Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-06-24

plcture'house a little way down the
street. admit that | grinned II felt
good to once more be in the game
with Dual Directing the moves.
Time and Again | had gone whore
he sent me and found what | sought,
and brought u back 10 see him weave
1t into the complete fabric of his
scheme of things. could easily I'M
understand how his cool directions
should amazb and half pique Reich,
smarting and confused by his loss and
the danger which he must feel threat.
ened the girl he had been about to
wed.
Mr. Reich impressed me as very
much demotalzed young man.
turned into the entrance to the movie,
and asked fot Mr.. Green.
He proved to be a quite likeable
young fellow with a round face and
rotund body, AN ingenious smile and
baby blue eycb. made myself known
and promptly got down to business.
"Just how much do you know
about Roich?1 asked
"Not muchI He seemed to have
coin. and he wanted to buy in here"
he responded frankly. 'He seemed
rather live Iwire 10 me, and as
though he might be able to help build
up the BUSINESS, Had lot of original
ideas for ADVERTISING and that sort of
thing. | ncedbd more money, and he
said he'd buy THE new machines. He
went up to salt Lake to see about
that"
You knew bis fancee?"
Miss Lawtdn? Sure She was a
fine little girl. i gave her job here
singin'. She Had swell voice.
How did she behave around the
theater? That is, did she pick up any
acquaintance pr carry on any flirta-
tions. or"
Nit" said Green with emphasis.
She was as straight as a string.
She'd hardly talk to me 'cept on bust.
ness. Reich always took her home"
Did he seem fond OF herr
who. Reich? Why they never
made love around here. but | reckon
he was. if they Iwere goin' to get mar
ried. Reich ndyer talked about her
to me. though"
| didn't seem to be getting much
beside second Hand information. |
paused and considered, but | couldn't
really see what more | would be likely
to gain. | rose
Il guess that's all then. Mr.. Green,
and thank you,p | remarked. "Ill get
on up to Colonel Sheldon's and meet
Reich and the rest We are going to
Salt Lake tonight
"You goin' to see Reich?" he
asked quickly.
why, yes"
He amt been around since day
before YESTERDAY" said Green. Il
suppose this business puts our deal
out for the present, though he did tell
me he'd bought some machines. Ask.
him TO leave word for me what he
wants me TO do, and here's letter.
It come this mornin. | was gon' to
send it up to his room If he didn't
show up. Don't know if it's import.
ant or not. but lis marked 'missent.'
and seems to haSe been long time
getting here frbm Denver. Maybe
you'd take it to him."
| asserted and The gave me a some.
what soiled AMI mussed envelope
bearing the Denfer postmark and
return address tp a post-office box.
l pocketed it and walked out. When
got up TO Sheldon's, none of the
Others had returnod, so | laid it on
the hall-trce when | hung my hat,
hunted up ConnieI and Alice.
found them playing with the baby.
and they reportedlthat their search of
the girls room had revealed nothing,
save picture of Homer in leather
folder Across TIP back of the card
on which the picture was mounted
Reich had appareAtly written. "Your
loving Homer Iput II in my pocket
and chatted with Connie and Alice un.
I'll | heard the motor run in and stop.
! went out and met the returning
men. They came up the steps-Semi
Dual, Sheldon, and lastly, Homer
carrying couple pf cases. Dual en-.
tered first and hlhg his hat on the
rack. glanced down and spied the let
ter, picked II up, gave II a glance. and
handed It to Reich
'"For YOU he remarked
"For me?" Redh took II. scanned
its address, and thrust It into his
pocket.
Green asked me to bring 3. up
and ask you what you wanted him to
do while YOU were gone explained.
He nodded.
Thanks. I've been too worried 10
care about Green Of business. Still
! suppose ! ought 70 see him, I'll go
down there now. kuess."
"You got two lburs. Motto can
take you.' said Shfdon, and went out
TO see him off
] gave Dual the folder from the |
girls room. He took II with nod.
and walked into the library. where
sheldon joined lis 1 moment Iator.
(aIunal Mae thirsty hiusalf dawn nj