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Bull-Dog Drummond The Adventures of a Demobilized Officer Who Found Peace Dull . by CYRIL McNEILE "SAPPER” ' ILLUSTRATIONS BY . IRWIN MYERS ' . - "ft FROM HEADQUARTERS. | Synopsis.—In December, 1918, fpur men gathered In a hotel in Berne and heard one ol the quartet, Carl Peterson, outline a plan to paralyze Great Britain and at the same time '• seize world power. The other three. Hocking, American, and Stelneman and Von Gratz. Germans, all mil lionaires, agree to the scheme, pro viding another man, Hiram Potts, an American, Is taken In. CapL Hugh (Bull-Dog) Drummond, a re tired officer, advertises for work that will give him excitement, sign ing “X10." As a result he meets Phyllis Benton, a young woman who answered ‘ his ad. She tells him. of strange murders and rob beries by a band headed by Carl Peterson and Henry Lakington. She fears her father is jnvolved. Drummond goes to The Larches, Miss Benton’s home, next, door to The Elms, Peterson’s place. During the night Drummond leaves The Larches and explores The Elms. He discovers Lakington and Peter- . son using a thumbscrew on Potts, who signs a paper. Drummond rescues Potts and takes him to his ’ own home. He also gets half of the paper torn In the fight Peter son visits Drummond, departing • with a threat to return and recover Potts and the torn paper. Hugh substitutes Mulltngs for Potts. The band carry oft Mullings and Drum mond to The Elms. When Peterson discovers the hoax .Drummond Is made to stay all night Irma, Pe terson's handsome daughter, warns Hugh he will be killed. He goes exploring during the night runs Into a cobra, escapes mysterious death and refrains from breaking Peterson’s neck. CHAPTER IV—Continued. FOUR. “I beard you were down here," she said gravely, holding out her hand to lilni. : “I’ve been sick with anxiety •ever since father told me he’d seen .you,” Hugh imprisoned the little hand In bis own huge ones, and smiled reas suringly. "Don’t worry, little girl,” he said. "Tears ago I was told by an old gypsy that I should die in my bed of old sge and excessive consumption of in valid port. ... As a matter of fact the cause of my visit was rather liumorous. They abducted me in the middle of the night with an ex-sol dier of my old battalion, who was, 1 regret to state, sleeping off the effects of much indifferent liquor, In my rooms. They thought he wns your Americaq millionaire cove, and the wretched Mullings was too drunk to deny it. In fact, I don’t think they over asked his opinion at all.” Hugh grinned reminiscently. "A pathetic spectacle.” "Oh! but splendid,” cried the girl a little breathlessly. “Tell me, where Is the American now?” “Many miles out of London,” an swered Hugh. “I think we’H leave It at that., The less you know. Miss Benton, at the moment—the better.” “Have you found out anything?” site demanded eagerly. 1 Hugh shook his head, "Not a thing. Except that your neighbors are as pretty a bunch of scoundrels as I ever want to meet.” “But you’ll let me know If you do.” She laid a band beseechingly on his arm. “You know what’s at stake for me, don’t you? Father, and—oh I but you know." “1 know,” he answered gravely. “I know, old thing. I promise I’ll let you know anything I find out And In the meantime I want you to keep an eye fixed on what goes on next door, and let me know anything of Importance by letter to the Junior Sports club.” He lit f cigarette thoughtfully. “I have an Idea that they feel so absolutely confident in their own power that they are going to make the fatal mistake of underrating their opponents. We shall see.” He turned to her with a twinkle in his eye. "Anyway, our Mr. Lakington will see that you don’t come to any harm." “The brute!” she cried, very low. "How I hate him!” Then with a sudden change of tone she looked up at Drummond. “I don’t know whether It’s worth mentioning,” she said slowly; “but yesterday afternoon four men came at different times to The ■r Elms. They were the sort of type • one sees tub-thumping In Hyde Park, all except one, who looked like a re spectable workingman,” Hush shook bis lieiul. ‘•Don’t seem to help ranch, does It? Still, one never knows. Let me know anything' like that In- future at the cliih-f’ - ( “Good morning, - Miss Benton.” 