Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1914-04-24

were signs of q struggle-but II isn't
necessary to go into that. Now. as to
their arrival at the inn. The blizzard
had not set in. Last night was dark.
Of course. as there IL no moon, but 1t
was clear and rather warm for the
time of year. The couple came here
about nine o'clock in a high power run
about machine. which the man drove.
They had no hand baggage and appar-
emily had run out from New York.
Burton says he was on the point of
refusing them ACCOMMODATION when
the man handed him q hundred-dollar
bill. 1t was more than Burton's Gu
pidity could Withstand. They did not
register. The state license numbers
had been removed from the automo-
bile. which wal. of foreign make. OF
course it was OILY a question of time
until We could have found out who
the car belonged to. 1t is perfectly
obvious why he removed the num-
bers"
At this juncture Drake entered the
room. Mrs. Wrandall did not at first
recognize him.
1T has stopped showing" announced
the newcomer.
"Oh, it is Mr.. Drake" she murmured.
I'VE have a little French car. painted
red," she announced to the sheriff
without giving Drake another thought.
And this one Is red, madam" said
the sheriff. with a glance at the coro-
ner. Drake nodded his head. Mrs.
Wrandall's body stifened perceptibly,
as IL DETECTING a blow. 1T IL still
standing in the garage. where he left
it on his arrival.
Did no one see the face of-of the
woman asked Mrs. Wrandall. rather
querulously. 1T seems odd that no
one should have seen her face" she
went on without waiting for an an.
swer. 40 ~.
Its not strange. madam. when you
consider all the circumstances. She
was very careful not to remove her
veil or her coat until the door was
locked. That proves that she was not
the sort of woman we usually find gal
lavanting around with men regardless
of-ahem. beg your pardon. This
must be very distressing to you"
II am not sure. Mr.. Sheriff, that 1t ID
my husband who lies up there. Please
remember that" she said steadily. I'll
is easier to hear the details now, be
fore / know. than 1t will be afterward
II 1t should turn out to be a. Mr.
Drake declares" -
Il see," said the sheriff, marveling
Besides, Mr.. Drake is not positive,
put in the coroner hopefully.
Il am reasonably certain" said
Drake.
Then all the more reason why
should have the story first" said she
with q SILVER that no one failed to OBJ
serve.
The sheriff resumed his conclusions
Women of the kind referred to 9
moment ago don't care whether they're
seen or not In fact, they're rather
brazen about it. But this one was
different She was as far from thai
as it was possible for her to be. We
haven't been able to find anyone who
saw her face or who can give the leas,
idea as to what she looks like, except
ing a general description Of her figure
her carriage and the outdoor garment,
she wore. We have reason to believe
she was young. She was modestly
dressed. Her colt was one of those
heavy ulster affairs, such as q woman
uses in motoring or on a sea voyage
There was a small sable stole abou
her neck. The skirt was short, ant
she wore high black shoes of tn,
thick walking type. judging from
Burton's description she must have
been about your eixe and figure. Mrs
Wrandall. Isn't that 30. Mrs. Bur
toni"
The innkeeper's wife spoke. Yes
Mr.. Harden. I'd say SO myself Abou
i've feet six, I'd Judge; rather slim
and graceful like, in spite Of the BIZ
coat"
Mrs. Wrandall was watching tn
woman's face. 81 am Eve feet six.
she said, as II answering question.
The sheriff cleared his throat some
what needlessly.
Burton says she acted a. II sh
were a lady" he went on. mot tn
kind that usually comes out here Of
such expeditions. he admits. She di
not speak to anyone, except once Y
, very low tones to the man she wa
with, and then she was standing b.
the fireplace out in the main ONCE
quite q distance. from the desk. Sh
went upstairs alone, and he gave som
. orders to Burton before following heI
That was the last time Burton say
her. The waitress went up with a spe
cially prepared supper about half a
hour later"
1T seems quite clear, Mrs. Wrar
dali. that she robbed the man afte
stabbing him." said the coroner.
Mrs. wrandall started. Then Oh
was not a lady. after ALL" she sal
quickly. There was Q note Of relic
in her voice. It was - II she ha
put aside a half-formed conclusion.
His pockets. were empty. Not
penny had been left. Watch. cui
, links, scarf pin. cigarette case. purs
! and bill folder-all gone. Burton ha
seen most of these articles In tn
, ONCE"
isn't it-but no! Why should
, be the one to offer q suggestion tha
might be construed - . defense to
| this woman!"