Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-08-03


Il do not ask 1t for myself" she
pleaded. The happiness Of a whole
people depend upon it,"
Greg seriously doubted the wisdom Of
the proceeding. but being young he
could not take a dare from a etri. He
slipped out of his seat.
Keep the engine running he aaid.
Whom shall ! ask for at the door
Senor Francisco de Socotra.''
He crossed the pavement That which
sne mad thrust in his hand was n sxaAll
but ousiness-like automatic revolver.
CHAPTER w
In the House on Ninth Street
The house fronting Greg was built
according to an old-fashioned plaa i'm
ported from continental countries, ct
which there are two or three examples
still extant in the older part of New
York. Though but a small house, II was
laid out on a liberal plan. AZ one slice
great double doors carried a driveway
through to the rear. In other vords IN
the old days the carriage and pair OF
the owners had driven right In the
front door.
Greg pulled the old-fashioned bell, ana
presently one side OF the big door swung
open Of itself. operated by a lever within
the house. This in itself had an uncaany
effect. Inside Greg found himself in a
through to the yard behind He took the
precaution to leave the big door slightly
ajar behind him. At his right hand
were severally a service entrance. .
The corridor was empty. II was
lighted by an electric globe In the cell
ing. AT the wicket appeared the head
OF negro servant who with a villain
GUS scowl demanded to know what he
wanted. After all II was Z o'clock
in the morning; servant might rea-
sonably be indignant at being called UP
at such an hour (though. by the way,
this man was fully dressed), but there
was more in 1t than that Greg thought
he had never seen so evil a face. and his
hand instinctively closed tighter ar0anS
the revolver in his pocket
In firm voice he named the man
that he wished to see. and the negro
after hard stare directed him with .
nod to the main door beyond. He einseA
the wicket Greg waited with Q fast
beating heart
After no great space Of time the door
was opened and de Socotra himself stood
before Greg with an expression OF
strong curiosity. II was borne In on
Greg afresh that he was an uneon-
monty handsome man: moreover, vii
lain though he might be. there was su-
perb holiness in his air that commanded
an unwilling admiration. Recognising
the chauffeur that had driven him ear
lier in the night, he fell back wsTfiy.
Greg gave him no time to think. stsp-
ping close TO him. he drew the revolver
and pressed the muzzle to his hbA
If you cry out I'll pull the trigger"
he whispered harshly.
The mans rudy face paied yeile~.
yet he kept certain measure Of SELF
possession: his eyes did not quail
What do you want?" he asked In n
firm. low voice.
THE little black book"
The mans eyes narrowed. II don't
know. what you mean" he said
quickly.
Greg saw a tell-taie bulge over
It's in your pocket. Quick with 1t.
A curious CLINT showed in the
others jetty eyes, which never ie<t
Greg's. His hand went slowly In
side his coat and reappeared with the
little black book. Greg with . leap
ing heart took it in his free hand:
dared hope. He started to back Gown
the corridor. keeping de Socotra cow
cred with the gun. The latter came
to the door and stood watching him
with expressionless face.
Greg dared not look behind him.
1t was about twenty-five feet to the
big doors; he had measured II with
his eyes: say, eight long PAGES. He
had taken Ave, when the sound OF
the door softly latching behind him
caused his heart to contract sharply.
instant de Socotra sprang at him.
Greg was seized from both sides
before he could find a mark to aim
at.
The second who had seized him
was the negro servant, n fellow Of
gigantic stature with nnscieR Ike
steel bands. AS Ores started to Pun
he had caught him in his embrace.
pinning Greg's arms close to his
sides and keeping the gun detected
on Gregs wrist disarmed him. Gssss
struggles were as vain as those OF
an infant. He ceased to struggle.
designing to save his strength for O
afraid the sounds OF struggle
might reach the girl outside and pre-
woke her to some rash act. with
her puny strength she could not help
him now.
De socotra repocketed the little
black book. also Greg's revolver. He
relaxed and laughed mockingfy. -
don't know what your game 10. nay
man. but evidently 1t was little
beyond you"
Greg glared at him. Murderer
was on his tongues tip. but pYu.
dence restrained him from uttering
it
Look here" said the other SUD
denly: tell me who sent you here,
and the door shall be opened for you
to go. 1 don't fight with caemen.
You may go back freely to him who
sent you and give him my eompli-
ments."
Greg obs.inatsly closed his hi mouth,
mildly. Better take it There arc
men upstairs who will not let you
off so easily"
Again he waited to give Greg .
chance to speak.
Finally he said: "I can't wait here
all night. you know"
You needn't walt" said Greg. TIN
not going to tell you"
De Socotra favored him with .
sharp look IT beg your pardon"
he said. ironically. IT see you're no
caRnan lad Mile iho bring him I ,ss ss..
through the main door. The negro
followed. half carrying Greg. half
pushing him before him. At the steps
he tossed him up as easily as o straw
man. Greg ground his teeth nc the
humiliating posture. but stili fere.
bore to struggle. The first room Of
somely finished in paneied walnut.
but without any furniture. A finely
carved stairway came down at one
side. De Socotra mounted with lei
surely tread; the man was "a
straight as a tree. his small head
poised with inimitable arrogant
grace. The negro carried Greg after.
Greg might have given him eonstd.
cradle trouble on the stairs. but ha
still saved his strength until he should
see some chance Of getting away.
On the floor above they passed into
ating a veritable sensation among
the small crowd OF men gathered
there. No sound had warned of
trouble below. This was likewise q