The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-12-18

Nov what are we going to
do?" asked quietly, after Ralph
and had entered into a silent
pack not to discuss risks, but to
go on as best we could in our
effort to rescue or merely to find
Neal, as the case might be-"
Were going to do some tall
thinking. for one thing" smiled
Ralph. do you think there's a
/ chance that can get Henna-
berry back on the job?"
Wen have to offer a reward !"
said Ralph thoughtfully. Wen
have to make it large reward
a very large one
I was on the verge of saying:
Where am going to get the
money!
But I restrained myself. For
I've come to feel that when Ralph
has the will he comes. also pretty
near knowing the way.
All right" I said, determined
not to worry any more about
money, but just to. go ahead and
make it somehow. Now what
"A large reward and no ques-
tons asked Ralph went on.
You see. Neal had sixty thou
sand dollars with him when he
disappeared. The people who got
that money may feel there's more
where it came from. They may
be holding him for more. They
may have given US glfmpses of
him deliberately so we'd know
he's alive and to be reckoned
WITH
And If we didn't offer the re-
ward?" cried.
81 thought we weren't going to
indulge in morbid fancies and
talk about danger" Ralph cried,
sternly. Now let's think up a
bully piece Of advertising copy
and then let's hustle it into the
next edition Of my old sheet and
into all the papers hereabouts.
I've an idea wen get results in
less than no time. Wen have
the laugh on Hennaberry yet"
The knob OF my door turned
with a quick rasp and was flung
open with a gesture almost melo-
dramatic In its intensity. And on
the threshold stood a suave, smil-
ing poised figure.
It was Tom Mason.
When Tom Mason loomed up
suddenly in the door Of my office,
Ralph Lacy and / were ready to
draw up an advertisement offer
ing a large reward for Neal. So
I suppose when I looked up and
saw Tom there, I must have in
dulged in an automatic momen-
tary frown at the interruption.
Hello, folks" he cried, "for-
give the returning traveller IL he
interrupts, but I'm so darn glad
to see you fellers I'm taking it
for granted you must share my
enthusiasm
Almost solemnly I shook hands
with Tom. and murmured a for
mula of greeting. Ralph did like
wise.
I'll have to run along" Ralph
said pleasingly, but without the
warmth Of response he gives to
the folks he really likes. 1--WE
an important piece Of copy to get
into the next edition. So long"
Toms laugh told me how vain
would be any effort to dislodge
him now that he'd come back
determined to have a welcome
from me.
Here's a good-by for the two
Of you" called Ralph and swung
out beyond the. door.
Tom got up with his heavy
walk, which yet is so noiseless
and so much like that Of some
padded jungle creature waving
lightly from side to side as it's
muscles rippled under it's great
weight.
Don't mind the privacy, do
your he asked loosely. Then,
reaching into his pocket he
brought out a packet and laid it
on the table. IT'S for you," he
said encouragingIy.
With unwillingly fingers I fum-
bled at the string around the box
ne mad just set before me.
Slowly and reluctantly I took off
the paper and opened the box.
In 1t was a small bag made of
the finest and most elorious
needle point in soft bronze green
background with a pattern OF
rose and dull blue. It was
mounted on a frame of dull old
gold and swung from a chain Of
gold. 1t was a rare and priceless
thing such as only Tom Mason
would be likely to pick up.
tom" I gasped. IT can't
accept it!'
(T0 Be Continued Tomorrow