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 CHAPTER IX

ALONE seemed destined to be entangled in the affairs of the Linden family, for he had hardly seen the last of the unfortunate Tom before he be¬ came involved in a very much more unpleasant fashion with his unsavoury brother.

The episode began by a telephone ring in the morn¬ ing and the voice of Algernon Mailey at the far end of the wire.

“ Are you clear for this afternoon? ”

“ At your service.”

“ I say, Malone, you are a hefty man. You played Rugger for Ireland, did you not ? You don’t mind a possible rough-and-tumble, do you ? ”

Malone grinned over the receiver.

“You can count me in.”

“ It may really be rather formidable. We shall have possibly to tackle a prizefighter.”

“ Right-o ! ” said Malone, cheerfully.

“ And we want another man for the job. Do you know any fellow who would come along just for the sake of the adventure. If he knows anything about psychic matters, all the better.”

Malone puzzled for a moment. Then he had an inspiration.

“ There is Roxton,” said he. “ He’s not a chicken, but he is a useful man in a row. I think I could get 155