The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-04-25

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"An hour, If you like Francis as
sented. -..
Shopland gave the driver an ad-
dress and the two men seated them
selves in the taxicab.
"Any news?" Francis asked curl
ously.
"Not yet" was the cautious reply.
1T will not be long, however"
Before you discover Reggie Will
more?"
The detective smiled in a superior
way.
II am no longer particularly inter-
ested In Mr.. Reginald Wilmore," he
declared. Il have come to the con-
clusion that his disappearance is not
serious affair.""
tits serious enough for his rela-
tives," Francis objected.
mot II they understood the situa-
tion," the detective rejoined. Assure
them from me that nothing Of conse-
quence has happened to that. young
man. l have made inquiries at the
gymnasium in Holborn, and in other
directions. I am convinced that his
absence from home is voluntary, and
that there is no cause for alarm as
to his welfare"
'"Then the sooner you make your
way down to Kensington and tell his
mother so, the BETTER Francis said.
a little severely. "Don't forget that
put you onto this"
"Qrite right, sir" the detective ac-
Quiesced, land 1 am grateful to you.
The fact Of it Is that in making my
preliminary investigations with re-
gard to the disappearance Of Mr.. Will
more, have stumbled upon bigger
thing. Before many weeks are past,
hope to be able to unearth one Of
the greatest scandals Of modern
times"
"The devil" Francis muttered.
He looked thoughtfully, almost anx-
iously at his companion. Shopland's
face reflected to the full his usual
confidence. He had the air of a man
buoyant with hope and with stified
SeI1-Sat1STactlOn.
II am engaged" he continued.
upon study of the methods and
habits Of one who believe to be a
great criminal. I think that when
place my prisoner in the bar, VAIN
wright and these other great artists
In crime will fade from the memory"
els Sir Timothy Brast your mann"
Francis asked quietly.
His companion frowned porten-
tously.
"No Names" he begged.
considering that it was who first
put you on to him." Francis expos
tulated, 81 don't think you need be so
sparIng Of your confidence"
"Mr. Ledsam," the detective assured
him, II shall tell you everything that
is possible. At the same time, will
be frank with you. You are right
when you say that it was you who
first directed my attention towards
Sir Timothy Brast. Since that time.
however. your own relations with him.
to an onlooker. have become a little
pulling"
II see," Francis murmured. you've
been spying on me?"
Shopland shook his head in depre-
eating fashion.
"A study of Sir Timothy during the
last month";" he said. "has brought you
many a time into the focus" a
Francis for the first time vas con-
scious Of an utterly new sensation
with regard to his companion. He
watched him through half-closed eyes
an Notwithstanding little man
whose clothes, though neat, were ILL.,
chosen, and whose tie was an offense.
There was nothing in the face to de-
note unusual intelligence. but the eyes
were sn and cunning and the
mouth do d. Francis looked away
out of the window. sudden flash Of
realization had come to him, wave
Of unreasoning but positive dislike.
"When do you hope to bring your
case to an end?" he asked.
The man smiled once more. and the
very smile irritated his companion.
within the course of the next few
days, sir" he replied.
"And the charger"
The detective turned around.
"Mr. Ledsam," he said, I'VE have
been old friends. If you will allow me
to use the word, ever since was pro-
NOTED to my present position in the
force. You have trusted me with a
good many cases, and acknowledge
myself your debtor, but In the matter
Of Sir Timothy Brast, you will for.
give my saying with all respect, sir.
that our ways seem to lie a little
apart"
''Will you tell me why you have ar
rived at that conclpsionT. Francis
asked. sit was who first melted
you TO set watch upon Sir Timothy.
1t was to you first mentioned certain
suspicious l myself had with regard
to him. treated you with every con-
fidence. Why do you now withhold
yours from me?"