Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1915-12-10

she came down at last carrying Q III
tie handbag. We drove OF . moment
later.
1t was Q delightful ride. not too
warm. but sunny. Without realizing
1t, we found ourselves on the road
that led past Del Mars.
As we approached. saw that there
was q taxicab standing in front Of the
gate. The hood was lifted and the
driver was apparently tinkering with
his engine.
Lets not STOP" said Elaine. who
had by this time q peculiar aversion to
the man.
AS we passed the driver. apparently
not seeing US. stepped out and, before
we could turn out, We had knocked
him down. We stopped and ran back.
There he lay on the road, seemingly
unconscious. We lifted him up and ]
looked toward Del Mars house.
Help" shouted at the top Of my
voice.
The valet came to the door
Hearing me, the valet ran out down
the walk. IAN right" he cried, III
be there in a minute"
With his help picked up the taxi
cab chauffeur and we carried him into
the house.
Del Mar was talking with person
who looked like a widow. when they
heard our approach up the walk carry
ing the injured man.
So engrossed had they been in dis
corning what the stolen document con-
tanned that, as we finally entered, the
widow had only time to drop her veil
and conceal her identity as the rene
gade Smith. Del Mar still held the
plan in his hand.
The valet and entered with Elaine
and we placed the chauffeur on a
couch near Del Mars desk. ] remem-
Der that there was this strange wom-
an all in black, heavily yelled. in the
room at the time.
II think we ought to telephone for a
DOCTOR" said Elaine, placing her hand
bag on the desk and excitedly telling
Del Mar how we had accidentally
knocked the man down.
Call up my doctor, Henry" said
Del Mar, hastily thrusting the plan
into a book lying on the desk.
We gathered about the man. trying
to revive him.
Have you a little stimulant?"
asked. turning from him.
Del Mar moved toward a cellarette
built into the wall. We were all watch
ing him, our backs to the chauffeur
when suddenly he must have regained
consciousness very much. Like a flash
his hand shot out. He seized the plan
from between the leaves Of the book
He had not time to get away with II
himself. Perhaps he might be searched
He opened Elaine's bag and thrust II
in.
The valet by this time had finished
telephoning and spoke to Del Mar.
THE doctor will be here shortly
Miss Dodge" said Del Mar. You neet
not wait, If you don't care to. I'll TAXI
care of him."
"Oh, thank you-ever so much" sh'
murmured. "Of course 1t wasn't oul
fault. but 1 feel sorry for the poor fel
low. Tell the doctor to send me thu
bill"
She and Del Mar shook hands.
thought he held her hand perhaps
little longer and a little tighter thai
usual. At any rate Elaine seemed Il
think 80.
why. what a curious ring, Mr.. De
Mar" she said, finally releasing he
hand from his grasp.
Then she locked quickly at the won
an, half joking, as II the ring ha'
something to do with the strang
woman. She looked back at the rins
Del Mar smiled, shook his head an
laughed easily.
Then Elaine picked up her bag an
we went out. A moment later we ha
climbed back into the car and were Of
again.
.
Having left us at the door. Del Ma
hurried back to the library. He wen
I straight to the desk and picked u
/ the book, eager now to make sure
the safety of his plan.
It was gone!
Did you, Smith" he began hal
\ tily, then checked himself, KNOWN
| that the clerk had not taken tn
/ plan.
Del Mar walked over to the couc
and stood q moment looking at tn
4 chauffeur. II wonder who he is," b
said to himself. Il don't recall eve
\ seeing him at the station or in tn
\ village"
He leaned closer. THE deuce!" b
exclaimed, that's q fake beard tn
fellow has on"
Del Mar made Q lunge for it. A
he did so the chauffeur leaped to b
y feet. Hands up" he shoute'
And the first man that moves is
Il dead one!"
e Before the secret agent knew
both he and Smith were covered. III
q chauffeur took q step toward SDit
o and unceremoniously jerked on Il
e widows weeds. as well as the wig.
At that very moment one Of D
=. Mars men came up to the secret pa
q ell that opened from the undergrour
o passageway into the library. He wi
Is about to open 1t when he heard
d sound on the other side that startlt
d him. He listened a moment then 81
1