The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-08-07
CHAPTER Nv
In Which a Bomb Bursts at
Unpleasantly Close Quarters


Unpleasantly Close Quarters
Ii was perhaps because the thought
Of failure never entered Hugh Drum
monds head that such considerable
measure of success had been possible
up to date-that, and the absolute.
unquestioning obedience which he de-
manded of his pals, members of the
Black Gang, and which they accorded
him willingly. AS they knew, he laid
no claims to brilliance; but as they
also knew, he hid very shrewd COM
mon sense beneath his frivolous man
sier. And having once accepted the
sound military truism that one indif-
ferent general is better than two good
ones. they accepted his leadership
with answering loyalty. What was
going to be the end of their self-im-
posed fight against the pests Of So
sciety did not worry them greatly;
all that mattered was that there should
be certain amount of sport In the
collection of the specimens. Granted
the promise of that, they willingly
sacrificed any engagements and car
ried out Hugh's orders to the letter.
Up to date, however, the campaign.
though far from being dull, had not
produced any really big results. A
number of sprats and a few moderate
sized fish had duly been caught in the
iandinG-net, and been sent to the pri-
yate pool to mediate at leisure. But
nothing really large had come their
way. Zaboleff was good haul. But
the Black Gang, which aimed merely
at the repression of terrorism by ter
rorism. had found it too easy. The
nauseating cowardice of the majority
of their opponents was becoming mo-
notonous. their strong aversion to soap
and water, insanitary. They wanted
big game-not the rats that emerged
from the sewers.
Even Drummond had begun to feel
that patriotism might be carried too
far. until the moment when the adj
dress in Hoxton had gallen into their
hands. Then. with the optimism that
lives eternal In the hunters breast.
fresh hope had arisen in his mind.
He had determined on bigger game.
If 1t failed-if they drew blank--he
had almost decided to chuck the thing
up altogether. Phyllis. he knew,
would be overjoyed If he did.
"Just this one final coup. old GIRL"
he said. as they sat waiting in the
Carlton for the awe-inspiring rela-
lives. 1--WE got it cut and dried, and
it comes off tonight. II it's dud,
wen dissolve ourselves-at any rate.
for the present. If only"
He sighed, and his wife looked at
him reproachfully.
Il know you want another fight with
Petersen you old goat" she remarked.
but you'll never see him again. or
that horrible girl"
"Don't you think I shall. PhylT He
stared despondently at his shoes. II
can't help feeling myself that some
where or other behind all this that
CHEEKY bird is lurking. My dear. 1t
would be too CHASTITY If never saw
him again"
1.-THE next time you see him. Hugh"
she answered quietly, she won't take
any chances with you"
But, my angel child" he doomed
cheerfully. II don't want him to. Not
on your life! Nor shall /. Good
Lord! Here they are. Uncle Timothy
looks more like a mangel-wurzel than
ever"
And so at nine-thirty that evening.
party of FIVE men sat waiting in
small sitting-room of house situated
In remote corner of South Kensing-
ton. Some easels stood round the
walls covered with half-fnished
sketches as befitted a room belonging
10 budding artist such as Toby Sin
clair. Not that he was an artist or
even budding one. but he felt that
ia man must have some excuse for
living In South Kensington. And so
he lad bought the sketches and put
the-, round the room. principally to
deceive the landlady. The fact that
r. vas never there except at strange
bars merely confirmed that excellent
w6nan's opinion that all artists were
dissoIute rascals. But he paid his
rent regularly. and times were hard,
especially In South Kensington. Had
the worthy soul known that her second