The Concordia sentinel. (Vidalia, Concordia Parish, La.) 1882-current, 1921-09-17

And as he spoke, a man sitting clOs'
| by, who had been an amused onlookel
of the whole scene, Stiffened suddenly
1t was only for a second, and ther
he was once more merely the politely
interested spectator. But Hugh had
seen that quick look, though he gave
no sign; and when at last the French.
man departed, apparently satisfied, he
leaned over and spoke to Jerry.
See that man with the cult Of
hand-me-downs and the cigar" he re
marked. Hes in the game; I'm just
wondering on which side"
He was not left long in doubt, for
barely had the swing doors closed
behind the gendarme. when the man
in question rose and came over to
him.
Excuse me, SIR" he said, in a pro-
nounced nasal twang, but 1 heard
you say you were Captain Hugh
DrummOnd. guess you're one of
the men I've come across the water
to see. My card"
Hugh glanced at the pasteboard Ian
guidIy.
"Mr. Jerome X. Green" he MUIR
INJURED. "What jolly sort of name"
"See here, Captain" went on the
other, suddenly displaying a badge
hidden under his coat '"ThatII put
you wise. That badge is the badge of
the police force of the United States
of America; and that same force is
humming some at the moment" He
sat down beside Hugh. and bent for
ward confidently. There's a prom
inent citizen of New York city been
mislaid, Captain; and. from informa-
ton we've got, We reckon You know
quite lot about his whereabouts.
What about Hiram c. PottsT'
what, indeed?" remarked Hugh.
Sounds like riddle, don't it7"
you've heard of him. CaptainP'
Few people have not"
"Yes-but you've met him recently"
said the detective, leaning forward.
you know where he is, and"-he
tapped Hugh on the knee impressively
81 want him. ] want TO take him
back in COTTONWOOD to his wife and
That's why Pm over on
this side. Captain, Just for that one
purpose"
There seem to me to be a con-
siderable number Of people wander
Ing around who share your oDIni0ns
about Mr. POTTS." drawled Hugh. HE
must be popular sort Of cove"
Popular amt the word for 1t, Cap
tain," said the other. "Have you
got him nowT
I'm matter OF speaking, yes" an
swered Hugh. beckonlng to a passing
waiter. Three Martins"
Where is her" snapped the detective
Hugh laughed.
Being wrapped up In cottonwood
by somebody else's wife and daugh-
ters. You were a little too quick, Mr..
Green; you may be all you say-On
the other hand, you may not. And
these days trust no one"
The American nodded his head In
approval.
Quite right" he remarked. my
nOtto--and yet I'm going to trust you.
Weeks ago we heard things on the
'ther side. through certain channels,
as to show which was on the rails
were here"
Hugh nodded.
then Hiram Potts got mixed up |
n It; exactly how, we weren't wise |
%. But 1t was enough to bring me |
'yer here. Two days ago I got this |
able" He produced a bundle of |
'apers. and handed one to Drum
nond. "It's in cipher, as you see:
we put the translation underneath"
Hugh took the cablegram and
danced at II. 1t was short and to
he point:
Captain Hugh Drummond, of Half
doom street, London, is your man."
he glanced up at the American, who
Trained his cocktail with the air of a
nan who Is satisfied with life.
Captain Hugh Drummond of Half
loon street. London, Is my man." he
huckled. well, Captain, what about
now? Will you tell me why you've
ONE to PARISH guess It's something
D do with the business I'm on"
For few moments Hugh did not
eply, and the American seemed in
% hurry for an answer. Some early
rivals for dinner sanntered through
he lounge and Drummond watched
hem idly as they passed. The Ameri-
an detective certainly seemed all
light. but. Casually. his
lance rested on a man sitting lust
pposite, reading the paper. He. took
a the short. dark beard-the immacu-
ste, though slightly foreign evening
lothes; evidently a wealthy French
ian giving a dinner party in the res
aurant by the way the head waiter
'as lowering around. And then sud-
emily his eyes narrowed, and he sat
iotionless.
"Are you interested In the psychoIo-
v Of gambling, Mr.. GreenP' he re-
larked, turning to the somewhat
stonlshed American, "Some people
annot control their eyes or their
louth II the stakes are big; others
annot control their hands. For in-
lance, the gentleman opposite. Does
nything strike you particularly with
egard to hImr
The detective glanced across the
'unge.
"He seems to like hitting his knee
it'll his left hand" he said, after
short inspection.