The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-10-27

on his way. Hearne's lashings were
inconspicuous to any one whom the
car passed.
It was little after eight in the:
morning when Gramont drove into
Paradis. He noticed that two large
automobiles were standing in front of
the post Office, and that about them
were group of men who eyed him
and bis car with some interest. Pay
ing no attention to these, he drove on
through the town without halt.
Sweeping out along the north road,
he encountered no one. When at
length he reached the Ledanois farm
he drove in toward the deserted house
and parked the car among some trees
where it could not be seen from the
road.
Leaving the car, Gramont took his
way toward the bank of the bayou and
followed this in the direction of the
adjoining property.
He went on to an opening In the
bushes which, over the low rail fence,
gave him clear view Of the Gumberts
property. There he paused, quickly
drew back, and gained point whence
he could see without danger Of his
presence being discovered. He settled
into immobility and watched.
That Memphis Izzy himself had not
yet arrived, he was fairly certain.
Near the barn were drawn up two fiiv-
vers, and sitting in chairs on the cot
tage veranda were three men who
must have come in these cars. Ora
mont had come provided with binocu-
lars, and got these out. He was not
long in discovering that all three men
on the veranda were strangers to him.
They, no doubt, were men in the lot
terry game, waiting for Gumberts to
arrive. Gramont turned his attention
to the other buildings.
Both the barn and shop were open,
and the buzzing thrum Of machinery
bore witness that the mechanics were
hard at work upon the stolen cars.
Gramont thought Of Ben Chacherre,
still tied and dashed to the chair in his
room, and wondered what was to be
found under the rear seat of EBen's
car. He could see the car from where
he lay.
Almost on his thought, high-pow-
cred and noiseless car came sweeping
down the road and he knew at once
that Memphis Ivy had arrived. He
knew it intuitively, even before he OBJ
tanned good glimpse of the broad,
heavy figure and the dominating fea-
lures. Memphis Izzy was far from
handsome, but he possessed character.
where's the Goog?" AS he left the
car,Swhich, he had driven himself, Gum
berts lifted his voice In bull-like
roar that carried clearly to Gramont.
where's Charlie the Goog?"
The mechanics appeared hurriedly.
One of them, no other than Gramont's
friend of the adenoidal aspect, who
seemed to own the mellifluous title of
Charlie the Goog fastened to the side
of Gumberts, and the latter gave him
evident directions regarding some re-
pair to the car. Then, turning, Mem
phis Izzy strobe to the cottage. He
nodded greetings to the four men who
awaited him, took a bunch Of keys
from his pocket and opened the cot
tage door. All five vanished within.
Gramont rose. A moment previous
", fever had thrilled him; the excite
ment Of the manhunt had held him
trembling. Now he was cool again,
his fingers touching the pistol in his
pocket, his eyes steady. He glanced
ut his watch and nodded.
"It's time!" he murmured. Lets
hope there'll be no slipup! All ready,
Memphis. Izzy. So am I. Let's go!'
Unhurried and openly, he advanced,
making his leisurely way toward the
barn and shop. Charlie the Goog, who
was bent over the car of Gumberts,
was first to discern his approach, and
Strengthened up. Gramont waved his
hand in greeting. Charlie the Goog
turned his head and called his breth-
rem, who came into sight, staring at
Gramont.
The latter realized that if he passed
them the game was won. If they
stopped him, he babe fair to lose
everything.
''Hello, boys!" he called. cheerily, as
he drew near. 81 came out on an err
rand for the boss got a message for
kGumberts. Where is he? In the
house?"
The others nodded, plainly mistrust-
ing him, yet puzzled by his careless
manner and his reference to Fell
"Sure," answered Charlie the Geog.
"Go right in-he's in the big front
room"
Thanks"
Gramont continued his way, con-
scious that they were staring after
him. If there was anything phonyl
about him, they evidently considered
that Memphis Izzy would take care of
the matter very ably.
The steps Of the cottage porch
creaked protestingly as Gramont as
cended them. Perhaps Memphis Icy
recognized an unaccustomed footstep;
perhaps that conversation outside had
penetrated to him. Gramont entered
the front door into the hall, and as he
~ \ Il AZ