The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1913-01-30
CHAPTER XIII.
The Strange Vigil.

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, un-
conscious with the death-llke 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 CrandaH
should take Louise back to town in
the automobile as soon as she was
able to travel.
After She has had an hours rest
here" he said authoritatiyely, her
nerves will have recovered sufficiently.
1t is important that the wound in her
arm should be dressed as quickly as
possible. II will be we'll, too, for her
to return as speedily as possible to
her father and sister. Her continued
absence, if it 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, if you will
pardon me for asking, who are you?"
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?"
Pm here" said the inspector. Il
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 Crsndall again,
how did you know 1t was Aleck
Young?"
so you know him ?" said the inspec-
tor, with note of inquiry in his voice.
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 with
my handkerchief to staunch the slight
flow of blood that was still coming
from the bullet wound. / had been
strongly tempted to voice protest,
when | heard Davis arrange for Lou
ise's return in the automobile with
Crandall, for while Davis seemed to
think he. like ourselves, had been in
pursuit of the criminals, | still be-
lieved it was for the purpose of warn
ing them instead of capturing them.
Yet, on the other hand, knew moth
ing about running car. 1t was clear
~ out of the question for me to take
Louise back, much as / distrusted
CrandalI Anxiously waited for his
confession of acquaintance with the
man in the hut.
Yes, / knew him-only too we'll"
said Crandall.
Tell me about him." said the in
spector. But wait--let us carry Miss
Parrish inside the cottage where she
will be sheltered from the night air
until you are ready to start.
Il can walk" said Louise. in fact,
/ think I was more frightened than
hurt"
Il helped her to her feet and assist
ed her into the cottage, while l piled
some cushions that were lying about
and made her comfortable. The noise
Of our entrance made no impression
On the drug-stupefied man who lay on
the other side of the room, but Davis
and Crandall crossed to where he lay
and examined him closely.
He will not wake for several
hours" said Davis after feeling his
pulse. Kent and / will stay here un-
til then. You, Mr.. Crandall, will take
Miss Parrish home, and you, Dodds,
as soon as it's daylight, had better go
look for Rouser's body"
Il don't have to look for it" said
the constable with a shudder. Il know
just where it is. It's a long ways
round by the road, though"
Take the blackboard" said Davis,
and when you reach the body go
through all the pockets carefully and
bring me everything you find. You'd
better not take the body back to Ard