St. Tammany farmer., 1922-10-21

are two more Of us in the crowd and
we've arranged to split the story. Wed
like to rush the stun to our papers the
minute you give the word, because
Il know" Grament returned the
papers that bore the confession Of
Hearne. you've made copies Of this,
Of course? All right. Shoot the stun
in to your papers right away, If you
WISH"
Fell raised a hand to check the
other.
zone moment, please!' he said, his
eyes boring into the newspaper man.
''Will you also take message from me
to the editor Of your newspaper-and
see that it goes to the others as well p
IF Mr.. Gramont permits, yes"
"Go ahead" said Gramont, wonder
Ing what Fell would try now. He
soon learned.
'"Then," pursued Fell, evenly. "you
will kindly inform the editors OF your
papers that, in case my name appears
In connection with this matter, / shall
Immediately institute suit for libel.
No matter what Mr.. Gramont may say
or do, assure you fully that no pub
licity is going to attach to me In this
matter. Neither, may add, am l going
to be arrested. That is ALL sir.'
Gramont smiled. 'aTake the message
If you see fit, by all MEANS" he said,
carelessly. "You may also take my
fullest assurance that within twenty
minutes you will observe Mr.. Fell
safely in Jail. That's all"
The newspaper man saluted and de-
parted, grinning.
Gramont leaned forward, the harsh
lines Of his face spelling determination
as he looked at Jachin Fell.
$50 you won't be arrested, eh7 Let's
see. I know that this gang Of yours
has influence running up into high
places, and that this influence has
power. That is why was appointed
to investigate this lottery game secret
ly, and in my own way. That Is why,
also, brought the chief of police here
tonight" u
He turned to the perturbed officer.
and spoke coldly.
"Now, chief, you've seen my author
ity, you've heard my charges, and you
know they will be proved up to the
hilt. Are you willing to arrest Jachin
Fell, or not7''
The chief cleared his throat.
"Why, Mr.. Gramont," he observed,
nervousiy, "about the rest Of the gang,
we'll take care Of 'eln, surel But it's
different with Mr.. Fell, here. He's
friend Of the senator"
different, h-n!" snapped Gra-
mont, angr1ly. "He's criminal, no
matter who his friends may be, and I
have the proof Of It'll"
swell, that may be So" admitted
the chief of police. ''But this thing is
goin' to raise a h-.-l of scandal. all
up and down the state! You know
that as well as do. Now, IL was
you, I'd act kind Of slow"
Gramont smiled bitterly.
''Perhaps you would, chief. In fact,
don't doubt that you would. But You
are not me. Now, as a duly-appointed
officer acting under authority Of the
governor of the state, !, call upon you
to arrest this criminal, and make you
duly responsible for his safe-keeping.
Do you dare refuser'
The chief hesitated. He looked ut
Fell for help, but none came. Fell
seemed to be rather amused by the
situation.
Gramont leaned back In. his chair.
The purpling features Of the chief
were streaming with perspiration; the
man was In 4 frightful dilemma, and
his plight was pitiable. At this in
stant Jachin Fell interposed.
Let me speak, please" he said,
gently. my dear Mr.. Gramont, it has
Just occurred to me that there may be
q compromise"
'Tm not compromising" snapped
GramOnt.
"Certainly not; I speak of our mutu-
nj friend here" and Fell indicated the
chief with bland gesture. Il believe
that Judge Forester Of this city Is ut
present consulting with the governor
ut Baton Rouge on political matters.
With them, also, IL Senator Flaxman,
who has come from Washington on the
same errand. Now, It would be very
simple matter to end all this anxiety.
Suppose that you call up the governor
on long distance, from this telephone,
and get his assurance that am not to
be arrested. Then you'll be convinced"
Gramont laughed with deep anger.
''You gangsters are all alike" he
said, turning to the desk telephone.
sYou think that because you have
planted your slimy tentacles in high
places you can do anything with abso-
lutte impunity. But the governor Of
this state is not in your clutches.
Hes man, by heaven! have his
assurance that he'll prosecute to the
limit whoever is behind this criminal
gang-and he keeps his word! Don't
think that If your friend the senator is
with him, you will be saved. I'll call
him, if only to show the chief, here,
that influence Is not going to count In
this game"
Gramont took down the receiver,
called long distance, and put in hur-
ried call for the executive mansion,
asking for the governor In person.
$50 you think that he's immune from
influence, do your" Jachin Fell smiled