The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-10-16

face with his arm. His three cronies
leaped to the window, and looked out.
There was moon. But there was no
one to be seen. The owner OF the
hand and arm had disappeared. WEIGH
er, coming to himself, clutched at the
note. and unfolded it and read.
My Charming Friend: Ut said)
Once more have returned from New
York. ] stay at Lonesome Cove Inn.
Meet me there tomorrow afternoon
perhaps should say-this afternoon
at three. II is Of importance. When
you come, inquire for bnez castro-t
have used that name In order that
certain mutual friends might not hear
Of Il. Az ever.
Irene Courier.
That afternoon at three Lonesome
Cove-three miles north Of Seaport
was graced by the presence OF Joe
Welcher Welcher made bee line
for the cafe and properly spiced up
his breath before proceeding to keep
the rendezvous. Then he approached
Mulligan. the ill favored proprietor.
You got certain party here OF the
name of Inez Costro," whispered
Welcher to Mulligan.
What's that to you," said Mulligan,
Welcher produced his note-the note
produced an unusual effect upon Null
ligan. He dropped his surliness. and
with a wink beckoned to Welcher,
leading him down dim corridor. Go
up that there staircase" he command
ed, land knock at Number Seven
II sent for you," lnez began. that
you should do favor for me"
Welcher seized her hand. That was
his undoing. In a moment she was in
his arms, struggling. He kissed her
/, full upon the lips.
IN 60 to hell and back for you he
said Struggling, she half screamed
Then something happened Unknown
to Welcher, the door Of Room Seven
opened noiselessly, and well dressed
man, with saber cut across his face
entered on tiptoe He closed the door
behind him. and stood there, watching
the struggle, silent, sinister.
Suddenly Inez screamed. She re
leased herself from Welcher's arms
and reeled against the table, her eye:
wide with fright.
"My-my husband" she gasped. Sht
held out her hands pleadingly TOWARD
the newcomer. Welcher covered II
abject terror.
1T was nothing-nothing," gaspe'
Inez. "a bit of play-nothing else-be
lieve me-"
Hernandez smiled-a wicked smile
He never looked at lnez. He glared a
Joey Welcher.
so l see" he said, "a bit Of play.
He whistled The door opened ono
again Two figures entered-the brut
and Ponto Hernandez gave a sign
and the brute picked Joe Welcher VI
whirled him in the air, and brough
him down seated at the table. Thi
was the added finishing touch to max
, Joe realize his helplessness. Herman
DEE clapped his hands and the brut
, left the room. PontO. the fat Mex
, can, curled himself up underneath tn
table. Hernandez seated himself.
"A bit of play" laughed Hernande
, harshly. Then his brow furrowed wit
, wrinkles, his eyes became stern.
a Young SIR" he said. your fost'
sister is one Annette Ellington. Yc
, live in the same house with her. 81
has in her possession q small oilsk
packet-a yellow packet - possib
you've seen IT."
. He waited for an answer. Joe mo-
!, tened his dry lips and nodded.
well and good" went on HERNIA
I DEE, that packet Is mine-it belon
d to me. You shall steal It from her
e steal it for me. You understands
Hernandez smiled. Then his IA
o froze. His hand darted forward a
i he clutched Welcher by the wri
My young friend" went on Herns
'. deg, you are a crook. have watch
p you from FIRST to last. Always ha
v watched you. watched you VIII
y you made love to my young wife Il
r. day. watched you when You sti
q. her money from her . week or
> ago"
GIVE me a drink" cried Welch
u go on. What do you want me to dc
First" returned Hernandez, 4
II nothing to anyone-about me or
companions-nor about Inez here
= nothing. To you We are AS . sea
r book Break silence and-well.
ancestors were Of the Spanish inqu
>. ton. my young friend. Silence con
., first. Next, get that packet l CT
n not by what means-and bring 1t
~ me at the time and place l shall he
- after designate. Now go. TONIC
~ YOU understand-tonight.
10. That night, Welcher, fully dress
ne and tossing In his restless bed, he
= the tap-tap of pebbles on his wind
Startled, he rose and peered witho
pr. The sky was cloudless and the mt
nv three-quarters-by its rays he 6
he three crouching fgures-shadows
the night One of these figures b
a up a white hand Welcher respon
20 with a silent signal; and then dl
ne back into his room. He drew from
p" pocket a pint flask and drank dc
ar He smoked a cigarette, taking gu
swift, strong puffs and inhaling dee
he needed strength. He waited
til the tingling OF that first drink
entered his system; and then he t
another and another. Then he
IN. ioiced, for he was reckless now, n
Nd less as to consequences. He lit
IN other cigarette. and tossed the ligt