The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-08-04
CHAPTER FOURTEEN

TT was not long before Steve tale-
phoned Mona. 1t was as he sur
missed. Her mother, it appeared
was not i'll. She had been ASLEEP
when they arrived.
Mona was going to beds and Bud
had escorted Lottie home.
NUM-" said Steve musingly
well, I'm glad your mother is all
right I'll call you tomorrow Good
night"
AS he put down the telephone, he
looked at Barry, VINO was regard
ing him uncertainty.
mo, I 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."
"Ycu 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 Mona
blazes for not taking the necklace.
THAT would lead straight to the
refrigerator and the empress! Wait,
old chap, you'll see"
Are you sure?"
Steve was changing to soft felt
slippers and instructing Barry to do
the same.
Nothing is sure" he said, Eek
cept death and taxes-both of which
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 so
that they were almost concealed
from view.
The two men sat down. They did
not smoke lest the smell of freshly
| burning tobacco should apprise the
expected visitor of their presence.
Twelve O'Clock. One. One-thirty-
A t length their vigil was re-
A warded. The outer door opened
cautiously. A spot of light swan
into the room, bobbing across the
rugs with startling clarity.
Footsteps-wavering then firmer
The circle of light picked out, the
divan, the paneled wall hung on the
swinging door which led to the but
ler's pantry.
Crouching in their chairs, Steve
and Barry held their breath.
Some one was walking in the
wake of the flashlight, stepping or
rugs and avoiding the polished
floor, disappeared into the pantry
The door swung noiselessly in the
dim light Of the window.
"Moran!" Steve breathed, scarcely
moving
How did he set IMP" whispered
Barry.
That gang has a locksmith that
could make a key to buckingham
palace in ten minutes" Steve said
They don't care much if Bud gets
plugged or not, do they?"
Steve was on his feet, motionine
Barry to stay where he was. Rest
easy, boy. I'm taking a little stroll.
With CHEEKY and sudden "Gooc
morning" Steve entered the kitchen
Just as Bud, with fingers trembling
was about to open the door of the
refrigerator.
Thought you were at the club!'
Bud faltered.
Il meant you to think so. What
are you doing at that icebox? Dir
the gang send you for the En-
presS?'
Bud swung around sharply. "You
know what I'm here for, Steve"
The other nodded You didnr
think you'd get it that easily, dic
you? Don't be fool Here Gndi.
eating the door get inside. We're
going to have talk and you car
thank your stars that Mona is yom
sister,"
1T was Lottie who told me where
to find the Empress!" Bud blurted