The Ming Poodle: Chapter LXXIII

Ben Hansen

"You're insane," Ben whispered back.
"Excuse me, we were talking about my evil plans here?" said an exasperated Tom.
"We were, but then you stopped," Hugh pointed out.
"Well, now I'm starting again." Tom took a deep breath.
"You see, it all began after I'd joined Craper's gang. I learned that he was engaged to Buttes, and masquerading over the phone as a lover of antiques convinced him that he would become rich if he stole it and sold it to me. I arranged to meet him at Orwent station, but I paid a friend to pretend to be a doctor and kill him, leaving the Ming Poodle in my possession to sell and split the profits with him. Unfortunately, you two found out, but you're all taken care of now. Anyway, I'm off to sell this Poodle."
"No you're not," said Ben. He and Hugh were both grinning.
"Why not?" Tom demanded.
In answer, Hugh pointed at the German policeman who had been standing there all the time. He quickly put Tom's hands in cuffs, released Hugh and Ben, and gave them the Poodle, telling them to give it to Ms. Buttes.
As Tom was being walked off, he yelled "I would have gotten away with it too if it wasn't for you mangy detectives!"
Tom and Ben looked at each other. Finally Hugh said, "We'd better get going. It's a long walk back home, and the trains have stopped."
So they walked off into the sunset together.

THE END

Coming soon: Ravire Road Robbed.