Evening star., 1921-08-07
BY Maxwell Smith.


there was to be had. He did not look
frankly at Kiely. He watched the
other mans image In the mirror COW
ertly. And while he acknowledged
none. he noted the strategic presence
Of three Of his henchmen. He hadn't
known but what Kiely might try to
pull something. Nick Burton had the
habit of travelling with a bodyguard.
He was that sort.
After a few minutes he gave Kiely
defiant glance. He had come to
give evidence that Kiely couldn't faze
was up to Kiely to open the CONVEX
sation. He looked at his watch, then
at the clock, to suggest that he hadn't
any time to waste. He squared his
| shoulders, pulled down the points OF
his vest. Strengthened his tie. Kiely
couldn't lead him by the nose. Going
to the phone. he called a number and
remarked that he'd be over shortly.
that he would leave Mikes within ten
minutes.
Returning to the bar. he got fresh
drink and turned his shoulder on Kie-
ly. Another mirror allowed him to con-
tinue his surveillance.
Conny Kiely smiled-as much as he
ever smiled, away from his wife and
baby. which was almost impercept-'
IDLY. He left Fritz in the midst Of the
monologue and moved on light feet
| along the bar.
Burton stiffened. His hand slid into
his coat pocket. He observed the dis
| tribution of his gunner. AS Kfely
| spoke at his side, he affected surprise.
Hello. Nick"'
Burton turned his head leisurely to
prove that he was at ease. First Of
all he noticed that Kiely's hands were
at his sides. His swarthy face broke
into recognition:
why. hello, COMFY" He drew back
| a step to look Kiely over as long
lost friend. He preferred to have a
little space between them. That gave
| him freer vision Of Kiely's move
ments. Thought it looked like you
up there, but I wasn't sure. It's long
"Td an idea that you didn't re-
member me. Nick Kiely's colorless
| eyes were a shade narrower. You
| living up this way now?"
| Burton caught his meaning. Here
| was another broad intimation to
travel. He scowled. His quick row.
heard-and comprehended. He had to
| declare himself.
In business here" he said point
J edly. Then he gave back in kind:
You belong hereabouts?"
| Kiely's cold gaze. tempered by his
shadow Of a smile, shifted from Bur
| tons face down over the shoulder
1
tons hand rested. Unlike Burton, he
did not raise his voice:
| Been here quite a while. Nick"
His eyes jumped back to Burton's.
His tone became silkier: You're on
the wrong lot. Nick"
| Burton's lower lip slimed over the
upper. His dark countenance grew
mean.
"Yeh?" he said arrogantly.
You didn't know. OF course, Nick. "
said Kiely softly. Been out OF
town. haven't yopy' He tapped ;: a
Nick Burton knew that every one In
the place was watching him. He had
begun as the aggressor. 1t was his
move.
mot so far" he said. not so far
/ out Of town"
lKIELY fiicked the cigarette ash. '.Of
IL course. you don't know, Nick" he
repeated. His head inclihed quizzfcally;
his tone was patient-but there was q
CLINT in his eye that warned. He
paused while he let the smoke trickle
lazily from the corners of his mouth.
Troubles bad thing to go hunting.
Nick. Don't you find 1t thataway?"
Burton clucked. and smacked his
lips. He drew his hand down over
his nose in an insolent gesture.
IT never run away from trouble" he
averred. His eyes wavered. glimpsed
his three gunmen and steadied. He
smiled extensively. your" he queried.
KieIy's face was wintry. He had
followed Burton's glance and knew
that the invader was not unaccom-
panied. Nick wanted him to start
something.
"No; 1 don't run. But" He
leaned his elbows on the bar, put
his chin on his hands and squinted
at Burton. II always have sense
enough to see it coming. I meet 1t
before it gets a chance to come toe
lfar. And"-he Strengthened. droppted
his cigarette and crushed it under his
heel-"usually. Nick, 1 step on 1t
quick"
Burton sucked his upper lip again
"Yeh?" he sneered. The bravo in him
cropped out: Il got a little place uI
street, COMFY" he grinned confident
tally. Breeze in some time and FL
give you run for your money.
The skin shone white over Kiely'a
cheek-bones. His pupils contracted to
pricks of diamond-fire. He yawned
There was no use pfoionglns the
meeting.
you're on the wrong lot, Nick" he
said dispassionately. Think it over
Take two days to think it over-just
two days. So long"
He moved away while Burton's
mouth opened on retort.
Burton swore audibly as Kiley's
slim figure passed through the door
A minute later he too stumped out
but In comparison his exit was un.
couth. He lacked the 1.-THE freedom
of limb that characterized Kiely. HI
had not the dignity of GOODNESS which
Kiely had. Nick Burton was sizzling
In the hearing Of others Kiely haG
granted him two days to quit. Bu
for the audience, he might have takel
the advice. II he did. he was a deat
one. Quit! Like hell he would!
Ten hours after the expiration o.
Kiely's ultimatum things began t.
happen.
At . o'clock in the morning 4
} stranger rang the bell at Nick Bur
!; toms fiat. It was on the first floor O.
an apartment house.
The door was opened on a chain
The stranger handed in a card OF
which Nick Burton had scribbled hi
initials. He had not given 1t to th'
man who presented it.
The chain was released. Th'
: gun close to the doorman's face
? Three others followed him in and shu
. the door.
Behind folding doors across th'
narrow hall. in what was intended
: for the dining-room, the game wa
: running. There were dozen players
but this was q gentleman's game, ant