St. Tammany farmer., 1922-10-14

That Memphis lzzy Himself Had Not
Vet Arrived He Was Fairly cer-
tain.
Near the barn were drawn up two hiv-
vers, and sitting In chairs on the cot
tage veranda were three men who
must have come In these cars. Gra-
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 Hen Chacherre,
still tied and lashed to the chair in his
room, and wondered what was to be
found under the rear seat Of Ben's
car. He could see the Cur rrom whore
he lay. .=a=Ez5=
Almost on his thought, high pow
cred and noiseless car came sweeping
down the road and he knew at once
that Memphis Izzy had arrived. He
knew 1t intultively, even before he OBJ
tanned a 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 GoogY' AS be left the
car, which he had driven himself, Cum
berts lifted his voice In bull-like
roar that carried clearly to Gramont.
where's Charlie the. .GoogT'
The mechanics all Dared 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, hastened 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 bunch Of keys
from his pocket Ind opened the cot
tage door. All five vanished within.
Gramont rose, A moment previous
ly, 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
at his watch and nodded.
TITS time!" he murmured. Lets
hope there'll be no slipupl All ready,
Memphis Izzy. So am !. Let's gol''
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 II he passed
them the game was won. II they
stopped him, he bade fair to lose
everything.
Hello, boys!" he called, cheer1ly, 40
he drew near II came out on an er-
rand for the boss-got a message for
Gumberts. Where Is he3 In the
houser'
The others nodded, plainly mistrust-
ing him, yet puzzled by his careless
manner and his reference to Fell.
"Sure," answered Charlie the 9oog.
"Go right in-he's in the big front
room"
Thanks"
Gramont continued his way. con-
scious that they were staring after
him. II there was anything phony
about him. they evidently considered
that Memphis 1zzy would take care Of
the matter very ably.
The steps Of the cottage porch
creaked protesting1y as Gramont AZ
cended them. Perhaps Memphis Izsy
recognized an unaccustomed footstep;
perhaps that conversation outside had
penetrated to him. Gramont entered
the front door into the hall, and as he
did SO, Gumberts opened the door on
his right and stood gazing at him
rather, glarIng,
A1H q S.A