THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF ALONZA

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 366, 7 March 1932, Page 12

THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF ALONZA

PETER CHEYNEY.

By

No. VIII. THE RETURN OF KLAAT. Mr. Alonzo MacTavish, having eaten an excellent dinner, and smoking an expensive cigar, threaded his way carefully through the tables, and made for the vestibule of the Restaurant Splendide. He appeared to be deep in thought as he got his coat and hat at the cloakroom, but the matter which was engrossing his attention was not one of urgent importance. It was merely a matter of whether he should go to a theatre or not before keeping the interesting appointment made for eleventhirty that night. He tipped the attendant and wandered out into Regent Street, still undecided as to what he should do. He walked in the direction of Piccadilly, and was about to turn into Maddox Street when he found himself face to face with no less a person than Doctor Theodor Klaat.

For a moment they stood looking at each other. Alonzo, smiling, perfectly poised and debonair, and Klaat smiling, too—but it was a terrible smile which curved the thin and cruel lips beneath the black, carefully kept moustache; also, it was a smile of triumph. Alonzo passed on, thinking, this time about something which really mattered. So Klaat was back in England—Klaat his arch-enemy, who had sworn to he even with Alonzo even if it, cost him his life; Klaat, scientist, blackmailer, and worse, at w r hose crimes many a hardened crook had shuddered. Alonzo realised that his enemy’s smile boded no good for himself. Kiaat was not a man to smile triumphantly unless he had got something up his sleeve. He summoned a taxicab and ordered the man to drive him to his flat at Earl’s Court. Seated in the cab, he dismissed Theodor Klaat from his mind for the moment, and took from his pocket the letter which he had that morning received. He unfolded it and read: New Scotland Yard, 10th May. My Dear MacTavish, — Although it goes against the grain, 1 am going to ask you (for a consideration) to assist me in the unravelling of a little matter which has been engrossing my mind for the last five months, and which I am desirous of bringing to a successful conclusion. Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I shall call on you at your flat at eleventhirty to-night. I hope this will not be too late. Faithfully yours, \ J. McCarthy. Alonzo smiled to himself as lie replaced the letter in his pocket. So Chief Inspector McCarthy required assistance! MacTavish realised that McCarthy must indeed be put to it to come to him. At the same time, he wondered whether there was some thought, sonic scheme, behind the chief inspector's letter. McCarthy was no fool. Alonzo made up his mind thatjie must go carefully in his conversation that night, for McCarthy was a born cross-examiner, and it seemed quite possible to Alonzo that the C.I.D. man’s idea was to get some information, and very possibly some information which he might use against Alonzo himself.

He paid off the cab, and entered his fiat. Walking into his sitting room, he pressed the bell, and, a moment afterwards, Lon Ferrers, in his usual “getup” as a respectable butler, appeared.

“Lou,” said Alonzo, “McCarthy’s coming here to-night at eleven-thirty. He wants to have a talk with me. I wonder what about. Evidently lie wants to get some information about something. Do you know what. cases he’s been on lately ?”

Ferrers grinned. “There’s only one case that McCarthy’s interested in, Mac,” he said, “and I think that you could give him a lot of information about that — his big case is the Lonley Pearl robbery, and 1 think jou know' something about that—don't you?” Alonzo smiled. He did. The Lonley Pearl, one of the largest pearls ever brought out of the ocean had mysteriously disappeared seven months before. No further news had been obtained about it. The robbery had been perfectly carried out and there was not one single clue to aid Scotland Yard. The owner of the pearl, a wealthy South American, had driven the C.I.D. nearly mad in his endeavour to secure the return of the pearl. But nothing had been done, nothing discovered,, and the two people who could have told the police all about it, maintained a discreet silence. Those two people were Mr. Alonzo MacTavish and Lon Ferrers. “That’s funny, Lou,” said MacTavish. “I expect he’s coming here to-night to ask me if I know who’s got it. I like the idea. He will probably sit in that armchair over there, the very chair in the arm of which the Lonley Pearl is hidden —nioet amusing. Well, we’ll hear what he has got to say. In the meantime I’ve got a bit of interesting news. Theodor Klaat's back in London!” Lon Ferrers’ face darkened. “I don’t like to hear that, Mac,” he said. “You know he’s sworn to get you by any means in his power, and he’ll stop at nothing.” He stopped suddenly, as the telephone bell rang, and walking to the instrument, picked it up. He spoke, then, placing his hand over the mouthpiece, turned to Alonzo. Klaat Shows His Hand. “It's Klaat, Mac,” Lon whispered. “He wants to speak to you!” MacTavish rose, and took the receiver from Ferrers’ hand. “Good evening, Dr. Klaat,” lie said. Klaat's sibilant voice came over the phone. “So that is my old friend, MacTavish,” said the voice. “I was very glad to see you looking so well this evening. Incidentally, my friend, I want a little conversation with you. A matter which, possibly, may be urgent Avhcre you yourself are concerned. May I come and see you?” Alonzo did not hesitate one moment, “Certainly, Klaat,” he said. “When will you arrive. I shall be glad to see “I shall be with you in ten minutes,” said Klaat. “Good-bye, my friend.” Alonzo hung up the receiver. “Klaat’s coming round here in ten minutes, Lon,” he said. “He’s gob some definite idea in his head, and seems very certain of himself. Now listen, carefully. Directly Klaat goes; get out of the building by the back entrance, dash round the side, and follow him. Find out where he is living and everything you can about him. Then get back to me as quickly as you can and report.

