Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-06-08

the drawer of i small nisht-stand by
the bed, Strengthened, and scratched
his head.
In moment he made up his mind
and attacked the bed itself.
SAY, doe ii you'll move He
addressed Osborne, laid hold of the
bedding and swept it on To the koOr.
On the exposed mattress he got up
and began a careful proddins ana
feeling. and careful search TOR any
evidence of rips or tears.
He lifted the mattress itself and
inspected the springs; put The mat
iress back and shook out each sheet
and comfort ana blanket as he laid
them back one by one. After that he
uneased each pillow and Went over
them closely. One by one he threw
them from him. DARED into closet,
and kept up his examination.
And all The time his heavy face was
growing rcdder and redder. He was
50 in earnest that once more | felt that
insane desire 10 chuckle and 10 cry,
Hotter colder 10 him AS We used
to do when playing IA childish game.
Now and then as he worked | saw
him throw a half pleading, halfie-
sentlul glance toward Semi, as
though he suspected some sort vi
a game al his expense But Semi did
not secm To notice.
Since Laredo's last words he had
been sitting partly relaxed, leaning
back in his chair his ~eyes liked
straight before him, seeming to stare
al the bed in a total oblivion as re-
garded Heffy's frenzied search.
Sounds OF that search stll came
from The closet.
glanced up 10 find the eyes OF o.
borne and Dayton upon me in a mute
sort OF question shook my head.
| was as much mystified by il all as
they were. Save the closet itsseemed
10 me every possible spot Of conceal
menl had been exhausted and surely
no man in his senses would have put
such objects in his trunk. Where
then was the gigantic emerald and the
Image of Quelzal, with its poisoned
dagger, which Dual felt so sure IL
contained?
Without ii, as Laredo had said, |
could see no chance of conviction.
The mere fact that his footprints and
the mark of his hand had been found
at the scene OF the tragedy of the
night would never serve TO fasten the
crime upon him.
What, then?
The strain was telling. Dayton
rose and walked 10 the window back
of Laredo. Osborne went over and
stood looking down at Laredos trunk,
as though half.minded to have 1t
open. The Mexican followed his
movements, and once more | saw the
thinlipped smile writhe across his
face.
He had been sitting half turned.
apparently listening 10 Heffy in the
closet. Now his eyes came on around
from the physician and fell on Semi
Dual OF sudden saw them widen,
then narrow as quickly 10 Sits With
out a sound his lips moved slightly.
He cleared his throat as il to attract
attention.
Heffy came out Of the closet.
I'm beat" he complained in a
erowl OF disappointment, Unless
he's planted 'em in his trunk. which
amt likely, they amt here. Still"
Never mind he trunk, Mr.
Hetty,' said Semi Dtl without mov
Ing.
Huh" Heffy paused in his ad.
vance.
"That which YOU seek is not in it,
Lual spoke again softly.
Laredo rose quickly. Then. senior
yonr wonderful structure Of suspicion
comes tumbling TO the ground"
Dual shook his head without shift
ing It's position or changing his eyes
\ direction. Though addressing Laredo
he never so much AZ glanced toward
where he was standing. mot yet"
he said.
"But the emerald and the image
the things on The finding of which the
entire matter rested
Are here
"In this room YOU mean senor|
eyes"
"They have not been found here,
senor" Laredo threw out his hands
f"No. Not yet" Still Dual leaned,
lOlling in the great chair which held
MIN. Still his eyes stared straight be.
fore him.
And the rest OF us stared at the two
men who ptted their wits In we'll
nigh mortal combat. We were all on
our feet, save Dual We all stood and
waited, while the tension grew and
grew.
Dual alone seemed calm, inscruta.
BILE, unmoved, as he fenced with his
mental opponent Laredo, on the
other hand, l could see was breathing
quickly, leaning slightly forward. lie
seemed seeking some point in Dual S
subtle attack through which he could