Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-06-29

|. The Web
ofDestiny !
BY ]. U. GlESY q J. 3. SMITH
Authors of Semi.Dual Stories
Copyright,
The Frank A. Munsey Co. ,
The Frank A. Munsey Co.

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The half maudlin girl had followed
Ter laughter with stream OF rapid
,peech directed to her companion. and
houeh II was all an unintelligible
argon TO me, became imbued with
he belief that Semi understood.
Reich sank back into his chair and
doomed straight before him. |
Glanced at Stakos. who lifted his eye.
,rows in mute interrogation. nod
led and he arose.
We made our adieus and after
banking the two Greeks for their in
brmation, led Homer from The place.
he boy seemed completely beyond
(lf.control and staggered as he
Mixed beside Colonel Mac. His ac-
ms had attracted considerable atten-
d again toward our party and I
glad to get him outside.
ven there, however. he refused TO
h to anything either Sheldon or |
ID say, and at our rooms he slump
nto chair and burst into bitter
Ich
There isn't any use OF you fell
talkin' suppose Mister Dual
say everything is running along
bly,, but say the things been hash.
from the start | won't listen to
ethiny EXCEPT takin' the first train
Seattle tomorrow. TIL res one in
mo ming, and now Ia going to
!"
I reckon you'd better, son." agreed
eldon. AN reckon we're all
In with you in TIL morning. 1t amt
lch Of a steer but it's all we got.
pine in an I'll put you to bed. |
int feelin' very clipper myself. May
n I'll turn in with you"
'Do." said Dual, but first I want
b ask Mr.. Reich question Do you
Mr. Reich. perhaps know anything OF
woman known as Greek Annie?"
III do not" replied Homer. frown-
What's she got TO do with the
sw
That IL to find ont" Semi re-
lded. "The reason I ask is that
was mentioned by a girl who sat
table behind ours this evening.
said that Greek Annie had left
YESTERDAY morning, with girl
eft town with a grip" Reich
up in his chair and leaned for
"you heard her say that?
then you understand Greek"
oh, yes" said Semi Dual,
But girl?" Reich began and fal
Id, and then went on with a rush
Sheldon, maybe she took Lilly to
Jeattle."
"But how could she?" ouericd
Sheldon sorely puzzled How could
he get her to go? My, Lord, she
couldn't haudcuff her and take her
Why couldn't the girl make a holler
md git help? 1t gifts by me-
"You don't understand" said
1eich almost fiercely. That's the
rouble. You don't understand. They
wouldn't take her by force.
"This woman, say. would pretend to
'e sorry for her and be helping her
o escape; then she'd get her to go
nth her quiet, and the next thing she
new she'd find they'd betrayed her
gain. Oh. they work it a dozen ways,
)heldon. can't tell you how II was
Ione. I'm sick. Let's go TO bed"
Dual. who had seated himself at a
able and drawn some sheets Of paper
efore him. looked UP and nodded.
DO" he urged. IF We are to
make an early start. rest is the best
hing for yyou. have some work I
rant to finish, but you and Sheldon
ad better retire"
He turned back again to his papers,
ct, as he did so, swept me with his
yes.
}"If II won't disturb you, think I'll
cad Bit" remarked, because in
hat fleetN. glance il came to me
hat he wal ID my presence.
"As you please he assented with.
ut looking up.
'.Good night" said Sheldon, and
ID Homer into their room, closing the
DOR.
I sat down and reviewed the eve.
Ing.
Dual busted himself with the papers
efOre him. Once he rose. went to
lie phone, and ordered pitcher OF
e-water sent up. Not once did he
idress me.
! FUSED with a paper and smoked
yvetal cigarettes.
For the life of me | couldn't see
here the drift of things was leading.
lke Colonel Mac. / BEGAN to think