Evening star., 1936-12-13
THIS WEEK
D.c~., THIS WEI
The Red Curnution

been thinking things over. MIR. Mel
vile. II in years time your chief at
the Federal Laboratories agrees to re-
lease you, would you consider chang
ing to a private firm? It's an i'm
portant post we could offer. I'll be
leaving London after lunch tomor-
row, and I'd like to discuss it with
you before ! CO."
"I'm sorry, DR.. Fechner: I'm un-
certain about my movements. In fact
I'm probably leaving town after break
fast - otherwise, I'd have been glad.
But perhaps we could meet next time
you're in America"
Il hope you've got this quite
straight" said the man decisively.
There's nothing undercover about
my offer. Tell your chief about it
quite frankly when you get back"
''But I've explained how I'm fixed,
DR.. Fechner. can't talk about any
change for at least year."
I'm satisfied with that" said
Fechner. 'T'm glad you put things
bluntly. It's always best. We know ex-
actly where we stand"
Their talk veered into other chan
nels, and at last the older man drew
to stop at a corner. GO right ahead
for Baker Street - you're sure to
pick up taxi My house is here, just
three doors away on the left. Care to
come in for final drink?''
''It's good of you, but TN be getting
back, thanks. " said Richard. "I'll look
forward to our meeting in America"
Fechner held out his hand. Good
night"
Richard continued along the de-
serted street. He had not gone more
than fifty PAGES when he heard the
purr of motor behind him. and a
long low coupe shot past. The driver
braked suddenly. and the car drew
up about ten yards ahead.
Melville gave an exclamation of
disinay. He thought he recognized the
grey coupe which had followed him
to Sir Henry Osmond's house. Any
doubts were put at rest when a man
stepped out. and came towards him.
As he passed beside a street lamp.
Melville caught glimpse of the dark
skinned features of Eugene. A voice
rang out, ordering him to halt, but
Melville turned and raced in the op-
posite direction.
But the next moment he saw that
the situation was going to be more
complicated. for figure was blocking
the way. One of Cesare's people must
have been following on foot - burly
fellow with huge pair of shoulders.
There was heavy cudgel in his hand,
and Melville avoided it by inches. As
the stick went through the air the
man staggered forward. and Melville's
fist shot out. The man reeled back
against the wall and Melville leapt
past him as Eugene raced up behind.
By the time he reached the street
corner. Richard realized that he had
only one hope left - to reach DR..
Fechner's house. He recalled the mans
brief description when they had
stopped to say good night. Three
doors away on the left. he had said,
and Melville made a rush across the
street. He saw the gate but it was
fastened. and without a moments
pause he made jump for the top of
the wall. As he pulled himself up and
dropped into the flower bed beyond,
he could hear the footsteps and pant
ing breath of the two men who, had
followed. Already one of them was
clambering onto the wall.
Melville peered around. Beyond
some bushes. he could see lighted
window on the ground floor. 1t stood
partly open. Bursting his way through
the bushes, he rushed across the lawn.