Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1923-05-03

know n a 1t was you, and not the pris-
oner, who stayed at Ivy cottage as the
tenant of Mrs. Summing. l know that
your companion, at the same time,
stayed next door. l have also a fairly
accurate comprehension of the reasons
which led you to accept temporary en-
ployment in the Jervaulx abbey house
hold. l did not, till now, know who
you were. But the papers you gave me
establish your identity. And that
makes all the difference"
Billy was silent.
L am, you see, in possession of the
facts"
There's one recent fact" thought
Billy, chat you're not wise to-"
"Your affairs, Mr.. Spencer, though
somewhat complicated, do not call for
the Intervention of the police" said
Arkwright, with the ghost Of a smile,
"and no official cognizance will be
taken of that matter; unless something
unforeseen ccurs l am a thief hunter
and not a c~astigator of rash young
men. What 1 know, 1 shall, doubtless,
keep to myself"
Billy felt an enormous sense of re-
lief, combined with a sharp twinge of
conscience.
1.-The irresponsible couple who en-
sconced themselves at Ivy cottage"
said Arkwright, with a dry smile, made
81 good deal of trouble for themselves
Inspector" said Billy, "did you ever
do a fool thing?"
Inspector Arkwright twinkled.
"a good many, when l was your age.
And, sometimes, ever now. However,
I wish you good fortune. l am not un-
grateful to you for your share in the
running to earth of Mr.. Jake. 1t is the
duty of the civilian to assist the police.
The woman will still be brought to
book. And 1 shall call on your formi-
dable employer before l leave. Good-by,
Mr.. Spencer"
Billy walked out of Stanhoe police
station and made his way back to the
abbey on foot.
Gee" he said pensively. But that
last stunt was awful dangerous! OF
course, / see well enough what hap
pened. But it was just a lucky acct
dent neither Aimee nor that blamed
nuisance of a woman was seen getting
away The luckiest sort of accident
Inspector Arkwright isn't the fool ]
took him for, by a long way. 1 wonder
how much he knows? But he can't
know that"
He shook his shoulders.
"It came near being a real crash
just when everything had come right
IT put the wind up me worse than any.
thing yet. But there's nothing to be
scared at now"
Despite the excellent turn affair:
had taken, Billy's mind was troubling
him. He had the air of a small boz
whose raid on the jam cupboard Is
about to be discovered. When he ar
rived at the abbey there was no sign
of his partner. After lingering for
some time near the most likely haunts,
Billy sighed and retreated to the
garage.
lie had not been there long when
Aimee's face appeared furtively round
the angle of the door.
Hello !" she said, stepping inside.
She halted, and they looked at each
other obviously. Aimee was decidedly
pale, her eyes pathetic and rather
frightened.
81 couldn't help it, Billyw she said
suddenly.
Couldn't help what?"
"You saw us getting away, didn't
you? And the girl-and the Sphinx?
Has Monsieur de Jussac explained to
your"
II haven't seen him. said Billy,
quietly, but Iguess it isn't hard to see
how things were. You might as well
tell me, though"
Aimee, very gloomily, described her
encounter with Calamity Kate.
81 know" she concluded, shakily.
you're thinking me an idiot. I'd no
right to take such a risk-with the po-
lice there and everything. II sup
pose she's a thief. But she's done such
a lot for that man, and she was so mis-
cradle. He's her husband. And 1
couldn't help thinking about you and
me, Billy, and how 1 should feel if you
you"
She broke down and began to cry
quietly.
"That's how it was. Are you very
angry with mel"
Billy gasped and, stepping quickly to
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