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

al friend here" and Fell indicated the
chief with bland gesture. II believe
that Judge Forester Of this city is at
present consulting with the governor
at Baton Rouge on political matters.
With them, also, is Senator Flaxman,
who has come from Washington on the
same errand. Now, it would be very
simple matter to end all this anxiety.
Suppose that you call up the governor
on long distance, from this telephone,
and get his assurance that am not to
be arrested. Then you'll be convinced"
Gramont laughed with deep anger.
you gangsters are all alike!" he
"You think that because you have
planted your Shiny tentacles in high
places you can do anything with abso-
lutte impunity. But the governor Of
this state is not in your clutches.
"He's man, by heaven! have his
assurance that he'll prosecute to the
limit whoever is behind this criminal
gang-and he keeps his word! Don't
think that If your friend the senator is
with him, you will be saved. I'll call
him, If only to show the chief, here,
that influence is not going to count in
this game"
Gramont took down the receiver,
called long distance, and put in hur-
ried call for the executive mansion,
asking for the governor in person.
$50 you think that he's immune from
influence, do your" Jachin Fell smiled
patronizingly and lighted fresh cigar.
The chief of police was hopping his
brow.
my dear Gramont, you exhibit a
youthful confidence in human nature!
Let me topple your clay-footed idol
from its pedestal in a hurry. Mention
to the governor that you have me un-
der arrest, and that / have asked him
to speak with Judge Forester and Sem
ator Flaxman before confirming the ar
rest. I'll wager you five hundred dol
lars"
The telephone rang sharply. Taunt-
ed almost beyond endurance, Gramont
seized the instrument and made an
swer. In moment he had the COVER
nor on the wire. His gaze went ex-
ultantly to Fell.
Governor, this is Henry Gramont
speaking" he said. I've just succeed
ed in my work, as wired you this af-
ternoon--no, hold on minute! This
is important.
"The head of the entire gang is a
man here in New Orleans by the name
of joachim Fell. Yes, Fell. find 1t
very hard to get him arrested. Fell
boasts that his influence is superior to
any that l can bring to bear. He asks
that you speak with Judge Forester
and Senator Flaxman before confirm
ing the arrest, and boasts that you will
order me to keep my hands of.
Speak with them, governor! If
they're in the gang, too, don't you
worry. You confirm this arrest, and
I'll put Fell behind the bars IL have
to turn all New Orleans inside out.
Go ahead! I know you can't be
reached by any Of these crooks-I'm
merely calling Fell's bluff. We have
the chief Of police here. and he's
sweating. Eth? Sure. Take as long
as you like, governor"
He smiled grimly at. joachim Fell as
he waited. Two minutes passed
| three-four. Then he heard the voice
of the governor again.
"YesY'
"Don't arrest him, Gramont."
"Whatw Gramont gasped.
"Don't touch him, said Get in all
| the others, no matter who they are,
but leave Fell alone"
"You id cowardi" shouted Ora
mont, in a heat Of fury. $50 this is
the way you keep your promises, is it?
And / thought you were above all in
fiuences real Americana You're a
hi of a governor-oh, don't want
to hear any more from YOU"
He jerked up the receiver.
There was a moment of dead silence
in the room. The chief mopped his
brow, in evident relief. Jachin Fell
sat back In his chair and scrutinized
Gramont with his thin-lipped smile.
Gramont sat helpless, wrung by cha
grin, rage and impotency. There was
nothing he could say. nothing he could
do. The man behind him had failed
him. The entire power of the state,
which had been behind him, had failed
him. There was no higher power to
which he could appeal, except the
power of the federal government. His
head jerked up sharply.
"Fell, I've got evidence on you, and
I've got the evidence to put this lot
terry business into federal hands. Boys
come in here!"
At his shout the door opened and
two Of his men entered. Gramont
looked at the chief.
| (TO BE CONTINUEDl