The Concordia sentinel. (Vidalia, Concordia Parish, La.) 1882-current, 1921-10-15

side of the centrs4. 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 earli-
er In the evening. The only moving
thing In the room was the criminal
himself. and at the moment he was
seated at the table with the Chinese
turn Of his wrist he pried open two
flaps Of wood, and folded them back
against the side. Then he lifted out
a parcel of gold and silver tissue from
underneath.
"My hat" muttered Hugh, what a
fool l 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 mad
last left Drummond. "That fool Of a
chauffeur failed to carry out my or
ders, and create a diversion. You
win see what happens to people who
fall to carry out my orders, In a 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 gotT"
"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
they saw a moment or two afterward
stirred even the phlegmatic Mr.. Green.
A heavy door was swinging slowly
open, apparently Of Its own volition,
though Hugh, stealing a quick glance
at darlington, saw that he was press
Ing some small studs In q niche in
one Of the walls. Then he looked
back at the door, and stared dunn
founded. It 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 70 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
ct precious stones, which shone and
sciStillated In the electric light till
their glitter almost blinded the
watchers.
The pearls were carefully placed in
position Of honor, and for a few
moments Lexington stood gloating
over his collection.
"Do you see them, Captain Drum
mOndT" he asked quietly. Each thing
obtained by my brain--my hands. All
mlne-mine ~ His voice rose to a
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 a sound, while Laking-
ton still shook with silent mirth.
"And now"-he resumed, rubbing his
hands-''we VIII prepare your bath.
Captain Drummond. And while 1t 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 half
flied 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 LakIngton
frowned.
"A stupid fellow" he remarked soft
". But there Is no hurry; win
deal with him later"
darlington 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. S. o.,
NJ. c., / may as well deal with you
now. Then 1t viii 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
shah drop you In, Captain Drum
mond. and when. afterward, you pray
for death. shall mercifully spare
your life-for a while"
He slashed at the ropes behind the
chair. and the four men craned for
ward expectnntly.
There" snarled darlington. ~Tm
ready for you. you young swine"
And even as he spoke. the words
died away on his lips. and with q
dreadful cry he sprang back. For
with dull, heavy thud the body Of
the dead German Heinrich rolled or
the chair and sprawled at his feet
MY Godr' screamed Lexington
"What has happened? IL"
He rushed to the bell and pealed II
frantically. and with a smile Of Joy
Hugh watched his frenzled terror. No
one came In answer to the ring. and
Iakington dashed IN the fioor only IN