WATCHING EYES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21480, 2 May 1933, Page 16

WATCHING EYES

By T. C. BRIDGES

• (COP7BIGBT),

Author of "Messenger's Million," "The Price of Liberty," "The Other-Man s Crime, Etc., Etc. ABSORBING NARRATIVE OF LOVE AND ADVENTURE

CHAPTER XXlV.—(Continued) The smuggler was big and powerful, he struggled furiously, but Jim clung desperately. They bounced and rolled together in the darkness like two fighting dogs. The man caught .Tim's, wrists and tried to force his hands apart, at the same time driving with 'his knees at Jim's stomach. A bale slipped beneath them and the shock broke Jim's hold.

Instantly the man let out a bollow which echoed all along tho cliff face.: In sheer desperation Jim drew back his right fist and hit the man a half arm blow on the jaw. He felt him relax, but at the same time heard a shout from the cave. » " What's up, Jake?" Then the sound of running feet. He heard someone spring on to tho deck of the launch,* and realised that the surpriso attack had failed. . CHAPTER XXV CYNTHIA COMES TO CftAG HEAD Jim's opponent was out, and Jim sprang to his feet. As ho did so a muscular arm swung across his chefet and bowled him over. A pistol spat viciously twice and Jim had tho impression the shots came very close over him, then with a crash like a young cannon Rand's scatter-gun roared. There followed a howl of fright or pain, or both, and Colin's voice in Jim's car: " That tickles 'em, but lie still. They may shoot again." " They won't. I've cut tho painter." He chuckled as tho launch, caught by the tide which was how ebbing strongly, began to. drift out to sea. " Is there any way up the cliffs? " he asked. " None," said Jim. " Then they're marooned. Gosh, what fun. Now all we have to dp is fetch tho police." ' That's all, thanks to' you," said Jim, very gratefully. " Me? 1 haven't had so much fun since I was a kid," returned Colin. " We're out of range how. I'm going to start up the engine. Better tie up that blighter you knocked out. I've been sitting on his head ever since, and he's pretty 'limp." "I'll attend to him," said Jim, and did so while Rand started tho engine aijd ran back toward tho Seamew. " I'll take her in tow and we'd bettor run into your haven, Silver," he said. " Then you can go ashore and spend the rest of the night in your own bed." " You'll come, too," said Jim. " No. I'll sleep aboard. Safer. But I'll como round for breakfast. Then we'll fetch the bobbies and see what our catch amounts to. Strikes me there's quite a few dollars' worth aboard this launch." ... . .. Under Band's able management, both craft Were soon safe in the haven, then Rand took Jim ashore in the dinghy and he hurried to the house. It was hardly a minute before Chowne answered his knocking, and. it did Jim good to see the real joy on tho faco of the stocky Devon man. " So you're home, Master Jim. Lord, but we been scared—missus an' me! Us didn't" know where ee'd gone." " Was the car found? " asked Jim. "No sign of her, sir. That's what tfcrrified us worse'n all." - " Docs Mr. Brandon know? " "•Of--course;-he knows. T were over to Foxeriholt yesterday and told him. He . reckoned as they smugglers had took 'ee to Greystone,- and* him and mo went there in his car, but there weren't no one there at all. Then he "drove off to Exeter to see : Chief Constable. He bo coming back here in theanorning." " That's good; but, ; Chowne, why didn't you watch the have?" - " I watched till' last -liight, -but no one come, and; to-night. T'-were -there till nigh on one o'clock. Then I : come back for a. sup of summat hot," and darned if I didn't fall asleep in my chair. I be tarrible sorry." '• - \,'r\ Poor old chap! " Jim quickly. "I don't blame you a'; morsel>. But you'll be pleased.. t.o hear' that we've caught the lot. Carried off their launch,, and that they're boxed there" until we fetch-them." f. v- : ■

