The Bingham County news. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1918-1930, 1923-04-13

|
duly disposed of, while Billy cooled his
heels In dingy waiting room that had
| been whitewashed some time during
| the period when Sir Robert Peel was
recognizing the force. Presently In
spector Arkwright joined him. The in
spector closed the door, and regarded
Billy with a sphinx-like but family
humorous eye.
IT think, Mr.. Spencer" he said
quietly, that you have no very high
opinion of my intelligenceT
Wrong there" said Billy, politely.
hoe staff with the worlds great think
ers. But I've heard lot about Scot
land Yard, and, if I may say so, you
come fully up to sample"
"There Is no harm now in my telling
you that 1 know precisely what your
movements have been, Mr.. Spencer.
know that it was you, and not the pris-
oner, who stayed at Ivy cottage as the
tenant Of Mrs. Summing. 1 know that
your companion, at the same time,
stayed next door. I have also a fairly
accurate comprehension Of the reasons
which led you to accept temporary en-
ployment in the Jervaulx abbey house
hold. / did not, till now, know who
you were. But the papers you gave me
establish your identity. And that
makes all the difference"
Billy was silent.
L am, you see, in possession Of the
facts"
There's one recent fact" thought
Billy, "that you're not wise to-"
"Your affairs, Mr.. Spencer, though
somewhat complicated, do not call for
the Intervention Of the police" said
Arkwright, with the ghost of a smile,
"and no official cognizance will be
taken Of that matter; unless something
unforeseen occurs. I am thief hunter
and not a castigator of rash young
men. What know, SHALL doubtless,
keep to myself"
Billy felt an enormous sense Of re-
lief, combined with a sharp twinge Of
conscience.
''The irresponsible couple who en-
sconced themselves at IVY cottage"
said Arkwright, with dry smile, "made
a good deal Of trouble for themselves"
Inspector" said Billy, "did you ever
do fool thing?"
Inspector Arkwright twinkled.
"a good many, when I was your age.
And sometimes, even now. However,
I wish you good fortune. I am not I'M
grateful to you for your share in the
running to earth of Mr.. Jake. It Is the
duty Of the civilian to assist the police.
The woman will still be brought to
book. And shall call on your formi-
dable employer before I leave. Good-by,
Mr.. Spencer"
Billy walked out of Stanhoe police
station and made his way back to the
abbey on foot.
"Gee!" he said pensively. "But that
last stunt was awful dangerous OF
course, I see well enough what hap
pened. But 1t was just lucky acct
dent neither Aimee nor that blamed
nuisance of a woman was seen getting
away. The luckiest sort of accident.
Inspector Arkwright isn't the fool
took him for, by long way. wonder
how much he knows? But he can't
know that"
He shook his shoulders.
ut came near being real crash
just when everything had come right. |
1t put the wind up me worse than any
thing yet. But there's nothing to be
scared at now"
Despite the excellent turn affairs
had taken, Billy's mind was troubling |
him. He had the air of a small bow /
whose raid on the jam cupboard Is
about to be discovered. When he ar
rived at the abbey there was no sign
of his partner. After lingering for
some time near the most likely haunts,
Billy sighed and retreated to the
garage.
He had not been there long when
Aimee's face appeared furtively round
the angle Of the door.
Hello" she said, stepping inside.
She halted, and they looked at each
other obviously. Aimee was decidedly
pale, her eyes pathetic and rather
81 couldn't help it, Billy" she said
Couldn't help what2"