The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-09-17

He addressed himself In VoluDle
crescendo to Drummond, who rose "nd
bowed deeply. His knowledge OF
French was microscopic, but such tri-
fles were made to be overcome.
The Frenchman produced a note
book. "votre nom, Msieur, sill vous
plait?'
Undoubtedly, mon Colonel" re-
marked Hugh vaguely. "Nous crash
ons dams"
HE wants your name, old dear"
murmured Jerry weakly.
"Oh, does he?" Hugh beamed on
the gendarme you priceless little
bird! My name is Captain Hugh
Drummond."
And as he spoke, man sitting close
by, who had been an amused Onlooker
Of the whole scene, stiffened suddenly
in his chair and stared hard at Hugh.
II was only for a second, and then
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, ne
leaned over and spoke to Jerry.
"See that man with the suit Of
| hand-me-downs and the cigar?" ne 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 pro-
nounced nasal twang, "but l heard
you say you were Captain Hugh
| Drummond. l guess you're one OF
the men I've come across the water
to see. My card"
Hugh glanced at the pasteboard Ian
guidly.
"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. "Thatll 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 a lot about his whereabouts
What about Hiram c. Potts?"
"What, indeedY" remarked Hugh
Sounds like 4 riddle, don't it?"
you've heard Of him, Captain?"
"Few people have not"
"Yes-but you've met him recently
said the detective, leaning forward
"You know where he is, and'-ht
tapped Hugh on the knee impressively
III want him. I want to take him
back In cottonwood to his wife an6
daughters. That's why I'm over OF
this side, Captain, just for that ont
purpose"
There seem to me to be con
siderable number Of people wander
irg around who share your opinion
about Mr.. Potts." drawled Hugh. "H'
must be a popular sort Of cove"
Popular amt the word for 1t, Cap
tain" said the other. Have you
got him nowT'
I'm a matter Of speaking, yes" an
swered Hugh, reckoning to a passinl
waiter. ''Three Martins"
"Where is he 7" snapped thedetectiv
eagerly.
Hugh laughed.
"Being wrapped up in cottonv"o
by somebody else's wife and daugh
tiers. You were a little too quick. MI
Green; you may be all you say-ol
the other hand, you may not. An
these days / trust no one
The American nodded his head Il
approval.
"Quite right" he remarked. m
motto-and yet I'm going TO trust yot
Weeks ago we heard things on tn
other side, through certain channels
as to a show which was on the rail
overe here"
Hugh nodded.
"Then Hiram Potts got mixed u
in it; exactly how, we weren't wis
to. But it was enough to bring m
over here. Two days ago got tn
cable" He produced bundle
papers, and handed one to Drum
mond. 'It's in cipher, as you see
I've put the translation underneath
Hugh took the lcablegram an
glanced at it. It was short and
the point:
Captain Hugh Drummond, OF Ha
Moon street, London, Is your man
> He glanced up at the American, WI
drained his cocktail with the air OF
+ man who is satisfied with life.
|. captain Hugh Drummond OF Ha
/ Moon street, London, Is my man."
chuckled. swell. Captain, what abo'
It now7 Will you tell me why you''
come to Parish I guess It's somethir
A to do with the business I'm on"
4 For q few moments Hugh did n
. reply, and the American seemed
h no hurry for an answer. Some ear
n arrivals for dinner sauntered throui
!. the lounge and Drummond watch'
i them idly as they passed. The Amel