Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1915-12-25

There was a 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
Ny Charming Friend: az said)
Once more | have returned from New
York. ! stay at Lonesome Cove Inn.
Meet me there tomorrow afternoon
perhaps | should say--thls afternoon
at three. II is Of Importance. When
you come, inquire for Inez Castro
have used that name in order that
certain mutual friends might not hear
of II. As ever,
Irene courtier.
That afternoon at three Lonesome
Cove-three miles north OF Seaport
was graced by the presence of Joe
Welcher. Welcher made a bee line
for the cafe and properly spiced up
his breath before proceeding to keep
the rendezvous Then he approached
Mulligan. the i'll 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 n dim corridor. Go
up that there staircase" he command
ed. "and knock at Number Seven"
81 sent for you" Inez 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
"I'll go 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 a 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 eyes
wide with fright
"My-my husband" she gasped. She
held out her hands pleadingly toward
the newcomer Welcher covered in
abject terror.
1T was nothing-nothing. gasped
Inez. "a bit of play nothing else-be-
lieve me-"
Hernandez smiled--a wicked smile
He never looked at Inez He glared at
Joey Welcher
so sce.' he said. "a bit OF play"
He whistled The door opened once
again. Two figures entered brute
and Ponto. Hernandez gave sign
and the brute picked Joe Welcher up.
whirled him In the air. and brought
him down seated at the table. This
was the added finishing touch to make
Joe realize his helplessness. Herman
dez clapped his hands and the brute
left the room. Ponto. the fat Mexl.
can, curled himself up underneath the
table. Hernandez seated himself.
"A bit OF play" laughed Hernandez.
harshly Then his brow furrowed with
wrinkles. his eyes became stern.
Young sir" he said. your foster
sister Is one Annette Ellington. You
live in the same house with her She
has "a her possession a small ollskin
packet-a yellow packet - possibly
you've seen it,"
He waited for an answer. Joe mois.
tened his dry lips and nodded.
We'll and good" went on Herman.
DEE. that packet is mine-lt belongs
to me. You shall steal 1t from her
steal IL for me. You understand"
Hernandez smiled. Then his face
froze. His hand darted forward and
he clutched Welcher by the wrist
MY young friend. went on Herman
DEE. you are crook. have watched
you from first to last Always have
watched you. | watched you while
you made love TO my young wife this
day. watched you when you stole
her money from her a week or so
ago"
Give me a drink" cried Welcher
go on. What do you want me TO do?'
First" returned Hernandez. SAY
nothing TO anyone about me or my
comprehension about lneZ here
nothing. To lou we are as a sealed
book Break silence and-well. my
ancestors were OF the Spanish inquisi
ton. my young friend Silence comes
first Next. get that packet. care
not by what means-and bring II to
me at the time aud place | shall here.
after designate. Now 30. Tonight
you understand-tonight."
That night. Welcher. fully dressed
and tossing in his restless bed. heard