The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-12-28

ers. II the crew of the Seminole are
here also, that would make quite "A
bunch"
II don't think they are. Captain. The
station agent said several men bought
tickets to Chicago early this after
noon. 1t is the real gang we've got
cornered. Do you know just who they
nre?"
''1hose I saw were Hobart, Red
Hogan, the girl, n big fellow they
called Mark who was on the yacht"
Mark Sennett; he's Hogan's side
kick, and tough as they make EN-
"And wiry little black.haired devil
by the name Of Dave"
te 'Daec Dave. That guy wo1id cut
your throat for fifty dollars. Any
others"
"rhose were all saw No doubt
Hobart's wife Is In the hoSlss some
where. guarding Natalie Coolidge
probably"
"Six altogether. counting the
women"
"Yes. and you better count them, for
they will fight like tigers. The girl
held me up at the point of gun"
We've got to get the drop first,
that's all. They're yellow, the whole
outfit is yellow. Shootin' in the back
is their style. Now, you know the
lay inside the house; what is our best
chance2"
West studied over the situation, his
eyes staring into The darkness, and
McAdams waited.
"Well, Mac" he said finally. This
is new job for me, but I'd put man
out I'm front, and then take the others
In through the back door. We'd have
to rush it, Of course. know the front
door Is locked, and It couldn't be
broken down quickly. listened when
those fellows went back, and I heard
no click, as though they had locked
the door behind them They don't
know anybody has been after them
except me, and they believe am done
for They feel so safe out here, they
are bit careless I'll wager some
thing we can walk straight in on the
outfit; how does that strike you?'
GAS the only feasible plan. Let's
crawl out of here"
The arrangements were quickly per-
fected; short, whispered conference
IN the dark then one man crept silent
ly away through the night toward the
front Of the house. McAdams added
1ew more words of instruction to the
others, and, with West slightly in ad-
vance, rovOivcrS drawn and ready, the
five stole forward in the direction of
the rear porch. The windows were
either heavily curtaned, or covered by
outside shades, for no gleam of light
was anywhere visible. West mounted
the back steps silently, with McAdams
close at his heels. A second later the
entire bunch Of officers were grouped
before the door, poised breathless, lis.
! tening for any sound from within.
Nothing broke the impressive silence,
and McAdams' hand closed over the
knob. which he turned slowly. The
door opened quietly into darkened
interior. For an instant he bent for.
ward, peering through the narrow
crack, endeavoring to learn what lay
hidden beyond, the others Guiverine
behind him. There was scarcely tho
sound of breath audible. The de-
tective hesitated; such luck, such care
lessness on the part Of criminals
seemed almost uncanny; he half sus-
pected some trap. Then he became
convinced that this was only the re-
suit or reckleSSneSs-the fellows felt
SO safe In this hidden hole in the
woods as to neglect all precaution. He
stepped cautiously inside, leaving the
door ajar for the others to follow.
Then they paused-straight ahead
double swinging door divided the
kitchen In which they were from an
other room beyond. Through the CEN
ter crack shone single bar of light.
barely visible, and forth through that
same orifice came the sound Of a voice
speaking. McAdams flung up his hand
In signal, and then crept silently for
ward.
1t was apparently a quarrel among
thieves over the spOils. each fearful
lest the other was double-cro
Hobart and RED" Hogan were doing
most OF the talking, although occa-
sionally others chimed in, and once
there was q woman's voice added to
the debate. Seemingly the whole ganE
were present q strong OdOr OF tobacco
smoke stole through the crack In the
door, and both Hobart and Hogan
Swore angrily. Who was to remain
out there on guard while Hobart and
the girl returned tn Chicago for the
money was evidently the question,
Hogan wishing to accompany them to
make sure of his share. The woman
sided with Hobart, the other men an
parently ranged ur with "Red," and
some very plain talking was indulsed
in.
McAdhms listened grlmly, the light
through the crack showing his lips
curled in smile Of appreciation. He
lowered his head, and with one eve M
the slight opening gained a glimpse OF
the lighted room beyond A moment.
motionless, he stared In on the scene !.
then Strengthened up, and. with re-
t,x l.... Il IL.