Mexico Missouri message., 1916-05-25


Il disagree with you. And beg you
to cut short your visit here, and re-
turn to your home at once"
In spite of herself the girl was sha-
ken by his persistence.
IL can't do that" she said uneasily.
And added, with fash of anger, Il
think you had better leave this house."
'If | leave this house now l may
never have chance to see you again"
The girl regarded him with level,
noncommittal eyes.
"And 1 have every intention OF see
ing you again--and again--and again.
Give me a chance; moment"
Average Jones' mind was of the en-
Urgency type. 1t summoned to it's aid,
without effort of cerebration on the
part of its owner, whatever was most
needed at the moment. Now It came
to his rescue With the memory of
Judge Ackroyd's encounter with the
drug clerk, as mentioned by Bertram.
Miss Graham, I've gone rather far,
I'll admit" said Jones; but, If you'll
give me the benefit of the doubt,
think l can show you some basis to
work on. II can produce something
tangible, may l come back this after
noon? I'll promise not to come unless
have good reason"
Somewhat to her surprise and I'M
easiness, Sylvia Graham experienced
distinct satisfaction when, late that
afternoon, she beheld her unconven-
tional acquaintance mounting the
steps with buoyant and assured step.
Upon being admitted, he went prompt
ly to the point.
1--WE got it,"
"Your justification for coming
back?" she asked.
Exactly. Have you heard anything
| of some trouble in which Judge Ack-
royd was involved last week."
'"Uncle has a very violent temper"
admitted the girl evasively. But 1
don't see what"
Pardon me. You will see. That
row with a drug clerk"
"Well?"
1.-THE drug clerk insisted-as the law
requires-on Judge Ackroyd register
ing for certain purchase"
Perhaps he was impertinent about
it."
Possibly. The point is that the
prospective purchase was cyanide OF
potassium, deadly and instantaneous
poison"
Are you sure?" asked the girl, in a
low voice.
Eve just come from the store. How
long have you been here at your un
cle's?"
"a week."
Then just about the time of your
coming with the dog, your uncle un
dertook to obtain a swift ard sure
poison. Have l gone far enough?"
Il don't know"
What is your uncle's attitude tow
ard the dog?"
Almost what you might call ingra
tiating. But Peter Paul-that's my
dogs name, you know-doesn't take
to uncle"
He's a wise old doggie," amended
the other with emphasis. when does
your uncle give up this house?"
"At the end of the week. Uncle
and aunt leave for Europe"
Then let me suggest again that yoJ
and Peter Paul go at once"
Miss Graham pondered. mo, can
do that"
Now, Miss Graham, would it grievt
you very much if Peter Paul were t
die?"
81 won't have him put to death,
said she quickly.
Miss Graham he said slowly
won't you try to forget, for the me
ment, the circumstances of our meet
ing, and think of me only as a frient
Of your friends who is very honestl,
eager to be a friend to you, when 20
most need one?"
} Tho girls gaze met the mans leve
and was held in long, silent regard.
, yes" she said simply.
| Listen, then. l think see clea
way. Judge Ackroyd will kill the do
; If he can, and so effectually conces
: the body that no funeral can be bel
/ over it, thereby rendering your grand
/ mothers bequest to you void. He ha
{ only q few days to do it in, but
= don't think that all your watchfulnes
can restrain him. Now, on the othe
. hand, if the dog should die naturi
4 death and be buried, he can still col
. test the will. But II he should XII
3 Peter Paul and hide the body wheI
J, we could discover it, the game woul
Q be up for him, as he then wouldn
Is even dare to come into court with
contest. Do you follow me?"
l. "Yes. But you wouldn't ask me
r be party to any such thing"
you're a party, involuntarily, l
Q remaining here. But do your best
J, save Peter Paul, if you will. Ar
please call me up Immediately at Il
: Cosmic club, if anything turns u
And, by the way, my beetles. forg
Q and left them here. Oh, there's Il
|. box. / may have a very specific III
1 Rnu than, Iof ,o,,.s- -,