Evening star., 1934-01-14

voice. and ratified the latch. Gas mani" he
called again. He waited q moment then went
briskly out and around the house. He rang
the doorbell loudly, stood . moment. and went
of down the street.
The man at the door drew q whistlng
breath and wiped his wet face on the sleeve Of
his left arm.
Marrow squeak" he said. and added with
that soft, terrifying sibilance, "for you. Don't
kid yourself, baby face II they get me here,
you cash In first"
He advanced to the opposite end of the tubs
his left hand struggling clunlsny with the
intricacies of his necktie, moved as If to place
the gun on the stove at his elbow, reconsidered,
and stood staring at her with sudden horrible
cQpcentration.
"say," he grated, I'D ought to tie you up
and gag you. I don't know why I didn't
settle you in the first place"
Because" said Alice swiftly, you would
be wasting time. And you haven't any to
waste. You see, I happen to know that the
police are combng the wood down there Tor
q man in q gray suit and a lavender shirt"
He was listening now his pale eyes narrowed
upon her
The police broadcast, you know" she ex-
planned II heard it over the RADIO"
This was better. The sound of her own
voice going on 50 clearly and evenly steadied
her. Good old voice!
"Oh, yeah7" Sneered the man. Well. If
I'm going to let q little thing like fading you
stand In my way, are you?"
He continued fumbling with his clothes. The
He and collar were on the floor. and he was
removing the sleeve buttons from his grimy
shirt when he thrust the gun at her and
snapped, Keep 'em up, damn you!"
For the light she was holding had fickered
with the quivering Of her arm. The strain OF
her unnatural position had become almost un-
endurable She must not faint!
CooNER or later his vigilance must relax.
= II only for an instant But 1t did? The
distance to the stairs would make fight
suicidal Well, better keep on talking.
II wonder" she said, ''f you've looked at
your hands. Any one who sees them Is going
to notice that blood, and believe me. I'm not
the only one who heard that broadcast. Why
not clean up throughly while you're about it?"
"Shut up!" snarled the man with sudden
burst Of nervous fury. you're too ready with
your suggestions"
He continued to stare at her. the pupils of
his pale eyes narrowed to pinpoints, his fingers
motionless at his shirt buttons
"Say. listen YOU" he said. "You knew all
about me before you came down here. How do
I know you didn't see me come IN here.
and"
Through this fog?"
"Shut uni" snarled the man again. How
do know you didn't telephone the coppers
before you come down? How do know all
this chatter about blood and washing my hands
amt just line to keep me till they conner"
do you suppose" she said quickly, aloud.
"that I'd have dared come down If had known
you were here? Why, even the police are being
warned that you're dangerous"
The mans menacing scowi relaxed into
gratified smirk.
"They don't need no warning" he staggered.
when they come after me, they bring the
whole riot squad"
Calculatingiy be considered the gun, then laid
It within reach On the stove ut his elbow, and
gave both hands 10 his undressing. Stripping
OF the shirt, he dropped Il IN . heap. Then