The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-12-20
| [5i6 TIME
| - - -. LOCK |
By CHARLES EDMONDS WALK |
Author of THE Silver Blade"
"The Paternoster Ruby" etc.
copyright 1912 oy A. c. McClurz Coz
CHAPTER vi.
e 500 Reward,

When Rudolph Van Vechten rallied
from the staggering blow Of the brutal
scarehead he cOntrived by a mighty
effort to focus his attention upon the
sensational news story that lay below,
and which shrieked as loud as a Law
ish use of black ink and red ink and
double leads could make it. There
were smaller headlines-but visible
enough, heaven knows-which bore
his uncles's name and his own, and
most inconspicuously of all-doubtless
as being the least important factor
Mrs. DevereauXs.
In the first place, it was made I'M
mistakable that everybody who knew
or should have known where Paige
Carew was, either would not tell or
else they did not know, and it was
demonstrated how this reticence was
conclusive evidence that she had en-
cOuntered some untoward fate. Every
possible change was rung upon the eX-
cited query in the hectic headline:
Where is Paige Carew?"
Rudolph Van Vechten, prominent
clubman and wellknown society ia
vorite, the missing girls fance, had
been signally evasive in his replies.
The interview with him was quoted in
full, and the abusive comments made
it appear as if he were at the time dis
tressed to the verge of insanity. So
4 recent celebrated abduction case
was summarized. and certain similari-
ties between it and Miss Carew's
evanishment were played up strong"
the deliberate intention of course be
ing TO insinuate that the girl had met
with a like outrage.
In short, so adrOitly was the whole
thing worded that the Sphere in no
way committed itself; and however
Miss Carew might reappear. and what
ever the subsequent explanation, 1t
would be good tor another front
page" story, and the Sphere would
have nothing to retraCt.
Van Vechten, white with rage,
CRASHED his teeth. CHANGING up TO
ascertain whether he was the target
OF too many curious eyes, and discov-
ering that he and Tom were once more
alone, he gave vent to a huShed but
heated expression Of his feelings.
I
sheet with vicious jab OF his fist, lis
: damnable. If that meddling little re-
! porter were here I'd thrash him within
| an inch of his life. Lord. won't Uncle
| Theodore rage and tear his hair
when he sees it? Believe me, old chap,
! there'n be something doing now.
! . Alexander! Where did that
boy go?"
| Alexander was upon the scene al
! childlike innocence.
! Van Vecnten instructed:
! Telephone the Kenmore garage and
have Ramley fetch my touring car
here immediately-the largest one"
Ensconced in one of the clubs
! booths, Alexander soon got the gar
age and next Ramley, whom he thus
| addressed:
Say, you Ramley hick, your boss
wants his biggest buzz-wagon at the
. Powhatan, c. Q. D. J'get it?
! Watts that? Who? Me? Well,
I'd rather be fresh kid than picked
mutt. Beat it, youse, and don't get
pinched on the way, else youseI be
chasin' annuder job"
| Whereupon he forestalled further re-
partee by speedily hanging up and re,
Stunning his occupation of lurking, un
observed but strictly vigilant, in the
offing.
! That Ramley not only got the i'm
port Of AleXander's message, but ap
!. preciated its urgency as we'll, was
proved by his prompt appearance.
This beats hunting taXis every
minute or So" Van Vechten explained
. to Tom, and Ramley might as we'll be
earning his wages. I'll just keep him
. at hand for emergencies.
) Let Ramley go; I'd rather run the
: machine than listen to you talk, any
. how" returned Tom. candidly. a
. fellow might have a chance tc think
The offer was considered seriously
and, to Toms satisfaction, favorably.
Perhaps" Van Vechten returned
1T might be as we'll not to have toe
. many witnesses in case anything very
private occurs; even the best of ser
. Notwithstanding Barnicle, of course
. can be made to talk, if cleverl!
. manipulated"
Alexander went to fetch Toms mo
. toring gear from the cloakroom locker
!: and Ramley was dismissed.
: Under Toms expert guidance the
!. huge machine glided silently over t
Fourth avenue, across Union square
!. to Broadway, and down that bus.
|. channel. as if it were held within thu
!. speed limits only with the utmost diff
|. Guilty. Arrived at the New street OF
!. fees, Tom remained with the motto
|. while Van Vechten fastened to hi
: uncle.
!. The Man Of Iron, it was quickl.
!: learned, had already seen the Sphere
article. And something was alread
!: doing. too. Outwardly entirely VI