The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-13

| ing comes of Oyur visit beyond a chat,
1t will have been very welcome. Cal
cutta, was it, where we last metz
1T was" replied Sir Charles. plac-
ing his hat and cane upon the table
and sitting down rather YEARLY in a
big leather armchair which Harley
had pushed forward.
Sir Charles evidently was oppressed
by some secret trouble, thus Harley
unused silently, as, taking out a tin
Of tobacco from cabinet beside him,
he began in leisurely manner to load
a briar.
| Sir Charles slowly nodded his head,
and seemed in some measure to re
cover confidence.
Briefly, then" he said. Il believe
my life is in danger
HIM said Harley replacing the
tin in the cupboard and striking a
match.
You are naturally anxious for the
particulars" Sir Charles presently re-
| sumed. They bear, regret to say.
a close resemblance to the symptoms
Of a well-known form of hallucination.
| In short, with one exception, they
may practically all be classed under
the head Of surveillance"
Surveillance, said Paul Harley.
| You mean that you are more or less
! constantly followed?"
Il do
Anything else?"
"One very notable thing. Mr. Harley
I was actually assaulted less than
week ago within sight of my own
| house"
Indeed! Tell me of this" Paul
Harley became aware of an awaken
ing curiosity.
II had been to visit a friend in the
neighborhood, Sir Charles continued,
whom I am at present attending pro
fessionally, although I am actually re-
tired was returning across the
square, close to midnight, when. for
tunately for myself. I detected the
sound Of light, pattering footsteps i'm
mediately behind me. I turned in the
very instant that man was about to
spring upon me from behind. He was
holding in his hand what looked like
a large silk handkerchief
What did you do?"
II turned and struck out with my
stick"
And them"
Then he made no attempt to con-
test the issue, but simply ran swiftly
off, always keeping in the shadows Of
the trees"
HIM" unused Harley "A very
alarming occurrence. Sir Charles. 1t
must have shaken you very badly
But we must not overlook the posi-
bility that this may have been an or
binary footpad."
His methods were scarcely those
of a f9otpad." murmured Sir Charles.
81 quite agree said Harley. They
were rather oriental. if I may say
so"
Sir Charles Abingdon started. "Ori-
entail he whispered. Yes. you are
right"
Does this suggest train of
thought" prompted Harley
Sir Charles Abingdon cleared his
throat nervOusly 1T does, Mr.. Har-
ley" he admitted but a very con
fusirg train of thought It leads me-
to point which I must mention. but
which concerns a very well-known
man. Before I proceed I should ike
to make it clear that 7 do not be
heve for a moment that he is respon-
sible for this unpleasant business"
Harley stared at him curiously.
Nevertheless. he said. there must
be some data in your possession which
suggest to your mind that he has
some connection with it,"
There are. Mr. Harley. and
should be deeply indebted if you could
visit my house this evening. when I
could place this evidence. If evidence
it may be called, before you. 7 find
myself in so delicate q position. II
you are free I should welcome your
company at dinner
Paul Harley seemed to be reflect.
ing.
'Of course. Sir Charles" he said.
presently, your statement IS very in.
/ teresting and curious. and l shall
naturally make a point of going fully
| into the matter. But before proceed
| ing further there are two questions
I should like to ask you The first is
this: What is the name of the we'll
known man to whom you refer?
And the second: If not he then whom
do you suspect of being behind all
this?"
Sir Charles perplexity and en-
barrassment grew more and more
marked.
1.-The one matter is so hopelessy
| involved in the other" he finally re-
piled, that although I came here pre-
| pared as I thought with q full state
ment of the case. I should welcome a
| further opportunity Of rearranging
the facts before imparting them to
you. One thing, however, have omit
ted to mention. 1t is, perhaps. Of par
amount Importance. There was a rob-
berry at my house less than a week
ago"
What! A robbery! Tell me; what
was stolen?" !
Nothing Of the slightest value, Mr..
Harley. to any one but myself-or so
should have supposed" The speaker
coughed nervously. The thief had
gained admittance to my private
study, where there are several cases of
Oriental jewelry and a number of
pieces Of valuable gold and silverwar re.
all antique. At what hour he came
how he gained admittance, and how
he retired, 1 cannot imagine. All the