The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-11-27


ropes in such CHASTITY crowd of bores.
don't you know"
II feel sure, Captain Drummond.
that you're an admirable judge" Sir
John turned to Sir Bryan tombstone
and held out his hand. "Well, r1ust
be off. Good-morning, tombstone
and you've thoroughly reused my
curiosity. I'd very much like to know
who the gentleman is whom we've
been discussing. And in the mean
time I'll look through these papers and
let You know my decision in due
course"
He hustled out of the office, and
Hugh sank into a chair with sigh OF
relief.
"The old boys clothes seem full Of
body this morning, Tum-tum." he re-
marked as the door closed "Indiges-
tion-or don't the elastic-sided boots
fit?"
do you know what we have been
discussing, Hugh?" said the other
quietly.
"Not an earthly, old man. Was it
that new one about the girl in the
grocers shop?"
We've been discussing the leader
Of the Black Gang" said Sir Bryan.
with his eyes fixed on the man sprawl
ing in the chair opposite.
Not by the witch of muscle did
Drummond's face change: he seemed
engrossed in the task of selecting
cigarette.
you've been in Deauville, haven't
you. Hugh-the last few days?"
quite right, old man. All among
the fairies"
"You don't know that burglary has
taken place at your house in Lon
DOM?
"A burglary!" Drummond sat up
with jerk. "Why the deuce hasn't
Denny told me?"
"A very small one" said Sir Bryan,
committed by myself, and perhaps he
doesn't know. took-your type
writer"
For a few moments Hugh Drum
mond stared at him in silence; then
Lis lips began to twitch.
II see," he said at length. 81 meant
to have that defective s. repaired"
You took me in, old boy" contin-
ued Sir Bryan, utterly and absolute
ly. If it hadn't been for one of the
men at Maybrick hall turning kings
evidence, l don't believe should have
found out now"
"Well, what are you going to do
about it?" asked Drummond after
pause.
Nothing. l was discussing the
matter with Sir John this morning,
and we both agreed that you either
deserved penal servitude or a seat in
the cabinet. And since neither course
commends itself to us, we have de-
cided to do nothing. There are rea-
sons, which you will appreciate,
against any publicity, at the moment.
But, Hugh. the Black Gang must
cease"
Carried, mem. con-, Tum-tum. 1t
shall automatically dissolve today.
Now, one for you. Why did you let
Carl Peterson escape? / nearly killed
him that night, after I'd bayoneted the
Russian"
"How did you know he had es-
capedT demanded Sir Bryan.
Hugh felt in his pocket and pro-
duced note.
"Read it," he said, passing it across
the desk.
ut was pity you forgot tina: there
might be another key to the paddock,
Captain Drummond," 1t ran. "And
Giuseppi is an old friend of mine.
quite enjoyed our single"
Sir Bryan returned the note with
out word, and Drummond replaced
it in his pocket.
He rose and grinned at his friend.
''It's deuced good of you, old man,
and all that :" The eyes Of the
two men met.
IF it was found out, I should be
looking for another job" remarked
Sir Bryan dryly. "And perhaps l
should not get the two thousand
pounds which 1 understand the widow
of the late Ginger Martin has received
anonymously"
"Shut up" said Drummond awk-
wardly.
Delighted, old man." returned the
other. But the police in that district
are demanding a rise of pay. She has
been drunk and disorderly five times
| in the last week."
1.-THE ENID
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