" That be fine! " declared Chowne, delighted. " Then ' likely it was you a-shooting. Mjssus said a gun did go a while back." . .-J. r " ' f "I'll tell you all about- it,"' said Jim, and did so. It was daylight before he had finished. Chowne.spoke: " Master Jim, you been up all night. You'lay down for a bit. ''l'll watch for Mr. Rand." He insisted, and Jim went upstairs. His head'was hardty on tho pillow before he was asleep, and when he, woke Bill Brandon was standing by the bed. " Rested, old man? " ho smiled. Jim leaped up. " Good Lord —what time is it? " "Just after ten, but don't worry. The job's done." " What do you mean? " " We've collected the prisoners—four of them —and the police have taken them to Exeter. No," as Jim started to speak, " not Fowler or Harmer. Tho rest of the gang will have to clear out of the country. Oh, it was good work, Jim. You and that stout fellow Rand can shake hands with over last night's doings." - "Don't forget yourself, Bill," said Jim. " I'm no end grateful for all tho trouble you've taken. Where's Rand? " " Downstairs, eating tho biggest breakfast I ever saw a man eat. He'd just finished his fifth egg as I camo up." "And Cynthia? " Jim asked eagerly. "Very worried about you, but I've : sent her a wire by the sergeant of police. All the same, you'd better come over and see her." " I've ho car," said Jim. " I'll drive you over. But your car has been found. It was hidden in an old cattle shed about a mile from tho spot where they ditched you.. It isn't much damaged, and I've,, arranged for Stephens of Callacombe to fetch it and put it right." " You think of everything," said Jim gratefully. " All right, I'll have a tub and some grub, then I'm your man. I say, Bill, Cynthia can come here now with Noel." " Certainly, if you're prepared to handle Noel." " I'll do my best," said Jim, as he i began to strip off Rand's clothes. " It's a big contract," said Brandon, gravely. " He's a bad case, and you'll have no end of trouble. But I'll help you all I can, and if wo can cure him between us we shall have earned some good marks." He went down, and fifteen minutes later Jim, shaved and spruce, followed. Rand jumped up to meet him. The stout'youngster was beaming. "I say, Silver, your cook's the best ever. I never ate a better breakfast in all my days." - "Well, I hone it won't be the last voii eat here, Rand," said Jim warmly. 'And I trust you'll use my harbour and house as if they were your own. You don't yet know how much you've done for us." % ; " Brandon's told mo,", replibd the other, grinning .broadly. " I -wish you all .the luck in the worjd, Silver. And thanks awfully. This harbour of yours will- be a perfect, godsend. probably find me a devil of;a nuisance." " I'll tell you when I do," laughed Jim as he helped himself to bacon and 1 eggs. An-hour laterlio was at Foxenholt. Cynthia saw the car coming and ran out.

" Oh, Jim, I was so glad of the tolagram," were her first words, and Jim, regardless of Bill or of watching eyes from windows, caught her in his arms and kissed her. When he let her go her cheeks were a. little flushed. " You're coming on, , Jim," she laughed. " Presently I shall begin to ho frightened of you. But come in. I'm crazy to hear. all about your adventures." Jim had never spent a happier day than that one. Noel had a cold and was in his room, so Jim and Cynthia had nothing to trouble them, and Olive Brandon, with her usual tact and kindness, kept out of the way and let them do just as they pleased. When, late that evening,'Brandon drove Jim home, Jiin was able to tell him that everything was settled and Cynthia and Noel and Mrs. Raft were coming to Crag Head in ten days' time.

The next few days Jim spent in breathless preparations for his visitors. Ho got in deqorators and had Cynthia's room re papered "and painted, he bought a quantity, of neW rugs, and carpets, the whole house'was'spring cleaned, and Chowne worked valiantly hi the garden, getting the lawn ; and flower beds into lovely order! When at last the great day came, Crag Head had liever looked so spruce.;, The weather was kind and it: was a lovely..sunny afternoon when they arrived. ! Cynthia, brought Noel in her own two-seater, "' .and Mrs. Raft followed in a hired car with the luggage. " The place looks wonderful, Jim," was Cynthia's'first remark' as she got out, then she turned to Mrs. Chowne who was 'waiting, ill the porch, and shook hands With her."It does you'credit, Mrs. Chowne, but Mr. Silver has told me how much he owes to . you ' and Chowne." Mrs. Chowne rodtlqned with pleasure, and from that minute on was Cynthia's devoted slave. Jim, meantime, was greeting Noel,-and trying to bo as'cordial as possible. /'• . • * "I'm so glad you've ..come, Noel. We'll do our best to make you comfortable."

" Who you.', leave to call mo Noel?" he .demanded unpleasantly. Jim laughed. " I'll call you Mr. Carrow if you like, but it will sound a bit odd when I am your brother-in-law." _ . "So that's your game, is it? But a bank clerk naturally looks for money."

