Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1906-12-22
DUKE OF
DEVIL
MAY=CARE
BY HARRIS DICKSON
Author of
THE Black VOLTS Breed" Etc.
Ae>ss--a1e~ss-~st1fA ess--s
1905, by D. Appleton &
CHAPTER XII.

~ Copyright 1905 by D. Appleton COB
CHAPTER XII
Wait a minute, Felix; now tell me
that all over again; l don't seem to
get it into my head
Il couldn't either, at first-it took
me a long time. I don't believe l am
certain about it now; it seems so
strange for such a thing to happen
right here at home, to people you
know"
He slipped his coffee slowly; Joe's
coffee got cold.
Chaudron went on and gave in de-
tail every incident that had transpired
from the moment he entered the
Hotel Louis lie Grande-everything
that Anita had told him, everything
that he police had learned. 1t did
not take long, there was so very little
of it.
Now, you know all that anybody
knows" he said, finally, and set down
his cup.
Joe did not move; his face did not
light up with comprehension But
I cont know a thing he said.
Neither do neither does any
body"
But the police? the detectives?"
Not a thing. Except for what
the Sc two girls say we have not been
able to find a solitary trace of Mrs.
ASHTON since she set foot in New
DREAMS. Her trlsnk came to-day, but
the bag that she had last night has
disappeared. We can't even prove
that she ever reached the city-except
by the young ladies. Her trunk is
standing down there in that hotel
right now. It's the only tangible evil
dence we have standing there like
gsavestone. Kind O. gruesome-
MAKES fellow SILVER to look at it,
Where is that hotel?'' Joe asked.
What sort of place is it? l never
heard of it,
Down on Valois street, just below
Esp:anade. 1t is not a hotel at all,
merely an apartment house; they rent
rooms to Carnival visitors. People go
down there because it is so quaint
and old-fashioned-lots of antique
furniture and curios, all that sort of
thing"
joe thought a long time; he wanted
to ask a question, but dared not. In
spite of himself he kept thinking of
Dukes pale and haggard face, and the
intcnse hate with which he said 81
wish that old woman were in hell, and
had the receipt for her.
Iy: do you think she has been muir
dered?"
That seems hardly possible; there
was no reason for anybody to kill
her. If she had been killed there
would have been some sign of it
somewhere. But she couldn't have got
up in the night and strayed away
her baggage would be there. Blest il
[ can think of anything that she
might possibly have done. We cant
seem to get a start on it-can't catch
hold of it anywhere. The two girls
don't agree as to where they left her;
neither one is certain, yet they botf
are sure that she went to that house
and went to bed, in a room which
they decribe perfectly. But, as 1 TOLD
you, there is not room in the house
answering to their description"
Joe may have been slow about som,
matters, but he was thorough; and il
trying his cases he never left an incl
of ground unexplored behind him.
lie leaned forward and asked Ques
ton after question.-incfsive, pointed
direct questions. When Chaudron ha,
answered them as best he could, Jo
settled back, dug his hands deep int,
his pockets, and thought.
Come, Joe," Chaudron said, risin,
TO his feet, there's no use sitting
here; we've got to do something
Let's so home and get couple o
hours sleep before breakfast"
I'm not bit sleepy"
Yes, you are, you look half dead
We can do nothing tonight: the de
tecsives are at work. and Vance i
with them. He caught little ma
this afternoon"
When Chaudron turned his might
key in the lock at home and opene
the hall door very softly, the appar
ton of Anita startled him.
tOh, it's you'll" he exclaimed. "Ha
there been any news?"
No Alice is asleep, the slightes
sound wakes her-she hears the telt
phone ia her sleep. I'm so glad yo
caae." she went on, turning to Joe
I'VE needed you, and 1 knew 20
would come"
Yes" he answered simply, Il wa
glad to come" In some way, from tn
frst moment that b. had met her, thi
horaestck girl wear ing for her moul
tains, Anita had os1pt straight to til
coolest corner of his unselish heart.
Mr.. CnaudroE has told your" st
questioned with those big violet eye
which looked all the deeper and clea
er IN the dim light
Yes" he answered again.
Then you mustn't sit up-you loo
ve-y tired Your room is ready Mr.
Cfsaudron is with Alice. Good night
And your Chaudron asked