1 Peterson’s voice, behind them made Dr.ummond swing round with a smoth ered curse. “Our Inestimable friend. Captain Drummond, brought such n nice young.fellow to see me last night, and then- left him lying about the house this fiiorning. I have sent .him along to your car." continued Peter son suavely, “which I trust-was the correct procedure. Or did you want to give him to me os n pet?" “From a rapid survey. Mr. Peterson, I should think you have quite enough alrea'dy,” said Hugfi. “I trust y’oti paid him the m|>ney you owe him.” “T will allot it to him In my will.” remarked Peterson. “If you do the same In yours, doubtless lie will get it from one of us sooner or' later. ,1n the meantime, Miss Benton, is your fiuher up?” - , ; ii. The girl frowned. ' V f “No—not yet." ; “Then I will, go and see him In tied. For tlie present, nu revoir." He walked toward the house, and they watched him go in silence. And It was as he opened tlie drawing-room window that Hugh called after him: “Do you like the horse EUimaa’s or the ordinary brand?" he asked. “I’il send you a bottle for that stiff neck of yours.” Very deliberately Peterson turned round. . “Don’t trouble, thank you. Captain Drummond. I have my own reme dies, which are far more efficacious.” CHAPTER V. In Which There Is Trouble at Goring. ONE. T|ie car slowed up before the post office and Hugh- got out. There were one or two things he proposed to do in-London before going to Goring, and It struck him that a wire to Petec Darrell might allay that gentleman’s uneasiness if be was late in getting down. So new was be to the tortuous ways of crime, that the foolishness of the proceeding never entered his head; up to date In his life, if be had wished to send a wire he had sent one. And so it may be deemed a sheer fluke on his part, that a man dawdling by the counter aroused his suspicions. He was a perfectly or dinary man, chatting casually with the girl on the other side; but it chanced that, just as Hugh was hold ing the postoffice pencil up, and gaz ing at its so-called point with an air of resigned anguisiC the perfectly or dinary man ceased chatting and looked at him. Hugh caught ids eye for a fleeting second; then the con versation continued. And as he turned to pull out'the pad of forms. It struck him that the man had looked away Just a trifle too quickly. . . . k grin spread slowly over his face, and after a moment’s hesitation he proceeded "to compose h short wire. He wrote it in black letters for addi tional clearness; he also pressed his hardest, as 'befitting a blunt pencil. Then with the form In his hand he ad vanced to the counter. "How long will it take to deliver in London?’’ he asked the girl. The girl was not helpful. It de penaea, lie gatnerea, on a variety of circumstances, of which not the least was the perfectly ordinary man who talked so charmingly. "I don’t think I’ll bother, then,” he said, thrusting the wire into his pocket. “Good morning. . . He walked to the door, end shortly afterward his car rolled down the street. With what the girl considered pecu liar abruptness, the perfectly ordinary man concluded'his conversation with her, and decided that he too would send a wire. And then, after a long and thoughtful pause at the writing bench, she distinctly heard an unmis takable “D—n.” Then he walked out, and she saw him no more. ‘ Moreover, It is to bo regretted that the perfectly ordinary man told a lie a little later in the day, when giving his report to some one whose neck ap parently inconvenienced him greatly. But then a lie Is frequently more tactful than the truth, and to have announced that the sole result of his morning’s labors had been to decipher a wire addressed to The Elms, which contained the cryptic remark, “Stpng again, stiff neck, stung again,’’ would not have been tactful., So he lied, as has been stated, thereby showing h!s wisdom. . . . - But though Drummond chuckled to himself as the car rushed through the fresh morning air, once or twice a gleam that was not altogether amuse ment shone In his eyes. For four years he had played one game where no mistakes were allowed; the little Incident of the postofflee had helped to bring to his mind the certainty that he bad now embarked on another where the conditions were much (he same. That he had scored up to date was luck rntlier than good manage ment, and he was far too shrewd not to realize It. Now be was marked, and luck with a marked man cannot be tempted too far. , Alone and practically unguarded lie liud challenged a gang at international criminals ; a gang not only utterly un scrupulous, but controlled by a mas ter mind.