Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1918-03-14

impersonal In tone as he went on:
I'm my estimation, Mr.. Dayton and
Mr. Glace can do more good by re-
manning here than they possibly can
by Joining the searchers. They, of
course, will be led by the professional
guides who are quite familiar with
the region and can give it thorough
beating even at night. am sure they
can do quite all which will be essen
tiaI for Professor Wingarde."
l saw at glance that he had plain.
ly overheard our remarks to Laredo.
My heart leaped, for 1 knew that his
action could mean but one thing, and
that already his masterful hands had
caught up the reins and would drive
to the end of the venture. Dayton on
the contrary seemed inclined to re-
sent his interruption.
"But say" he objected. CAS-
Wingardes friend and his partner on
this trip, and all that, can't turn the
search over to a lot of disinterested
nobodies, you know"
ut is precisely because you were
his friend and partner on this trip
that / wish you to remain here" said
Dual Shall we not go down and see
that the search is started promptly?
After that l would desire to ask you
some questions"
"You know, I can't just see what
gives you the right to interfere in
this, my good man." Dayton began.
Duals eyes came up and rested
steadily upon him.
There are so many things you have
not time to see now, Mr.. Dayton. For
instance, you do not appear to know
that Professor Wingarde is already
beyond the need of any friendship"
"Is what? / say now = what do
you" Dayton stammered, and his
voice rose.
"Softly" said Semi. "The news
will be hard enough for the daughter,
no matter how gently broken. The
professor, you see, is dead"
"Dios!" 1t came in gasp from my
elbow.
saw Laredo start pace backward
ward, a rIonentary expression of
shocked surprise on his dusky face.
my God!" chimed Dayton like an
VIM 1ioW uo sou hhOM lIdl. has
somebody found him?"
mot that I know Of" said Semi.
'In fact | think not yet"
"Then how do you know" Dayton's
face, which had paled, went suddenly
red. II don't understand all this.''
Not yet" said Dual. Later.
Come, let us go below
took Dayton's arm and led him
along. was conscious of Laredo be-
hind us. So we went down again to
the lobby and found the guides and
several more of the guests who had
been sitting up over a card game and
had volunteered to join in the search.
They stood or sat in close little
group in the otherwise deserted lobby.
The guides had set down their lam
terms, and they shone sickly in the
electric glare. All eyes turned toward
us as we approached. AS l half 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"
Both the guides nodded and the
clerk rubbed his hands. Exactly
sir. 1t would avoid delay and un-
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 Wen get on the job" He
stopped to pick up his lantern.
But say" Dayton again protest
ed. IL 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"
l took him again by the arm. do
as Dual says" I 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"
He's a detective" said, choosing
the word for what l hoped would be
its impression.
He shot me a 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 sudden decision.
"I1l 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, sand we followed them to the
veranda. Through the night we could
see their lanterns separate and go
bobbing Off 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