Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1921-04-19

DrummOnd HlCkeQ the aSnt from MS
cigarette, then he turned; to- her, dis
passionatelS: .."Yom must: admit: he
remarked, shat up to now our CONVEX
sation has hardly proceeded along
conventional lines. I am complete
stranger to you; another man who IS
complete stranger to me speaks to
you While we're at tea. You inform
me that I shall probably have to kill
Elm in the near future. The st:te
nlent is. think you will agree, 4
trifle tisconcerting."
The girl threw back her head and
laughed merrily. "You poor young
man." she cried; put that way it does
sound alarming" Then she grew Sc
hous again. There's plenty Of time
for you to hack out now if you like
- She was looking at him gravely as
she spoke, and it seemed to her com:
panlon. that there was an appeal in
the big blue eyes. And they were very
big: and the face they were set in was
very charming especially at the angle
It was tilted at. in the half-light of the
room. Altogether, Drunm0nd reflect
ed, a most adorable girl. And ador-
allie girls had always been hobby Of
his. Probably Lakington possessed
letter of hers or something and she
wanted him to get it back. OF course
he woul6, even If he had to thrash tho
swine TO within an inch of his life.
"Welll" The girls voice cut int
hfs train OF thought and he hurriedly
pulled himself together.
1.-The last thing want Is for the
incident to finisl," he said fervently.
"Why-it's only just begun" ::
"Then you'll help me?'
That's what I'm here for" Wlth,a
smile Drummond lit another cigarette.
''Feli me all about It,"
"The trouble" she began after q, mo-
ment, sis that there is not rerT Iauch
to tell. At present it IS largely guess
work, and guess work without much of
a clue. However, to start with. had
better tell you what sort Of men. you
are up against. Firstly, Henry Lax
ington-the nun who spoke to me. He
was, I believe, one Of the most brilliant
scientists who has ever been up at
Oxford; There was nothing, in his
own line, Which would not have been
open to him, had he run straight. But
,.lsa 6iSMtaAo Ire deliberately "ehosaa to
"turn his brain to crime. Not vulgar,
common sorts Of crime the big
things, calling for master criminal.
He has always had enough money to
allow him to take his time over any
coup-to perfect his details. And
that's what lie loves. He Is quite un-
Scrupulous; he is only concerned in
pitting himself against the world and
winning"
"An engaging fellah," said Hugh.
"What particular form of crime does
he favor?"
"Anything that calls for brain, iron
nerve, and refinement of DETAIL" she
answered. principally, up to date,
burglary on Big scale, and murder"
r "AIy dear SOUL" said Hugh incredu-
lously. "How can you be sure? And
why don't you tell the police?"
She smiled wearily. Because I've
got no proof, and even if had :"
SHE gave little shudder, and left her
sentence unfinished. But one day. my
father and I were in his house, and.
by accident, got into room I'd new
er been in before. On q desk lay
some miniatures, and, without think
ing, picked them up and looked at
them. I happen 10 know something
about miniatures, and, to my horror, l
recognized them. Do you remember
the theft of the celebrated Vatican
miniatures belonging to the duke Of
Melbourne?"
Drrmmond nodded; he was begin
ming to feel interested.
"They were the ones I was holding
in my hand" she said quietly. And
just us was wondering what on earth
to do, the man himself walked into
the ro0m."
'Awkward - deuce1 awkward"
Drummond pressed out his cigarette
and leaned forward eXpectantly.
"Whut did he do?'
"'Admirlng my treasures? he re-
marked. Pretty things. aren't theyT
I couldn't speak a word: I, just put
them back on the table.
"'Wonderful copies he went on, of
the duke Of A1elbourne's lost mnlu.
lures. I think they would deceive
most people
"'rley deceived me-, managed to
get out. Q
.All the time he was staring at me,
a cold, mercileSs stare thut seemed to
freeze my brain. Then lie went over
to one of the safes and unlocked 1t.
Come here, Miss Benton he said.
There are a lot more-copieS.'
II only looked inside for Il moment.
but have never seer or thought of
such sight. Beautifully arranged OH
black velvet shelves were ropes Ut
pearls, gorgeous diamond tiara, and
q whole heap Of loose, uncut stones.
And in one corner caught glimpse