The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-04-11
CHAPTER xxIIl-continued.


one knee, and rested his p,j.t hand
on 1t. "If I give up to you, there's
somethin' I'm goin' to have you do
hrst. You'll take my terms an do
what ask-or I'll drop you, right
there and now.r
There was not the faintest doubt
but that he meant what he said. A
glance into his eyes told the listener
that.
Nothing doing" said Billy quietly.
u don't take orders FROM a malefac-
tor. Least of. all at the point of a
gun"
Then" said Jake thickly. you're
cold meat. I guess it's the best way.
1t gives me a chance yet"
They don't electrocute in this
country" said Billy, "they hang. But
they do it very efficiently. You can
shoot me in the back though, IL you
want to. I'm going to see about your
exit"
He turned deliberately and walked
to the mouth OF the cave. Jake's
finger trembled on the trigger.
Come back" he said hoarsely.
There was ,mething so broken and
piteous In the tone, that Billy turned
his head. Jake flung the pistol
toward him; 1t fell on the sand at
Bily's feet, and he picked 1t up.
II can't get you with a gum
gasped Jake, but listen to what l got
to say, IL you're q man! For Gods
sake, listen ]"
And Billy listened.
Some minutes later Billy stepped
out OF the cave into the sunlight. He
was looking unusually grave, his lips
were tight set; his eyes were posi-
lively harried. He walked a few
steps, muttering to himself. He
started as a voice called him excited
ly by name, and he was aware of
Monsieur de Jussac running toward
him.
"Spencer!" he cried. 81 have been
looking for you everywhel Where
the devil have you been7 The police
have inquired for you at the abbey.
and think they are not far behind.
I thought it well to come and warn
you"
1.-THE police?"
Bertrand turned round sharply. He
F.. permitted himself a military express
sion that would not pass the censor.
"And here they are /" he said, with
a gesture of despair.
The helmet of Constable Poison ap-
rN0 rcd IN tho hripL ~ <h1 z----.-
cliff, about the same time as Panke's
peaked cap obtruded itself over the
n behind them, and the felt hat of
Inspector Arkwright hove In sight
among the bramble bushes below. In
a very short time all three men were
In the pit, closing strategically upon
Billy and Bertrand.
II don't think" murmured Billy.
"that I ever knew policemen arrive
so-so-what's the word?"
"A propos," said the Vicomte grimly.
twisting his %1ustache.
Thanks. That's it,"
as there anything I can do?"
Thanks again, but l think not.
Well see how they play the hand"
That's him-the young p ex-
claimed Panke, as the three ap-
preached. Inspector Arkwright walked
up to Billy. and addressed him by
name.
civilian SpencerT"
THAT same bird" replied Billy
pleasantly.
And an admirable chauffeur" muir
INJURED de Jussac. He drives like the
Angel of Death"
Arkwright's cold gray y swiveled
upon the speaker.
who are you. and what are you
doing here?"
1.-THE Vicomte de Jussac, at your
service. A guest at the abbey. Know
ing Spencer was here, 1 came to in
form him ne was wanted"
"Oh. All, right. sit. He's certainly
wanted" The inspector turned to
Billy. Come along, my lad. We are
overdue at Stanhoe police station"
docs that mean I'm arrested?"
The Inspector looked at him search
ingly.
THAT will depend on circumstances.
Have you amy objection to accompa
nying me?'
"Ive no objection to anything. This
is my afternoon off. But may y take
1t you are looking for the enterprising
fellow who burgled the abbeyY'
81 incluue that among my actiyi-
ties said Arkwright sardonically.
Then this is your lucky day. He's
In the cave there"
"In the-cave?" said Arkwright.
staring.
IF you'll step this way" said Billy.
"Ill show YOU"
He turned toward the bushes. Ark.
wright, after a moments hesitation.
accompanied him, and motioned to
Inspector Panke to follow. Bertrand
brought up the rear. Billy led them
into the cave.
Jake, PROSTATE on his couch of
bracken, greeted item with a sullen
stare. Inspector Arkwright looked at
him-at the bandaged leg, the stubble-
covered face, and deep-set eyes. The,
handkerchief with the broken food
was no longer visible.
"That's your man," said Billy.
'known TO the popular press as Jack
the Climber; but l gather he prefers
TO be called Jake think we ought
to humor him so far. His motor
cycle is in the clay pit up the slope.
His leg is rather badly hurt"
aCs-- sn -. 49, - - -.