The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-06-04

$500 ~N%-~S
Never knew such thing to hap
pen before" our host%declared in an
annoyed tone Somebody must have
been tinkering with the powerhouse.
Fetch some candles, Searle.''
The butler turned to grope his way
toward the door, but he was not al
lowed to reach it. From various parts
of the shadowy spaces on every side
of US. little pin-points of fire blazed
out and steadily approached, without
sound or movement. One Of them
came to a standstill Immediately be-
hind Lord Kindersley's chair. Welded
by some unseen hand, the dazzling
briliancy Of a high-powered electric
torch was flashed round upon twelve
amazed faces. Then a strong voice
broke the spelIbound silence. a voice
still and cold and perfectly modul-
ated
Ladies and gentlemen, the intru.
der said, there is no need for any
particular alarm. This is, to use a
slang phrase. a 'holdup.' We have
automatic pistols. and I trust that
you will realize the absurdity Of re-
sistance."
God bless my soul.' Lord Kinder
sley exclaimed. Where are all my
servants? How the devil did you
get in?"
1T is scarcely policy to let you
into the secret Of our methods" the
same cold voice continued; but
have no objection to telling you that
we came in through the front door,
that your servants are locked up and
guarded in the servants hall very
much as you are, that your tele-
phone wires are cut, your electric
light supply is in our hands, and the
lodgegates guarded. You ladies Will
kindly place all the jewelry you are
wearing. upon the table in front of
you. There must be no delay, please,
or any attempt at concealment.
What shall I do?'' the woman
next to ne whispered hoarsely. Il
am wearing my emeralds-Jack i'm
plored me not to-they are worth
10000 pounds"
You will have to do as the others
are doing" I told her. The first act
of this little drama must be played
out according to orders
She unclasped the necklace with
trembling fingers. and the unseen fig
ure behind Lord Kindersley's chair
spoke again.
''Will it be Sir Norman Greyes who
struts across the stage in the second
act?" he asked mockingly.
Then I knew who was there and
I remembered that Michael had sworn
to take my life when and how the
offered. I was an easy
mark for him. sitting there. but
somehow the idea of assassination
never had any terrors for me-.
4 may occupy the stage for a lit
tie time" answered. feeling for my
wine through the darkness. But
after all, it will be the third act that
counts Which will you choose.
wonder. N1ichael-the gallows at
Wandsworth Gaol or the electric
chair at Sing Sing?"
This. of course, was sheer bravado.
a touch of melodrama OF which I
as soon as I had INDUCED in
it. I heard the click Of a weapon.
and in the steady glare Of that small
circle Of light I saw the flash upon IFS
barrel as it drew level with my head
There was a silence as poignant as
It was hysterical; then a cry from
Janet rang through the room.
A familiar voice, fancy" Nj
chael said coldly as he lowered his
weapon. You do we'll to intervene.
dear lady. Some day or other I think
that your husband viii kill me or
him: but unless he hunts me with a
posse Of policemen, it will be when
we are both armed and the odds are
even"
May I speak, please?" Beatrice
asked.
Il have put my rings and brace
lets upon the table. I am wearing
around my neck a miniature set with
briIHants. It is not really very valu-
able. but 1t was left me by a relative
May I keep it?"
The light flashed for a moment
upon the pendant which she seemed
to be holding forward for examina-
ton, flashed on the little heap Of her
jewelry upon the table.
Pray keep your miniature" the
voice conceded. DO me the further
honor. If you will, of replacing your
Jewelry upon your fingers and wrists
We are not here to rob children OF
their baubles."
Beatrice's laugh was a most an1az-
ing thing It was perfectly natural
and full of amused enjoyment.
IT don't like the reflection upon
my jewelry," she complained. How
ever, since you are so generous, I
will accept your offer"
Look here Lord Kindersley broke
cut. finding a certain courage from
his nieces complete composure, 'is
this a practical joker"
you will discover if It is a practi
cal joke or not. if you attempt to
leave your seat"' was the instant
reply.
These fellows can't think they're
going to get away with a thing like
this" muttered Lord Harrcden, the
lord lieutenant Of the county, from
the other end of the table.
Your Lordship is mistaken" was
the confident reply from the unseen
figure who was. directing the pro
ceedings. "I will lay you five to one
in hundreds that we do, payment to
be made through the personal column
of the Times in thirty days time"
"Gad. he's a cool handr' chuckled