- Ol its power as yet he had i)0 clear tdeu; of its size and itume 'dinte object he had even less. 'Per haps It was ns well Had he realized even dimly the Immensity of the Is sue's he was up against, had he had but an Inkling of the magnitude of the plot conceived in tile sinister brain of his host of ,the previous evening, then, cheery optimist though • he was, even Hugh Drummond might have wavered. But he hud no such inkling, and so rile gleam in his eyes was but transitory, the chuckle that succeeded it more whole-hearted than before. Was It not sport in a land flowing with strikes and profiteer's; sport such us his soul loved? “1 am afraid. Mullings.” he said as his car stopped In front of his club, “that the kindly gentleman with whom we spent last night has re pudiated his obligations. He refuses to meet the bill I gave him for your services; Just wait here a moment” He went inside, returning In a few moments with a folded check. “Bound the corner, Mullings, and tin obliging fellah in a black coat will shovel you out the necessary Brad burys.” The man glanced at the check. “Fifty pounds, sir!” he gasped. “Why—it’s too much, sir. . . . I . . .” “The laborer, Mullings, is worthy of his litre. You have been of the very greatest assistance to me; and Incidentally, it Is more than likely that I may want you again. Now, where can I cet hold of you?” “13 Green Street, 'Orton, sir, ’ll al ways find me. And any time, sir, as you "wants me, I’d like to come lust for the sport of thing.” Hugh grinned. “Good/ lad. And it. may be sooner than you think.’’ / TWO. Inside the Junior Sports club, Hugh Drummond was burying -his nose in -a large tankard of the ale for which that cheery pot-house was still fam ous. A waiter was arranging the. first editions of the evening papers on a - table, and {lugh beckoned to him to bring one. Cricket, racing, the latest divorce case, and the latest strike—all the usual headings were there. And lie was just putting down the paper, to again concentrate on his problem, when ar paragraph caught his eye. \ “STRANGE MURDER IN BELFAST “The man whose body was discov ered in such peculiar circumstances near the docks has been identified as Mr. James Granger, the confidential secretary- to Mr. Hiram ' Potts, the American multi-millionaire, at present In this country. The unfortunate victim of this dastardly, outrage—his head, as we reported In our last night’s issue, was nearly severed from his body—had apparently been sent over 6n business by Mr. Potts, and had arrived the preceding day. WLat he was doing in the locality in which he was found is a mystery. "We understand that Mr. Potts, who has recently been Indisposed, has re turned to the Carlton, and Is greatly upset at the sudden tragedy. “The police are confident that they will shortly obtain a clue, though the rough element In the totality where the murder was .committed presents great difficulties. It seems clear that the moth# was robbery, as all the murdered man’s pockets j were rifled. But the most peculiar thlhg about the case is the extraordinary care taken by the murderer to prevent the identifi cation of the body. Every article of clothing, even down to the murdered mnn’8 socks, had had the name torn' out, and It was only through the crim inal overlooking the tailor’s tab inside the Inner breast-pocket of Mr. Grang er’s coat that the police were enabled to Identify the body." . Drummond slid down the paper on his knees, and stared a little dazedly at the club’s Immortal founder. “Holy smoke! laddie,” he mur mured, “that man Peterson ought to be on the committee here. Verily, I believe, he could galvanize the staff into some semblance of activity." - “Did you order anything, sir?" A waiter paused beside him. . “No,’- murmured Drummond, “but I will rectify the omission. Another large tankard of ale." The waiter departed, and Hugh picked up the paper again. “We understand,” he murmured gently to himself, “that Mr. Potts, who has re&ntly been Indisposed, has returned to the Carlton. Now that’s very Interesting. . , He lit a cigarette and lay back In his chair. ‘T was under the impres sion that Mr. Potts was safely tucked up In bed, consuming semolina pud ding, at Goring. It requires elucida tion." “I beg your pardon, sir,” remarked the waiter, placing the beer on the table beside him. “You needn’t," returned Hugh. “Up to date you have justified my fondest expectations. And as a further proof