Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1917-10-26

YOU plcuSc, Tile WOHdu DeXKoOs
lone moment. am fearfully shocked"
'Take your time," Quoin consented.
And while she turned away and, with
handkerchief pressed to her lips,
struggled to recollect herself, the de-
tective explained to Peter in an under
tone, "Widow Of one Ellsworthy, in
his day a world-known collector of
stolen property mean a fence Of
course. Always lived most respecta-
bly-much as you see. Craven prob
ably did lot of business with him first
and last, and afterward with Mrs. Els
worthy, who carried on the business in
a smaller way, but quite as successful
ly, as far as keeping out of trouble was
concerned. Feeling better, Mrs. Ellis
worthy?"
"Yes-thank you. Mr.. Craven called
up about half-past ten to say his daugh-
ter was coming to see me, bringing
with her valuable property have
no idea what-and that was to find
some pretext to detain her until he fol-
lowed. She got here about eleven in
a taxicab with this gentleman. When
she heard Mr.. Craven was coming she
refused to wait, and l had to lock her
in the room to keep her. Mr.. Trait
I'm sorry-I put off with note ostensi-
bly, from her. When Mr.. Craven came
he went directly to the girl. While he
was upstairs two men Of my acquaint-
ance came to the basement door, and !
let them in"
"Southpaw Smith and Colonel Cor
dOn?"
Eyes. Mr.. Craven had-business re-
| latiOns with them, l. believe. They
forced their way upstairs, declaring
they must see him. When he came
down they were waiting for him in
herein shadow. Smith stepped out
and said something to him in a low
tone-I didn't hear. Mr.. Craven shook
his head and made an inaudible reply.
Smith lost his temper at that, and said
aloud, You lie! Permit me to present
you with this token of our esteem"
"And that was" Quoin prompted.
'This," said the woman, pointing
down to Craven's clenched right hand.
With an exclamation of surprise
Quoin bent over and, after some diff.
Guilty with the stiffening fingers, stood
up, exhibiting knave of spades.
"And them"
Nothing. They went away, Smith
and Gordon, by the basement"
'"There was a quarrel-blows were
struck?"
mo. Mr.. Craven said something tt
this effect, If that is your decision
very well-so be it! Smith merely
laughed unpleasantly, called Gordon
and turned down the basement stairs
Afterward l heard the gate slam a.
they left"
HE stood looking at the card, sway
ing and mumbling to himself. I won
dered ii he had been drinking. TheI
l noticed he was holding one hand t.
his side, as though his heart was pain
ing him. I was alarmed, and asked Il
I could do anything. He looked at m,
or two this way, and suddenly fell Al
If he had been shot. And immediatel!
I telephoned for q Doctor"
II understand, Mrs. Ellsworthy." Fo
an instant Quoin contemplated tn
knave Of spades, frowning thought
fully. "Odd," he unused. looking up a
Trait, "odd how these things run. IT.
low coffee house up on One Hundre,
and Tenth street left his chair for
minute. with his hat on 1t by way o
reservation. When he returned an,
picked up the hat there was a playin
card beneath 1.-THE death card-in hi
case the four of hearts. Five minute
later he was shot dead where he sal
1t only goes to show how the crimins
Imagination inclines to melodrama-
give your victim warning, SO that h
may die a dozen imaginary deaths be
fore you kill him. In this case Craven
heart spoiled their fun but the chance
are he would never have got back t
his hotel alive"
He paused, looked pitylngly down q
the dead man. sighed, "Well-poo
j. devil" then. unfolding handkerchief
placed 1t gently over the livid and dis
; torted mask. Better not move him til
the doctor comes; though l fancy W
can save you the trouble Of an Inquest
Mrs. Ellsworthy. And Wen do our bes
.. to keep 1t out Of the papers. We'd bel
ter draw the portieres while Peter get
Miss Craven out Of the house. Ye!
that's your job. Peter; but better nc
tell her anything until you get he
away. Take her to Mrs. Beggarstafr-
don't you thinkT
EYES," agreed Peter. "for a few day
or weeks-as long as she needs to &c
over It,"
"And them" asked Quoin curiously.
why" said Peter In surprise, "didn
you know we were going to be MAJ
ried?"
(THE END.)