Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-25

But how can get the money tonght?" re-
peated the Canadian angrily. "Do you think
carry 100000 in my pistol pocket?"
Again she shrugged, and, turning to the un-
kempt little man, said something to him In q
language which was unintelligible to MIR. Stat
fen. He replied in his hoarse voice, and she
nodded
"Pieter says my father will take your check.
He only wishes to be sure that there is no"
She paused at loss for an English word.
did ever double-cross your father?" asked
Art savagely II can't give you either the
money the check You can call off the deal
I'm through!
RY this time the aviator had unrolled the
package he carried under his arm, placed
it on the table, and BERTHE Claude grew breath
less at the sight of the glittering display that
met his eyes. There were diamonds. set and
unset quaint and ancient pieces of jewelry that
must have formed the heirlooms of old families,
but their historical value did not for the mo-
ment occur to him. He beckoned Art aside.
''If you can keep these people here tonight"
he said IN low voice, "In undertake to raise
all the money you want ON that collection
alone"
Art shook his head
'.It's no use Mr.. Staten. know this guy.
Unless can send him the money tonight well
not smell the rest of the stuff"
Suddenly he clapped his hands.
"Gee!" he breathed. That's an idea!
You've got your check book"
Cold suspicion showed in the eyes of Berthe
Claude.
"I've got my check book, certainly" he said,
Out"
Come into the dining room" Art almost
ran ahead of him, and when they reached the
room he closed the door. "a check can't be
presented for two or three days. 1t certainly
couldn't be presented tomorrow" he said,
speaking rapidly. by that time we could get
this stuff up to town to your bankers, and you
could keep it until redeem it. What's more.
you can stop payment of the check tomorrow
morning If the stones aren't worth the money"
BERTHE looked at the matter from 10 different
angles in as many seconds.
Suppose gave them post-dated check to
make Sure?" he said.
.Post-dated?" Mr. Lomer was puzzled.
what does that mean?" And when BERTHE
explained, his face frightened. 'Why, sure"
he said. That's a double protection. Make 1t
payable the day after tomorrow"
BERTHE hesitated no more. Sitting down at
the table he took out his check book and
fountain pen and verified the date.
MAKE 1t bearer" suggested Art, when the
writer paused "same as you did the other
check"
BERTHE nodded and added his signature, with
its characteristic UNDERLYING.
''Wait second"
Art went out Of the room and came back
within q minute.
They've taken it" he said exultantly. boy"
he said, as he slapped the gratified young man
On the shoulder, you've gotta come in on this
now and didn't want you TO- It's ty-hfty-
I'm no hog Come along, and I'll show you
something else that never intended showing
q soul"
He went out into the passage, opened stone
steps to the cellar, switching on the light as he
went down the stairs. Unlocking a heavy door,
he threw it open.
"See here" he said, did you ever see any
thing like this?"
BERTHE Claude peered into the dark interior.
"I don't see" he began, when he was so
violently pushed into the darkness that he
stumbled.