The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-07-10
BY Cyril. McNEILE'
SAFER
Copyright by GEORGE II. DORM co.
u. N. u. Service

AOi W "a u " AAAt CSI1SdlC NY SELL 4AGl
was little chink in the wooden shut
tiers of one Of the downstairs rooms
through which the light was stream
ing. took glimpse through, and
found that everything was just as had
been reported to me. There were eight
of them there. and an unpleasant
looking bunch they were, too. Zabo-
left | saw at the head of the table,
and standing next to him was that
man Waldock who runs two or three
of the worst Of the Red papers. There
was also Flash Jim, and l began to
wish I'd brought few more men,"
McIver smiled ruefully. at was
about the last coherent wish l remem-
Der. And" he went on seriously.
what I'm going to tell you now, sir,
may seem extraordinary and what one
would expect in detective fiction, but
as sure as am sitting in this chair,
1t Is what actually took place. Some
where from close to, there came the
sound of an owl hooting. At the same
moment distinctly heard the noise
of what seemed like scuffle, and a
stified curse. And then. and this is
what beats me, SIR" McIver pounded
a huge fist into an equally huge palm.
Il was picked up from behind as if /
was a baby. Yes, sir. baby"
Involuntarily Sir Bryan smiled.
You make good substantial In
FAINT, McIver."
Exactly. SIR" grunted the inspec-
tor. IF man had suggested such a
thing to me yesterday I'd have
laughed in his face. But the fact re-
mains that I(was picked up just like
child in arms. and doped, sir. doped.
Meat my time of life. They chloro-
formed me, and that was the last
saw of Zabo!eff or the rest Of the
gang"
The inspector leaned forward and
stared at his chief.
you've heard the rumOrs, sir" he
went on after a moment, 1.-THE same as
/ have"
Perhaps" said Sir Bryan quietly.
"But go on, McIver. I'd like to hear
what's on your mind"
ITS the Black Gang, sir" said the
Inspector, leaning forward impress
sively.
There have been rumors going
round. rumors which our men have
heard here and there for the past two
months. I've heard 'em myself; and
once or twice I've wondered. Now I'm
sure-especially after what Flash Jim
said. That gang is no rumor, it's solid
fact"
Have you any information as to
what their activities have been, as
Stunning for moment it is the TRUTH"
asked Sir Bryan.
None for certain. sir; until this
moment wasn't certain of its exist
ence. But now-looking back-there
have been quite number Of sudden
disappearances. We haven't troubled
officially. we haven't been asked to.
Hardly likely when one realizes who
the people are who have disappeared"
"All conjecture. Newer" said Sir
Bryan. "Fhey may be lying doggo. or
they'll turn up elsewhere"
They may be, SIR" answered Nc
liver doggedly. 'But take the COM
plete disappearance of Granger a fort
night ago. He's one of the worst of
the Red men, and we know he hasn't
left the country. Where Is he? His
wife. happen to know. Is crazy with
anxiety. so it don't look like put-up
JOB. Take that extraordinary case of
the Pole who was found dashed to the
ratings in Whitehall with one-half OF
his beard and hair shaved off and the
motto Portrait of Rolshevist' paint
ed on his forehead. Well. l don't need
to tell you. sir, that that particular
Pole. Strambowski. was undoubtedly
messenger between-welI, we know
who between and what the message
was. And then take last night"
swell. what about last night%
"For the first time this gang has
come into direct contact with u.s."
always assuming the fact Of its ex.
istence."
Exactly. sir" answered McIver.
well. they've got Zaboleff and they've
got Waldock, and they laid eight Of Us
out to cool. I guess they're not to be
sneezed at"
With thoughtful look on his face
Sir Bryan rose and strolled over to
the window. Though not prepared to
so quite as far as Mclver, there were
certainly some peculiar elements in
the situation-elements which he, as
head of big public department, could
not officially allow for an instant,
however much 1t might amuse him as
a private individual.
I'VE must find Zaboleff and WAL
DOCK" he said CURLY, without turning
round. "Waldock. at any rate, has
friends who will make a noise unless
he's forthcoming. And :"
But his further. remarks we're inter-
rupted by the entrance of his secre-
tary with note.
For the inspector, Sir Bryan" she
eofI on1 MaTvor often n rrloDao - IA.