Elmore County Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1910-1915, 1915-11-13


window was raised swiftly but noise
lessly, and from without.
One of Joe's friends across. the table
rose, with terror written on his face.
He pointed with his finger at the win
dow.
Look, look" he cried. They looked.
A long thin, gristly brown arm with
long clawlike fingers, thrust itself
through the window and thrust fold
ed piece of paper into the breast
pocket of Joe Welcher's coat. Joe
sprang to his feet, crouched terror
stricken in the corner, shielding his
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
err, 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. 1t is of Importance. When
you come, inquire for lnez Castro
have used that name In order that
certain mutual friends might not hear
of It. As ever.
Irene courtier.
That afternoon at three Lonesome
Coye-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 Ill favored proprietor.
"You got certain party here of the
name of Inez Costro," whispered
iWelcher 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 wink beckoned to Welcher,
leading him down a dim corridor. GO
up that there staircase" he command
ed, "and knock at Number Seven"
Il sent for YOU Inez began, that
you should do favor for me-"
Welcher seized her hand. That was
his undoing. In 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 a we'll 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 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-
ieve me-"
Hernandez smiled-a wicked smile.
He never looked at Inez. He glared at
Joey Welcher.
$50 | see," he said, "a bit of play"
lie whistled The door opened once
lgain. Two figures entered-the brute
md Ponto. Hernandez gave a sign
Ind the brute picked Joe Welcher up,
vhirled him in the air, and brought
lin down seated at the table. This
vas the added finishing touch to make
oe realize his helplessness Herman
ez clapped his hands and the brute
eft the room. Ponto, the fat Mexi.
an, curled himself up underneath the
able. Hernandez seated himself.
"A bit of play" laughed Hernandez,
arshly. Then his brow furrowed with
his eyes became stern.
Young SIR" he said, your foster
lister is one Annette Ellington. You
we in the same house with her. She
90 Al hCi pO5oC5olOu d ouudll OllShlu
acket-a yellow packet possibly
ou've seen it?"
He waited for an answer Joe mois-
ened his dry lips and nodded.
well and good" went on Herman
ez, that packet is mine-it belongs
me. You shall steal it from her
teal it for me. You understand"
Hernandez smiled. Then his face
'oze. His hand darted forward and
@ clutched Welcher by the wrist
my young friend" went on Herman
ez, you are crook. have watched
Oh from first to last. Always / have
atched you. / watched you while
ou made love to my young wife this
ny. / watched you when you stole q
er money from her a week or so v
60" s
Give me drink" cried Welcher, 4
70 on. What do you want me to do?"
First" returned Hernandez, SAY .
,thing to anyone-about me or my Il
about Inez here
,thing. To you we are as a sealed 5
'ok, Break silence and-weIl, my
lcestors were of the Spanish inquisi- n
IN, my young friend. Silence comes IL
st. Next, get that packet. / care IL