New Britain herald., 1925-09-08
Madgc Goes to Tlcer's with Mir.
 Eldridge

Eldridge
 I looked at the government opcr- ative. Eldriage with sudden quick ened interest as he said he might as well step around and get Steve" There was such quiet grimness, such calm courage in the matter of fact statement, which evidently oX- pressed only detail Of his days work, that l revised my first rather unfavcrabe impression ot the man. That tho man he had been detailed 10 bring in was in all probability q desperate and dangerous criminal, he knew as well as we did, but there was no slightest sign of hesi- tation In him.
 Have you ever seen this man." he asked Lillian, pausing on his way to the door to cast a specula- tive look at us. l noted the defer cnce Of his tone us he addressed her and drew relieved breath. One thing was certain. He would not take the management Of things into his own hands or emharrass us by any individual investigation of his own when he should discover "Steve's" flight, but would subject his actions to Lillian's superior au- thority,
 No" Lillian replied truthfully, But as we have told you, Mrs, Graham saw him down at Ticer's." " He turned 10 me with an awk- ward difTidence curiously in con- lrast to the quiet nonchalance with which he had started on his grim errand.
 Could you come with us?" he asked, 'so as to point out the man to me without his being any the wiser? Then I'll be sure to have the right man. It's rather important that I get the drop on him before he has time 10 figure out that I'm after him. I'll promise you there won't be any rough work while you're around"
 "Does Mrs. TiCcr Know"
 "1'm not afraid Of that" l said quickly, carried away by his man. nor into momentary belief that the expedition would hold an ele- mcnt of danger. Then as l realized what a farce the journey would be- there again swept over me the analm of disgust which every thought of the whole miserable de- ceitful business brought to mo.
 "You've no need to be- he re- joined. patiently no whit impressed by my involuntary heroics. Here, saw, was q one track mind, not tt be diverted from it's single idea bl anything either trivial or impor tant.
 "Does this Mrs. Ticcr know any thing of her lodger's real identity?' he asked next, and al my promp negative he replied thoughttuily That's all right, then. Let me see Can'i you say 10 this Mrs. Tice that I'm looking for lodgings, also Thnt will present an excuse for go tng in"
 "l will say whatever you wish, l said quietly, and he turned t' Lillian. adopting again he air o detcrence 10 authority which h' had dropped when talking 10 me.
 Have you any instructions o suggestions he asked.
 None" Lillian replied, except - she hnsitatcd -- "he may b dangerous"
 Operative Edridge smiled a iittl grimly,
 "Im Not Easily Erightenei'
 "1 cau take cure of him." he sai quietly. touching his pocket signifi cantly. And Bill, my driver, pretty husky. So, if you're ready. He turned to me,
 "Tve only 10 get my hat an coat" said, turning toward tn hall. l carefully avoided gIancin at lllian. for the contrltion l wa feeling for my part in this hoa vas maniIrstine itself in d ncrNou desire 10 laugh. When l was tinal' seated at Mir. Eldridgc's side in th car he had brought with "bilI, whom he had named to me as "M Brown. al the wheel, was muc nearer fears than laughter,
 Not word vas spoken until indicated the driveway of the Tict home. Then Mir. Eldridge said in low voice:
 "What does this fellow call hin sclf?"
 "Ralph Dackctt.'
 wen go in with you, and yo ask for lodgings, If this fellow in the room. say Good afternoon Mir. Dackrtt.' But be sure you'r not between us and him when yo do il. And if he should get chant to shoot. drop on the floor hehin something. qnicE. You're not Ncr scary. Mrs. Underwood says"
 I almost replied that l was SUI there would be no shooting, Whe | remembered that it would not ! wise 10 express such a belief, view ot what 1 knew really await' us insiar tho noG~r, So | contrnt' myself with quiet
 No lm not easily frightened, a