The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1921-12-08
In Which He Spends Quiet Night at
the ElmS
ONE.
(Continuedl
CHAPTER ~.

to do with you. young man, said Pc
terson gently. after a long silence. II
knew you had no tact"
Drummond leaned back In his Chair
and regarded his host with faint
smile.
Il must come 10 you for lessons, Mr..
Peterson. Though | frankly admit"
he added genially. that I have never
been brought up 10 regard the forcible
abduction OF a harmless individual and
a friend who is sleeping OF the effects
OF what low people call jag as being
exactly typical Of that admirable quail
ity."
Peterson's glance rested on the dis
heveled man still standing by the door,
and after moments thought he
leaned forward and pressed a bell.
Take that man away" he said alb
ruptly to the servant who came into
the room, "and put him TO bed. | Will
consider what TO do with him In the
morning"
Consider be id" howled Mul-
llngs. starting forward angrily. you'll
consider thick ear, Mr. Blooming
Know-an What ! wants to know"
The words died away in his mouth,
and he gazed al Peterson Ike bird
looks AT snake. There was some
thing so ruthlessly malignant In the
stare Of the gray.hlue eyes That the
ex-soldier who had viewed going over
the top with comparative equanlmity
as being part OF his Job quailed and
looked apprehensively at Drummond.
"Do what the kind gentleman tells
you Mullings," said Hugh, "and go to
bed He lit a cigarette, and thought
fully blew out a cloud Of smoke.
"Stop this foollng," snarled Peter
son. "Where have you hidden Pottsr
flush tush," murmured Hugh. you
surprise me. had formed such a
charming mental picture Of You, Mr..
Peterson, as the strong. silent man
who never lost his temper, and here
you are, disappointing me at the begin
ming Of our acquaintance
For a moment he thought that Pc
ltiSbn WIS EblltG w sun iAAAA' tAiiN ''A''
own fist clenched under the table.
81 wouldn't. my friend" he said
quietly. indeed | wouldn't Because
II you hit me, shall most certainly
hit you. And II will not improve your
beauty"
Slowly Peterson sank back In his
chair. and the veins which had been
standing out on his forehead became
normal again. He even smiled; only
the ceaseless tapping OF his hand on
his left knee betrayed his momentary
loss OF composure. Drummond's fist
unclenched, and he stole look at the
girl. She was in her favorite attitude
on the sofa, and had not even looked
up.
81 suppose that II is quite useless
for me to argue with you" said Peter.
son after a while.
81 was member OF my school de-
batting society,"" remarked Hugh remi-
niscently. "But ! was never much
good. I'm too obvious for argument.
Tn afraid"
"You probably realize from what
has happened tonight" continued Pc
terson. "that am in earnest"
II should be sorry 70 think So" an
swered Hugh. "If that is the best
you can do, I'd cut II right out and
start q tomato farm"
The girl gave little gurgle of
laughter and ~ another cigarette.
"wIll you come and do the danger
Gus part 81 the work for us. Monsieur
Hughl" she asked.
"If you promise 10 restrain the little
fellows. I'll water them with pleas
ure." returned Hugh lightly.
Peterson rose and walked over 20
the window, where he stood motion
less. staring out into the darkness.
Hugh realized that the situation was
what IN military phraseology might be
termed critical There were In the
house probably half a dozen men who.
like their master. were absolutely I'M
scrupulous n n suited Peterson's
book 10 XIII him. he would not hesitate
- do SO FOR q single second.
For a moment the thought crossed
his mind that he would tske no
chances BY remaining in the house:
that be would rush Peterson from
behind and escape into the darkness
o. the garden But n was emily ma-
mentary-goue almost before q had
come. FOR Hugh nrlmm0nd was not
that manner - man-=Gaue even before
BE- noticed that Pefrrs1u WAS standing
in such q position that he could see
every detail o. the room behind him
reflected IN the glass through which
be stared
A fred Determination 20 know what
lAy IN that sinister brain replaced his
temporary indecision- Events NJ To-
date had moved 80 quickly hat be had
hardly had time 70 ct his bearings
even uo~ TIE last twenty-four- hours