The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-05-31
THIS BEGINS THE STORY

Grand Duke exiled by revolution.
 comes to this cOuitry a Brit
 1Sh ship, working as a steward
 A fellow steward, Jim Coast,
 urges hum to join him in a some
 shady scheme, it's character unex-
 plained, but Peter refuses. Peter,
 as Peter Nichols, assumes charge
 of group of men on the estate
 of Jonathan K. Mcclure, whose
 duty it is to see that no stranger
 approaches the house. One man,
 the man Mcclure fears, breaks
 the guard, leaves a warning and
 arranges a meeting. Mcclure has
 Peter meet the man. While they
 talk a shot is fired and the
 stranger, Hawk Kennedy, is in-
 jured. He suspects Peter of hav-
 ing fired the shot and ruSheS
 him. They fight, and the stranger
 coIIapses. With their faces close
 together in the darkness they
 recognize each other. Hawk is
 Jim Coast. They compare notes-
 'fYou say Mcclure told you noth-
 ing" says Coast 'Nothina.."
 says Peter. .'It is not my busi-
 ness"
 AND HERE TT CONTINUES
 The ex-waiter laughed. He knows his business. Quiet as death, ain't
  scared. He's got a right to be scar CT, too. I'll scare him worse before I'm through with him.
 He broke off with a laugh and then. Funny to find you gUardin' him against me. House all locked-men with guns all over the place. He wanted one of those guys to kill me, didn't he? But I'm too slick for him. No locked doors can keep out what's scarin' Miks McGuire-"
 He broke off suddenly and held up his empty glass. Another drink of the whisky, mon gars, and I'm yer friend for life"
 Peter was still curious, so he obey ed and after cleaning up the mess they had made he sank into a chair. studying the worn worn features of his old companion. He had taken the precaution to pull in the heavy shutter of the window which had been opened and to- lock the door. Peter did not relish the idea of murder committed in this cabin.
 Not apt to come now, are they, Pete? We'll, let 'em.'' he answered himself with a shrug. "But they won't if Mcclure has his way. Mur- der is the only thing that will suit McGuire's book. He can't do that not with witnesses around. Amt he the slick one, thOughI l was watch in for just what happened. That's why I stayed in the tree so long listenin'. He must of slipped in like a snake. How he did it don't know. I'm a worse snake than he is. but I always rattle before I strike"
 He laughed again dryly.
 i've got him ratt1ed all O. K. Meb- be he'd of shot straighter if he hadn't been. He used to cou1d-dead shot.
 s.,g different now.
 Millions he has they say, mon vieux. millions And I'll get my share of 'en.''
 Jim Coast smoked for a moment in contented silence.
 s"See here, Pete. I like you. AL ways did. Straight as a string-you are You've done me good turn to- night You might of put me out killed me when you had me down.
 I'm no murderer, Jim."
 "Right Nor I ain't either. I don't want to hurt hair of McGuire's head Every one of 'em is precious as refined gold. I want him to live to keep on Twin and maxim more money because the more money he's got the more I'll get-see."
 "Blackmai1." said Peter shortly Coast glanced at him, shrugged and laughed.
 Call 1t that if you like. It's a dirty word, but I'll stand for it, seein' it's you. Blackmai1! Whats a walters tip but b1ackman for good service? Whats a lawyers fee from a corporation but money paid by men to keep them out of the jail? What's a breach of promise case? Black mail-lega1 blackmail I'm doin' nothin' less an nothin' more than million other men-but I'm not work in with a lawyer. I'll turn the trick alone What would you say if told you that half of every dollar McGuire has got is mine-a full half-to say nothin' of payment for the years I was wonderin' an grubbin' over the face of the earth, while he was Twin easy. Oh, You're surprised You'd better be For that's the Gods truth, mon ami"
 credulity was strained and he failed to finish his query.
 ..Oh. you don't believe? Well, you needn't But there's no blackmail when you only take what belongs to you The money-the money that made his millions was as much mine as. his. I'm going to have my share with compound interest for Is years and perhaps a bit more" You surprise me. But it seems that if there's any justice in your claim. you could establish it legally" Jim Coast laughed again. There's a quicher-a safer way than that. I'm takin' it" He filled his glass again and went on, leaning far over the table toward Peter l '"Vovons Pete. When we came a.hore, I made you an offer to play my game. You turned me down It's net too late to change your mind. | The old man trusts you or he wouldn't of sent you out with that nooney. I may need some help with 9nis business and you're hXed Just rfght to lend me a hand. Throw in J@.th me do what want. and I'll see that you're fixed for life"
 Peter Shook his head slowly from | side to side