The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-12-22


of moved the taxi, and Harley
q long sigh. The irksome period of
inactiOn was ended.
For the moment he must focus
upon establishing, beyond query or
doubt, the fact that Sir Charles Alb
inedon had not died from natural
causes.
Turning his head, he glanced back
az the traffic in the street behind
him.
His cab was just on the point of
turning on to the slope of Vauxhall
bridge. And fifty yarCs behind, speed
ing along the embankment, was 4
small French car The features If
the driver he had no time to observe
But, peering eagerly through the
window, showed the dark face of the
passenger.
If the following car had turned on
to the bridge, Harley might have en-
tertained a certain doubt But, men
tally putting himself in the pull
suer's place. he ina gined himself de
tected and knew at once exactly what
he should do. Since this hypothetical
course was actually pursued by the
other. Harley's belief was confirmed.
Craning his neck. u saw the little
French car turn abruptly and pro
coed in the direction of Victoria Sta
ton. Instantly he acted.
Leaning out of the window he
thrust a ten shilling note into the cab
mans hand. SLOW down, but don't
pull up he directed. II am going
to jump out just as you pass that
lorry ahead. Ten ycrds further on
stop. Get down and crank your en-
CINE. and then proceed slowly over
the bridge. l shall not want you
again
AS a result. Immediately he was af-
forded the necessary cover. Harley
jumped from the cab. The man
reached back and closed the door. pre-
ceeding on his leisureIy way. Except
ing the driver Of the lorry. no ona
witnessed this eccentric performance.
and Harley stepping on to the foot
path. quietly Joined the stream Of
pedestrians and strolled slowly along.
He presently passed the stationary
cab without giving any sign Of recos-
milton to the dismounted driver. Then.
a minute later the cab overlook him
and was soon lost in the traffic ahead. /
Even as it disappeared another cab
went by rapidly.
Leaning forward in order TO peer
through the front window was the
dark faced man whom he had de
tected on the bankment.
Quite correct" murmured Har-
ley. dryly. Exactly what I should
have done"
The spy. knowing himself discov-
cred had abandoned his own car in
favor Of a passing taxicab. and in
the latter he had taken up the pur-
suit.
Paul Harley lighted a cigaret.
The contest had developed into
open warfare Harleys accurate
knowledge of London had enabled
him to locate No. 236 South Lambeth
Road without recourse TO a guide
He walked quite openly up the
steps to the door Of No.
236. and was about TO seize the dirty
iron knocker when the door opened
suddenly and a girl came out. She
was dressed neatly and wore a pseudo
fashionable hat from which a heavy
figured veil depended so as almost to
hide her features. She was carrying
a bullying ca..e grip secured by a
brown leather strap.
Seeing Harley on the step, she
paused for a moment, then, recover
ing herself:
Ellen she shouted down the dim
passageway revealed by the opening
of the door. Somebody to see you"
Leaving the door open, she hurried
past the visitor with averted face.
Harley grasped the girls arm. One
moment Miss Jones" he said. quiet
~. lit is you l am here to see
He extended his arm TO detain her.
But she thrust it aside. My boys
waiting around the corner" she said
viciously. Just see what he'll do
when 7 tell him.
step inside repeated Harley,
quietly or accompany me to Ken
nington Lane Police Station-which
ever you think would be the Aore
amusing"
A tired-loOking woman carrying a
child appeared from somewhere and
stared alphabetically at Harley
Addressing the angry girl: An
other O. your flames, Polly?" she in
quired in a dull voice Has he made
you change your mind already"
The girl addressed as Polly
dropped her grip on the floor and.
hanging open a door. entered a shah
by little sitting room, followed by
Harley.
Excuse me. madam, for intrud-
ing" said Harley to the woman with |
the baby. but Polly has some in |
formation Of use to the police. Oh, |
cont be alarmed. She has com
nutted no crime. I shall only detain
her for a few minutes"
The official manner had its effect |
Miss Jones looked sharply across
at the speaker. Il haven't done
anything" she said. sullenly.
Paul Harley advanced and stood |
over her What about the trick
with the serviettes at Sir Charles
Abingdon's?" he asked. speaking the
words in slow and deliberate fashion
Don't arrest me-" she said. "In .
tell you"
Good. In the first place, then
where were you going when 1 came
here?"
To meet my boy at vauxhall
station
He has done murder. What is
his uar1e1"