Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1911-07-14
CHAPTER xX-(Continued)

NAS az ~ I'LL " Cl GU AlC SNAAS ms NAANNA'
around with a push of his foot. He saw
two men. but III did not recognize
them at once. BY and by his eye grew
accustomed 10 the dark. Instantly he
was on his feet, pressing the button
connecting the wall lights. There was
no possible exit save by that door, and
these two men stood between. To do
McQuade justice, ne was not a physical
coward. His huge bulk n hardened
muscles gave him a ready courage. lie
forced a smile to his lips. After all, he
had expected one or the other OF them
sooner or later.
Wei, gentlemen, l am highly hon
ored. What can l do for you" There
was a p~retense Of amiability.
For the present" said Warrington,
you may sit down. We propose 10 do
So" He drew out a chair from under
the office table n placed 1t close to
the door. You sit there, John" For
himself, he sat on the corner of the
table.
McQuade did not hesitate, but re-
seated himself. His thoughts were not
particularly lucid, however.
"McQuade, you're as fine a blackleg
as ever graced a prison" said War
rington.
IN have 70 take your word for it,"
was the reply. But how is ii that |
see you and Mr.. Bennington together? ?"
evilly.
Wei come to that presently. l
had always given you credit for being
as astute as you were u~nderhanded
and treacherOus."
Thanks" McQuade took a cigar
from his pocket and fumbled around
In his vest for a match.
But" Warrington added, Il am
panied to reverse my opinion. You are
q fool as well as a blackleg."
How do you make that out?"
coolly.
DO you know where your man Bolles
can be found?"
"Bolles? All, l begin to see. What do
you want OF hm?"
I'VE want the esteemed honor Of his
company at this reunion" dryly.
Bolles? McQuade smiled. He was
only too glad to accommodate them. If
they wanted Bolles they should have
him. Bolles would cut them In two.
He reached for the telephone n be-
gan to call up the familiar haunts of
his henchman. He located him at
length In Martins saloon. There was
evidently some reluctance on the part
Of Bolles.
Bodies, If you are not at my Of
flee inside OF 10 minutes, III break you
and you know what / mean" McQuade
hung up the receiver. Hell be right
over, Now, what's all this mystery
about?'
1T regards some literary compost
tons OF yours to which have taken
exception
Compositions"
Yes. Two anonymous letters, But
before we discuss them Wen wait for
our friend Bolles."
McQuade signifed that his was
agreeable TO aim. All the anne, he
glanced uneasily at the man near the
Ippg . nannf,ufnV haH NOT ma 1a fha
slightest sound after taking his chair.
His arms were folded across his breast,
which rose and fell with deep intakes,
His face, in the shadow, was no more
readable than that of the miniature
sphinx p~aperweight that rested N Nc
Quade's desk. But Bolles was coming.
So they waited. The end OF McQuade's
cigar waNed waned according to
his inhalations. These inhslations %sG:S
not quickly made, as by a man whose
heart is beating with excitement: they
were slow and regular, 1t might be
said contemplative. Johns gaze never
left the end of nat cigar.
The lights in the tall building OPP
posite began to twinkle from window
TO window. Warrington slipped off the
table and pulled down the curtains.
McQuade knocked the ashes from his
cigar, contemplated the coal. and re-
turned 1t TO the corner OF his mouth.
AM Inc three men icdTu steps III
the hall. The door to the outer Of
flee opened and banged. But the man
who squeezed past Bennington was
not Bolles.
fMorrissy?" cried Warrington. Fine!
Have a chair, Mr.. Morrissy, have a
chair Warrington was delighted.
Morrissy's glance, somewhat bewild-
cred, travelled from face TO face. On
entering he had seen only McQuade's
tranquil visage. He sat down, disturbed
and mystihed.
whats this?" Morrissy demanded
to know.
Hanged II I know said McQuade.
These two gentlemen presented them
selves a few moments 6 and re-
quested me to send for Bolles. Have
a cigar?"
Morrlssy took the proffered weed, but
he did not light il. He turned IL round
and round in his teeth and chewed IL.
Well, so long as the boss did not seem
alarmed, the rouble Quiz not be Sc
rious. Yet he was not o~verconadent
of B~ennington's lowering face.
''BeCn a nne day" said Morrissy, at
haphazard,
Eyes. but there's going to be a storm
tonight" Warrington resumed his po-
sition on the table.
Conversation died. And then Bolles
came In. At the sight of Bennington
he recoiled.
"Come In, come In" said McQuade,
"Mr. Warrington will offer you a
chair" facetiously.
"Yes, Bolles, sit down"
We'll, gentlemen, here's a quorum
and McQuade began TO rock In his
chair Three against two; that would
do very we'll.
II will go at once at the matter In
hand. Those letters. john Warning
ton held out his hand. IN read one
TO you. McQuade." He read slowly and
/ distinctly.
what in blazes is this? said Nor
rissy.
TITS up to Mr.. Warrington 10 ex-
plain" McQuade grinned. That grin
| however, nearly eest him his life
John, remember YOU promise"
cried Warrington.
John sat down. seized with a species
OF vertigo.
"McQuade. you wrote thatn'
Me? You're crazy"
mot at all. Let me advise you. The
next time you put YOU hand TO anony-
nous letters. examine the type OF vorr
l machine. There NAV be some had lat-