The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-07-21

clSl0n, at length, It's your case and
you know the best way to treat it. I
suppose 1 could manage 1t for you"
"Good!" Rankin exclaimed, gratified.
'Of course, you'll have to wait until
Buckley is absent; tomorrow morning
during his classes would probably be
the safest time. It's doubtful If he
could make trouble for us, but watch
your step. We don't want any en-
barrassment that can he avoided"
"You needn't worry about my get
ting into a JAM" Gilmore smiled
family at his advice. "All you have to
do is to let me have the apartment
address,"
For while, 1.-THE two detectives dis
cussed various other matters of mu-
tual interest until Rankin left head
quarters at eight-forty- AS prear-
ranged, he met Larry Palmer at West
Philadelphia station for their visit to
the club together.
He had instructed Palmer in ad-
vance how to present him. Their ar
rival automatically rang buzzer; and
to the staring eyes that appeared at
the slit in the portal, the boy ex-
planned:
"I'm Larry Palmer. You remember,
Ralph Buckley introduced me here
yesterday evening"" He spoke con-
vincingly. "I've brought along
friend, Bill Kendall"
Rankin stood gazing about with all
the apparent curiosity of stranger;
his hat, drawn at rakish angle, we'll
nigh hid his features. For moment,
the piercing inquisitive eyes studied
both in silence. Then there came a
grunt and the click of a bolt thrust
back in it's socket A tall muscular
individual with lowering brows swung
the door wide and permitted them to
pass in.
There were no customers at the
tables, and Larry Palmer designated
one of them, close to the entrance.
"That Is where Ralph and sat-" he
stated. Later we intended looking
about the place; we might even have
taken q flyer at the wheel upstairs.
But first, Ralph suggested glass or
two"
The detective took a chair beside 1t.
To account for his interest in Buck
ley's movements, he had prepared a
credible fiction about Palmer's desire
to prove that after leaving the club,
he had visited mutual girl friend.
Supposedly, Buckley denied doing so;
and his friend, so the waiter would be
given to understand, hoped, as jest
to lay bare the misstatement. The de-
tectiye considered it less suspicious
to approach the waiter first, before
the doorman.
But the instant the waiter emerged
from door behind the steps, he real
lied the futility of his wish to remain
incognito. The sight of Rankin pro-
duced almost ludicrous results. The
man stopped completely; recognition
brought look Of mingled amazement
and apprehension to his sharp eyes
and wizened ferret-like countenance.
For an appreciable time, he stood mo-
tionless then hevanished precipitately.
Amusement twinkled in Rankin's
eyes. $50 that's what has become of
Nick Luccia," he remarked cheerfully.
81 often wondered; it is two years
since I saw him last and I've rather
lost track of him. Well, 1t seems
we will have to finish this business in
the usual manner, after all"
"That was the fellow who served
u.s." Palmer said, new respect in his
tone. "You gave him quite shock,
SIR"
SIT isn't any wonder" the detective
informed him. mick was one of the
most clever pickpockets and petty
thieves in the East; he got away with
murder until 1 was instrumental in
sending him up for two-year stretch.
That was five years ago, and he has
evidently been laying low"
The waiter returned, talking volubly
to a heavily built, well-dressed man,
whose crafty look and florid face Ran
kin at once knew as the club proprie-
tors. The recognition was mutual.
For all Gussie Morton's affability in
greeting the detective, the encounter
manifestly disturbed him.
How are you, Tommy" he greeted
him. TITS pleasure to see you" And
in some vexation, "How in the world
did you get by Cassidy at the door?"
Rankin shook hands without cor
diality. Hello. Gussie,' he returned.
1T wasn't difficult; came in with my
friend; this is Mr.. Palmer" Com
plotting the introductions, he went on:
"How is business these days?"
mot like old times" Gussie replied.
"Things have changed since the lid
was clamped on" He paused a sec
ond. "But what can I do for you, old
fellow? You never were very soclable
and haven't dropped in just to learn
how we were getting along"
"Yes, I'm here for reason" the
detective admitted. "As a matter of
fact, / wanted to talk to Nick" He
lifted a reassuring hand at Morton's
dismay and the more animated ex-
preston of CONSERVATION in the wait
er's features. "Oh my interest isn't