'or his fair opponent evidently meant
business The situation was a r.ew
<ne to Cuke In the f.nd of ex pg-ri •
trice stored in his cerebral ceils (or
he little crooked groove-3 'hat would
aave been normal cells under a hap
pier environment d .-ring his youth g
s fund of experience garnered from
ldventures of his own and his com
■anions. related for rr.ut ;al benefit at
he ‘college’; there was nothing to
j‘-lp him out. Hu’ stern schooling
vad forced Into his ethics the rule of
do others as they do you." He also
■ealizecj that what is bait for the gan
ler may tempt the goose.
' Now call up police headquarters,
tnd tell them to send for you,” com
manded the girl forrnly.
' Hu*—" began Cuke, sparring for
:ime in which to think.
"Call up headquarters!” repeated
he girl. The small hand holding the
automatic- tightened its hold percept
bly.
fluke grabbed up the instrument and
look off the receiver hurriedly.
"Hello—hello, central—yes—hold th'
ine a second—” He looked inquiring
ly at Miss Colby.
“Tell her—to get the nearest police
station arid send a man, two men. here
at. once."
Cuke repeated the message clearly
into the transmitter. "Number? Oh
vi s—” and he added the address.
"That's better." said the girl. "Now
sit down; take off vour mask.”
(’uke obeyed
"look here,” he protested, heads of
perspiration standing out on his fore
head, “You ain't playin' fair.”
"I was givin' yer your free minutes,
but this ain’t givin' me my ten fair;
is it?’ demanded f'ukc
Miss Colby’s cheeks crimsoned
slightly.
