Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-05-29

Heffy considered. Little by little
his rim came back Well maybe,
lie admitted I'm 20 tell tn boss TO
tell III folks they can beat it when
they're ready"
"fh..t viii not be necessary" said
Semi. He was 10 do so unless We
sent him word to he contrary by this
line. | took the liberty of assuring
him that YOU would notify him unless
you were in accord with me ON that
point. as | felt you would be"
"Sure," assented Heffy. Your
idea about the thief not tippin' him
sell BY kavin Is u better one than
mine. reckon That bein' settled.
what nexl?"
Dual nodded.
Il am glad YOU agree. Next We
should, think, take steps to close the
incident as speedily as may be" He
turned To Dayton. who had been
maintaining nOnplused silence.
"You. Mr Dayton, permit lne to
suggest may as well go up to the Win
garde suite. Miss Evelyn was awake
when came down and asking for
YOU | assured her ! would send You
up.
know, gentlemen" he swept us all
into the scope OF his remarks-'that
the young lady has shown her admir-
able balance by rallying brayely from
the first shock Of her bereavement and
Is now in a much more resigned frame
of mind. Her control is in fact praise
worthy indeed, robbed Of her father
in strange country as she is
Mr.. Dayton. as her tiance. is,
think, the logical supporting influence
which she should now be given. | am
therefore going to ask him to devote
the rest of the day, until such time as
we may want him, TO giving her his
society and moral support. and divert
ing her mind thereby so far as he may
from the trying position in which she
finds herself just now.
1T is in times OF trouble that those
we love can help us most, and the man
to whom a woman intends to commit
herself and her life, is more fitted to
shield her than any other should be.
II is at such times that the man should
be a firm support for the more impul'
sive and emotional female.
lone of the most beautiful things
in life is a man and woman standing
in mutual strength against the buffet
ings of environment. In such we have
mans nearest approach to real hap.
pness' on this plane of existence.
Heaven itself smiles on the true
mates, who find their true aim and OBJ.
ject in each other
by Joye." said Dayton softly.
You or that is YOU think Evelyn
wants me-
Dual nodded. she asked ME to
send you up
Then I'll go, you know" Dayton
rose. "Ill be there il YOU want me,
I-er good morning He walked
off very erect and square shouldered.
"G@ayo" applauded Laredo AN
while Senior Dayton consoles his
fiance. shall we not discover the
missing image, and The emerald, per
haps?'
AN the proof of who took it,"
Heliy added.
And of who gave Charley the
bills" threw in
Dual shot me a glance OF what
felt was approval. Exactly" he said.
First, if Or. Osborne will permit it,
should like to inspect the bodies
of the Indian and Professor Win.
garde?"
Certainly! Osborne assenied, IL
would be glad TO have yon do so.
While there seems small doubt about
my diagnosis, ] confess there is. an un-
usual atmosphere about the affair -
the locality Of the wounds, and -
well, Id rather like to hear your opin.
ion"
Semi Dual nodded. MIR Glace told
me. Shall we go to the card-room at
once?"
Osborne rose and the rest of us fol-
lowed In group we passed toward
the door finding our way among the
tables. In the rear with Heffy ! noted
many eyes turn and follow Dual. II
was always so when he appeared with
his quiet, commanding bearing. so in
keeping with his splendid hgure and
poise.
We passed out of the diningroom
and into the lobby where groups of
the hotels guests were still lingering
In conversation, and on across II 10
the closed door of the room In which
the nights victims lay stretched on
the green tables where so many games
Of chance had been waged. none more
bizarre or unexpected In outcome,
however. than the one they had played
with fate, and lost.
Osborne sci the door open and mo.
toned Dual inside. Laredo, Hefv
and came after. and then the physl.
clan closed the door and We five were
alone with the dead.
They lay as We had left them. save