Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1913-04-30
CHAPTER XIII.
The Strange VlalI.

Dawn found Inspector Davis and me
keeping strange vigil in the deserted
cottage. Louise was gone. Crandall
was gone. Constable Dodds was gone.
Only the two Of US were there, and on
a rude couch In the corner, inert, I'M
conscious with the death-like stupor
OF the confirmed user Of morphine, lay
the wreck of a man whom Davis had
termed the master criminal.
On the inspectors return from his
pursuit Of the postmaster he had at
once assumed the position Of director
general Of the little group at the cot
tage. He had decreed that Crandall
should take Louise back to town in
the automobile as soon as she was
able to travel.
after she has / ID an hours rest
here" he said authoritatively, her
nerves will have recovered sufficiently.
1t is important that the wound in her
arm should be dressed as quickly as
possible It will be well, too, for her
to return as speedily as possible to
her father and sister Her continued
absence, II 1t reaches their ears, will
needlessly alarm them both. You, Mr..
Crandall, will take her back In the ma
chine In which you came, Of course.
Certainly" said Crandall-over-
eagerly, thought-'but, II you will
pardon me for asking, who are your"
For reply Davis handed him his card
which bore his official title.
But" stammered Crandall, 81 don't
understand you. What are you doing
out here?"
I'm here" said the inspector, "a
fancy on the same mission that
brought both you and Kent hereto
find the sender Of the yellow letters
that have been menacing the peace
and happiness Of the house OF Far
rish."
But" protested Crandall again
"how did you know it was Alecl
Young?"
80 you know him." said the inspec
tor, with a note of inquiry in his voice
l had been taking no part in the con
versation that was carried on
was sitting with Louise's head pill
lowed on my knee endeavoring will
my handkerchief to staunch the Sigh
flow OF blood that was still cominj
from the bullet wound. l had beer
strongly tempted to voice protest
when heard Davis arrange for Lou
ise's return in the automobile Will
Crandall, for while Davis seemed t
think he, like ourselves, had been II
pursuit OF the criminals, | still be
lieved 1t was for the purpose Of warn
ing them instead of capturing them
Yet, on the other hand, knew moth
ing about running a car. 1t was clear
~ out Of the question for me to TAX
Louise back, much as distruste,
Crandall. Anxiously l waited for hi
confession of acquaintance with tn
man In the hut.
yes, l knew him-only too we'll,
sid Crandall.
TELL me about him." said the II
spector. But wait-let us carry Mis-
Parrish inside the cottage where sh
will be sheltered from the night al
until you are ready TO start"
Il can walk" said Louise. I'm fac
! think l was more frightened tina
hurt"
l helped her to her feet and assis
ed her into the cottage, while l pile
some cushions that were lying abou
and made her comfortable. The nois
Of our entrance made no impressio
on the drug-stupefed man who lay O
the other side Of the room, but Davi
and Crandall crossed to where he la
and examined him closely.
He will not wake for sever,
hours" said Davis after feeling h
pulse. Kent and I will stay here VI
I'll then. You, Mr.. Crandall, win tab
Miss Parrish home, and you, Dodd
Us soon as it's daylight, had better {
look for Rousers body"
Il don't have to look for it," sal
the constable with q shudder. II kno
Just where II is. It's long way
round by the road, though"
Take the blackboard" said Davi
land when you reach the body {
through all the pockets carefully al
bring me everything you find. You
AathRe not taks the body back to Ar