Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1914-10-15

heard Of him; he belongs to none Of the
French societies; he's not known in the
French quarter. He seems to have
dropped in from the clouds. We've
cabled our Paris office to look hin up;
we may hear from there tonight. But
Theophile d'Aurelle, it won't help us
any"
Why not?" 1 demanded.
Because it is evident that that isn't
his name"
Go ahead and tell me. Godfrey" I
said, as he looked at me, smiling. Il
don't see It,"
Why it's plain enough. He a five
cards in his pocket. no two alike. The
sixth, selected probably at random. he
had sent up to Vantine."
l saw it then, Of course; and 1 felt a
good deal as the Spanish savants must
have felt when Columbus stood the
egg on end. Godfrey smiled again at
my expression.
THE real d'Aurelle, whoever he may
turn out to be. may be able to lielp us"
he added. IF he can't, we may learn
something from the Paris police. The
dead mans Bertillon measurements
have been cabled over to them. Even
that won't help, If he has never been
atIeSteu. ana, OIL course, we cant get
at movtise until we find out something
about him"
But. Godfrey" I said, suppose you
knew who he was and what he wanted
with Vantine-suppose you could make
a guess at who killed him INC why
how was it done? That is what
lstumps me. How was it done?"
"Ah!" agreed Godfrey. That's it!
How was it done? l told you it was a
pretty case, Lester. But wait till we
hear from Paris"
That reminds" 1 said. sitting up
suddenly. I've got to cable to Paris
myself, on some business for Mr.. Van
tine"
Mot connected with this AFFAIR.""
oh, no; his shippers over there sent
him a piece Of furniture that doesn't
belong to him.. He asked me to
tstraighten the matter put"
! l range for the hall boy, asked for a
cable blank, and sent off a message
to Armand & Son, telling them of the
mistake and asking them to cable the
name of the owner Of the cabinet now
In Mr.. Vantine's possession. Godfrey
sat smoking reflectively while 1 was
thus ngage staring straight before
him with eyes that saw nothing; but
as 1 sat down again and took up my
pipe, ready to continue the conversa-
ton. he gave himself a sort of shake,
put on his hat, and got to his feet.
Il must be moving along he said.
There's no use sitting here theorizing
until We have some sort of foundation
to build on"
"Goldberger was right in one thing"
l remarked. He pointed out, after you
left, that most crimes are no ro-
maces. but mere brutalities. Per-
haps this one
The ringing of my telephone topped
me.
Hello" I said, taking down the re-
rs that you. Mr.. Lester?" asked a
voice.
Yes"
This is Parks" and 1 suddenly real
lied that his voice was unfamiliar be-
cause it was hoarse and quivering with
emotion. Gould you come down to the
house right away, sir?"
why, yes" l said, wonderingly, "if
it's important. Does Mr.. Vantine need
meg"
I'VE all need you!" said the voice,
and broke into a dry sob. For Gods
sake, come quick, Mr.. Lester!"
All right" I said without further
pened down at vantine's," 1 added to
Godfrey, as 1 hung up the receiver.
Parks seems to be scared to death.
He wants me to come down right
away" n l reached for my hat and
coat.
Shall I come. too?" asked Godfrey.
Even under the stress of the mo-
ment, I could not but smile at the ques-
ton and at tho tone in which it was
uttered.
Perhaps you'd better" 1 agreed. ut
sounded pretty serious"
We went down together in the ele-
vator, and three minutes later we had
hailed a taxi and were speeding east
ward toward the avenue. 1t had start |
ed to drizzle. and the asphalt shone
like a black mirror. dancing with
the light along either side. The
streets were almost empty, for the
theater-crowd a passed, and as
we reached the avenue and turned
down town. the driver pushed
up his spark, and we hurtled along to-
ward Fourteenth street at a speed
which made me think Of the traffic reg
ulations. But no policeman interfered, |
and five minutes later we drew I'D be-
fore the Vantine place.
Parks must rave been on the front
steps looking for me. for he came run
ming down them almost before the car
had stopped. I caught a glimpse of his
face under the street lights, as I thrust
a bill into the drivers hand and a.
fairly startled me.
lis 1t you, Mr.. Lester?" he Rasned.
Good God. but I'm glad you're her,:
I caught him by the arm.
Steady. man,"I said. Don't let
yourself go to pieces. Now-what has
h%appened?" aa
He seemed to take a sort of desperate
grip OF himself.
fCOnffn11oI rovA ,1