The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1925-09-30

Juol 40 nc was SluHulHS III DeTktle
square. waving his stick vaguely as
material aid to thought, that he felt
touch on his arm.
Excuse me, SIR" said a voice 6
his elbow, but l would like fe'
words with you"
He looked down, and his eyes nal
rowed suddenly. Standing beside hir
was the hunchback, Mr.. Atkinson, an
for a moment Hugh regarded him II
silence. Then, Diminishing stronj
inclination to throw this unexpected
apparition under a passing furniture
van, he raised his eyebrows slightly
and removed his cigar from his mouth
Evidently the next move had begun
ard he felt curious as to what form
1t would take.
My powers as a conversationalist
are well known" he remarked,
amongst large and varied circle. !
was not, however, aware that you be-
longed to 1t. In other words, sir, who
the deuce are you and what the dick
ems do you want to talk to me about p
Something which concerns us both
very Intimately" returned the other.
AND with regard to the first part Of
your question-do you think it neces-
| sary to keep up the pretense, espe-
clally as there are no witnesses pres
emf? suggest however, that as our
conversation may be trifle prolonged,
and this spot is somewhat draughty,
we should adjourn to your house;
Brook street, believe, Is where you
live, Captain Drummond"
Hugh removed his cigar, and s.ared
at the hunchback thoughtfully.
Il haven't the slightest wish to have |
prolonged conversation with you in
any place, draughty or otherwise" he
remarked at length. However, if you
are prepared to run the risk of being
slung out Of the window if you bore
me, III give you ten minutes"
He turned on his heel and strolled
slowly on toward his house, while the
hunchback, shooting venomous gances
at him from time to time, walked, by
MS side in silence. And It was not
until some five minutes later when
they were both In Drummond's study {
that any further remark was made.
1t was Hugh who spoke, standing t
with his back to the fireplace, and ]
ooKlng down on the mlsshapen little I
nan who sat In an armchair facing I
ne light. An unpleasant customer, he
effected, now that he saw him close ! C.
o for the first time: dangerous, vim
1ctiye little devil-but able. distinct ! y
able. Just such a type as Peterson ii
'ould choose for tool. OF
what is 1t you wish to say to me?" d
e said CURLY. be
"a few things, Captain Drummond." nj
sturned the other, "that may help TO ev
ear the air. In the first place may wi
say how pleased am to make your fe
,quaintance in the flesh, SO to speak? la
have long wanted a little talk with We
e leader of the Black Gang"
Il trust" murmured Hugh solicitous- no
that the sun hasn't proved too act
UGH for you" raj
shall we drop this beating about the
e bush?" snapped the other. KIN
L shall drop you down the stairs TIL
you talk to me like that, you id SUI
tie microbe," said Hugh coldly, and Of
other got to his feet with a snarl she
s eyes, glazing like those of an an 04S
cat, were fixed on Drummond. iod
o suddenly put out vast hand IN
cen the lower part of the bunch ~
TX s face. With cry of fear bs va
oiled, and Hugh smiled grimIy. So
lad been Mr.. Atkinson himself who r.
hung the bomb the night before: .ra,
eyes that had glared at him Go a.
ough the crack In the door were "a, ,"'
nistakably the same as those no ~
just looked Into over his own -
ID. With the rest of the face blot ever
out to prevent distraction there Tue
Id be no doubt about 1t, and he also
still smiling grimly as he lowered gam
hand. zeal.
So you think I'm the leader of the va
TX Gang, do your" he remarked uios'
lat are your grounds for this some until
startling statement?r Mist'
ny grounds are these" said the 'nis
'hDack, recovering his self-control anu
night NV Office IN 49,. time.
,ked by bomb. That bomh o,as to &c
a man." the ?
oid,' agreed Hugh grimly. prett
ne of the three men who broke for Il
The other two escaped-how voun'
know. But one ~ tban, best,
'nized by the clerk downstairs" come
gathered that was the story" said
: : 49, Reas
was recognized as the leader Of ~
slack Gang-an unknown person
oday-at the Ritz, Captain Drum Rec
my clerk, who had brought me siast,c
sage, recognized him again. with cattle
e u'se' NO longer an I'M time
man, you Understandable their
speaks
80 e. en,'eu' ana selected dustry
ry pretty" he answered, "but q r. onIr
crude. As understand Won. 7 oprnos
that your shrewd and intelli- result
clerk states that the leader Of Offer b
ack Gang broke into your Office For h,n
Iglt In ordor 70 fcI..t &c