Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-03-19
CHAPTER XIV


Irene availed herself of a street car. in
which two men were talking loudly, and
evidently for the purpose Of impressing
upon the listeners a sense of their impOr-
lance. They were discussing the murder.
One was a large, red-faccd man, with
bead-likc eyes and a dubious nose. He
wore tashy clothes, and fumblcd large
watch seal. His breath smelled of onions
the passengers next him turned aside
His comrade was small, dark man,
with a hooked nose, curling lips that
seemed to be sneering at his nose, and to
add to a sinister countenance he had
cast in one eye. The first word the
large man said arrested Irene's atten-
ton
Il wish was as sure of a thousand
dollars as we are of catching him."
The chief says he can put his hand
right on him"
Yes, | Knowles preparing little
surprise for him, that's ALL
Il was the third person there | said
at once-any professional could see il at
glance-that there wasn't any suicide"
The big man looked up and down the
car. His gross look his intense vulgar
lty, everything about him excited the
profound aversion of Irene. The men
sat opposite her. They prolonged the con
versation evidently for her benefit.
"A pretty hard place, Number"
Irene started. Where had she seen or
read of Number - - street,"
There was n brief silence, then the
lesser of the two suddenly said: IL un-
derstand there are two or three people
seen the murderer 'Twont be hard to
identify him"
mo! And it won't be hard to hang
him. The next man caught will stand
poor show. They've been too easy;
now they've got to make an example"
Now, for the first time, Number -
--77 street caused Irene to feel faint
sick at heart That was the place
where a horrible murder or suicide was
! committed. 1t was the place her father
was requested to visit.
Gould 1t be possible his name could be
connected in any way with the horrible
occurrence? Irene could not remain in
the car a moment longer. While the 20
licemen were airing their office and pre-
tensions, she quietly got off the car.
Once more on the street, she scarcely
knew which way to turn. The thoughts
suggested by the remarks she had heard
distressed her much more than she had
thought any similar incident would affect
her
She walked at random for a few min
utes, to give herself time to collect her
thoughts AS she was Fastening rapidly
on, looking neither to the right nor left,
she encountered Mr.. Mayberry. Mayber-
ry attracted her attention by removing
his hat. They met face to face.
! He had crossed the street, and was
turning in the same direction, when he
paused hat in hand, and seemed to hest
tate to walk on or turn in another direc-
ton. Irene felt the color flaming in her
cheeks. A minute before she was very
pale Mayberry noted the change.
Miss Anterior"
Mr. Mayberry!
She did not know whether to say more.
or permit him to pass ahead of her, as he
evidently resolved to do. He was quick
ening his steps when low voice arrest
ed him.
Mr.. Mayberry, have something to
say to you"
He walked beside her respectfully
More than one passer-by looked admiring
ly at the handsome youAg couple; the mar
: with the bearing of a spirited young man
IN high health with a face inviting con
/ hdence; the woman with eyes like stars
and rosy cheeks, all too rare.
Il will not detain you moment"
IL am not in a hurry at all. Anythns
5 | can do-any way | may be able to serv,
, you-command me-"
j will You tell me what was in the pa
per you gave my father, Mr.. Maybcrry? 2
r He was nonplused The question wa
1 SO unexpected, he was not able to repl!
$ instantly, Then he said to himself tina
i would never do.
ut was a partial agreement your faith
= cr and | arrived at, Miss Atherton."
y "Of what natureE
:, She was yery-yery direct. How coul
/ he avoid telling her. He would-fb, Blu
when he met her eyes, his resolve melted
o She seemed to be looking through him.
g III | speak at all, I'll tell you tn
truth. I'd rather not-indeed, you ough
e not to expect me to talk to you of I'll
q affair at all"
n She paid no attention 10 the last porto
Ie of this speech, Again came her ques
% don, sharp, direct, almost imperative:
sr What was the agreement? or cours
II you would not tell me anything but tn
IF truth, Mr.. Mayberry. Who made tn
Id agreement irst2-who suggested il
lie What was it about? My father mad
the first offer, didn't hep"