The Arvada enterprise., 1913-04-10

IL came to me that II Davis had
thought 1t worth while to 20 to the
Widow Smiths to make inquiries. It
might be worth my while, too After
asking Miss Cox for directions, told
her was going to see II Rouser's
wheel was missing, and made my way
up one OF the side streets to the
clearinghouse Davis visit evidently
had ruiiied the widow. found her
I In anything but communicative
mood.
III you're another OF those detec
tive men coming prying around here.
she said, you might Just as well get
out. I've said all I'm going to say
and that's all there is to it."
Please don't mistake me for a de
tecuVe," said as pleasantly as
could. 1'm-a-frlend Of Miss Coz
| down TO the post-ofiicc and we were
wondering whether Charlie had taken
his bicycle when ho went away, and
Miss Cox thought you might know"
IF you're a friend OF Jennie Cox, =
said Mrs. Smith. 81 guess I'd be likely
TO Know 1t. being her own cousin and
knowing as well as | know my own
face that she hasn't had man friend
Tor eleven years. since Aleck Thomp,
son died. As for Charlie Rouser going
away on his bicycle. don't know
nothing about It. All | know is his
wheel amt here. but he never kept
1t here anyway He Hlways kept 1t
down to the post-omice."
with that she slammed the door
In my face. but | went away well sat
isiied. AS | walked down the dusty
path OF the so-called street toward
the hotel | reviewed all | had learned
and was delighted to think how
amazed Davis would be when pre-
sented my facts gathered in the last
twenty-four hours. which were these:
Hugh Crandall was aware that we
were on his trail
Unable TO learn anything from Lou
lse over the telephone, he had dared
to go to the Parrish home.
HS had so intimidated Louise that
she had asked me to withdraw at once
from the inquiry.
Acting on her fears, he had persuad.
ed her to accompany him to some
place in New Jersey.
Lock Box II was used for the mail
OF some one who had taken the alias
OF Henry Malcolm Stewart.
All the mail that came TO that ad.
dress was taken care of by Charlie
Rousor. the postmaster.
Rouser was in the habit OF going
Mt frequent intervals either on his
bicycle or In buggy out on the road
that led away from the station.
Rouser. when he disappeared, un.
doubtedly had gone away on his bi.
cycle.
Everything, to my mind. pointed to
HIS having gone to meet Crandall.
How to account for the fact that
Rouser had not returned was stlu n
poser to me. but as | reviewed Gran.
dalls connection with the chain Of
persons who had been driven to death
found myself believing that It was
not at all out of the range Of possi-
bility for Crandall to have made away
with Rousor for fear Of BETRAYAL From
all | had learned about the missing
postmaster. | was convinced that he
was weak rather than vicious, and
felt that he probably was an innocent
party to the nefarious plot Of the ycl-
low letters. Davis story that II was
crime Of two persons, after all, was
only n theory. When the mystery was
cleared up | was positive that the only
criminal who would be uncovered
would be Hugh Crandall. | 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 stll It
was most disConcorting thought,
As | approached the hotel | saw
which We're Davis and the constable.
As Davis dismounted heard him sCy
to the constable:
Tonight at eight"
"lll be on hand. you bet" said the
constable as he drove on.
! quickoned my steps and overlook
Davis just as he started up the stairs
to his room.
1--WE got some great news for you"
whispered and went on up with him,
The minute he got into the room he
Aung himself on the bed, Rs II utterly
worn out, and lighted a cigarette. !
had expected that he would be eager
to question me but this did not seem
to be the case. He lay there with eyes
half closed as II unaware OF my pres
cnoe
Annoyed as | was at his seeming In.
difference, was sure that when told
him my amazing news about Crandall
and my discoveries about the post.
master he would be efrectually
aroused. took It for granted that his
mood was due to dependency over
his failure to find either OF them.
u have seen Hugh Crandall twice.
no, three times. today" said by way
OF beginning. and | have found out
how Rouser went when he left the
post ofiica."