Evening star., 1925-11-12
The Double Cross
BY A. E. THOMAS
Mystery Story of Dramatic Power.
Copyright by Mead 4
Copyright. 1923. by Dodd. Mead 4 Co

you everything I do know, and it's
Thu: Somehow or other Mr.. Stanley
found out where l was living and
came to see me. He said that he had
something very important to discuss
with me, and that l must come here
at precisely this time of night to do 1t.
He didn't tell me any more than that"
Didn't you think it PECULIAR"
II did-very. But he said that he
would make 1t worth my while. In
fact. he paid me very well in advance
and promised that he would double the
sum If / did as he said. Well, / knew
that he was a very rich man and that
L could rely on him to keep his word,
SO I'm here. And that's all L know"
Very WE'LL" said Doris, whatever
he promised you, I will make it my
business to see that you are paid.
Come and see me when you like, but
just now, If l were you, l wouldn't
wait for Mr.. Stanley any longer"
All right; you seem to be the boss"
Doris glanced at the sleeping child.
Poor little lamb, he's tired out"
she said. We'll. now that his father
has gone, 1 suppose 1 shall have to
go right on taking care of him
only now l shall know it."
You needn't worry about him."
sponse, his fatherll look after him.
oh, yes, and his mother. too. They're
both perfectly crazy about him."
What are you saying?"
Nina smiled broadly. II haven't
got any kid" she announced He's
my SISTERS
WHAT"
Il borrowed him"
Look here
fully. 'Mr. Rollin Waterman wasn't
so clever by half. The best way to
hold man is through a kid. Well,
Just when l needed one, 1 didn't have
any, but my sister did. so 1 borrowed
him. Oh, you should have seen me,
looked quite sweet when Rollin
came to see me. lying in bed, pale
and interesting, all dolled up in a
SILK neglige and a boudoir cap, and
this little chap in my arms. Rony
was quite touched for a moment
and later on he was touched a good
many times"
Good heavens." said Doris feebly.
Yep" continued Nina. Heaven
VIII protect the poor working girl
but she can help herself a lot. Wen
I'm off" She rose.
Tell Mr.. Stanley was here, when
you see him."
Yes" said Doris. and her voice
fell. when l see him.
Nina opened the door. He knows
my telephone number, if he wants
me- She went out.
CHAPTER NIX.
When Wilson left the library with
the stricken Waterman. he found
jefferson and O'EIara sitting bolt up.
right upon the sairs. They rose
hastily, and stood aside to let Water
man pass. The secretary detained
the latter with his hand upon his
arm. while % said to the butler:
Jefferson. Mr.. Waterman finds
himself obliged to go to town at once
Go upstairs with him. help him dress.
and pack his bag"
Very good: sir" replied the butler.
Waterman numbered heavily up the
stairs without speaking Jefferson
followed him.
AS soon as they We're out of sight.
wilson sat down upon the stairs and
mopped his face with his handker.
chief. The chauffeur stared at him
in silence.
Well" he said presently. its
hell of a night, amt it?'
'Eh?" said Wilson absently.
Il say. it's a hell of a night"
=
What do you mean. over?" de-
manded the chauffeur.
But Wilson did not enliChten him
Dazed as he was by the swift occur.
rences of the night. he made an effort
to spur his faculties. Suddenly he
thought of Nina. "Wher's the girl
who came to see Mr.. Stanley" he
asked.
''Oh. she's in the reception room
replied O'Hara.
The secretary considered a moment.
Listen he said. There's a line
OF steamers plying between New York
ana South American ports with sail
lnss every Monday morning. | han
pen to know because sometimes AT tho
office we used to have to catch these
boats with mail. | don't know which
boat it is that sails tomorrow morn
ing, but any morning newspaper will
tell you. It's the Blue d line. Mr..
Waterman will sail on this liner. You
are to see that he does"
Hey, wait a minute objected
O,Hara. You Amt asking me to
kldnap the guy. / suppose"
Nonsense, what an idea"
Wen, 1t sounds kind Of queer to
Nothing of the sort. Mr.. Water.
man is going of his own free we'll
and the time the ship sails that he
prefers not to go. that is his business.
lt IS his present intention to take that
noat. L want you to have the car at
tne door In minutes. You will take
Mr.. Waterman to town There will
be few hours to spend before the
boat sails. What you will do with
them is Mr.. Waterman's business
only this-if Mr.. Waterman should
change his mind, should he decide not
to sail. turn him over to the nea rest
policeman and let me know bv teIeL s.
phone at the earliest possible instant.
Is that clear?"
Sure, that's clear enough" The
chauffeur rubbed his chin doubtfulIy.
But how about this business in
there" He jerked his thumb over his
shoulder toward the library door.
You needn't worry about that"
said Wilson. Everything will be
done that's possible. 1 shall call the
ponce as soon as you're gone"
Suddenly he started to his feet.
Oh he said. there's one thing
more. Wait here"
In moment or two he was back,
Here" he said to O'Hara, handing
him bulky envelope. when YOU see
Mr.. Waterman safely aboard the ship
give him this envelope-but not be-
tore. And stay there till you see the
ship actually under way"
And what them" demanded the
chauffeur
Why, then call me up. and I'll tell
YOU what to do. Now 60 and fetch
the car"
Again the little man collapsed upon
the lowest stair. But not for long.
For him the place was truly haunted
lie rose and paced uneasily UP and
down the spacious hall, pausing every
now and then to listen for a. possible