Evening star., 1923-07-15

the Gray Ghost. He relt hlmself an
ally of the detective.
Now, as he threw open the door OF
the car, he whispered hoarsely to
Pelham: 'T been followed here to-
night. boss"
Are you sure?" asked Pelham.
Absolutely" replied the chauffeur.
They're in a car that went by when
stopped here. Probably waiting
around the corner"
Dickenson's lean. gaunt face col
ored angrily. "Looka here, Mr.. Pei
ham," he snapped. You been takin'
too many chances. I don't think I
ought to leave you"
Pelham slapped him on the back.
Nonsense. Slim! It's easy to hire
cold-blooded murderers. but it's not
easy to hire discreet ones, who will
refuse to turn states evidence when
the electric chair confronts them.
When the Gray Ghost tries to get me
1t will be at a time when there will
seem to him no danger of his ennis
saries being captured. You needn't
worry Have a good time"
He chuckled as he walked off.
Nevertheless. despite his mirth. he
was watchful. wondering at. the
espionage maintained upon him.
OF course SO long as Pelham lived
the Gray Ghost must know that there
was danger that he would be appre-
hended But inasmuch as he had
made no effort thus far, through
his followers, to kill Pelham, save
at time when Pelham was actively
engaged in recovering loot destined
for the Gray Ghosts Golfers, Pelham
could see no reason for alarm now.
Nevertheless he carried his right
hand in his coat pocket: the snug
way in which the butt of his auto
matte pistol fitted into his palm was
moro potent argument than all his
theories as to the motives actuating
the Gray Ghost.
TIE started for his club. He was
IL conscious. before he had walked
two blocks, that he was being fol-
lowed.
fees of the Tryon Agency and talked
with Jerry.
THE Gray Ghost is taking an ex-
ceeding interest in me tonight.
Jerry" he said. my car was fol-
lowed from the garage and couple
of men on. foot followed me here.
I'm at the club" he explained. I'D
have tried to land them. but knew
that couldn't do 1t alone. But why
not send a few men up here to nose
around?"
"I'u do that little thing" said Jerry.
What's the idea"
You can search me-" replied Pei
ham.
We'll. take care of yourself" said
Jerry Into his gruff tones crept ear
nestness that was evidence of his
affection for his younger coadjutor.
It was q reciprocated regard. Be
tween these two men, of different
ages. traditions and temperaments,
existed a devotion based on mutual
respect and liking.
knowing that he could be of no
assistance to the operatives who
would be rushed up to the club by
Tryon, and who would endeavor to
find out the identity and residence of
the men who were shadowing Pelham
tonight. the object of the Gray
Ghosts attentions devoted himself to
an excellent dinner and later to a
series of rubbers of bridge. It was
II o'clock when Pelham descend
ed the stoop of the oldfashioned
building which housed his favorite
club. and was aeeosted by man
whom he instantly recognized as
Graham, one Of Tryon's most trusted
employees.
Cant locate any one that seems
Suspicious, Mr.. Pelham" said Gra-
ham. Connolly and I got up here
within ten minutes after Mr.. Tryon
gave US the word. But every one
that's passed here tonight seemed to
have legitimate business. If there
were any shadows 'seither Connolly
or ] would have tumbled."
"Ili bet you would" said Pelham.
his voice ,fiattering. He had a way
Of being generous with praise. -.
"If you don't mind. I'll walk along
with you, just for luck" said Gra-
ham. Connolly will trail us a block
behind"
But they all reached Pelham's
/ apartment without incident. -'
Pelham laughed. Maybe I'm get
ting nerves." he suggested, :;
"If you were" said Graham, mo
body'd blame you. But I don't think
YOU are"
DELHAM climbed the stoop, passed
through the small lobby of the
remodsled residence In which was
his apartment. and mounted the flight
| Of stairs to his rooms on the second
floor. He opened the door, stepped
through, placed his hat and coat
| upon a hook In a closet off the tiny
entrance hall and walked into his
| living room, to pause abruptly on the
threshold.
For O moment he thought that
Dickinson. whom he knew to have
/ been q 'teetotaler'' all his life, had
yielded to the seductions and blan-
'dish1nents Of Prince Ladislaus' party.
For sprawied upon a couch, his
dress coat lying half upon a chair
and half upon the floor, and the silk
hat, which he had borrowed from
| Pelham. resting upon its dented
| crown on . rug, Dickenson certainly
looked the part Of the drunken rev.
eler. even to the wet towel about
his forehead.
The grin which he assayed at sight
OF his employer was siokly. ~ got
mine. Mr.. Pelham" he said sheep.
ishly.
His tones were clear, unthickened
by liquor. But Pelham thought Of
i another exclamation. and at. tha