Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1911-09-22
CHAPTER VI.-Continued.

CHAP Elk vI.-Continucd.
"Elinor Holcomb!" cried the lieu
tenant.
Donnelly n Carson, each with an
arm under her shoulder, propped her
sinking form.
Lift your head" commanded the
Chief.
seemed as one in the last agony OF a
mortal illness.
Lift 1t for her." came in a voice
iof mingled and compassion.
Donnelly's hand flew to her chin,
fitting her face upward. For an in
slant she raised her heavy eyelids;
then recoiled as from a blow. The
crowd of masked spectators foated
before her eye like hideous specters
of a horrid dream. A low groan, like
the last lament OF a tortured soul.
came from her lips. She seemed turn
led into a mass of jelly.
Take her away" commanded the
Chief, and the W. detectives carried
her out of the room.
ACCuScu u SIChAAA6 tho
diamonds" was the curt explanation
OF her presence. In a harsh mono
tone, the Chief read the various Head
quarters orders to the force, and then
the men not engaged on old work re-
Iceived their assignments OF new
cases. AS abruptly as he had entered.
the head of the Bureau left the room
and retired to his private office. Then
he summoned Donnelly and Carson.
Takes 1t pretty bad. eh?" he asked.
Like all the swell ones when
they're nabbed the first time an
swered Carson.
Had to call the doctor twice dur
ing the night, the matron tells me"
informed Donnelly.
Did she make n statement on
the way to Headquarters? inquired
the Chief.
Nothing but Mysteries" Carson a
swered.
and she's in no condition to be
questioned now" added Donnelly.
Anyone been inquiring for her?'
the Chief suddenly snapped.
yes" flashed back Donnelly. His
eyes lit with a crafty glow. Some
guy who says he's a doctor and en-
gagged to marry her has been hang
ing around here all morning. Wants
to know how he can get her out
Looks as II he might be mixed up In
1t, SO I'm having him Swallowed"
Good" commented the Chief. III
any lawyer calls. tell him she's in nc
condition to be seen. We don't want
anyone to see her until we've ques'
toned her"
II was late in the afternoon before
Miss Holcomb was escorted into the
inouisitorial chamber. She had fallen
into a fitful slumber on the rude iron
bed that projected from the wall OF
her cell, when Donnelly and Carson
opened the grated loo and called her
out Of her sleep. She gave a startled
gasp when she saw them, q convulsive
shudder racked her frame. A sudden
influx Of painful memories overwhelm,
cd her with a pitiful sense OF helpless.
ness a. 5ho dragged herself to the OF
nee Of the Chief.
With q weak show OF courage, she
eyed Manning resolutely, and then
sank into q soft leather chair close to
his desk. Donnelly and Carson oc'
cupied seats at her elbow.
What did you do with those stones!
blurted the Chief.
Her lips framed q reply, but 1t died
without u~tterance.
Come, comet" he cried impatient
u. I'VE don't want any acting here
4 know you're only a tool in this mat
Tor. We've got the principal under
arrest and I'm giving you q chance to
rave yourself. You turn States evil
dence against him and I'll see thai no
harm comes to you. He's the fellow
we want to land. Now tell me just
what you did with the Jewels"
In the midst Of this outburst, q door
opened silently and q sha~rp-featured.
smooth-shaven man Of middle age en-
tered and seated himself in an OBJ
scure corner of the room. His form
seemed to merge into the shadow Of
the walls as he dropped noiselessly
into his chair. Miss Holcomb did not
see him enter. Her increasing terror
gave her a fictitious energy and she
lifted her head with a sharp jerk.
Il didn't steal the Jewels" h said.
Il had nothing to do with their disap-
pearance."
The hooking laughter OF three deep
voices sounded in the Dom.
Does 1t well!" chuckled Donnelly.