The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1912-12-13

Ihe ram lettlh up a Dlt. JackN,
he said in hurried tones. Say, if. |
was you and Miss Christine I'd dig out
for the hotel"
We'll wait a few minutes
Dick pressed his arm instantly and
said. Better go now, kid, better dig"
ChliStiuc'S sharper wits graSped his
meaning The secret Of his sudden APP
pearnnCe was revealed to her in Il
tWinklinG She clutchci pavid's arm
once more.
Yes, come, Dav-Jack. | don't mind
the rain. Mother will bc so anxious"
And then David understood.
why, Dick. You haven't been in
Ssh. NouIl wake the guy that sleeps
up there and he'll throw n bucket of
water out ON us for diSturbin' him"
said the other with quiet sarcasm.
Besides, this is no place for a young
lady"
You're right" cried David in no lit
tie trepidation. Come, Christine.,"
Say, Jack" said Dick. OBTAINING
him an instant, come to Jocy's room
in half an hour, Eve got something
important to tell you. Good night.
Miss Christine. Sleep tight"
do be careful, Dick She cried alX-
iously over her shoulder.
He laughed ierkily, The devil
takes care Of his deputies. Look TO
Yourself. cod don I always take such
eXcollst care Of his angels"
David and Christine hurried off
down the street, They looked back
once during "A faint glow Of lightning.
Dick had disappeared.
While thcy We're explaining their
plight 10 Mrs. Braddock ut the hotel
entrance. Dick Cronk was leading his
frefzied brother by back streets 90 the
the street just in time 10 restrain
Ernie in his blind rage. The lunch
back, sohbjuc with jealousy. had START
cd u t. follow David, his pistol
clutched 10 his miSshapen breast.
All the way through the dark streets
the cripple was moaning: I'd have
shot him only | was afraid Of hjttiu'
her. | couldn't stand it. i'ick. Hes
got her
Half au hour lator Dick Cronk was
admitted TO Joey Noakes' room at the
imperial hotel. lie came in %iauntily.
care free and amiable. as if there was
no such thing in the world as trouble.
Joey aud 3uhy Noakes. and the faith
full Casey were there. Mrs, Rraddock
and Christine had Just gone to their
rooms, David accompanying them down
the hall for a private word with the
mother. lie returned q few minutes
after Dicks arrival. his eyes cleaning
with a light they had never seen in
them before.
sit down, Jacky," said Joey, putting
down his mus of beer on the window
sill. Il understand you've met Dick
tonight afore this. Well, he's got
something important 10 tell you-and
all of Us. for that natter
4 biz. greasy kerosene lamp hung
from the ceiling almost directly above
Ruhy's head. Casey sprawled I'm
gracefully on a couch near by.
1--WE seen that precious uncle Of
YOURS announced Dick.
David started up. My unclef"
Yep" replied Dick.
"Wheret Isis he in town."
squat, Jacky. Don't flop off yonr
base like that. Always keep Il cool
head. Look at me. If the ghost Of
my own dad was to pop out Of that
lamp chimbley there, moose and all, |
wouldn't bat an eye"
Tell me, What has happenedF'
demanded David.
We'll lis a bitter tale" observed
Dick, in his most theatric draWI.
Don't look so solemn, Ruby. Its
all going to turn out beautiful. like the
story books do. No. kid. he amt ia
town-lcastwiSe he's not in this rotten
burg. Gawd knows where lie Is right
now. Last | saw of him was in Rich
mond four days ago.
Il got an idea into my nut a couple
Of weeks ago went on Dick. squirting
at the lamp reflectiveIy. II let it soak
in deep and then ! proceeded 10 act
on II. ! ilOpped on 4 1r"l@hI II Hl@nl
about ten DAYS ago and lit ont for
Richmond, without Sayin' q word 10
anybody, You had told me 4 good bit
Of Your w story, David. and Joey
had told me the rest. adding his conf
dental opinions as to what really hap
pened on the night Of the murder.
Thinks |. if ! can get my hooks on
that uncle Of his, en- make him
squeaI. Well. / went out and hung
around Jenison hall for . night or two,
the lay o. the land To he per
fectly honest With you. ! inspected the
from top to bottom one night.
That's Il very nice. comfortable room
Of yours. David.
Next day | walked up, bold as vou
please. to the front door and asked
Mr.. JeniSon. | had found out in
the village that he was drunk three
fourths Of the time and raiSin' he
Cain with everybody on the place.
Gawd. how they hate him down there.
He was having n mint iuIep in the GAL
lery. the niger said. 50 walked
right around where he was and intro