Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-15

Now Ling Tang came to Marsele about
that time and he complained to the harbor
police that he had been robbed of all he pos
sessed on the shp-which was the Jules
Daumains jumped up excitedly. "Of course
yes, remember that"
well, there may be connection between
these various events. Try to discover what IL
was that was stolen from the Chinaman,
doubt however that Ling Tang will speak if he
is the man who killed the merchant in Saigon.
Let me have detailed report when you know
anything further"
When we returned to Laughtons Office a
gendarme uSheged in M. Roett, the head Of
the well kpSNhs firm of rice importers.
II have Spst received this letter." he ex-
claimed holding out a sheet of paper with
shaking hand. MY life is threatened-what
does it mean?"
Laughton took the letter and pointed to a
chair then when NJ Rolett was seated he
read the note which was short and deadly:
You bought Chinese box a month ago
from curio dealer for five hundred francs
That box belonged to my family and was
stolen from me. Bring it tonight at twelve
to your fourth warehouse on the Rhone
I shall pay you a thousand francs for it,
If you don't shall kill you. If you go to
the police about it, you will also die sud-
denly This is no joke.
mo signature and a sprawling disguised
hand" was Laughton's comment Did you
buy such box?"
Yes. 1t is at my house. empty; very beauti-
full workmanship, but not worth more than
gave for it,
"Voltaire," said Laughton, without replying
to the question, go at once with M. Rolett and
fetch the box. Take a car and police driver"
When they had gone Laughton walked up
and down eXcitedly I'VE shall know the truth
soon"
We were all waiting anxiouSly for the Solu-
ton of the mystery when suddenly the tele-
phone shriled, and Laughton sprang to the
receiver. We knew before he spoke, by the
expression on his face as he listened to the tiny,
far-away voice, that something terrible had
happened. At last he replaced the instrument
on its hook and turned to us with helpless
gesture.
"A heavy lorry collided with the car in which
Voltaire and Rolett were returning with the
box. Both were thrown into the road and
stunned, the driver was killed. The box has
disappeared and the lorry got away 1t was
Voltaire speaking. He has been badly cut
about the face and head He swears the man
driving the lorry was a Chinaman He is at
the Delvoye hospital and will come here at
once. Rolett is seriously injured What q
mesS"
Dallmains suggested We hurry to the hospital
but Laughton restrained us.
Move might miss him and We cannot
talk in public-well wait here"
An hour later Voltaire. his face and head
bandaged, hobbled in and sank into a chair
We were terribly concerned at our comrades
narrow escape. His story merely confirmed
what he had stated on the telephone.
They were returning to headquarters when
their attention was attracted by young man
who was driving powerful car almost abreast
OF their own, and who was making signals Of
some kind. Votaire believed that he was en-
deavoring to warn them, but before they could
act heavy lorry coming toward them suddenly
sVerved, and smashed into their front wheels.
The shock was so terrific that Votaire lost
consciousness. When he recovered a crowd
surrounded the wreck, but box and lorry had
disappeared. An ambulance at once rushed
them to the hospital, where it was seen that
their chauffeur was dead and M Rolett in
jured in the legs
Did you notice the driver who tried to warn
you?' Daumains asked.
Yes" Voltaire replied, IT believe it was that
daredevil Chiffon, dressed as a man with Short
cut hair
I'VE all looked in establishment at Voltaire.
"Chiffon?" Laughton asked. Dressed as a
man? Why should she try to warn you?"
II feel sure that she has deserted Wallets
gang"
Laughton turned to Daumains
What made you ask SO eagerly?"
Because while in hospital received letter
from the girl in which she stated how sorry she
was for what happened. There was some more
to it, just girlish nonSense"-and Daumains
blushed at our aStonishment-"but she con-
cluded by saying that while Valet was free she
would watch him and try to prevent bloodshed."
I AUGHTON stepped fiercely toward Dau-
mains. his mouth twisted with rage
"And while we've been hunting high and
low for Chiffon, leader of gang of burglars