The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1922-02-09

scintillated In the electric light al
their glitter almost blinded the
watchers.
The pearls were carefully placed In
position OF honor. and for q few
moments Lakington stood gioatins
over his collection.
"Do you see them, Captain Drum.
mondr he asked quietly. Each thing
obtained by my brain-my hands. All
mine-mine I" His voice rose 10 q
shout. And you pit your puny wits
against me-" With a laugh he crossed
the room, and once more pressed the
studs. The door swung slowly 10 and
closed without sound. while Laking.
ton still shook with silent mirth.
-And now"-he resumed, rubbing bis
hands-"we will prepare your bath,
Captain Drummond And while II Ia
getting ready. we will just deal with
the chauffeur who neglected his or
ders"
For a few minutes he bent over
the chemicals. and then he poured the
mixture into the water which half
filled the long bath at the end OF the
room. About FIVE minutes before
we're quite ready" he announced.
"Just time for the chauffeur"
He went to speaking. tube. down
which he blew Somewhat naturally
thr-e vas no answer. and Lakington
frowned.
"a stupid fellow" he remarked soft
ly. But there is no hurry: will
deal with him later"
Lakington returned to the chair
which contained. ms he thought. his
chief enemy. and was standing beside
II with an unholy Joy shining on his
face.
"And since have TO deal with him
later, Captain Drummond. ID. 3. o.,
NJ. G.. may as well deal with you
now. Then II will be your friends
turn. am going to cut the ropes,
and carry you, while you're so numbed
that you can't move. 10 the bath. Then
shall drop you In, Captain Drum
mond, and when. afterward. you pray
for death. shall mercifully spare
your llfe-for a while"
He slashed at the ropes behind the
chair and the four men craned for
ward expectantly.
There" snarled Lakington. I'm
ready for you. you young swine"
And even as he spoke, the words
died away on his lips. and with
dreadful cry he sprang back. For
with dull, heavy thud the body Of
the dead German Heinrich rolled on
the chair and sprawled at his feet.
MY Godi" screamed Lakington.
what has happenedi II"
He rushed TO the bell and pealed IL
frantically. and with a smile Of Joy
Hugh watched his frenzied terror. No
one came In answer to the ring. and
Lskington dashed TO the door. only to
recoil into the room with choking
noise In his throat Outside In the
hall stood four masked men, each
MY cue" muttered Hugh. And
you understand. fellows. don't youf-
he's my neat
The next moment he had disap-
peared down the ladder. and the three
remaining watchers stared mOtionless
AT the grim scene For Lakington had
shut the door and was crouching by
the table. his nerve utterly gone. And
all the while the puffed. blcated body
Of the German sprawled on the
floor.
slowly the door into the hall opened,
and with a scream of fear Lakington
sprang back. Standing In the door
way wns Hugh Drummond. and his
face was grim anl merciless
~You sent for your chauffeur Henry
Lakinrton.~ he remarked quietly. =
am here
"What DO you meanT muttered
Lnkinrt0u thickly
= Anose sou hack from l.aifley
Towers fduieht said Hugh with
slight smile Tie proper man was
foalish ard had 70 - killed he -
vance8 few STEPS into the rn0m arf
the other shrauk back @lon logk
frightened Henry Can u he Thar
the Young suine's wits are. after all
better than yours
@what do you VANITY rssred Lax
inv;on. thrnugh DRY iips
= uaut yoH. Heury-just yon-
Hitherto you've alvays used rangs =
your rufaans against ne. Nov ny
gang occupies his house Bot I'm
not rolnE 10 use them. Is go'ng =
- iust-you and I Stand ~. Henry
stand up-ss have always stood up
10 you- He erussss he ron and