Charlevoix county herald., 1918-06-14
The CurSe|
of QuetZal;
BY J. U. GIESY & J. q. SMITH
Authors of Semi-Dual Stories
Copyright.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.

They stood or sat in a close little
group in the otherwise deserted lobby.
The guides had set down their IAN
terms, and they shone sickly in the
electric glare. All eyes turned toward
us as we approached. AS l hair ex-
pected, Dual took control. He spoke
directly to the clerk:
II have suggested to Mr.. Dayton
that he place the search in the hands
of the guides as the best parties to
conduct it quickly"
y Both the guides nodded and the
stlerk rubbed his hands. Exactly
lsir. 1t would avoid delay and I'M
necessary excitement l agree with
you completely"
Semi turned on the two men. Then
select your parties from these gentle
men here and proceed. Continue Till
you find Professor Wingarde."
One of the two men spoke TO his
companion. "You take half OF 'em,
Bill, an We'll get on the job" He
stopped to pick up his lantern.
"But / say" Dayton again protest
ed. 81 don't think Evelyn would wish
me to stay about here when her faith
er may be in danger or injured-or-
or worse. Wait bit, you chaps"
/ took him again by the arm. do
as Dual says" l whispered. He
knows what he's doing. | think he's
the only one of us who does"
"But who gave him the authority
to take hold?" he retorted, growing
more and more flushed. "Who is the
chap? What"
Hes a detective" | said, choosing
the word for what / hoped would be
its impression.
He shot me sharp glance. "Eh?
Oh, by Jove-"
"Well, do we go or do we stand
around and chew the rag?" Bills tone
was one of palpable disgust.
Dayton turned toward him. GO
on" he said with a sudden decision
"I'll wait here. Stay till you find the
professor. You'll be well paid"
At once they moved off.
They left the hotel, went down the
steps, and we followed them to the
veranda. Through the night we could
-<aee their lanterns separate and go
aNobbing off in two different directions.
With them went the bell-boys, who
had Joined the search while the clerk
had turned his eyes for moment.
Dual, Dayton, Laredo and myself
remained standing at the head OF the
veranda stairs.
"Sit down, If you please" said
Semi. taking a chair against the side
OF the house. Gordon, bring up
some chairs"
Both Dayton and l took one. set
mine so as TO face Semi, and Dayton
placed his at my side.
II fancy ] may intrude, is it not?"
spoke Laredo softly.
mot at ALL" Dual took him up. Il
believe you knew the man who is
missing should like you to remain"
The Mexican shrugged.
He dragged chair over and sat
down behind me in the shadow.
Seated as we were, both Drayton and
1 were in the light from a lobby win
dow. / found myself wondering If
perhaps Dual had intended to place us
all in such a position that our faces
would be readily seen. l glanced
about me just as he spoke.
Draw in closer, gentlemen, If you
please. We shall speak softly of this
matter"
Dayton and | complied. Laredo as
a matter of course, followed. Dayton
cleared his throat "And now l fancy
I'd better ask --you to explain, Mr..
Dual. You know l can't just see by
what right you are taking your stand
I'm this matter. 1t was jolly good OF
Cxce to send his wife in to Evelyn
4 and all that, but"
MI told him to-" said Semi.
"Eh?" Dayton fairly gasped.
"You see," Dual went on, II knew
Miss Wingarde would need woman's
support when her father was found,
and during the waiting. Permit me
now to add, that If you are really in
~terested in the young woman's wei
fare. as l feel sure you are"
Rather. We're to be married, you
know" said Dayton quickly.
"You will offer me all the assistance
YOU can in clearing up this matter oil
his death" Dual paused.
but that's what / can't under
stand,' the Englishman rushed on
"You say he is dead, but ! can't be
lieve il. How is one to know that TIL
he is found?"
THAT" said Dual, "is matter foi
later explanation. What you must DC
, now is to tell me all about the last few
weeks of your association with Miss
Wingarde and her father"
"Why?"
Dayton was not inclined to quiet
surrender.
"Mr. Dayton" said Semi, 1T Is
truth that at times the most trivia
things In their seeming lead up to the
tragedies of life. For years l have
made a study OF such matters. Il
there should, by any chance, be more
in this mans death than an accident
t..1xf