The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1921-11-25

4 NAaNN Ills with tuC DOilCc-il y w ~ AOt
give my saying so, Mr.. Green"
"Sure thing" drawled the American.
But we have our uses, Captain, and
I'm inclined to agree with your friends
suggestion. Hand him over along with
his book, and they'll sweep UP the
mess"
1T would be an outrage to let the
scoundrel co." said the millionaire
| fiercely. 'The man darlington you say
is dead; there's enough evidence to
hang this brute as well. What about
my secretary in Belfast?"
But Drummond shook his head.
Il have my doubts, Mr.. Potts, if
you'd be able to bring that home &c
him. Still, can quite understand your
! feeling ratified with the bird" He
rose and stretched himself; then he
] glanced at his watch. "It's time you
all retired, boys; the party ought to be
starting soon. Drift in again with the
lads, the instant ring the bell"
Left alone Hugh made certain once
again that he knew the right coInbina-
ton of studs on the wall to open the
big door which concealed the stolen
store of treasure-and other things as
well; then, lighting a cigarette, he sat
down and waited.
The end of the chase was in sight,
and he had determined it should be
| fitting end, worthy of the chase itself
theatrical, perhaps, but at the same
time impressive. Something for the
Ditchlings of the party to ponder on in
the silent watches of the night.
Then the pOlice-it would have to be
the police, he admitted sorrowfully-
and after that, Phyllis.
And he was just on the point of ring
ing up his fiat to tell her that he loved
her, when the door opened and man
came in. Hugh recognized him at once
as Valance Nestor, an author of great
brilliance-in his own eyes-who had
lately devoted himself to the advance
ment of revolutionary labor.
"Good afternoon" murmured Drum
mond, affably. "Mr. Peterson will be a
little late. / am his private secretary y
The other nodded and sat down Ian
guidly.
| "What did you think of my last little
effort in the Midlands?" he asked,
drawing off his gloves.
"Quite wonderful" said Hugh. "a
marvellous help to the great cause"
Valance Nestor yawned slightly and
closed Ibis eyes, only to open them
again as Hugh turned the pages of the
ledger on the table.
whats that?ss he demanded
| "This is the book" replied Drum
mond carelessly, where Mr.. Peterson
records his opinions of the immense
value of all his fellow-workers. Most
interesting reading
"Am / in it," Valance Nestor arose
with alacrity.
"Why, Of course" answered Drum
mond. "Are you not one of the lead
ers? Here you are" He pointed with
his finger, and then drew back in dis
may. "Dear, dear! There must be
some mistake"
But Valance NeStor, with a frozen
and CLASSY eye, was staring fascinated
at the following choice description of
himself:
| "Nestor, Valance. Author-so-called
Hot-air factory, but useful up to
point. Inordinately conceited and
monumental ass. Not fit to be trusted
far
what" he spluttered at length, sis
the meaning of this abominable in
! suIt?"
| But Hugh, his shoulders shaking
slightly, was welcoming the next ar
rival-a rugged, beetle-browed man,
whose face seemed vaguely familiar,
but whose name he was unable to
place.
"Crofter," shouted the Infatuated au-
thor, "look at this as description of
/ mer'
And Hugh watched the man, whom
list members of parliament, walk over
and glance at the book. He saw him
conceal smile, and then Valance Mes
tor carried the good work on.
well see what he says about you
impertinent BLACKBOARD"
| Hugh glanced over Crofter's shoul-
| der at the dossier.
/ He just had time to read: "Crofter
| John. A consummate BLACKBOARD.
Playing entirely for his own hand.
| Needs careful watching" when the
subject of the remarks, his face con-
vulsed with fury, spun round and faced
| him.
"Who wrote that?" he snarled.
"Must have been Mr.. Peterson an
swered Hugh placidly. "a wonderful
/ Judge of character, too he murmured,
turning away to greet Mr.. Ditchling,
who arrived somewhat OPPORTUNITY, in
company with thin, pale man-little
more than youth-whose identity
completely defeated Drummond.
"My Godr Crofter was livid with
rage. ME and Peterson will have
/ words this afternoon. Look at this,
Ditchling." On second thoughts he
| turned over some pages. "We1l see
what this insolent devil has to say
about you"
Drinks ~ Ditchling thumped the
table with a heavy fist. "What the hi
does he mean? Say, you, Mr.. Secre-
| tary-what's the meaning of this?"
"They represent Mr.. Peterson's con-
sidered opinions of you ALL" said Hugh
geniaIly. Perhaps this other gentle
man -.
He turned to the pale youth, who
| .tov,,,oS7 forxpard with sIJrnriSod IooI,