Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1924-04-11


pressing my deep gratitude to you, Mr.
Ledsam, for the wonderful evidence
you rendered at the inquest upon the
body Of my son-in-law, oliver Hill
ditch"
Francis turned in his place and
companion, learning nothing, however
from the half-mocking smile and i'm
perturbable expression.
your son-in-law?" he repeated. "Do
you mean to say that you are the ia
ther of-of Oliver Hilditch's wifeT'
Widow" the other corrected gently.
II have that honor You will under
stand, therefore, that I feel myself on
this, the first opportunity, compelled to
tender my sincere thanks for evidence
so chivalrously offered, so fiawlessly
truthful"
Francis was q man accustomed to
self-control, but he clenched his hands
so that his finger nails dug into his
flesh. He was filed with an insane
and unreasoning resentment against
this man whose words were biting into
his conscience. Nevertheless, he kept
his tone level
! II do not desire your gratitude" he
said, "nor, If you will permit me to say
so, your further acquaintance"
The stranger shook his head regret
fully.
"You are wrong" he protested. "We
were bound, in any case, to know one
another. Shall I tell you why? You
have just declared yourself anxious to
set your heel upon the criminals of the
world. I have the distinction of being
! perhaps the most famous patron Of
that maligned class now living-and
/ my neck is at you service"
"You appear to me-" Francis said
suavely, ito be buffoon."
It might have been fancy, but Fran
els could have sworn that he saw the
| glitter Of sovereign malevolence in
the others dark eyes. If so, it was
but passing weakness, for moment
later the half good-natured, half-cyni
cal smile was back again upon the
mans lips.
IF SO, l am at least a buffoon Of
parts was the prompt rejoinder. II
will, If you choose, prove myself"
| There was a moments silence. Will
more was leaning forward in his place,
studying the newcomer earnestly. An
| impatient invective was somehow
stifled on Francis lips
within few yards Of this place
some time before the closing hour to-
night" the intruder continued, earnest
! ly, yet with curious absence of any
human quality in his hard tone, there
will be disturbance, and probably
what you would call a crime will be
committed. VIII you use your vaunt-
ed gifts to hunt down the desperate
criminal and, in your own picturesque
! phraseology, set your heel upon his
neck? Success may bring you fame and
the trail may lead-well who knows
where?"
Afterwards, both Francis and An
drew Wilmore marveled at themselves
unable at any time to find any reason
able explanation of their conduct, for
they answered this man neither with
ridicule, rudeness nor civility. They
simply stared at him, impressed with
| the convincing arrogance of his chal-
lenge and unable to find words of re-
ply. They received his mocking fare
well without any form Of reciprocatton
or sign of resentment. They watched
him leave the room. a dignified, dis
tinguished figure, sped on his way with
marks of the deepest respect by wait
ers, maitres dhotel, and even the man
ager himself. They behaved, indeed,
as they both admitted afterwards, like
couple of moonstruck idiots When
he had finally disappeared, however,
they looked at one another and the
spell was broken.
well, I'm id p Francis exclaimed.
Soto, come here at once"
The manager hastened smilingly to
their table.
Soto" Francis invoked, tell US
Quickly-tell us the name Of the gen.
tleman who has just gone out, and who
he ISL"
SOtO was amazed.
you don't know Sir Timothy Brast,
sir?" he exclaimed. why, he is sup
posed to be one Of the richest men In
the world! He spends money like wa
ter. They say that when he is in Eng
land his place down the river alone
costs a thousand pounds week. When
he gives a party here. we can find
nothing good enough. He is our most
generous client"
"Sir Timothy Brast," Wilmore re-
peated "Yes, have heard Of him"
"Why, everybody knows Sir Timo-
thy" Soto went on eloquently. He is
the greatest living patron of boxing.
He found the money for the last inter
national fight"
Does he often come in alone like
this?" Francis asked curiously.
Either alone" Soto replied, "or
with very large party He entertains
magniflcently"
"Iye seen his name in the paper In