The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-08-04
cHAPTER XIV

CHAPTER XIV
 It was not long before Steve tele- phoned Mona.. It was as he had surmised. Her mother, 1t appeared, was not ill.,, She had been asleep when they arrived. Mona was going to bed and Bud had escorted Lottie home.i
 ."Mum!'' said Steve musingly. "Well, I'm glad your mother is all right. I'll call you tomorrow. Good night"
 ,"No, don't think the girls were in on this,' he said answering the unspoken question in Barry's eyes, If that's what you want to know! Somehow Harkins' gang knew--or guessed-that we had the Empress here. Before Bud leaves Lottie they'll know where we had it,"
 You think Lottie will tell them?" Barry demanded.
 Steve shrugged. "She wouldn't mean to, but she couldn't keep from it. Before that cab was around the block she probably gave necklace. That would lead straight to the refrigerator, and the Elm press! Wait, old chap, you'll see."
 
 Steve was changing to soft felt slippers and instructing Barry to do the same.
 "Nothing is sure,, he said. ''ex- cept death and taxes -- both of which I seem to have evaded thus far However, right now we can't evade. If they're chumps enough to send Bud back here we have them in our pocket. If they think we're at the club they may send him. They'll reason that any fool can open an ice box.
 Quickly Steve pushed two easy chairs we'll back into the room 50 that they were almost concealed from view. The two men sat down. ThAy did not smoke lest the smell of freshly burning tobacco should aprrise the expected visitor of their presence.
 Twelve o'clock. One. one-thirty-
 At length their vigil was reward ed. The.outer door opened cautious ly. A spot of light swam into. the loom, bobbing across the rugs with startling clarity.
 Tootsteps-wavering, then firmS CT. The circle of light picked out Lu0 ulVdu, tAo PdACACu WdAs nuns on the swinging door which led to the buffers pantry.
 CrouchiriR in their chairs, Steve and Barry held their breath.
 Someone was walking in the wake of the fiashlight, stepping on rugs and avoiding the polished floor, disappeared into the pantry. The door swung noisslessly in the dim light of the window.
 "Morann' Steve breathed. scarce
 "How did he get in?" whispered Barry.
 "That gang has locksmith that could make a key to Buckingham Palace in 10 minutes Steve said. ; "They don't care much If Bud gets plugged or not, do they?"
 Steve was on his feet, motioning Barry to stay where he was. Rest easy, boy. I'm taking little stroll" < With a cheery and sudden Good morning." Steve entered the kit chen just as Bud, with fingers trembling. was about to open the door of the refrigerator.
 Thought you were at the club!' Eud faltered.
 T meant you to think so. What are you doing at that ice box? Did the gang send you for the Elm press?"
 Bud swung around sharply. ::You know what Pm here for. Steve"
 The other nodded. "You didn't think you'd get 1t that easily, did you? Don't be fool! Here" Gin dicating the door). ''get inside. We're going to have . talk and you can thank your stars that Mona is your sister!''
 Ut was Lottie who told me where to find the Empress!" Bud blurted.
 "Sure.aI It was Lottie expected to tell" For "a moment Steve and Barry eyed each other.
 Sit down, Bud," Steve said. Tets talk it over. Smoker?
 He held out his cigaret case and struck a match. The boy ducked his head to catch the flame. his hand trembling.
 ."Anyone waiting for you down below?" Steve asked after a mo- ment.
 "Snre. Out front"
 'The rear covered ?"
 Bud looked at him. Rear? No Just two guys waiting down the block with an engine running"
 Steve rose, threw off his dressing gown and disappeared into the bed room. Tn a moment he emerged. showing his arms into a coat.
 "Tell you what we're. going, to do. Barry" he said. We're going to ship this kid to the mine. He'll be safe there and the gang can't find him. The Lady Bradford sails to- morrow noon from Boston. Is your car handy, Barry? Mines in the street where those fellows can spot it.
 "In the ,79th street garage" Bar ry said. He too rose and went for a coat. 'I'll telephone and have it sent around"