Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-12-28

evening just as was closing my desk
II want you to go to dinner w4@
me-" he said. II have to run down TO
Washington tonight, and 1t may be
three or four days before get back.
want to talk things over"
We took a cab uptown and stopped
at Riley's, and were presently en-
sconced in snug cornsr where we
could talk without danger Of being
overheard.
"Ive found out few things about
Tremaine," began Godfrey as the
waiter hurried away with our order.
"And about Thompson" said.
"You have?" and he looked at me in
surprise. "How in the world did YOU
do it?"
His establishment was distinctly CON-
plimentary, and l related with consid-
cradle qualification my conversation
with the mate Of the Parma.
well" observed Godfrey when
had finished, that was bright idea
of yours. That establishes the link be-
tween the two men. Our st. Pierre
correspondent wires US that Tremaine
arrived there some three years ago,
presumably from South America. He
bought little plantation just outside
the town and settled there. He seemed
to have plenty of money when he ar
rived. but he probably spent 1t all-on
that girl Cecily, perhaps-for before he
sailed he borrowed $500 francs with
bis plantation as security"
| Seven hundred dollars = that
wouldn't go far" commented.
| HE hadn't enough to run him
month-and he's been here nearly
twice that long. It's evident that he's
an extravagant liver. He's been NOV
Ing In expensive company and has, Of
course, been keeping up his end. Then,
too, don't doubt that he provided for
Thompson-gave him enough money,
anyway, to keep drunk on-that's the
only way to explain Thompson's tax
Ing an apartment like that. / should
say that $500 would be low est
mate for the two months. OF course
De had to get all his clothing new
Martinique clothing wouldn't do for
March in New York"
"All Of which indicates" I said.
"either that he had other resources or
that he's received some money-$1, 900
at least-since he's been here"
"Precisely-and incline, to the latter
theory. He's working some sort Of
tremendous bunko game. He's playing
for big stakes. He's not the man to
play for little Ones"
NO" l assented, ''he's not" and we
fell silent While the waiter removed
the dishes.
| We put on our coats and went out
together. On the steps we paused.
There's one thing, Lester he said
'keep clear head; don't let that
SIREN
mo danger" l interrupted, and half
unconsciously 1 touched a ring on my
finger.
He smiled as he saw the gesture.
ooh, yes; I'd forgotten about that.
Where is she now?"
Gin Florida-she and her mother.
They're coming north next month";
"Well," he said, I'm glad you've got
the ring; you'll need it this next week.
I wish the chance was mine. Cecily,
I'm sure, knows Il good many interest
Ing things about Tremaine. Besides,
haven't got your high moral scruples.
believe in fighting fire with fire.
However, do your best I'll look you
up as soon as get back Goodby."
The next day was Saturday. Ire
maine was to leave in the afternoon
for his weeks absence, and he came in
before l left in the morning to say
goodby He seemed strangely elated
and triumphant. His eyes were even
brighter than usual; the color came and
went in his cheeks. He presented al
together most fascinating appear
ance. He fingered only a moment to
shake hands and thank me again.
At the Office 1 found awniting me a
note from Godfrey. scrubbed hastily in
the station of the Pennsylvania road:
Dear Lester-By the merest good lucl,
met Jack Drysdale Just after I left
you. Drysdale Is betrothed to Miss Croy-
don and is to be one Of little house
party which Mrs. Delroy has arranged at
her country house near Babylon. Long Is
land. Tremaine is to be guest also! That
Is where he will spend the week. and it's
evident he's going there with a purpose.
would give worlds to be there, but
Drysdale has promised to keep journal
Of events-he's willing to do good deal
for me-and to wire me if anything un-
usual happens, SO l hope for the best. Re-
member to keep your eyes open.
GODFREy
1t is principally from Drysdale's jour-
nal that have drawn the story of
those eventful days.
To be continue6)