Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1914-07-25

j suppose the launch VIII come for
us?" she said with a sober little
smile.
IF you don't mind, I'll meet you
here-any time you say" returned
Tom. Il want to run down to my
club and look up a friend, then III
be free"
Della glanced doubtfully at Jessie
! Willard. we might take you as far
as Central park" she proposed.
Thank you-if I'll not be in the
way"
And the long ride downward was
made in silence, save for an occasional
remark from Della, to which Tom
OF responses. Jessie Wizards secret
distress sat heavily upon them all AS
eagerly disposed as Tom was to be in
Delia's company. yet 1t was with a
sense Of relief that he separated from
the two girls, after agreeing to reioin
them at the Claremont at noon
Thirty minutes later he was at the
Powhatan. learning with incredulous
surprise that Van Vechten had not
been there since last Tuesday. He
promptly called up the Kenmore and
got Barnicle on the wire. His mysti-
fiCation deepened at the bald informa-
ton that Mr.. Rudolph was out of the
city"
out of the ethyl" Tom bawled into
the mouthpiece. What the devil do
you mean? Where out of the city,"
But Barnicle had hung up.
oh. we'll" he reflected by and by,
hes learned something about Miss
Carew and is off to see about it. I'll
just knock around town a while, then
catch a Central train and go back. It's
perhaps just as we'll that he don't see
me"
Then with vivid memory of the de-
lectable burden he had borne the
night before, Of the smile OF the unaf-
fected request that he carry her. of bis
name whispered by her pretty lips
he gTinned broadly and happily.
The grin. however, was cut short by
a sudden realization that Mr.. Phineas
Flint was standing OFF at little dis
lance scrutinizing him curiously
Flint advanced to where he was sit
ting in the lounge and helped himself
to an adjacent chair. Tom was not
precisely overjoyed at the encounter.
How do" he said shortly-the
broadest Interpretation of the saluta-
tion could not construe it as an inquiry
touching upon the state OF Mr.. Fllnt's
health and happiness.
That gentleman did not Immediately
respond. but presently bis eyes
wrinkled In a smile.
Il have just learned that Mr.. Ru-
dolph Van Vechten is out of the city"
he quickly remarked
1T hasn't been more than a minute
since l learned it myself" returned
Tom
Mr. Flints eyebrows went up. In
deed? Then you haven't been to-
gether7''
Tom shook his head. Il have found
position"-he indicated his uniform
~ have been pretty busy l took a
run downtown to look him up"
The detective seemed to be much
interested in Captain Phinney's uni
form. The latter was extremely Ill at
Sc. for he dreaded the astute officers
powers OF discernment.
L am rather anxious to find him"
Mr. Flint ended another pause.
Il haven't the least idea where he
is" said Tom. Learned anything
new"
The detective produced a small strip
OF paper upon which were a half-dozen
or so typewriter lines; this he sat
holding in one hand
Il have just come from Mr. Theo-
| dore Van Vechten." he said with a
whimsical air. He sent for me-"
The dickens he did," Tom ex-
| pressed his establishment About your
murder case Miss Carew?"
With his customary elaboration. the
/ other amplitied.
/ Mr.. Theodore Van Vechten is a
man who can neither be surprised nor
/ forced from his reticence. | obeyed
/ the summons rather hopefully. and l
/ learned just what he wanted me to-
no more, no less. He had the informa-
ton all ready for me. written upon
! Jnls SIP or paper.
Tom coLtelted himself with a grunt
that WAS expressive OF his bewilder-
ment and curiosity; he did not want to
set n precedent by asking too many
I questions Mr.. Flint went on:
1t took him something less than
twenty seconds to tell me- what he
wanted ana dismiss me" He seemed
to have enjoyed the episode. with.
out a word OF greeting or preface. he
said If you want to ind Max vii.
/ lard"
Just that Tfyou want to ind Max
Willard, perhaps this will help you.
He handed me this bit OF typewriting
and I was shown our Of the office ]
am now en- my way to follow up the in.
formation; but ! should like to have
seen Mr.. Rudolph first"
He handed Tom the slip Of paper