The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1921-11-18

through the glass dome, and the In
side of the central room was clearly
visible. In the three chairs sat the
motionless, bound figures so swathed
in rope that only the tops of their
heads were visible. Just as darlington
had left him and Toby and Algy earii-
er in the evening The only moving
thing in the room was the criminal
himself, and at the moment he was
cabinet in front of him. With quick
turn of his wrist he pried open two
flaps of wood, and folded them back
against the side. Then he lifted out
parcel of gold and silver tissue from
underneath.
MY haiti" muttered Hugh, "what a
fool / was not to think of It'll Just
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, ''and 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 a
chauffeur failed TO carry out my or
ders, and create a diversion. You
will see what happens to people who
fail 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 got?"
1.-The duchess of Lampshire's," whis-
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
stirred even the phlegmatic Mr.. Green.
A heavy door was swinging slowly
open, apparently Of it's own volition,
though Hugh, stealing quick glance
at Lexington, saw that he was press
! ing some small studs in a niche in
one Of the walls. Then he looked
back at the door, and stared dunn
founded. 1t was the mysterious cup
board 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 Uttered 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
watchers.
The pearls were carefully placed in
position of honor, and for a few
moments darlington stood gloating
over his collection.
"Do you see them, Captain Drum
mond?" he asked quietly. Each thing
obtained by my brain-my hands. All
mine-mine His voice rose to q
shout "And you pit your puny wits
against me-" With laugh he crossed
the room, and once more pressed the
studs. The door swung slowly to and
closed without sound, while Laking-
ton still shook with silent mirth.
"And now"-he resumed, rubbing his
hands-"we will prepare your bath,
Captain Drummond. And while it is
getting ready, we will just deal with
the chauffeur who neglected his or
ders."
For a few minutes he bent over
the chemicals, and then he poured the
mixture into the water which aalf
filed the long bath at the end of the
room. about five minutes before
we're quite ready" he announced.
"Just time for the chauffeur"
He went to speaking tube, down
which he blew. Somewhat naturally
there was no answer, and darlington
frowned.
"a stupid fellow he remarked soft
ly. "But there Is no hurry; will
deal with him later"
darlington returned to the chair
which contained, as he thought, his
chief enemy, and was standing beside
it with an unholy Joy shining on his
face.
"And since / have to deal with him
later, Captain Drummond, d. s. O.,
NJ. c., / may as well deal with you
now. Then it will be your friends
( turn. 1 am going to cut the ropes.
and carry you, while you're so numbed
that you can't move, to the bath. Then
L shall drop you in, Captain Drum
mond, and when, afterward, you pray
for death, I shall mercifully spare
YOUR life-for a while"
He slashed at the ropes behind the
chair, and the four men craned for
ward expectantly.
There" snarled Lexington. 'Tm
ready for you, you young swine"
And even as he spoke, the words
died away on his lips, and with a
dreadful cry he sprang back. Tor
with a dull, heavy thud the body of
the dead German Heinrich rolled off
the chair and sprawled at his feet.
MY Godr' screamed darlington.
what has happened? IL"
He rushed to the bell and pealed 1t
frantically, and with smile of Joy
Hugh watched his frenzied terror. No
one came in answer to the ring, and
darlington dashed to the door, only to
recoil into the room with a choking
noise in his throat. Outside In the
hall stood four masked men, each
with revolver pointing at his heart.
"My cue" muttered Hugh. .And