Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1909-03-03


The colonel took turn al ound the
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 Winner was try
ing the case in his own mind; but in
reality RuDert was seeking only one
clew, as little diverted from his pur-
pose as a 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
intentioned 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. cond9ned and a rosy fu-
ture given him If his suspicious should
prove true and he should release the
captive-wouldn't such 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 presnppose 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. 1t was worth con-
sidering, anyhow He spoke out of
his thoughts: do you think Keatch-
am could have told the truth, and that
code of his be lost or stolen? Why
couldn't Atkins have stolen it? He
Aad the chance, and he isn't hampered
by principle, you say"
Mercer frowned; it was plain the
possibility had its argument for him.
''He mi9ht," he conceded, but doubt
it. Why hasn't he done something
with 1t? 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 it
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 thoaght Atkins wouldn't
dare give any of his secrets away or
go against him in this DEAL because
they were in the same boat"
"StilL l 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 If we can
find any trace of Archie. I'll risk that
much. And If you will promise"
"Such' a promise would be impos-
sible to an officer and gentleman"
the colonel urged lightly, smiling. BE
sides, don't you see | have all the
cards? have only to call in my men.
I'd hate to do it, but If you force me,
you would have no chance resisting"
I'VE 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"
v'Then 1t 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: Are you fooling with me?
Have you been such an incredible mad
man as to kill him already?"
MERGERS faint smile made the colo
nel feel boyish and impetuous. "Of
course not, suh," he answered. Il
told you he was alive, myself reck-
oned you knew when man is lying |
and when he is telling the solemn
truth You know have told you |
the truth and treated you on the |
square. But Just the same, II you try |
to take that man away, you'll only |
have his dead body. He can't do any |
more harm then. and dead man can't
vote.
The colonel, who had taken out his
cigarette case, opened 1t and medita-
dvely fingered the rubber band. do |
you reckon" he suggested. In his most |
arniable voice, do you reckon young
Arnold and Endicott Tracy win stand !