Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-26

BY q
BY W, T. EtDRiDGE. !.
Copyright, 81
The Frank A. Munsey Co. 4
BY W. T. ELDRi0GE.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.

As much as he had been inclined
time and again, to question what part
Trench had played in the affair, he
had never come to hold such
thought The politician knew his
niece's feelings too well TO have done
such thing More than that, Tom
did not for a moment feel that Uncle
Jerry would resort to such methods.
I'm no, saying it, Perhaps he
gave your friend little OF his haul
and suggested he lose himself for a
few months. Men have walked out of
Concord at that mans orders before
this
Its not like MacLean,' answered
Tom promptly. You are on the
wrong trail there, Mr., Cruthers'
Am |? Well perhaps you'll say
/ I'm on the wrong trail when | tell you
p that Jerry Trench knows where that
! money has gone"
! Can you show proof"
Can l. What do you mean by
coming in here and trying to get my
facts? You're working for Trench
the cur can get any one to do his bid
ding
A deep red spot stole into Kings
bury's cheeks and his eyes flashed
fire. q
"Mr. Cruthers. Pm an attorney as
well e. you. I'm re for the purpose
ne I'd, a | demand eny informa
ZION sou ha e."
"You demand?" and the ma. s
sheer ended his speech,
Il demand Knssbury bent for
ward. his dark eyes upon Crutherss
. face This thing has gone far
enough with no light on the truth.
You can help me, every way in your
| power, to find Mr.. MacLean land the
| locating Of the one who actually got
/ that money is bound to help), or III
go TO the police, Perhaps you'll be
frank with them
l 1.-THE police That's Trench. I've
I looked for such a move, and you
/ make It."
"Once for ALL" and Kingsbury's
| voice swung low and tense, I'm not
| working for Trench. Keep that in
l situation to yourself from low on, |
l want facts. Wen leave The police out.
/ III 20 to the district attorney and
state the facts. fancy special
| grand jury can be called before whom
| you'll talk.
Cruthers's eyes held to Kingsbury's
\ face for a second only, and then they
wavered about the small office. Merry.
! ously the lawyers fingers drummod
upon the desk.
"There is no need for you to get
| mad" he suggested I'm anxious to
get at the truth
"All right, we are Of mind then.
Let me have what facts you possess.
Kinssbury hoped for the affidavit
he had heard Cruthers mention to
Trench, but instead the lawyer arose
quickly, clapped on his hat, and turn
ed upon his caller.
"We'll 90 to Sweetwell, vice-presi.
dent of the bank. You can hear what
ne has to say"
Wondering at this turn, Kinssbury
accompanied the lawyer TO the street,
A car took them into the suburbs
and just as the spring night shut Il.
they went up the steps of a small
house.
"Ill have a word with Mr.. Sweet
well" explained Cruthers hurricdly.
"He might not talk before you unless
[ | assured him it was all right
Such an arrangement was not in the
least to Toms liking, it smacked too
much of an opportunity to plan just
what he should be told; but he saw no
way to protest.
He waited patiently in the room to
which he was shown. and then Cruh.
ers and Mr. Sweetwell appeared.
I Tom was struck. actually startled,
at the sight of the vice-president of
the bank. The man looked as il he
had been i'll for months. His eyes
were heavy, with black rings under
then, while his manner was SO merry.
Gus that he gave the impression OF
hardly being able to restrain himself.
Cruthers introduced the two men
and was about to suggest the purpose
of the call when the telephone rang.
Sweetwel gave start rs II some
one had clapped him Unexpectedly
upon the shoulder.
"Jnst moment; just moment,
gentlemen he begged, and was gone,