Devils Lake weekly world. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1911-1914, 1914-01-09


IF riedrich," she cried, "what have
done to Mary7"
tering incoherently Ike a monkey. He
was followed by a thick set, coarse
young man, very much the worse for
Greenwich village whisky.
Mrs. Martin and Kreisler eyed them
coldly, unmoved until Gage managed
to sputter out:
"This house is watched!"
"Friedrich!" gasped Mrs. Martin. At
the word her constant fears became
fulfilled %prophesies of evil. But Kreis-
ler's pale gray face remained calm.
"Nonsense!" he said doubtingly.
Gage, without waiting for comments,
began feverishly opening secret caches
and packing his belongings in a suit
case. Skidd lurched forward against
the table and brought down his fist
with a crash that spattered acid about.
"Don't.you?" he demanded, drunken
ly. "Well. do you believe I'm drunk?'
The Germans Disguised growl was
sufficient answer.
"Well." went on Skidd, they didn't
get me SO drunk l couldn't keep my
eyes On them"
BE dropped into q chair, grumbling
d%efantly. Mrs. Martin approached
him TREMENDOUSLY.
What is it? What has %happened?"
"Some ones on to u.s." snapped Gage
without turning his head. Skidd wav-
ed his hand for silence and told his
story with the exaggerated impressive
ness of the Importantly drunk. But it
was none the less alarming.
"a wise young guy tried to warm
up to me in a saloon" he said, while
Kreisler and the woman listened close
ly, "and l couldn't get him drunk.
And, believe me, there's something do
ing when l can't get a a drunk.
"And there's a new newsboy ove on
the corner. That's dern funny. now,
amt it," Without the slightest hurry
or expression Of alarm Kreisler began
packing his things away in their hid
ing places. And Skidd, proud Of the
impression he had made, continued:
"And what l want to know is, Are
they after us or are they after that
new skirt you've got in here? Who is
she" he demanded, glazing at Mrs.
Martin. whats she wanted for?"
"She's all right. Skidd," Mrs. Martin
assured him, watching Kreisler at his
swift and silent work. "She's not
wanted for anything. know all about
her."
"Well, what's she $3.50 mysteri-
GUS about herself for?" demanded
Skidd. what do you want to keep
her shut up in that room for all the
time? I may be drunk. but l amt 80
drunk I can't be suspicious. l want to
zee that girl"
"That is impossible" declared Mrs.
Martin firmly.
Gage stepped forward and took the
drunken mans arm.
"You better go down and hit the
hay, Bill" he suggested. Skidd, blink
Ing at him ~anectionately, instantly
turned from his former design.
"D'you think l better, Simmy?' he
inquired.
Without answering him Gage pushed
him out Of the door and returned.
Kreisler was grumbling savagely I'M
der his breath.
Then Gage declared himself, shifting
nervously from one foot to the other as
he talked.
"Well, l fly this coop in the mornin',"
he declared-"early mornin'!! We're
nothin' but a pack Of deuces. Skidd
picked, your pocket picked and a pet
ticoat down in the parlor that you can't
get introduced to! Me for Philadel-
phia!"
Kreisler's lip curled contemptuously.
II would advise then, Mr.. Cage" he
began, that you take"-
The door burst open, and Skidd stag
gered into the room. All three started
at the expression of his round face.
The drink had died from his eyes. His
skin was pink and white and the whole
expression was one Of utter terror.
"Mrs. Martini" he gasped, there's q
man-there's a man down there!!"
Before any of the three could recover
the power of speech there was a sound
Of quick. firm footsteps and a rustic
of skirts, and Kayton strobe into the
room, followed by Miss Mazuret. The
detectives eyes were flashing with an
ger as they rested on Skidd. The 9th.
ers, save Mrs. Martin, he ignored.
what do you mean by trying to
force your way into this young lady's
room?" he demanded. advancing threat