Evening star., 1929-07-02
TWELFTH INsTALLMENT.

many DISCUSSES.
Continued From Yesterdays Starr
TWELFTH INsTALLMENT.
-uRNING into Grafton street on
the following morning. in re-
Spouse to an urgent telephone
call from Isaacs, saw hmou-
sine with a specially vide door
draw I'D outside the premises / was on
my way to visit. A burly-looking man
whom I though recognized descended
from the front seat and opened the
door. Huntley and Grateson, in multi,
aliphted. a slab of wood was adjusted
from the inside of the car to the pave
4nent. and Mr. Martin Hews In his
wonderful carriage flashed out Of the
car and into the shop. He smiled IN
what was for him a good natured
fashion.
Good morning, Major" he greeted
me. Your arrival was opportune. And
here are our friends. Isaacs and Yards
ley. both looking little gloomy. Never
mind. To your safe, Isaacs, this m
slant! The miniatures must see the
I miniatures"
"They have cost you q prodigious
sum-" Isaacs groaned.
"I know, know" Martin Hews in
terrupted. "I will hear your story after
wards. we will see what can be done
but the miniatures!"
We passed into a very marvellous
7 room. copy, I was told afterwards, OF
the famous Rose Chambers at Yer
sailles. A great safe had been built
into the wall and concealed by a
screen Isaacs produced his keys and
opened 1t. Glancing around, I saw
that behind us, just outside the room,
were three men on guard. Nothing
s disturbing seemed to be in the air,
however.
{ The safe swung open and Isaacs pro-
duced the casket had seen in the
auction rooms. He set it on the table
In front of Martin Hews, touched
spring, and the miniatures we're dis
closed. There was a low gurgle from
Martin Hews. One by one he handled
the miniatures lovingly. All the time
shop were muffied by the thick carpet
From the street came only the honk Of
passing motors, the falling Of footsteps
upon the pavement. Not one Of us
dared to breath word or to move.
The spell was broken at last. Gently
and reverently, Martin Hews dropped
the lid of the box.
Another triumph" he murmured,
in tone Of self elf-congratulation. More
udppy uouIS. 4SdoCS, 1 Will uIuk
glass OF your Amotillado, or Of your
Golden Madeira. Major, you shall
drink wine that viii make you loathe
your cocktails Yardsley, you, too, shall
feel your palate tickled, feel the blood
burn In your cheeks"
He beamed on all Of us. It was
one Of his moments. He was in su.
preme good humor. From q lacquer
cabinet, Isaacs produced o dust-covered
& hrkk Ia S~~l
and poured its contents into priceless
long-stemmed glasses. The wine was
like honey, without its cloying sweetness.
ITO my success!" Martin Hews pro-
posed, with the smile of q conceited
child. ITO my continued succeSSl I
am the greatest treasure hunter In the
world. Today I own the Martellion
Miniatures. which kings have desired.
Next month-wait!"
He looked around. The door was
closed.
Next MONTH" he repeated, dropping
his voice, II may possess the greatest
treasure left upon this ransacked
1saacs had risen suddenly to his
"Mr. Hews!" he cried "sirl I beg!
] implore! Not word!"
There was moments uneasy 81
1ence. My employers At of exultation
had passed. He raised his glass sulkily
to his lips
MY tongue ran away with me-" he
admitted. Until one knows, one must
not speak of this thing. Let us change
the subject. Yardsley, what have you
to say concerning the contretemps Of
yesterday"
The lawyer advanced a little from his
place In the background.
H.
hrm this morning." he announced.
''The point raised Is, without doubt, q
curious one, but to my mind admits Of
little argument. Mr.. Adams Is here at
the present moment and Is anxious to
speak to you on the subject"
He shall have the opportunity"
Martin Hews conceded. 'Iet him be
brought IN
A very worried-looking auctioneer
presently made his appearance. Martin
Hews swung round TO meet him, with
\ scowl.
80, Mr.. Adams" he said, you are
wonderful Judge of curios, but you
bad one!"
mot unless I see it, sir"
THE whole situation has been ex-
planned to me. suggest that you put
the matter before your client. The last
serious bidder stopped at 10000 guineas.
They were mine at 10000. Owing to
your accepting the bids Of an inposter,
/ was induced to pay 10000 gilineas.
What about that 10000 guineas?"
"The equity of the position" Mr..
Adams acknowledged, would seem to
demand that the sale should be entered
to you at 10000 guineas. At the
present moment. however, am
not sure how my client will regard
the matter Mr.. Yardsley has
explained to me the legal aspect but
his arguments do not seem to me 10 be
entirely sound. There is, for instance,
no absolute proof that the other bid
der was not prepared to pay, II his bid
had been accepted. On the other
hand"
Martin Hews's hand flashed out.
You are getting wearisome, my