The Springdale news., 1912-11-01

not at all out of the range of possf- bility for Crandall to have made away with Rouser for fear of betrayal. From all l had learned about the missing postmaster, l was convinced that he vas weak rather than vicious, and l felt that he probably was an innocent party to the nefarious plot of the vel low letters. Davis story that it was a crime of two persons, after all, was only a theory. When the mystery was cleared up was positive that the only criminal who would be uncovered would be Hugh Crandall. I shuddered as recalled that Louise even now was somewhere with him. not exactly alone. to be sure, for the car Was driven by her chauffeur, but still 1t was most disconcerting thought.
 AS 1 approached the hotel l saw a buggy stop before 1t, the occupants of which were Davis and the constable. As Davis dismounted I heard him say to the constable:
 Tonight at eight
 ''I'll be on hand, you bet" said the constable as he drove off.
 quickened my steps and overlook l Davis just as he started up the stairs to his room.
 I've got some great news for you, " l whispered and went on up with him.
 The minute he got into the room he flung himself on the bed, as if utterly worn out. and ligh ed a cigarette. l 1 had expected that he would be eager to question me but=this did not seem 10 be the case. He lay there with eyes half closed as if unaware of my pres enee.
 Annoyed as l was at his seeming in difference, was sure that when told him my amazing news about Crandall and my discoveries about the post master be would be effectually aroused l took it for granted that his mood was due to despondency over his failure to find either of them.
 T have seen Hugh Crandall twice, no. three times, today said by way Of beginning, and l have found out l how Rouser went when he left the post office"
 Yes" he said absent -mindedly
 What's more" I cried impatiently, T know who had Lock Box No. IT I know what was done with the mail that came to that address,"
 Davis, without answering me, reached for another cigarette, light ing 1t from the butt he had been smok- 1 ing. His nonchalant indifference grated on my nerves and lost my temper
 "Confound it, Kent" be said with considerable asperity, T was so busy thinking out something l really didn't hear what you said. Sit down and tell me all about it.
 Modified by his apology, 1 sat down on the foot of the bed and told him the story of my day. how I had seen a man going into the Parrish home and had recognized him later as Hugh Grandall, or at least as the man who mad registered at the hotel as Cook; how l had been barred from the house i, I-~~s,-r%ad discovered another yellow letter s,fr7 S'e in the park; how, when returned to fnr Parrish home after Crsadall had left. Lot,1.s Lcot,1se had told me of the theft of the scrapS9f yellow ,, pa a. ne to go off in her automHolle alter ate. insisting that I drop the invesN aeioh : | how l had seen her again, cAsslne the ferry with Crandall in the %a chine; how I had returned to Arf way and had learned that Lock Box r was held in the name of Henry Nal eolm Stewart; how the missing post master himself had been in the habit of putting the mail that came to that address into his own pocket and go- ing off with 1t. and finally. how Miss Cox and I had determined that when