The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1921-10-14

'Then report to me In the central
ROOM
And out of the corner Of his eye
Hugh watched him enter the house
with the Chinese cabinet clasped In
his hand.
Toby" he remarked TO that worthy
whom he found mournfully eating q
ham sandwich In the garage. Lets
go on the roof"
Silently they both climbed the lad
der which had been placed In readl-
ness, to find Peter Darrell and the
American detective already In posi-,
ton. A brilliant light streamed out
through the glass dome, and the In
side Of the central room was clearly
visible In the three chairs sat the
m0tionless. bound figures 80 swathed
In rope that only the tops of their
heads were visible. just as Lexington
had left him and Toby and Algy earll-
err In the evening. The only moving
thing In the room was the criminal
himself, and at the moment he was
seated at the table with the Chinese
cabinet In front Of him. With a quick
turn OF his wrist he pried open two
flaps Of wood, and folded them back
against the side. Then he lifted out
a parcel OF gold and silver tissue from
underneath.
my hat" muttered Hugh, what a
fool l was not to think Of I'll Just
a false bottom actuated by closing
the lid"
But the American. whistling gently
to himself, had his eyes fixed on the
rope Of wonderful pearls which LAX
ington was holding lovingly in his
hands.
$50 easy, you scum" continued LAX
ington, land you thought to pit your
selves against me'--he rose and stood
In front Of the chair where he had
last left Drummond. "That fool of
chauffeur failed to carry out my or
ders, and create diversion. You
will see what happens to people who
fall to carry out my orders, In min.
ute. And after that you'll never see
anything again."
"Say, he's dream-that guy" NUT
tered the American. "What pearls
are those he's gotT'
"The duchess of Lampshire's," whls-
pered Hugh. Lifted right under the
nose OF the whole bally house party"
The four watchers on the roof glued
their eyes to the glass. And the sight
they saw a moment or two afterward
stirred even the ptlegmatic Mr.. Green.
A heavy door was swinging slowly
open, apparently OF Its own volition,
though Hugh, stealing a quick glance
at darlington, saw that he was press
Ing some small studs In q niche In
one Of the walls. Then he looked
back at the door, and stared dunn
founded. II was the mysterious cup
hoard Of which Phyllis had spoken to
him, but nothing he had imagined from
her words had prepared him for the
reality. 1t seemed to be literally cram
med to overlooking with the most |
priceless loot Gold vessels Of fantas-
tic and beautiful shapes lItterad the
floor: while on the shelves were ar
ranged the most wonderful collection
Of precious stones, which shone and
scintillated In the electric light TIL
their glitter almost blinded the |
The pearls were carefully placed In |
/ position Of honor. and for few
Lakington stood gloatIng |
over his collection.
aDo you see them, Captain Drum
mondr' he asked quietly. Each thing |
by my brain--my hands. All |
His voice rose to a |
shout. "And you pit your puny wits
against me-" With q laugh he crossed
he room. and once more pressed the
,tuds. The door swung slowly to and
,losed without sound. while Laking-
on stiII shook with silent mirth.
"And now"-he resumed, rubbing his
1ands-"we will prepare your bath,
captain Drummond. And while II Is
setting ready. we viii just deal with
he chauffeur who neglected his or
|ers."
For a few minutes he bent over
he chemicals. and then he poured the
mixture into the water which nalf
HE'D the long bath at the end Of the
Dom. about FIVE minutes before
we're quite ready" he announced.
Just time for the chauffeur"
He went to speaking-tube. down
vhich he blew. Somewhat naturally
here was no answer. and Lakington
"A stupid fellow" he remarked SOFT
,. "But there b no hurry: win
cal with him later"
Lexington returned to the chair
Fhich contained. as he thought. his
hIef enemy. and was standing beside
| with an unholy JOY shining on bis
ace.
aAnd since | have TO deal with him
tier. Captain Drummond. ID. 8. o.
I. @. may IS wen deal with you
ow. Then u win be your friends
Urn, am going TO cut the ropes.
nd carry you. while you're so numbed
aat you can't move. to the bath. Then
shall drop you IN. Captain Drum