Middletown transcript., 1921-09-17

mond, regretfully. "And yet it's a
dreadful thing to finish a little show
like this with the police-if you'll for
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 Lakington 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 to
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 colnbina-
tion of studs on the wall to open the
big door which concealed the stolen
store of treasure-and other things as
we'll; 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
little late, ! am his private secretary"
The other nodded and sat down laG:
guidly. ..,..-.. :. 80. =, .-..-
"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 his eyes, only to open them
again as Hugh turned the pages Of the
ledger on the table.
'What's that?" 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 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
sult?'
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 infuriatcd au-
thor, "look at this as description Of
mel"
And Hugh watched the man, whom
he now knew to be one of the extrem-
ist members of parliament, walk over
and glance at the book. He saw him
conceal smile, and then Valance Nes-
tor carried the good work on.
"We'n see what he says about you-
impertinent blackguard."
Hugh glanced over Crofter's shoul-
der at the dOssier.
He just had time to read: "Crofter,
John. A consummate blackguard.
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 upportunely, in
company with thin, pale man-little
more than youth-whose identity
completely defeated Drummond.
"My God!' 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. "We'll 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 fhis?"
"They represent Mr.. Peterson's con-
sidered opinions Of you all," said Hugh
genially. perhaps this other gentle
man
He turned to the pale youth, who