Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1934-06-15
CHAPTER V

Niles allowed an dIlSWSllAS oiiii0
to appear on his own lips. Only his
was half-amused, half-humoring. "And
that card worth five to ten million
dollars appeared as a hat check at a
night club. Odd, wasn't it?
"Not at ALL" returned the doctor.
"T thought early this evening on
Broadway that | was being followed.
I gave a certain pack of cards to my
niece to keep for me and we separated,
to meet later at the Club Of Cards,
where she dances and which, by the
way, own. It's decorations are
peculiar, perhaps egotistical, idea Of
nv own. She did not realize their
value and turned them in to the coat
room girl to be used as checks until
l arrived. 1t appeared to her safe
way of getting them out of circulation
until l reached the premises. l got
back all the other cards but you re-
fused the ace. Won't you sit down,
Mr.. Niles? Anita, my dear, will you
bring up chair for our caller? No,
not the small one, the large easy chair
here. 1t will be more comfortable"
He motioned to duplicate of the
chair in which he was seated. Slow
ly Niles fingers slipped into his vest
pocket and felt for the whistle. Doc
tor Weston, whoever he might be,
was the moving spirit behind the
events Of the night. 1t might be
well to take him into custody at once
and trust to being able later to faith
ON the mystery Of the ace. Why
was the doctor so cool about admitting
his part in the attacks on him? He
appeared to be alone and defenseless
a quiet scholar enjoying late Gig
aret in his own house. The girl was
bringing forward the chair.
at is an antique" said the doctor
politely. "And possessed of a very
interesting history, l assure you. Is
there anything else you would like to
know"
plenty" said Niles. He settled
himself in the deep tapestried chair
and stared levelly at his opponent in
the duel of wits. Doctor Weston was
quite unperturbed 81 want to know
exactly why that ace of spades is
worth so much to you"
"You are persistent" was the an
Tl,a achnJ int he
luxurious dressing gown and brought
out a silver cigar case. might |
offer you one? The brand is special
ly imported"
He rose and stepped over to Niles,
holding out the case. Niles did not
move but sat quietly, his arms rest
ing on the sides Of the chair and his
feet planted on the floor. He could
rise in a fraction of a second and de-
fend himself, if necessary.
"No, thank you"
GAS you wish" returned the doc
tor. He was bending down extend
ing the case with one hand while the
other rested lightly on the back of
the chair. There was a sudden I'M
expected click and something sprang
from both chair arms, pinioning Niles
at the wrists and across the legs.
With all his power he braced himself
and tried to rise but steel bands held
him down. A handkerchief swept
around behind his head and passed
across his mouth, gagging him. He
heard Doctor Westons voice, sibilant
and quietly exulting. "You mailman!
To think that detective could try to
hoodwink me! l have known you
were one ever since my men ransack-
ed your flat and found your extra
badge among your clothes. But new
er expected you to run me down SO
soon. Ramos!"
The portieres were parted and the
Spaniard of the night club slipped
through. He had one hand under his
coat.
"No, not the stiletto yet, Ramos.
There is another and better way.
This young man may be fool but he
knows his business. He will have COL
leagues outside without doubt, post
ed in the street. Quick, call Benton"
The Spaniard disappeared and the
doctor stood above Niles, regarding
him with peculiarly cold-blooded
smile. His hand went into Niles
pockets and came out almost immed-
lately with an ace of spades in it.
"And so we have it at last. And
the bearer also. l shall show you
how rid myself of police who watch
my house."
Niles could not speak through the
nuffling folds of the gag. His eyes
went to the ornamental clock on the
nanfelniece and a strange confidenca