New-York tribune., 1921-01-23
<<T TULLO. Brace" said Paul
Harley as his secretary

making devil of row outside"
"This is the offender, Mr.. Har-
ley" said Brace, and handed my
friend q visiting card.
Glancing at the card, Harley read
aloud: "Major J. E. P. RagstafF
Cavalry Club, London"
Meanwhile q loud, harsh voice
which would have been audible in a
full gale was roaring in the lobby.
"Nonsensel" could hear the major
shouting. "Balderdash! There's
more fuss than if ! had asked for an
interview with the Prime Minister" !"
Braces smile developed into a
laugh, in which Harley joined. cad
NIT the major" he said.
Into the study where Harley and
/ had been seated quietly smoking
there presently strode very chol-
eric gentleman. He wore a horsy
check suit and white spats, and his
tie closely resembled stock. In his
hand he carried a heavy malacca
cane, gloves, and one of those tall,
light gray hats commonly termed
white. He was below medium
height, slim and wiry; his gait
and the shape Of his legs, his
build, all proclaimed the dragon.
His complexion was purple, and
the large white teeth visible beneath
bristling gray mustache added to
the natural ferocity Of his appear
ance. Standing just within the
doorway, "Mr. Paul Harley?" he
shouted. 1t was apparently an in
quiry, but it sounded like repri-
mand..
My friend, standing before the
fireplace, his hands in his pockets
and his pipe in his mouth, nodded
brusquely. 81 am Paul Harley" he
said. won't you sit DOWN."
Major Ragstaff, glaneing angrily
at Brace as the latter left the study,
tossed his stick and gloves on a
settee and, drawing up a chair,
seated himself stiffly upon it as
though he were in saddle. He
stared straight at Harley. "You are
not the sort of person / expected,
sir" he declared. "May l ask if it
is your custom to keep. clients
dancin' outside on the mat and all
that--on the blasted mat, sir?'
Harley suppressed smile, and I
hastily reached for my cigarette
case, which l had placed upon the
mantelshef.
II am always naturally pleased
to see clients, Major Ragstaff," said
Harley, "but a certain amount of
routine is necessary even in civilian
life. You had not advised me Of
your visit and it is contrary to my
custom to discuss business after s
o'clock"
AS Harley spoke the major glared
at him continuously. eve seen you
in 1ndia!" he roared; "damme. I've
seen you in India--and, yes. in Tur-
key! Ha! I've got you now, sir!'
He sprang to his feet. you're the
Harley who was in Constantinople
in 1912"
"Quite true"
"Then I've come to the wrong
shop"
That remains to be seen, major =
but ! was told yon were D-.-
vste detective, and all that"
$50 i am," said Harley quietly.
I'm 1912 the Foreign Office was my
chent. ! am now at the service of
any one who cares to employ me-"
The major seemed to be tempo
rarily stricken speechless by the dis
covery that man who had acted
for the British government should be
capable OF STOPPING to the work of
. private inquiry agent. Staring
all about the room with a sort of
naive wonderment. he drew out a
lg silk handkerchief and loudly
ulcw his nose, all the time eying
ar'ey auestioningly. Replacing his
handkerchief, he directed his regard
upon me. ' = ee"' u
This is my friend, Mr.. Knox 4"
sa'd Harley; "you may state YOUR
case before him without hesitation.
unlessn- ''''''
! rose to depart.
"sis down, Mr.. Knox.' sit dovr
SRI" shouted the major. II have no
skeletons tn the cupboard. I s;mnlv
want something explained which I
am too thick-headed-too damrsa
AIick-headcd, sir--to explain INV
seif." NY
he resumed his seat and tak,rv
PM his wallst, extracted from 4 :
Y