Mexico Missouri message., 1914-05-21

US! sne salu "lth hOOeI Hltlc
smile.
II you don't mind. I'll meet you
hcre-any time you say" returned
Tom. 81 want to run down TO my
club and look up a friend. then I'll
be free"
Della glanced doubtfully at Jessie
Willard. we might take you as far
az Central park, she proposed
Thank you--if Ill not be in the
way"
And the long ride downward was
made in silence, save for an occasional
remark from Della, 10 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
Dclia's company yet II was with a
sense OF relief that he separated from
the two girls. after agreeing to rcioin
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. lie
promptly called up the Kenmore and
got Barnicle On the wire. His mysti-
ication deepened at the bald informa-
ton that Mr. Rudolph was out of the
city"
"Out OF the city," Tom bawled 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,
he's learned something about Miss
Carcw 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 well that he don't see
me"
Then with a 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
sudden realization that Mr.. Phineas
Flint was standing off at a 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
broadcast Interpretation OF the saluta-
ton could not construe 1t as an inquiry
! touching upon the state Of Mr.. Flints
| health and happiness.
That gentleman did not Immediately
respond, but presently his 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. Fllnts eyebrows went up. TN
deed? Then YOU haven't been to-
/ gether?"
Tom shook his head. 81 have found
a position"-he indicated his 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 i'll at
ease. for he dreaded the astute officers
powers OF discernment.
Il 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 50 typewriter lines; this he sal
holding in one hand
Il have just come from Mr. Thee
dore Van Vechten," he said with 6
whimsical air. He sent for me-"
The dickens he did" Tom ex
! pressed his establishment. About YOU
murder case?-Miss Carew?"
With his customary elaboration, tn,
other amplifed.
Mr.. Theodore Van Vechten is
man who can neither be surprised no
forced from his reticence. obeyeC
the summons rather hopefully, and
learned just what he wanted me to-
no more, no less. He had the informa
ton all ready for me, written upol
this slip OF paper"
Tom contented himself with a grun
that was expressive OF his bewildeI
, ment and curiosity; he did not want L
set precedent by asking too man
questions. Mr. Flint went on:
1t took him something less tina
. | twenty seconds TO tell me what h
l. wanted and dismiss me-" He SCENE
!, to have enjoyed the episode. witt
out word Of greeting or preface, h
: said: If you want to find Max WI
/ lard"
b Just that. II you want to find Ma
Willard, perhaps this will help you
e lie handed me this bit Of typewrltin,
q and ! was shown out OF the Office
Il am now on my way to follow up the fl
. formation; but | should like TO hay
g seen Mr.. Rudolph first"
a He handed Tom the slip OF pape
a who read with growing bewllderment
d On August IS, 1911. letters pater
were Issued to Max Willard, New Yorl
through Patterson, Reed e Patterson