Alonzo was seated before the fire reac ing a book when Klaat was announce by Ferrers. MacTavish rose politely an motioned his enemy to a chair.

Well, Klaat,” he said. “What do y

Klaat grinned evilly. “My friend. I want £20.000, and I want it as quickly as you like to get it!” Ho took; a cigarette from a jewelled case and lit it carefully. “I observe that you smile, my friend MacTavish,” he went on in his careful English, “but I should like to tell you that unless I have the money within 24 hours, then T shall be forced to make you smile on the other side of your face!”

“Really,” said Alonzo., with a grin, “And may I ask how you intend to do that?”

Klaat spread his hands, “it \& really a very simple business,” he said. “I happen to know that you are the person who stole the Lonley pearl and I also know that you have still got it in your possession. Rather unfortunately for you, my friend, one of the people who assisted you in that little matter was a friend of mine, and I have a full confession from him as to how you did the job. Therefore, I made it my business to let a. hint reach the cars of our

esteemed friend, Chief Inspector McCarthy, that it was possible that you might be able to give him a little information.*” The smile disappeared from Klaat’s face, and his expression became

“You cannot trifle with me, MacTavish,” lie said. “This time the trump cards are in my hands. Once that confession is in McCarthy’s possession you are as good as in gaol. And how glad they will be to get you; my friend — Alonzo MacTavish, the master cracksman, who for years has eluded the vigilance of the European police. Well, what do you intend to do?”

Alonzo, still smiling, lit another cigarette, but as he held the match between his fingers, his brain was w.orkirg rapidly. Klaat was pulling no bluff. He would not dare; and what he said about the police was right enough. Any excuse would be good enough for the arrest of Alonzo MacTavish, the author of a dozen master robberies which had startled Europe. Then an idea came to him, an idea so daring that it increased the smile about his mobile mouth. “I’ll have to think this over, Klaat,” he said. “Twenty thousand is a big job. I doubt whether I possess as much

money at the moment. However, I’ll see what I can do. You’ve got the lowdown on me this time all right. Look here, can you come back here at twelve

o’clock to-night? By that time I may have been able to raise some of the

Klaat’s eyes gleamed. “Very well,” he said. “I will return at twelve o’clock. But I shall bring a friend with me. It might be safer! For the moment, my friend, an revoir!” He took his hat from Lori Ferrers, and with a casual nod, departed.

Immediately he heard the front door shut, MacTavish sprang to the window and looked out. Beneath him, in the street, he saw Klaat’s private car move off slowly. It was only half-way down the. street, when a taxi-cab shot round the corner from the rear of the flat and went after the car. Alonzo smiled. Lon Ferrers was on the job. Then, seated before the fire, MacTavish thought out carefully the details of his plan.

It was ten o’clock before Lon Ferrers returned.

“Klaat’s living at Cordcry Mansions, a block of flats in Maida Vale, Mac,” he said. “Luckily the estate office was open. They are working late, anil I was able to make inquiries under the pretence of taking a flat there next year. Incidentally, when the clerk’s back was turned, I pocketed this plan of the flats. Each flat is marked, you see, with the name of the tenant in possession at the moment. Klaat is on the top floor.” Alonzo took the plan. “He is—is lie?” he said, half to himself. “By the way, what arc the flat chimneys like?” He examined the. plan carefully, then an amused smile broke over his face. “Listen, Lon,” he said. “There’s not a minute to lose. I’ve told Klaat to return here at twelve o’clock. McCarthy will be here then. It’s nearly a quarter past ten now, and there’s a lot to be done. Dash downstairs quickly and get some asbestos from the caretaker. Say that we want it for the electric fire. Then, take the Lonley Pearl out of the arm of the armchair, and pack it carefully inside a piece of the asbestos. Hurry now, Lon!”

Ten minutes later Alonzo left the flat, leaving Lon Ferrers entirely mystified as to the plan in his chief’s head. At ten minutes past eleven, Alonzo returned, looking quite please with himself, and prepared to receive Chief Inspector McCarthy. The Trap. When McCarthy arrived, he found Alonzo quietly reading in front of the fire. The C.I.D. man took off his coat anil accepted a cigar. “Well, MacTavish,” he said. “I won’t waste any words with you. You will remember that some seven months ago the Lonley Pearl was stolen. Well, we’ve got no nearer to discovering where it is than we were then. It’s a very difficult jewel to dispose of. for it can’t be cut up, and any dealer would recognise it immediately. There are only two or three crooks in this country who possess the brains to pull off a coup like that, and one of them is you!” The inspector grinned at MacTavish. Alonzo smiled back. “Very complimentary of you, I’m sure. Chief,” he said. "But I am afraid that I know very little about the business. Of course, if it were made worth my while, I might go out of my way to give you a tip or two.” The detective drew at his cigar. “Look here, MacTavish,” he said. “The owner of this pearl has offered a reward of five thousand pounds for its return. Give me any clue which will put me on the right track, and I’ll split the reward with you. Is that a bet?”

