American Fork citizen. [volume] (American Fork, Utah) 1912-1979, 1921-05-07

hinS VI OuE Observation-Disclosures.
For n moment he thought that Pc
terson was going to strike him, and his
own fist clenched under the table.
II wouldn't, my friend" he said
quietly, indeed wouldn't. Because
II you hit me, l shall most certainly
hit you. And II will not improve your
beauty"
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 coniposure. Drummond's fist
unclenched, and he stole a look ut the
girl. She was In her favorite attitude
on the sofa, and had not even looked
up.
II suppose that Il Is quite useless
for me 10 argue with YOU" said Peter
son after while.
~ was u member of my school de-
batting society,"" remarked Hugh rcmi.
nlscently. "But I was never much
good. I'm too obvious for argument
I'm afraid"
"You probably realize from what
has happened tonight" continued Pc
terson. that I am In earnest"
~ should he sorry to think So" an
swered Hugh. "If that Is the best
you can do, I'd cut It right out and
start n tomato farm"
The girl gave little gurgle Of
| lau.h,nr aud ttt annthar NJ On rcttQ
"Will you come and do the danger
Gus part OF the work for us, Monsieur
Hughf" she asked.
"If you promise TO restrain the little
fellows. I'll water them with pleas.
ure." returned Hugh lightly.
Peterson rose and walked over to
the window, where he stood motion
less, staring out into the darkness.
Hugh realized that the situation was
what In military phraseology might he
termed critical. There were In the
house probably half dozen men who,
like their master, were absolutely I'M
scrupulous. II II suited Pcterson's
book to Kill him. he would not hesitate
10 do so for single second.
For moment the thought crossed
his mind that he would take no
chances by remaining In the house |;
that he would rush Peterson from
behind and escape into the darkness
Of the garden. But It was only mo-
! mentary-gone almost before 1t had
come, for Hugh Drummond was not
that manner Of man-gone even before
he noticed that Peterson was standing
In such n position that he could see
every detail OF the room behind him
reflected In the glass through which
he stared.
A fixed determination TO know what
lay IN that sinister brain replaced his
temporary indecision. Events up to
date had moved so quickly that he had
hardly had time to get his bearings
even now the last twenty.four hours
seemed almost dream. And as hi
looked at the broad back and massive
head Of the man at the window, ant
from him to the girl Idly smoking or
the sofa, he smiled little grimly. II,
had Just remembered the thumbscrew
of the preceding evening. Assuredly
the demoblllzed officer who fount
peace duh was getting his moneys
worth; and Drummond had u shrewt
suspicion that the entertainment wa,
only just beginning.
A sudden sound outside In the gar
den made him look up quickly. liz
saw the white CLEAN OF a shirt front
and the next moment u man pushed
open the window and came unsteadil,
into the room. II was Mr.. Benton. ant
quite obviously he had been seeking
consolation In the bottle.
"Have you got himY he demanded
thickly, steadying himself with hant
on Peterson's arm.
II have not" said Peterson shortly
cycling the swaying figure IN. front o
him CONTEMPORARY. "FOr heaven'
sake. sit down, man. before you fal
down." He pushed Benton rough!
into a chair. and resumed his impas
sive stare into the darkness.
| The girl took not the slightest notic'
of the new arrival. who gazed stupid
ly ut DrummOnd across the table.
ave seem to be moving In an at
: mosphere Of crOss-purposes, MIR. Ben
tOn," said the soldier affably. II hop'
your daughter IL quite WELL"
"Er-quite. thank YOU" muttere
. the other.
r Tell her. will you. that ! propos
q TO call on her before returning TO Lon
1 don tomorrow"
: With his hands In his pockets, Peter
, son was regarding Drummond fror
/. the window.
"You propose leaving w tomorrow
!. do your" he said quietly.
), Drummond stood up.
0 II ordered my car for ten o'clock,
he answered. II am quite sure tha
y I shall be more useful to Mr. Petel
o son ut large than I am cooped u
Il here. I might even lead him to thi
@ hidden treasure which he thinks Nv
got"
|. "You will do that. all right" n
Il marked Peterson. But at the I'M
A