Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-01-26

room to pack away this Information
in an orderly fashion In his mind. Mer-
Ger waited patiently; he had said
truly that he was used to visiting. Per
haps he supposed that Winter was try
ing the case in his own mind; but in
reality Rupert was seeking only one
clew, as little diverted from his pur-
pose as bloodhound He began to
understand the man whose fixed pur-
pose had his own quality. but sharp
ened by wrong and suffering. This
man had not harmed Archie; as much
as his warped and fevered soul could
feel softer emotions. he was kindly
mentioned toward the lad. Who had
carried him away, then? Or was he
of on his own account. really. this
time? Or suppose Atkins, the missing
secretary discharged at Denver. COM
ing back for another appeal to his en-
ployer. finding Keatcham gone, but, let
one say, stumbling on some trace Of
mystery in his departure; suppose
him to consider the chance Of his hav-
ing his past condoned and . rosy flu
ture given him II his suspicious should
prove true and he should release the
captive-wouldn't such Q prospect spur
ON man who was as cunning as he
was unprincipled? Mightn't he have
watched all possible "clews, and might
MT he have heard about Archie and
plotted to capture the child. thinking
he would be easily pumped? That
would presuppose that Atkins knew
that Archie was at the Arnolds' or
no, he might only have seen the boy
on the street; he knew him by sight;
the colonel remembered that several
times Archie had been with him in
Keatcham's car. It was worth con-
sidering, anyhow. He spoke out OF
his thoughts: do you think Keatth-
am could have told the truth, and that
code of his be lost or stolen? Why
couldn't Atkins have stolen 1t? He
had the chance, and he isn't hampered
by principle, you say"
Mercer frowned; It was plain the
possibility, had its argument for him.
"He might" he conceded. but I doubt
1t. Why hasn't he done something
with It? He hasn't. They wouldn't
have postponed that meeting II he had
wired his proxy and his directions In
the code. He'd have voted his en-
ployer's stock. He's got too much at
stake. happen to know he thought 1t
a sure tip to sell short, and he has put
almost all he has on it. You see.
Keatcham was banking on that; he
knew 1t. He thought Atkins wouldn't
dare give any Of his secrets away or
70 against him in this deal, because
they were in the same boat"
"stiI, reckon I'll have to see
Keatcham."
Mercer shook his head, gently but
with decision. Il hate to refuse you.
colonel, but unless you promise not to
interfere, 1t is impossible. But I'll
gladly go with you to see II we can
find any trace of Archie I'll risk that
much. And II you will promise"
"Such q promise would be impos-
sible to An officer and a gentleman"
the colonel urged lightly. smiling. Be
sides, don't you see have all the
cardsl have only to call in my men.
I'd hate to do it, but II you force me.
you would have no chance resisting
1--WE shouldn't resist, colonel, no,
sub; your force is overwhelming But
it would do no good; you couldn't find
him"
I'VE could try; and we may be bet
ter sleuths than you imagine"
"Then it would be the worse for
him; for If you find him. you will find
him dead"
There was something so chilling In
his level tones that Winter broke out
sharply: care you fooling with me?