CRIMSON CLOAK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 245, 27 July 1943, Page 6

CRIMSON CLOAK.

SERIAL STORY.

A Thrilling Story Centred Round the Activities of a Mysterious Woman.

THE GIRL IN THE

(Copyright).

(By J. R. WILMOT.)

CHAPTER XXXXVI. A SPOT OF EXPLORING. “That’s easy,” Gerry smiled. “First of all, I’m looking for a mutual friend, name of Mannisher. Secondly, my friend here is my guardian angel, Sergeant Forrother from Scotland Yard. He tells me that they’re quite interested in you down on the Embankment.” A sudden flash of fear darted into the big man’s eyes. “I’m standin’ for no funny business this time,” he growled, throatily. “I've a gun here that's itchin’ to drill the pair of you. I’ve got a strong personal objection to people snoopin’ around when I'm on a job. I’d like you to remember that.” Gerry ignored the man’s- pleasantries. “What have you done with Miss Railton?” Gerry flung out the question with impatience. “So you know about the lady, do you?” Gissarcl said. “Smart, ain’t you? Well, I’ve an idea the lady’s goin’ to talk pretty soon, and when she does she’s going to tell me what she’s done with the Leverton Diamond and a. nice little rope of pearls. I'm a reasonable man, I am. All I want is the inside dope. When I’ve got that, I’m as meek as a lamb.” “You don’t say!” muttered Gerry, between clenched teeth. “That’s just too bad, Gissard. I hate to see a fellow going to so much trouble for nothing.” "What d’you mean by that?” snarled the big man, advancing a step, his hand flying to his pocket that bulged ominously. “Okay, John!” called Gerry, quietly. Before the big'man could turn, John Railton had leapt from his hiding-place from behind the opened door and flung himself on the fellow’s shoulders. The attack was so unexpected that Gissard was plunged off his guard. He wheeled around to meet a menace he had not even suspected. As he did so, Gerry Daynton, flinging the cords from around his body, scrambled to his feet. John Railton’s hands were gripping the big man’s throat, but before he could thrust himself free, Gerry Daynton’s right shot out and caught Gissard plumb on the point of the jaw. The man gasped, and Railton felt the man’s body sag as the revolver, still clasped in his hand, clattered to the floor. But Gerry took not notice of that. He sprang for the gun, and wheeled about just in time to see Ozzy Flett standing in the doorway trying to take in at one glance far too much for his sense of perspective. “Hands up!” shouted Gerry, jubilantly. Ozzy threw one glance at the inert figure of Bruno Gissard and obeyed Gerry’s command without question. “Search him and then tie him up,” Gerry commanded John. “When you’ve done that we’ll allow our friend Sergeant Forrother, to take part in this attractive little parlour game.” Ten minues later both men were trussed in a manner similar to what they had been a few moments before. Gerry turned to Forrother. “Sorry there wasn’t time to cut you adrift earlier, old man.” Forrother was still rubbing the back of his head. “That’s all right, Daynton, It was great fun watching.” John Railton was nowhere to be seen and the two men dashed from the room. They found John bending across a bed slashing almost savagely at the cords that, still bound his whitelipped sister. Forrother appeared suddenly disinterested. He had gone to explore the remaining rooms in the chalet. Gerry stood staring down into the girl’s eyes and he saw a sudden fear come into them. ‘“There’s no need to be frightened,” Gerry told her quickly. “But perhaps you’d rather your brother did a spot of explaining.” “I’ll be back in a moment to take you both back to Uncle Clive,” was Gerry’s parting shot before he left them alone. Gervaise Leverton called at Gerry’s hotel the following morning and was told that Mr Daynton had not yet come down for breakfast. Gervaise consulted his watch. It was ten o'clock. He smiled to himself. Gerry must be making a holiday of it with 'a vengeance. When Gerry eventually descended the staircase he was more than surprised to see Uncle Gervaise standing in the hall. “Hello,” greeted Gerry, lamely. “Anything the matter?” “I don’t know, Gerry. I thought I’d better hop across and see how you’re getting along. Had a late night?” “Very,” Gerry told him, grinning. “And nearly got beaten up into the bargain. Come and sit at my table while I regale myself on rolls and coffee and I’ll tell you what’s been happening.” * Gervaise didn’t like the glint in his nephew’s eyes. “All right,” he said, “but I hope it’s all right.” When Gerry had finished, and so far as he knew he had omitted nothing, Gervaise Leverton looker surprisingly uncomfortable. He leaned across the table before speaking. “You know, Gerry, I’ve suspected something of the sort for years. All the same, I can’t think that Muriel knows anything about Clive’s money. That’s something we’ve got to settle with Squire, and by Jove, I’ll see that the old fellow gets a square deal.” “Well, those are the facts, Uncle,

and since it’s a matter of family honour and all that sort of tiling, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get things sjttled amicably. Clive Mannisher’s a very tolerant soul. He’s obviously had a raw deal, and it’s now up to the decent members of the family to make amends.’* “But you haven’t told me where the diamond is?” protested Gervaise. “Not that it matters, I suppose.” “Safe and sound in a safe deposit in London,” Gerry told him. “So you won’t be wanting to do anything about that.. I suggest you send a wire to Superintendent Asli to say that your clever nephew, P.C. Gerald Daynton, of the Sudan Police, has solved the mystery for him, and that there won’t be any proceedings against anyone, with the exception of two crooks who tried to cash in on some information they’d received about the affair.” “I’ll certainly do that,” Gervaise consented readily. An hour later Gerry introduced Uncle Gervaise to his friends at the villa. (To be Concluded.) Too on,a meters in this story are entirely imaginary. ®No reference is intended to any living person or to any public or private company.