Evening star., 1941-06-26

OlOuSlLG llIllloclI up SlldI ply. LOChc
once, twice. The first blow caught +
man was pivoted on one foot by it's
hard-clenched fist thudded against
against soft pulpwood.
Locke watched as the mans eyes
solled upward in their sockets,
blotches; and then the others knees
buckled and he started to pitch to-
ward the floor. He hadn't had
chance to fight back, so devastating
had been Locke's attack Locke
lunged forward and caught the
others heavy body and eased it
gently upon the cement.
Locke whirled swiftly and fin
ished removing the top of the mo-
tor. His hands were swift and
sure; his breathing was regular,
steady. 1t took but moment. He
slipped the piece of metal into his
pocket and stepped across the pros
trate body of his oppinent. He
glanced around. ready now for any
thing; his senses incredibly sharp
ened. He was alone in the cellar.
Quickly Locke marched back
along the way he had come and
climbed through the window. He
closed 1t behind himself. He turned
and strobe measuringly, unhur-
riedly through the passageway and
out into the street.
In a minute he was back in
Xavier Merrill's limousine, settled
behind the wheel. He roared out
into the street and toward the house
where he had left Janielle and her
father. Locke felt the satisfaction
of job we'll done.
Xavier Is IncredulOus.
Janielle and her father were
waiting for Locke in the library.
He came into the long room and
stood for a moment, silently sur
veving them.
you didn't find anything?'
Janielle spoke first, hope lost in
the slurring of her voice.
Locke looked at Janielle and he
smiled, a frank, open smile that
lighted his brown eyes. Il found
something he said gently. Your
father doesn't have to worry"
Xavier Merrill said huskily, You
went into the Green Parrot?"
Yes" Locke answered. He re-
lated swiftly what had happened.
Janielle and Xavier Merrill listened
raptly, not once interrupting him.
Locke finished and then he reached
into his pocket and produced the
top of the motor. Here is your
evidence. I couldn't remove any
more. But this will be enough.
He looked directly at Xavier Merrill.
BE careful how you use it." he ad-
vised. "You might take the pre-
caution of photographing it and
then show the pictures to Eric
Farrell. In that way you can be
sure that he won't take it away
from you" Locke broke off abruptly,
noting the gratitude in Xavier
Merrills eyes.
The big man arose from his chair.
His blue eyes surveyed Locke COM
pletely. His hand shot out and he
took Lockes in a firm, hearty grip.
"No," he said simply. He won't
take 1t away from me, you may be
sure of that. And that isn't all. I
guess I owe you something I'll never
be able to repay. Anything you
ask that I can do for you, now or
any time, will only be a small |
measure of my appreciation"
int oI
Locke nodded understanding. He
turned toward Janielle. He was |
abruptly surprised at the look In
her eyes. She was demanding some
thing of him and for a moment
Locke was puzzled Then he knew
the answer. This was his oppor-
tunity to ask for job; legitimate
opportunity, task at which he
could really work. Janielle was
thinking that he could ask her
father for chance; he could be
anything but gigolo.
Locke grinned silently. How could |
Janielle know? Locke decided then |
that this travesty had gone far
enough. He would tell Janielle now,
explain about her telephone call
that he had received by mistake,
and how he had decided to follow
1t through just for a lark. Then
perhaps he could compete with
Lance Whitney on an even basis.
Xavier Merrill had caught the
look that had passed between his
daughter and Locke Allen. He
didn't know what 1t meant, but he
decided to leave. I'll get along"
he said. His voice was eager. Il
can have this little memo of my
rashness photographed and de-
veloped and tonight I can present 1t
to Mr.. Farrell with your compli-
ments." He had evident satisfaction
In his voice
Locke nodded. Janielle was still
looking at him and there was a
thread of disappointment in her
eyes, a look that was gradually
turning to disgust. Locke saw that