continued Peter
son suavely, (which l trust was the
correct procedure. Or did you want
+o give him to me as a pet?"
"From a rapid survey, Mr.. Peterson.
7 should think you have quite enough
already" said Hugh. II trust you
paid him the money you owe him"
~ will allot it to him in my WILL"
romorked Peterson. IF you do the
same in yours, doubtless he VII get
T. from one Of US sooner or latsr. In
the meantime, Miss Benton, is your
father upT'
The girl frowned.
"No-not yet"
.aThen I will 60 and see him in bed
For the present, au revoir." He
walked toward the house. and they