A SURPRISE PARTY
It is strange how like the sea this world of human beings is. On the sea
a great ship meets a little ship and greets it. They pass from one
another’s view. They travel the world over. Five years, ten, fifteen
pass, then they meet again. The same ships. New sails, fresh paint, new
spars, but the same old ships. It is so with human lives. Men meet,
become acquainted, are associated in work for a time. Then on the sea of
life they part. In time the great circle of living that regulates all
men’s doings brings them together again.
Curlie Carson was not the only person who entered into the grim
mysteries of that great city during the darkest hour just before dawn.
As you know, Johnny Thompson, his one time pal, was also to witness that
dawn. And so, drawn closer and closer by who knows what mysterious
forces, their lives appeared about to join again.
As the powerful car that bore the two youthful detectives and their
understudy into the city passed down a particularly dark street, Drew
brought the car to a silent stop.
The next instant, crouching low and followed closely by his silent
partner, he sprang out of the car, leaped across an intervening space,
and said in a tone that spoke of authority backed by force of arms:
“Don’t move! Stay as you are!”
Next instant Tom Howe’s slim hand shot out as he uttered a sharper
command. “Keep your hands above your hips!”
“You got the break. It’s in my right hip pocket.” It was Greasy Thumb
who spoke from the parked car which Drew Lane and Tom Howe had just
covered with their guns.
Five minutes later, with their guns removed to a safe place in Drew
Lane’s pocket, Greasy Thumb and Three Fingers were riding to the police
station in Drew’s car.
“What charge?” Tom asked, after a time.
“Concealed weapons,” Drew replied. “That will hold them.”
But Drew Lane and Tom Howe were due for a surprise. Forces of which they
were not aware were at work in this great, grim city.