The Dolores star., 1923-08-03
CHAPTER xxIII-continued.

But, SAID JAKE WIN ueNlilsn le-
rocity, I've got you. too" He raised
one knee and rested his pistol hand
on It. "If l give up to you, there's
somethin' I'm goin' TO have you do
hrst- You'll take my terms an do
what ! ask-or I'll drop you, right
there and now"
There was not the falntest doubt
but that he meant what he said A
glance into his eyes told the listener
that.
Nothing doing" said Billy quietly.
II don't take orders from a maIefac-
tor. Least of all at the point of a
gum
Then" said Jake thIckly. you're
cold meat l guess its the best way.
1t gives me a chance yet"
''They don't electrOcute in this
country" said Billy. they hang. But
they do 1t very efficiently. You can
shoot me in the back though If you
want to. I'm going to see about your
exit"
He turned deliberately and walked
70 the mouth of the cave. Jake's
niger trembled on the trigger.
"Come back" he said hoarsely.
There was something so broken and
pIteous In the tone, that Billy turned
his head. Jake flung the pistol
toward him; it fell on the sand at
Bllly's feet. and he picked 1t up.
"1 cant get you with gun"
gasped Jake, but listen TO what got
to say, if you're man! For Gods
sake, nsten.'
And Billy listened.
Some minutes later Billy stepped
out of the cave into the sunlight. He
was looking unusually grave, his lips
were tight set; his eyes were posi-
lively harried. He walked a few
steps. muttering to himself. He
started as voice called him excited
ly by name, and he was aware of
Monsieur de Jussac running toward
him.
Spencer" he cried. az have been
looking for you everywhere. Where
the devil have you been? The police
have inquired for you at the abbey.
and l think they are not far behind.
thought 1t well to come and warn
you"
1.-The polIce?"
Bertrand turned round sharply. He
permitted himself a military express
sion that would not pass the censor.
And here they are"' he said, with
gesture of despair
The helmet of Constable Poison an
peared on the brink of the opposite
cliff, about the same time as Panke's
peaked cap obtruded itself over the
one behind them. and the felt hat of
Inspector Arkwright hove in sight
among the bramble bushes below. In
a very short time all three men were
In the pit, closing strategically upon
Billy and Bertrand.
Il don't think" murmured Billy.
-that I ever knew policemen arrive
so-so-what's the word?"
"a propos," said the vlcomta grimly.
twisting his mustache.
Thanks. That's it."
as there anything I can dor'
Thanks again, but think not.
Well see how they play the hand"
That's him-the young onev" ex-
claimed Panke. as the three an
preached. Inspector Arkwright walked
up to Billy. and addressed him by
name.
"William SpencerT'
THAT same bird" replied Billy
pleasantly.
And an admirable chauffeur" mur-
INJURED de Jussac. He drives like the
Angel of Death"
Arkwright's cold gray eye swiveled
upon the speaker.
who are you, and what are you
doing here?'
"The VicOmte de Jussac. at your
service. A guest at the abbey. Know
ing Spencer was here came to in
form him he was wanted"
"Oh. All right, sir. He's certainly
wanted" The inspector turned to
Billy. Come along, my lad. We are
overdue at Stanhoe police station"
Does that mean I'm arrestedY"
The inspector looked at him search
lngly.
That will depend on circumstances.
Have YOU any objection to accompa-
nying mef"
i've no objection to anything. This
Is my afternoon off. But may l take
It you are looking for the enterprislng
fellow who burgled the abbeyY'
Il include that among my actiyl-
bes.' said Arkwrlght sardonically.
Then this is your lucky day. He's
In the cave there"
in the-cave" said Arkwright,
staring.
If you'll step this way said Billy,
I'll show YOU
He turned toward the bushes. Ark
wright, after a moments hesitation.
accompanied him, and motioned to
Inspector Panke to follow. Bertrand
brought up the rear. Billy led them
into the cave.
Jake, PROSTATE on his couch of
bracken, greeted them with suIIen
vpc ALL