Williams news., 1918-01-10

"Go on. How did he come here, ana why did he send his daughter on ahead?"
 eff you please" the woman begged, lone moment. am fearfully shocked"
 "Take your time," Quoin consented. And while she turned away and, with a 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-I mean a fence' of course. Always lived most respecta- bly-much as you see. Craven prob ably did a lot of business with him first and last, and afterward with Mrs. Ells- 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. Els Worthy?"
 "YeS-thank you. MT. Craven called up about half-past ten to say his daugh- ter was coming to see me, bringing with her valuable property-I have no idea what-and that I was to find some pretext to detain her until he fol- lowed. She got here about eleven in taxicab with this gentleman. When she heard MT. Craven was coming she refused to wait, and had to lock her in the room to keep her. MT. Traft- I'm sorry-I put off with a note ostensi- ply from her. When MT. Craven came he went directly to the girl. While he was upstairs two men of my acquaint- ance came to the basement door, and l let them in.''
 'Southpaw Smith and Colonel Cor don?''
 "Yes. MT. Craven had-business re- lations with them, I 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. MT. Craven shook his head and made an inaudible reply. Smith lost his temper at that, and said aloud, You iei 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 &oO1h OChI ONCI tthO, d1ICL oOAiS culty with the stiffening fingers, stood up, exhibiting knave of spades.
 "And then?"
 "NOthing. They went away, Smith and Gordon, by the basement
 ''There was a quarrel-blows were struck?'
 "No. MT. Craven said something to this effect, If that is your decision, very well-so be itp Smith merely laughed unpleasantly, called Gordon, and turned down the basement stairs. Afterward I heard the gate slam as they left"
 And Craven"
 ''He stood looking at the card, sway ing and mumbling to himself. I won- dered if he had been drinking. Then noticed he was holding one hand to his side, as though his heart was pain ing him. I was alarmed, and asked if I could do anything. He looked at me as if he didn't know me, took a step or two this way, and suddenly fell as if he had been shot. And immediately telephoned for doctor"
 q understand, Mrs. Ellsworthy." For an instant Quoin contemplated the knave of spades, drowning thought fully. "Odd," he unused, looking up at Trait, todd how these things run. It's not a month now since an Italian in low coffee house up on One Hundred and Tenth street left his chair for a minute, with his hat on it by way of reservation. When he returned and picked up the hat there was playing card beneath 1.-the death card-in his case the four of hearts. Five minutes later he was shot dead where he sat. It only goes to show how the criminal imagination 1nclineS to melodrama- give your victim warning, so that he may die a dozen imaginary deaths be- fore you kill him. In this case Craven's heart spoiled their fun but the chances are he would never have got back to his hotel alive"
 He paused, looked pityingly down at the dead man, sighed, "Well-poor devil i'' then, unfolding a handkerchief, placed it gently over the nvid and dis torted mask. Better not move him till the doctor comes; though fancy we can save you the trouble Of an inquest, Mrs. Ellsworthy. And we'll do our best to keep it out of the papers. We'd bet ter draw the portieres while Peter gets Miss Craven out of the house. Yes, that's your job, Peter; but better not tell her anything until you get her away. Take her to Mrs. Beggarstaff- don't you think?'
 s'Yes," agreed Peter, "for few days or weeks-as long as she needs to get over it.''
 And then?' asked Quoin curiously.
 'Why," said Peter in surprise, "didn't you know we were going to be mar