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Mr Howell sat open-reat Passero Like all others who knew him, he held the master criminal in awe and admiration The Sparrohatever he was, never did a e of youth or inexperience To his finger-tips he was a sportsht in life was to outwit and puzzle the police of Europe In the underworld he was believed to be fabulously wealthy, as no doubt he was To the outside world he was a very rich old gentleenerously to charities, kept two fine cars, and, as well as his town house, had a pretty place down in Gloucestershire, and usually rented a grouse moor in Scotland, where he entertained Mr Howell and several other of his intimate friends ere in the same profitable profession as hi interest

In Paris, Rome, Madrid, or Brussels, he ell known as an idler who stayed at the best hotels and patronized the most expensive restaurants, while his villa on the Riviera he had purchased froloved hand--gloved because of a natural deforreater robberies, for his war upon society was constantly far-reaching

"Is Franklyn coht back?" asked Howell

"That is the plan He should leave Vienna to- the papers "And he comes home with all speed But first he travels to Brussels, and afterwards to The Hague, where he will hand over Anna Torna's jewels to old Van Ort, and they'll be cut out of all recognition by the following day Franklyn will then cross from the Hook to Harwich He ire ht a car for the job, and will have to abandon it soames, tihed oddly

"I thought Franklyn worked with Molly," said Mr Howell

"So he does I want him back, for I've a delicate mission for him," replied the sphinx-like man known as The Sparrow

Mr Howell, at the invitation of the arch-criminal, helped himself to a drink Then The Sparrow said: "You are due to leave London the day after to-morrow on that little business in Madrid You must remain in town I may want you"

"Very well But Tresham is already there I had a letter from him from the Palace Hotel yesterday"

"I will recall him by wire to-morrow Our plans are co in his house until we are ready for it It is the best speci price in New York--e have tihed