The Washington times., 1937-09-07

had left his while Tightening up
joint on Newmarket Heath.
II went round the back Of my
car to unstrap the toolbox and
while was doing it I got blow
on the back of my head which
almost knocked me out"
and after that?"
II was not quite unconscious"
the other went on, land when.
I came to I was lying on my back
in the road, my macintosh and
overcoat had been torn open and
the man was feeling in my inner
pocket where, as a matter OF fact,
the letter was bringing to you
is concealed.
IT gave myself another 10 sec,
onds while the fellow fumbled-
he did not seem much of an ex-.
pert-and then I made my effort.
I rolled over on my side, kicked
him on the shin and staggered
on to my feet. Then we had
something of set-to.
1T suppose he would have laid
me out in time but just at first
it seemed to me that I was get,
ting the better of him.
st had revolver in the car
pocket and I tried all the time to
struggle near to the door which
was left open. Then we both fell
away for a moment-we saw some
motor lights flashing down the hill
and knew that car was COM g..
HE jumped on his motorcycle
and started off straight for the
coast. I wasted a few seconds
taking out my revolver.
st let fly the moment I had IL
out but his lamp went out, he rode
away slap into the darkness and
I don't think I even came near
him."
And them"
More bungling, I suppose" the
man in bed groaned. THE truck
it was too large for an ordinary
car-turned at right angles at the
top of the hill back to Blakeney.,
1.-THE storm was so bad that I
don't think I could ever have
turned round and caught him
and it seemed to me that I'd bet
ter make a dash for MatreSser."
CHAPTER VII
"When I tried to drive the car.
however, I found that my head
was going around so that could
scarcely steer. I got some water
and bathed my head and tried
again, but after mile or two I
went straight into the ditch. 1.
was close here then but it was no:
good my trying to drive the car.
I tried to get here on foot and
I was within sight Of the house
when I had to climb gate. That's
the last thing I remember"
Tell me. who were you bring"
ing to me?" ,.
Gust a letter-rather a long
one and a portion Of it typeWrlt-7
ten. It was wrapped up in piece
of oilcloth." :
did the man on the road get
away with it?" -
"He did not" was the fervent
answer. you will find the letter
in my inside pocket. I am only
praying that you will take 1t away
with you"
IT will do that" Matresser prom
ised. After ALL" he added little
more kindly, "the final test-eS-
pecially in our sort of works:
whether you bring it off or not.
Your job was to bring that let
ter to me and so long as you have
done it the few little slips you
seem to have made can be for,
gotten"
The man smiled gravely.
would you mind?" he begged.
"The doctor said 1 might have a
drink if I woke up. 1t is on the
table there" said Fergus, the badly
injured stranger.
Matresser poured some water
into a glass. The patient slipped
it greedily.
That's better, sir" he sighed.
IT am beginning to see things
more clearly. You are Lord
Matresser. aren't you?"
quite right"
II wonder, would you mind go
ing over to my coat and helping
yourself to the letter. It's in the
inner pocket"
You're in a hurry to get rid Of
it," MatreSser remarked good hui
moredly.
The man on the bed raised him.
self slightly and clasped his head
with both hands.
"Of course" he acknowledged,
IT am half crazy. I know that.
But everything seems to have gone
so queerly with me since / got
that knock on the head.
(TO Be COntinued)
Copyright by
E. Phillips Oppsnheim
DistYibuted by King Features