The Mena weekly star., 1909-06-03

ins The etners oneyea nis curt u.. Fectionsi and ll was net until tho still unconscious man wes disposed In a more comfortable posture on the cush. ions which Tracy brought that Win. ter sent the latter to the telephone: and then he addressed Mercer. He LOOK a sealed package from an inner pocket and rendered i, saying. You know who sent 1t. Whatever happens, you're a southern gentleman, and I iock to you to see that she---they are kept out of this nasty mess-abso- lutely."
 UT course, returned Mercer. with trace of irritation: what do vou take me for? Now, hadn't I better call Janet?"
 But if this were to be discovered"
 She wouldn't have done anything; she is only nursing wounded man whom she doesn't know, at my re- quest"
 Very well, acquiesced the colonel With a long sigh as he turned away.
 He sat down, crosslegged. like a Turk, on the flags beside the wounded man. Mercer was standing a little way off It was to be observed that he had not touched Keatcham. nor even approached him close enough to reach him by an outstretched hand. Winter studied his face, his attitude and suppressed the slightest of starts; Mercer had turned his arm to light another electric bulb and the action revealed some crimson spots OF his chff and smear on his light trousers above the knee. The lamp was rather high and he was obliged to raise his arm. thus lifting the skirts of his coat which had previously hidden the stain. He did not seem aware that his action had made any disclosure. He was busy with the light. "That1l be bet. ter" said he; I'll go call 'up Sister Janet"
 How had those stains come? Mercer professed just to have entered. Vainly Winters brain tried to labor through the crazy bewlderment of it all; Mer- cer spoke like an honest man-but look at his cuffs! How could any out side assassin enter that locked and guarded house?-yet, if Mercer had not Led, some one must have stolen in and struck Keatcham. Kito? But the Jap was out of the house-perhaps And Janet Smith. what was she doing talking to Atkins? Had she given that reptile any clew? Could he-but it was his opportunity to rescue Keatch- am. not to murder him-what a con. founded mazel
 And what business had he Rupert Winter, who had supposed himself to be an honorable man, who had sworn to support the constitution and the laws of the United States. what hnsi- ness had he to help law-breakers and murderers escape the just punishment of their deeds? He almost ground his teeth. Oh, we'll there was one way out, and that was to resign his com mission. He would do it this very night, he resolved; and he swore mis- erably at himself. at his venerable aunt who must be protected at such a sacrifice, at Atkins, at the feebly moaning wretch whom he had not ceased all this while to ply carefully with drops of brandy. You everlast- ing man-eater, if you dare to die, I'll kill you!" he snorted.
 Thereupon he went at the puzzle again. Before any answer could come to the telephone calls, low. mourn full, inhuman cry penetrated the thick walls. It was repeated thrice; on the third call, Tracy ran quickly through the patio to a side door, barred and locked like all the entrances, re. leased and swung it open and let in Kito A few murmured words passed between them. The Jap uttered a startled exclamation. But how can it to be? How? no one can get in! And who shall stab him? For why?"
 He examined the wounded man, aft CT a gravely courteous salute to Win ter: and frowned and sighed. What