Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-08

The magistrate made a note of the descrip-
ton; then he turned to Laughton.
Have you obtained any information yet about
Couturier, monsieur? If what this inspector
from Paris says is true, then it appears to
me that your organization has been guilty OF
gross neglect. 1t is inconceivable that so dan
gerous a criminal should be able to live quietly
in Lyon. carrying on an extensive business in
contraband right under your noses"
quite inconceivable, monsieur, as you say"
Laughton drawled lazily the glitter in his eyes
and the flush on his cheeks belying his indif-
ferent manner. NJ. DupreZ had a way with
him that always grated on Laughton, and he
reacted to it by becoming irritatngly placid.
Nevertheless, 1 believe that even in Paris
there have been men who deceived headquar-
tiers and led double lives. Eli, monsieur" he
queried, with smile at the detective. The
latter spread out his hands with g conciliatory
gesture.
Certainly, certainly, we do not suggest that
we are infallible."
Laughton turned again to the magistrate
just as Levallois came busting in. The little
fellow at once addressed the Partisan, whom he
mad already met.
when did you say LIE Breton served q
sentence in FreSnes?" he asked.
He was released two years ago. Why?"
I EVALLOIS looked crestfallen "Oh-two
years ago Couturier came to Lyon and
opened wholesale oil business; more than
that I have been unable to discover He has
never had any trouble"
NJ DupreZ interrupted testify:
Get to work on this gentlemen. Since
Paris does us the honor to come here for
help, we must show them that we have men
capable as any in that great hotbed of crime.
Report to me when you have traced this Cou-
rurier"
ing into the past of Couturier, and we did not
see him until the next day. He was frankly
skeptical that there was any connection be-
tween the disappearance of the Lyonnaise oil
merchant and the smugglers, nor would he be-
lieve that any such smuggling center existed in
Lyon, but Levallols, as usual, disagreed with
him.
But yes" he cried, chow clever such a
scheme is. See, LaughtOn-as the man from
Paris pointed out. silk from here is not likely
to attract attention, nor jars of olive OIL But
the gangs headquarters will be difficult to find.
We cannot open the countless balls sent By
rail and river every day. Why not get in touch
with MarSeille? Get the end of the thread, not
the middle"
As though in answer to the little detectives
suggestion, an official communication from
headquarters at the great seaport arrived, while
we were still discussing the matter
The authorities were convinced that the
river was being used as highway for trans
porting struggled merchandise from the East
to Lyon. in order to be able to toward it from
there without risk. Our corporation was ur-
gently requested.
Very well" Laughton exclaimed. after read
ing 1t to us. Il cannot leave yet, for I am ex-
pecting various reports about the missing man.
Although I do not think he IS LIE Breton,
cannot afford to be obstinate and neglect what
may be q valuable clew. You three must go
to Marseille at once. Try to trace Couturier if
1it 'N. .N'N yea = r. - sti""'"a. = 49,