“It is,” "replied Alonzo, promptly. “You always keep your word, Chief, and in one way I’m glad that you’ve come here to-night. Directly I got your note this morning, I knew what you were coming for —you wanted information about the Lonley Pearl. I’m glad to give it you, not only because of the two thousand five hundred, but also because of mv own safety.”

McCarthy looked surprised. “Your own safety—what do you mean, MacTavish?” he said.

“I’ll tell you,” replied Alonzo. “As you may guess, there are several people who would be glad to see me out of the way, and the most dangerous those people is one Theodor Klaat, of whom you have probably heard. Seven months ago, Klaat stole the Lonley Pearl, and he stole it very cleverly. He was

assisted by a man who had previously done a little business with me, and who, after the robbery, wrote ft confession, which purports to describe how I effected the theft. Klaat then sent this fellow off to South America where he is at the moment. A friend of mine met. him out there, and, in a drunken fit, this tool of Klaat’s divulged the whole plot. He also said where Klaat intended to hide the pearl. Klaat arrived in England a little while ago, and immediately I heard of his arrival I knew that he would endeavour to secure my arrest for the theft,, so I got busy. I. actually invited Klaat bore to-night he should be here at moment now. Listen! That’s his car arriving, outside. Leave this to me, Chief, and I guarantee that that pearl shall be in your possession by to-morrow mornin” Right, McTavish,” said the chief inspector. “Do as you say, and the money is as good as in your pocket.” He had hardly finished speaking when Lon Ferrers announced Klaat anil his friend. As Klaat stepped into the room and saw McCarthy, his face dropped for a. moment, and then broke into his usual cynical grin. . “Sit down, Klaat,” said Alonzo briefly. “I’ve got a few words to say to you. He turned to the detective. “Chief,” he said, “this man cam e here to-night, ancl asked me to pay twenty thousand pounds as the price of his silence. Otherwise he threatened to produce a fake confession which he got from his associate in the robbery, saying that I \ias responsible. Had you not seen me first, you would probably have acted on it.” He pointed to the amazed Klaat. “There is the man who stole the Lonley Pearl,” he said “Unluckily for him, liis confederate talks too much in his cups. The pearl is hidden in Klaat’s flat at the moment, in a place where no police officer would ever think of looking for it. It is encased in a piece of asbestos and is kept in the fire. Who would think of raking out a fire to find a pearl!” Klaat, with an oath, leapt to his feet. “It is a lie,” he said. “I tell you that . . . . ”

“Steady on,” said McCarthy. “We’ll easily settle all this.” He walked to the telephone, and after a moment got on to the Maida Yale police station. “Send a man round to Dr. Theodor Klaat's flat,” he said. “Tell him to rake out any fires which may be burning anil try and find a piece of asbestos with something concealed in it. If he finds it, ring me up at once!” Klaat, produced his cigarette ease and lit a cigarette. “You are wasting your time, chief inspector,” he said. “MacTavish has the Lonley Pearl!” They sat in silence for ten minutes. Then, the telephone rang loudly. The C.I.D. mail went to the instrument and spoke. Then lie hung up the receiver and turned to Klaat. “Theodor Klaat,” he said, “I arrest you on a charge of robbery.” He snapped the handcuffs on the astonished Klaat. "Don’t worry to say anything,” continued McCarthy. “You’ve got a rotten record, Klaat. and you’ll get five years for this. MacTavish, come round in the morning, anil I’ll give you that money. Good-night!” ’When the inspector and Klaat had gone, and when Klaat’s astounded "friend” had been shown off the premises, Lon Ferrers turned to MacTavish. “How the devil did you do it, Mac?” he said. Alonzo grinned. “The easiest thing in the world, Lon,” he said. “Directly you showed me that plan, the idea came to me. Klaat’s flat was on the top floor, and the chimneys are absolutely straight, running down into his fireplaces. At the opposite end of the block of flats is a fire escape. I simply worked it carefully where Klaat’s flat was, climbed up the fire escape, selected the chimney leading into Klaat's flat, from which smoke was emerging, showing that a fire was lit iu the room beneath, and dropped the bit of asbestos with the pearl in it down the chimney. The rest you know. I'm well out of that business. I could never have disposed of the pearl. It is too well known, and as it is I get two thousand five hundred, and Klaat will probably get five years. I’ve killed two birds with one stone. It’s almost a shame to take the money!”

(To be continued daily.)