of my good will, I would like you to get me a trunk call—2 X Goring." ' A few minutes later tie was in (lie telephone box. “Peter, I have seldom been so glad to hear’your voice. Is all well? Good. Don’t mention any names. Our guest is there, Is he? Gone on strike against more milk puddings, you say. Coax him, Peter. Make a noise' like a sturgeon, and he’ll think it’s caviare. Have you seen the papers? There are interesting doings In Belfast, which concern us rather Intimately. I’ll be jjown later, and we'll have a pow wow." He hung up the receiver and stepped out of the box. “If, Algy,” he remarked to a man who was looking at the tape machine outside, “tlie, paper says a blighter's somewhere and you know lie’s some where else—what would you do?’’ “Up to date In such cases I have al ways shot the editor,” murmured Algy Longworth. “Come and feed.” “Vou’re so helpful, Algy. A per fect rock of •strength.' Do you want a Job?” “What sort of a Job?” demanded the other sussldousiy. VOh i not work, dear old boy. D—n It, man—you know me better than that, surely!” “People are so funny nowadays.” returned Longworth gloomily. “What Is this job?” Together the two men strolled into the luncheon-room, and long after,the cheese had been finished, Algy Long worth was still listening In silence to his companion. “My dear old bean,” he murmured ecstatically as Hugh finished, “my very dear old bean. I think it’s the most •vvvwa r> * V > V» MV.U1 U- 'UUIUU me as a member of the band." And, Incidentally, Toby Sinclair is running round in circles asking for trouble.' Let’s rope him In.” * “Go and find him this afternoon, Algy,” said Hugh rising. “And tell him to keep his mouth shut. I’d come with you. but it occurs to me that the wretched Potts, bathed In tears at the Carlton, Is In need of sympathy. So long, old dear. You’ll hear from me In a day or two." Drummond sauntered along Pall Mall. He had told Loogworth more or less on the spur of the moment, knowing that gentleman’s capabilities to a nicety. Under a cloak of as sumed flippancy he concealed an iron nerve which had never yet failed him; and, in spite of the fact that he wore an entirely unnecessary eye glass. he’ could see further Into a brick wall than most of the people who called him a fool. It was bis suggestion of telling Toby Sinclair that caused the smile. For it had started a train of thought in Drummond’s mind which seemed to him to be good. If Sinclair—why not two or three more equally trusty sportsmen? Why not a gang of 'the hoys? < ' „ Toby possessed a V. C.. and a good one—for there, are grades of the V. C.. and those grades are appreciated to a nicety by the recipient’s brother officers if not by the general public. The show would fit Toby like a glove. . . . Then there was Ted Jeru Inghara, who combined the roles of an amateur actor of more than aver age merit with an ability to hit any thing at any range with every con ceivable type of firearm. And Jerry Seymour In. the Flying corps. . . . Not a had*thing to have a flying man —up one’s sleeve. . . . And pos sibly some one versed In the ways of tauks might come In handy. . . . surely life was very good. And then the grin faded, and something sus piciously like a frown took Its place. For he had arrived at the- Carlton, and reality had come back to him. “Mr. Potts will see no one, sir." re marked the man to whom he ad dressed his question. “You are about the twentieth gentleman who has been here already today.” Hugh had expected this, and smiled genially. “Precisely, my stout fellow," he re marked, “but Til lay a small amount of money that they were newspaper men. Now, I’m not. And I think that if you will have this note delivered to Mr. Potts, he will see me.” He sat down at a table, and drew a sheet of paper toward him. Two facts were certain: First, that the man upstnlrs was not the real Potts; second, that heawas one of Peterson’s gang. The difficulty was to know ex actly how to word the note. There might be some mystic pass-word, the omission of which would prove him an Impostor at once. At length he took a pen and wrote rapidly; he would have to chance it “Urgent A message from head quarters.” He sealed the envelope and handed it with the necessary five shillings for postage to the man. Then he sat down to wait. After what seemeft an interminable delay he saw the mes senger crossing the lounge. ■ “Mr. Potts will see you. sir.” Hugh followed his guide along a corridor, and paused outside a door while he went into a room. He heard a murmur of voices, and then the ' inun reappeared. “This way, sir," he said, and Huch stepped Inside, to stop with an Invol untary gasp of surprise. The man seated )u tiie elmir was Potts, to all intents Htid purposes. The likeness was extraordinary, and had ho not known that the real article was at Goring ■ lie would have been com pletely deceived himself. The man waited till 'the door was closed: then he rose and stepped forward suspiciously.’ “I don’t know you,” he said. “Who are you?” ! “Since when has every one em ployed at headquarters known- one another?” Drummond returned guard edly. “And. incidentally, your like ness to cur lamented friend Is won derful. ' It very nearly deceived even me.” The man, not ill-pleased, gave a short laugh. “It’ll pass. I think. But It’s risky. These cursed reporters have been badgering the whole morning. . And If his wife or somebody comes over, what then? It wasn’t like Rosea to bungle in Belfast. He’s never left a clue before, and he had plenty of time to do the Job prop erly.” “A name inside a breast-pocket might easily be overlooked," remarked Hugh, seizing the obvious clue. “Are you making excuses for him?” snarled the other. “He’s failed, and failure Is death. Such is our rule. Would you have It altered?" “Most certainly not. The Issues are , far too great for any weakness. . . .” “You’re right, my friend—you’re right. Long live the Brotherhood.” He stared out of the window with smouldering eyes, and Hugh preserved a discreet silence. Then suddenly the other broke out again. . . . “Have ; ;i t li at* lrlllorl tViot Inonlant mmnn r\P a soldier yet?” “Er—not yet." murmured Hugh; mildly. “They must find the American at - onpe.” The man thumped the table emphatically. “It was Important be fore—at least his money was. Now with trils blunder—it’s vital.” . “Precisely.” said Hugh.' “Precise ly" “I’ve already Interviewed one man from Scotland Yard, but every hour Increases the danger. However, you have a message for me. What is It?” Hugh rose and casually picked. up his hat He .had got more out of the Interview than he had hoped for. and there was nothing to be gained by prolonging it. But it struck him that Mr. Potts’ impersonator was n man of unpleasant disposition, and that tactically a flanking movement to the door was Indicated. And, being of an open nature himself. It Is possible ‘ that the real state of affairs showed for a moment on his face. Be that as it may, something suddenly aroused' the other’s suspicions, and with a snarl of fury he sprang past Hugh to the door. , “Who are you?” He spat the words out venomously, at the same time whipping an ugly-looking knife out of his pocket. \ Hugh replaced his hat and stick on the table and grinned gently. “I am the Insolent puppy of a sob dler, dear old bird,” he remarked, watching the other warily. “And if I was you I’d put the toothpick away. . ., . You might hurt yourself—" As he spoke he was edging, little by little, toward the other man, who crouthed snarling by the door. His eyes, grim and determined, never left the other’s face; his hands, apparently hanging listless by his sides, were tingling with the Joy of what he knew was coming. “And the penalty of failure is death, ’ isn’t it, ‘dear one?" He spoke almost dreamily; but not for an instant did his attention relax. Almost Imper ceptibly. he crept toward the other man. raiking-gently. > Hugh and hi* friends ere gassed by the band. (TO BE CONTINUED.) Had Bought Into the Firm. Glass was the possessor of a very red nose. An acquaintance chaffing him upon Its ruddy hue, a quarrel en sued. An apology was offered and accept ed and a drink followed. Then a sec ond. Apd a third. Just as they were saying good-night the offender wanted to make quite sure that he was par doned. “Awfully sorry, old man, about that silly remark of mine. I didn’t mean—” Glass cut him short. u “ ’Nough shaid. No more ’poiogies needed. Can shay anything about my nose you like now. You’re a share holder.'’ Microscopic Writing. The British museum possesses a portrait of Queen Anne not much above the size of a hand, on which appear what seem to be a number of scratches. The scratches when mag | nlfled prove to be the entire contents of a book carried in the queen's hand. New Kind of Driver. From a Story—“She glanced cau tiously out of the window at her coff I fure, who stood beside her car.’—Boi*. i ton Transcript.