Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-08-12

I 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
could find only the most perfunctory
of responses Jessie Wizards secret
distress sat heavily upon them all. As
eagerly disposed as Tom was to be In
! DeAas company, yet it was with a
sense of relief that be separated from
the two girls. after agreeing to reioin
them at the Claremont at noon.
Thirty minutes later be 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-
fcation deepened at the bald informa-
ton that mr.. Rudolph was out of the
city"
Out OF the city," Tom hawled into
the mouthpiece what the devil DO
you mean? Where out OF the city,"
But Barnicle had hung up.
oh. WELL" he reflected by and by,
hes learned something about Miss
Carow and is off to see about it. III
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 his
name whispered by her pretty lips
he grinned broadly and happily.
The grin. however, was cut short by
a sudden realiza ion that Mr. Phineas
Flint was standing of at a little die
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
broadcast Interpretation OF the saluta-
tion could not construe 1t as an inquiry
touching upon the state of Mr.. Flint's
health and happiness.
That gentleman did not Immediately
respond. but presently his eyes
wrinkled In a smile.
II 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 ! learned it myself" returned
Tom.
Mr.. Fllnts eyebrows went up "In.
deed2 Then you haven't been to-
gether?"
Tom shook his head Il have found
a position"-he indicated bis uniform
- have been pretty busy. 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 III at
ease. for he dreaded the astute officers
powers of discernment.
Il am rather anxious TO find him."
Mr.. Flint ended another pause.
II haven't the least idea where he
IT," said Tom. Learned anything
new7"
The detective produced u small strip
of paper upon which were a half-dozen
or so typewriter lines: this he ssN
holding in one hend.
= Il have just come from Mr.. Theo-
dore Van Vechten." he said with
whimsical air. He sent for me"
The dickens he did," Tom ex-
pressed his astonishmeut. About your
murder case?-~Miss Carewg"
With his customary deliberation. the
other amplined.
Mr.. Theodore Van Vechten is a
man who can neither be surprised nor
forced from his retlcence. obeyed
The summons rather hopefully, and
learned just what be wanted me to-
no more. no less. He had the informa.
ton all ready for me, written upon
this slip of paper"
Tom conteuted himself with grunt
that was expressive OF his bewilder-
ment and curiosity; he did not want to
set precedent by asking too many
questions Mr.. Flint went on:
1T took him something less than
twenty seconds TO tell me what he
wanted and dismiss me" He seemed
10 have enjoyed the episode. with
out word OF greeting or preface. he
said. If yeu want to find Max VIII
| lard"
Just that. II you want to nnd Max
Willard, perhaps this will hslp YOU.
He handed me this bit OF typew riting.
and was shown out OF the office. |
am now on my way to follow up the in
formation: but | should like to have
seen Mr. Rudolph first"
/ lie handed Tom the slip Of paper.
who read with growing bewilderment.
| On August Is, 1871. letters patent
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