The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1922-11-03
The Mard Cras Mystery

leans, the governor of this state APP.
pointed me special officer to investi-
gate the matter. There Is my commits
sion, which the chief has been reading.
1t gives me good deal of power, Fell;
quite enough power to gather in you
and your bunch"
The chief of police looked very I'M
easily from Gramont to joachim Fell,
and back again. Fell sat erect In his
chair, staring at Gramont.
you were the original Midnight
Masquer," said Fell In his toneless
voice. At this direct charge, and at
Gramont's assent. the chief started in
surprise.
Eyes. One reason was that suspect
ed some one in society, some one high
up in New Orleans, to be connected
with the gang; but never dreamed
that you were the man, Fell. I rather
suspected young Maillard. I am now
glad to say that was entirely wrong.
You were the big boss, Fell, and you're
going to serve time for It."
Fell glanced at the chief, who
cleared his throat as If about to speak.
At, this moment, however, n sharp
knock sounded at the door.
"Come !" called Gramont.
A man entered. 1t was ono Of Ora
mont's deputies, who happened also to
be reporter from one Of the morning
papers of the city. He carried several
sheets Of paper which he laid before
Gramont. He glanced at Fell, who
recognized him and exchanged a nod
of greeting, then returned his attention
to Gramont.
"Ah!" said the latter with satisfac-
tion, as he examined the papers. $50
Hearne has given up everything, has
he? Does this confession implicate
Mr.. Fell. here?"s
"Well, rather" drawled the other,
cheerfully. "And see here, cap There
are two more Of us in the crowd and
we've arranged to split the story. We'd
like to rush the stuff to our papers the
minute you give the word. because"
II know" Gramont returned the
|. papers that bore the confession Of
Hearne You've made copies Of this,
of course? All right. Shoot the stuff
in to your papers right away, if you
WISH"
Fell raised a hand to check the
other.
"One moment. pleased" 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 well7"
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 going
| to be arrested. That is all, SIR"
Gramont smiled 'Take 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 MI. 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 joachim Fell.
| $50 you won't be arrested, Ell? Let's
see. ! know that this gang Of yours
has influence running up into high
places, and that this influence has
power. That is why 1 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"
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 joachim
Fell, or mott"
/ The chief cleared his throat.
why, Mr.. Gramont," he observed,
nervously, "about the rest of the gang,
we'll take care of 'em, sure But it's
different with Mr.. Fell, here. He's a
friend Of the senator"
Different. hill" snapped Ora
mont, angrily. Hes criminal. no
matter who his friends may be, and
have the proof of til"
"Well, that may be So" admitted
the chief Of police. "But this thing is
goin' to raise hi of scandal. all
up and down the stated You know
that as well as l do. Now, If 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 refuse?"
| The chief hesitated. He looked at