The Tomahawk., 1916-01-20

Nick, but about all Nick had picked
up here besides. That's goin' some
for an old party like him. Why,
blamed if Nick didn't have to go to
work."
For some reason Felix Hazard
found himself strongly attracted to-
ward Mr.. Nick Blackburn; and by
following an inclination to learn all
that he could of this individual, he
early found the apparently plain trail
of Henry Paradis' slayer to be split
ting up into number of confusing
and misleading by-paths.
For example, Blackburn had been
rooming opposite the car barns, in
the direction Of which Curtis Paradis
had been seen going on the fatal
night, tearing in small pieces two
playing cards; but the barkeeper
thought Blackburn had given up his
room, having found employment on
some lake boat.
Hazard was shown the room, where
the landlady was still keeping it's re-
cent occupants effects pending his
calling for them, and by the simple
strategy O. sepding her to fetch some
matches he contrived to po,@ns. q
pack of playing cards which lay on a
small shelf.
Subsequent examination proved
them to be a pinochle deck from
which one knave of diamonds and
one queen of spades were missing!
TO round out the days work, Haz-
ard resolved to call at the Paradis
residence, hoping that he might be
able to see and interview the negro
servant, Sam Webb.
The scene of the tragedy concealed
more than one surprise for him, the
first of which happened as he was
ascending the front steps. He saw
a negro, whom he took to be Webb,
coming round from the rear.
care you Sam Webb?" he paused
on the steps to inquire.
The effect of this simple question
was extraordinary. At the first sound
Of Hazards voice the negro started
and, all atremble, stood staring at
him. The mans face and attitude
were expressive of utmost terror and
CONSERVATION.
Without the least warning, he
wheeled and ran at top speed back
though the narrow passageway be-
tween the two buildings.
The detective was too astonished
by this singular conduct to think or
act for a second, and when he did
recover himself and in turn went
plunging down the narrow passage
way to the back yard, Sam-if it were
Sam-had disappeared.
With something of the feeling of
an explorer into unknown wilds, Fe-
lix Hazard, instead of returning to
the front Of the house, mounted the
rear steps; perhaps somebody was IN
charge.
The screen door stood wide open,
and under the impact Of his fist the
inner door proved itself to be un-
latched by swinging inward slightly.
Without the least premonition, Haz-
ard was blinded by a flash and
stunned by a deafening report as
revolver was fired almost pointblank
in his face. So close was the weap-
on's muzzle that his cheek felt the
hot blast of the explosion and the
singing touch of two or three powder
grains.
At once the door was jerked clear
open, and an excited young man
rushed out at him, yelling:
"Good God! Did hit you? I
thought"
Whatever he might have been
thinking was not Immediately re-
vealed, for Hazards fist caught him
squarely upon the point of the chin
with a blow that had all his weight
behind it. The fellow went down
as if every bone and sinew Of his
body had turned suddenly to jelly.
A minute passed, then, weak and
dazed, the young fellow rose slowly
to his feet. When Hazard realized
how frightened and unstrung his an
tagonist was he regretted the i'm
petuous blow. He pocketed the pistol
and sternly demanded:
"Who are you?"
my names Paradis-" chartered
the other, Curtis Paradis."
Curtis, Ell? I'd like to have a
word with you. Come inside"
AS they entered what proved to be
the kitchen, Paradis protested with
nervous volubility that he had fired
on a sudden impulse.
II thought It was that crazy mig
ger coming back" he amplified. HE
nearly frightened my sister to death"
At this juncture a pale-faced. ter
rided woman appeared in doorway
opening into the houses farther re-
cesses.
Don't hurt Curtis" she pleaded
TREMENDOUSLY. "He's innocent. Are
you an officer? Oh, I'm glad-so
glad! Let us tell you all we have to
tell about this terrible AFFAIR.""
As this proffer exactly met the visit