Evening star., 1932-08-28


worth while out of this. Big Boy amt no
piker He pays good for job-and you know
your job. That's why he told us to get you,
see?"
h JED shook his head. I'm not modest" he
acknowledged, land don't deny being an
expert. I'm a head-liner and proud of 1t.
But If you don't want my roll can't imagine
what else you want of me-"
skill and knowledge" Ferrari told him.
The car slipped into garage where dark
ness fell abruptly with the closing Of the street
doors Ferraris blithe reference to tunneling
across the block proved to be literal fact, as
damp. foul air. impenetrable night, and
graveled floor attested. The warehouse room
Ned Court was led into had been a private
office; nat desk steel letter files, and ground
glass particles remained.
The man who sat behind the desk welcomed
the gangsters' entrance with q nod was other
wise wholly still. dead cigar was clamped
in q corner of his straight mouth. Even
seated in q swivel chair behind a desk he was
formidable; man of such breadth Of shoulder
and depth of chest that he looked deformed. A
jagged scar ran across his right cheek from
temple to chin.
Pup Bogia in q chauffeur's livery stepped
to the desk and set Ned's bag on the blotter
The big, SCARED head nodded again and turned
pig eyes to where Ned stood.
mo trouble In picking him up?" he asked
uCLATFOOT and me-" Ferrari said with q
chuckle. "hopped the taxi that was
waiting for him and waited till the Office lights
went out then we knew it was o'clock and
he'd be coming. We was afraid he'd be of to
party or somethin' and we'd have to crash the
house for his bag. But the nurse brings it out
for him"
Loran got heavily to his feet. You'd better
save your skin, Pup. Heist car for the ride
and take Coke Peters to help you. You other
buns bring the doctor"
Ned had 1t now an attempt had been made to
abduct DR.. Gawthorp. The dancers first
thought was to deny the medical degree thrust
upon him; his second that Loran would have
no mercy for him if he learned of the mistake.
He was led to the basement where one of the
men switched on series of dim lights.
There was rush of cold air as the four en-
tered narrow tunnel that ended at the steel
door of small, concreted room lighted by q
single dim globe in the ceiling. The cell was
furnished with stool, cot and packing box
table with an untouched tray of food on It,
There's your patient" Loran said as he put
Ned's bag on the table. You guys best beat it,
but hang around upstairs" The gangsters
slipped out and closed the door. It shut with
the clang of steel on steel
h ED turned toward the cot His heart was
Y pounding Loran had at least reduced
the odds; perhaps a good break was coming
Then his eyes rounded in amazement.
The occupant of the cot was young wom-
an who lay with her face to the wall. Her blue
evening gown, ash-blond hair and white skin
giowed against the dull background Of canvas
cot and concrete wall like tapestry. Water
darkened hair and gown, smoothed the soft
goods Of her clothing against her slender body.
and dripped like blood into q dark stain ON the
floor.
For an instant Court thought that 1t was
blood. His face paled as he stared at that
gay yet lonely figure of violence and death.
Shocked you, huh?" Loran asked. IT
thought doctors were hard-boiled. I've tried
smelling salts, burnt feathers a shot Of dope
and bucket Of water. She amt worth
nickel to me dead. but she's worth half of
Fahey's fortune alive. Do your stuff"
Ned pulled himself together. He must be
COOL act the physician, watch for a good break.
Hooters luck was bad fall, but light on your