The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-09-22


stepped into the bushes. This man Of
yours was standing over him with a
knife"
II was, too, when they found mel
was cuttin' me fishpole," said Ham
mond, sulkily. He was plainly begin
ming to be impressed and alarmed by
the evidence against him. Gramont
only nodded.
"No one saw the actual murder,
then7"
"No need for It," said Chacherre,
brazenly. "When we found him that
wayl Eh?"
II suppose not" answered Gramont,
his eyes fastened thoughtfully on
Hammond. The latter caught the look,
let his jaw fall in astonishment, then
flushed and compressed his Niips-and
waited. Gramont glanced at Cha
cherre, and launched chance shaft.
You're Ben Chacherre, aren't you?
Do you work for Mr.. Fell?'
The chance shot scored. "Yes,"
said Chacherre. his eyes narrowing.
'What are you doing here, then?"
For an instant Chacherre was off
guard He did not know how much
or little-Gramont knew; but he did
know that Gramont was aware who
had taken the loot of the Midnight
Masquer from the luggage compart-
ment Of the car. This knowledge, very
naturally, threw him back on the de-
Tense Of which he was most sure
II came on an errand for my mas
ter" he said, and with those words
gave the game into Gramont's hands.
There was a moment of silence.
Gramont stood apparently in musing
thought, conscious that every eye was
fastened upon him, and that one false
move would now spell disaster. He
gave no sign of the tremendous shock
that Chacherre's words had just given
him; when he spoke, it was quietly
| and coolly:
'Then your master is evidently as
ISOLATED with Memphis Izzy Gumberts,
who owns this place here. Is that
right?"
Both Hammond and Chacherre's
| two friends started at this.
Il don't know anything about that, "
returned Chacherre, with shrug
which did not entirely conceal his I'M
easiness, Il know that we've got a
murderer here, and that we'll have to
dispose Of him. Do you object?s
"Of course not" said Gramont,
calmly. "Step aside and give me a
moment in private with Hammond.
Then by all means take him in to
Houma. I'd suggest, that you tie him
up, or make use of hanccuffs If the
sheriff brought any along. Then you'd
better take in the body Of the sheriff
also. Hammond, word with you'll"
This totally unexpected acquies-
cence on the part of Gramont seemed
to stun Chacherre into inaction. He
half moved, as though uncertain
whether to bar Gramont from the pris-
oner, then he stepped aside as Ora
mont advanced. A gesture to his two
companions prevented them from In
| terfering.
Keep 'em covered. though" he said
shifting his own rifle slightly and
watching with scowl of suspicion.
Gramont ignored him and went up
to Hammond. with a look Of warning
"You'n have to submit to this, old
man." he said, in tone that the 9th
ers could not overhear Don't dream
that I'm deserving you; but want a
| good look at this place If all three OF
them go away. They must not sus-
| pect-"
"Cap'n, look out!" broke In Ham.
mond, urgently. .''This here is gang
the whole thing is frame-up on
mel"
81 know it, was present when the
sheriff was murdered: but keep quiet
| I'll come to Houma later tonight and
see YOU" He turned away with q
shrug, as though Hammond had de.
MED him some favor, and lifted his
| voice. .Chacherre! How are you to
/ take this man into town? How did you
get here? win you need to use my
i carr"
mo" The Creole jerked his head
toward the barn. II came In Mr.
Fell's CARTS got sprung axle and
1 is laid up. Wen take him back In an
| other one"
every WE'LL" Gramont paused and
| glanced around. This is terrible
4 blow, men. never dreamed that
Hammond was murderer or could be
one! You don't know of any motive
for the crime?"
They shok their heads. but suspi-
cion was dying from their eyes. Ora
mont glanced again at his chauffeur.
"Ill not abandon you, Hammond
he said, severely, coldly. "I'll stop in
at Houma and see that you have q
lawyer. I think, gentlemen, we had
/ better attend to bringing in the body
Of the sheriff, chr"
The wounded man lodged into the
barn and returned with strip OF
rope. Chacherre took this and firm
ly bound Hammond's arms then
forced him to sit down and bound his
ankles.
aVnu uafch him /" he ordered the