The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1917-05-10
SHEDS
AUTHOR Of THE ONE
WOLF" THE GRASS
BOWL,"ETC
COPYRIGHT By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE

ana yet we know that the original is
coming into this country by this boat"
Then permit me to recommend the
other passengers to your attention"
We'll do u best to overhaul them
AL l promise you. But If the goods
dont turn up, Wen feel reluctantly
compelled to make a thorough search,
not only of your luggage but of your
self as well, Mrs. Merrilees."
"Quoin 7" Mrs. Merrilees appealed.
The Investigator shook his head.
ITS too bad; but l really don't see
what's to be done about it. These peo-
pie have the power to make things
mighty unpleasant for you unless"
What, you too?" she Kissed, with
vast dramatic expression.
mo, mol" Quoin protested hastily.
Don't misunderstood me. I'm only
afraid that, unless the necklace shows
up, you'll have to submit"
VERY well !" With a shrug of de-
fiance, Mrs. Merrilees showed Quoin
an ungracious back. To the deputy
she added with blighting disdain, GO
ahead. And while you're finding moth
ing In my trunks you may as well send
for a female inspector to search me.
But every n Of you will suffer for
this-or I'll know the reason why !"
I'm sorry, madam"
But there wasn't much uneasiness
betrayed in the deputy collectors mar
ner as he signed to the inspector to do
his hateful duty.
The three friends of Mrs. Merrilees,
on the other hand, were acutely uncom-
fortable-Quoin in disgrace, Peter
Trait firmly convinced that the deputy
was right and consequently afraid to
meet Betty's eyes, and Lydia not only
sore distressed with misgivings, but re-
PEELED by Betty's attitude.
And this was the phase of the affair
disclosed to Craven when he hustled
up, aglow with satisfaction.
Hello, peoplel I'm all clear. Had
the deuce of a time-the silly ass want
ed TO rock me for buds / brought in as
long ago as 1908; but What's the
This last was in a tone radically
changed, and at the same instant his
decided to acknowledge him on
however rigidly she might
elect to deny the rest of humanity. So
she unbent enough to beckon him with
a nod and Craven hurried on to get
answer from the one most con-
after a brief conference he turned
back to Lydia and Peter. "A bad bust
he doubted in an undertone,
vagging his head. "Betty's played the
straight as a die this trip; but
on earth will make these peo-
pie believe that, after the way she's
on In the past. Looks like an
session-no good your sticking
found nothing either of you can do.
Quoin and l will stand by Betty; but
better cut along. You won't mind
cropping Lydia at the Great Eastern
lotel, Peter7"
"No-I won't precisely what you
night call mind" Peter declared,
frightening.
II engaged rooms by wireless yester-
lay. It'll take a day or two, you know,
readjust my diggings to receive a
laughter. Now clear out-like good
!"
Lydia babe hurried farewells. Giving
Quoin her hand, she hoped he wouldn't
to call. as he'd promised. Quoin
persuaded that such oversight
would be symptomatic of insanity. His
one was light; but his direct and pene-
gaze embarrassed the girl, and
'he was fiuttered by consciousness that
Ter cheeks were un~accountably aglow,
Ter fingers tremulous in his firm grasp.
Betty Merrilees offered a cool cheek
Lydia's lips. "Don't worry about
mel" she protested pettishly. Besides,
n your heart of hearts you believe I'm
,uilty-you know you dol"
81 don'tp' Lydia insisted, and in the
next breath, you didn't-honestly?"
Betty's mood melted translently.
Honest Injunl" she declared with
in her voice, but downright AN
dor In the eyes that held Lydia's. "And
| don't blame anyone for climbing up
on the fence, either" she added in
phrase, ''all except these de-
spicable customs men !"
Peters town car was waiting at the
pier entrance, and when he had helped
her into 1t, Lydia, looking out through
the limousine door, viewed a section of
the throng Of passengers waiting for
taxicabs, in the forefront of which
stood two men.
One faced her and first attracted at
tention by his singularly persistent
stare-a stoutish body, by no means
tall, snug in a braided morning coat
the London mode, glossy topper, white
spats and all, down to the silyer-mount-
ed stick of malacca-wearing o humor-
Gus eye in his square-jawed, scarlet
who would readily pass cur
rent as an elderly and retired gentle
man of means, with a %penchant for
good cooking and outdoor life.
His companion, some inches taller