The Lamar register., 1921-09-21
Continued from Page Two)


back at the door, and stared dunn
founded II 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. II seemed TO be literally cram
med to Overlooking witt the most
priceless loot Gold vessels of fantns-
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 till
their glitter almost blinded the
watchers
The pearls were carefully placed In
a position Of honor. and for few
moments Lakington 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 20 His voice rose to
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 IL 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 1t is
getting ready. we will just deal with
the chauffeur who neglected his or
ders"
For few minutes he bent over
the chemicals. and then he poured the
mixture into the water which half
filled 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 a speaking-tube. down
which he blew. Somewhat naturally
frowned.
"A stupid fellow" he remarked soft
H. But there is no hurry; l will
deal with him later"
% Lakfngton returned to the chair
which contained. as he thought, his
chief enemy. and was standing beside
II with an unholy Joy shining on his
face.
And since ! have TO deal with him
later. Captain Drummond, ID. $. o.,
VI. C.. ! may as well deal with you
now. Then II will be your friends
turn. am going TO cut the ropes,
and carry you. while you're so numbed
that you can't move. TO the bath. Then
| shall drop you In, Captain Drum
mond. and when. afterward. you pray
for death, shall merclfully spare
your life-for a while"
He slashed at the ropes behind the
chair, and the four men craned for
ward expectantly.
There snarled Lakington. "Pm
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. For
with dull, heavy thud the body OF
the dead German Heinrich rolled on
the chair and spra'wled at his feet.
My God :" screamed Lakington.
What has happenedf IL"
He rushed 10 the bell and pealed II
frantically. and with smile OF joy
Hugh watched his frenzied terror. No
one came In answer TO the ring, and
LakIngton dashed TO the door. only TO
recoil into the room with choking
noise in his throat. Outside in the
hall stood four masked men, each
with a revolver pointing al his heart.
My cue" muttered Hugh. And
You understand, fellows, don't your
he's my meat
The next moment he had disap-
peared down the ladder and the three
remaining watchers stared mOtlonless
st the grim scene. For Lakington had
shut the door and was crouching by
the table. his nerve utterly gone. And
all the while the puffed, bloated body
OF the German sprawled on tue
moor.
slowly the door into the hall opened,
and with Il scream OF fear i-akington
sprang back. Standing In the door
way was Hugh Drummond. and his
face vas grim and merclless.
you sent for your chauffeur, Henry
Lakington.' he remarked quietly. 81
am here"
what do you mean7" muttered
Iakfugton thickly,