Jim had an almost irresistible dcsi.ro to take this impossible youth 'by the scruff of his neck;*, put him across his knee, and smack him soundly, but remembering Brandon's advice, restrained himself. , .

"I'm afraid you're a little behind the times, Carrow* Thanks to my late cousin, I am fairly well off. Don't you think you had better como in and have some tea?"

" I'll come in because I suppose I've got to, but I won't have any tea. I warn you, Silver, I don't like you. I didn't want to come here, and I'm not going to pretend to be friendly." " All right. Now we know where we art?. Stay -in the car if you want to. When you are ready to get out, my man shall show you your' room." Without another word or look ho turned away, leaving Noel sitting in the car, with a face like a thunder cloud, but if the truth were told, feeling very much of a fool. Cynthia met Jim-in the hall. • '" You mustn't mind him too much, Jim," .she whispered. " He's in one of his worst moods. It was all Bill could do to make him come at all."r, 1:1 I don T t mind a bit,. Cynthia. You know you warned me. He'll settle down after a while. Tea's ready, and I'm sure you want it after your drive." Ho led the way into the big sitting room, which "was fragrant with roses and pinks. Cynthia looked round. " What a delightful room! And, Jim, what a tea —cream and jam and scones, and three sorts of cake. I'm afraid you're a very extravagant person." \" Ah, but this is a special occasion," said Jim. "Now, you pour out." He helped her t to scones, and sat and watched her. . , .

" This is what I've been longing for ever sinco.l came ,to Crag Head," 110 told her,' " but I hardly thought I should ever seo it." Cynthia, smiled at him, but before she could answer Noel entered the room.

" I've come for a cup of tea," he said, and his tone was quite pleasant. 'Then he turned to Jim. " Sorry I was rude just now. Fact is, I was a bit upset. Cynthia never tokl mo of your invitation until this morning." " That's all right," said Jim cheerfully. " We'll try to make you comfortable." Noel drank his tea and chatted in quite friendly fashion, and afterward Jim took him to his room. Ho came down to find Cynthia in the garden. " Quite'a change," he said with a laugh. " Why,' lie's' good as gold." Cynthia did not laugh; on the contrary her face was very grave. " I don't like these sudden changes," she told him. " Why not?" " They mean one of two things, Jim. lSither ho. lias got hold of some of the horrid stuff, and taken a dose, or else he is planning mischief." " He can't have got hold of dope," protested Jim. " He's been under your eye ever (since he. left Foxenholt." . " Then," said Cynthia, " it's the other thing. Oh, Jim " —her voice faltered—" sometimes I don't know how to bear it." Jim glanced round. There was no one in sight. He put his arm round her; snd drew her to him. . "" You're iiot going to bear it alone any longer;" he; said gently. " In future I mean to take my share." " You'll toy, Jim," she answered. " I know you'll try, but you don't know yet what it means." (To be continued daily) DON'T NEGLECT A Common 'Case of Piles. It May Lead 1 to Serious Results

When people generally understand that all such fatal diseases as Fistula, Ulcer of the Rectum Fissure, etc., almost invariably begin in a simple case of Pile 6, they will, learn the wisdom of taking prompt treatment for the first appearance df tliis trouble. Doan's Ointment is unequalled for every form of piles—bleeding, itching, protruding and blind piles, and hundreds of lives have been saved by using this cheap but effective remedy, right at the start, because at such times a single pot has often a cure, while in the old, deep-seated, Chronic cases, ; several pots arc sometimes necessary. Here is a case: Mrs. Charles Shaw, 52 Ashley Street, Rangiora (near Christchurch), says: "I consider Doan's Ointment the best remedy known for curing piles, and I do not speak from hearsay, but from personal experience. For years I was tortured v, il h .this complaint, and could get nothing to relieve mo until I bought Doan's Oint- ' merit. After applying this preparation for' <a few days the irritation was a good deal less, so I persevered until I was cured. No one knows how I suffered before 1 applied Doan's Ointment. The irritation was simply awful, particularly, at night and during the warm weather. ]t is two years since I was cured, but I always keep this remedy in the house and use it occasionally, just as a preventive against any return." Twelve years later Mrs. Shaw says: " I am still a great believer in Doan's Ointment. It cured me of piles 14 years ; ago, and I never suffer from this complaint now." Doan's Ointment is sold by all chemists and storekeepers. Foster-McClellan Co., Proprietors; 15,' Hamilton Strict, "Sydney. But, be sure you get Doan'a. — (Advt.)