Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-16

lux ~ W hHIc w ~ Noil''Hiu- t''Pt'
definite there.
Dickson. the Governors secretary.
went so far as to admit that Trench
was / his camp. but warned Nacledn
that the politician didn't care Ia be
bothered with new spapermen when he
took to the woods
stow that" laughed vacL"an.
sinking down into an easy chair I've
dug rncle Jerry out of deeper woods
than those in Winncpesaukce Nor
than that. I'm just from there"
well. if that's lie case, what are
YOU down here for botherine me-
smiled Dickson.
because and MacLean paused
impressiNely "l'ncla Jerry be2- il
i,r Concord ia,t aight. The Governor
called him up on the telephone. and hc
came. That may sound funny 10 YOU,
Trench running at the Governor 5 call
but it's The ruth This time
Then It's news to me. He hasn't
been around here, and that's the truth.
MacLeIn.
ASK him." with a nod toward the
Governors private office. I've got to
find Uncle Jerry. and il YOU don't want
me 10 be blooming bother set me on
the trail. Only way to get me out OF
here
hi kson rose somewhat reluctantly
and passed into the next Office He
was back in a few moments with a
shake Of his head
You have it all mixed, like a re
porter, MacLean Trench thought the
Governor cantd him up and ~
Trench rang up the Governor 10 see
what was on. He, with a nod tow. i
! The other Office, says Uncle Jerry was
! some mad. judging from his voice,
ssehHr no found he wasn't. wanted 49,
rS'''S~H acLcan got up slowly and nodded
his blond head Ear be ii from me-
TO question a Governors word,' he
grinred and walked oni.
On the State house steps he ea2ed
reliectivey down the street. In MS
own mind he was quite satisfied That,
for some reason. Trench didn't want
il known thai he had returned TO Con
cnfde for that very reason MacLear
scented something unusual in the air
He was, consequently, more deter
mined than ever 10 find the man he
haA set out 10 interview.
Concord ~ knew like book
Trenchs hHunts he was also quite IA
miliar with He began a Systematic
hum which ended AT noon with abso
m,ely nothing TO show for his troub'e
Il was then. as he headed for the
hotter and dinner that il occurred It
him that idith Trench. the politician
niece. would be the one to give hin
the truth OF the ai1alL
He called her up and put the same
mt non be had been asking all morn
mg. 70 his ama2emant She assured
him that her uncle was AT his camp.
lie came down last night Edl'l !
won't hutt him if know. Just want
word with him"
III he did he hasn't come to tn
house" the girl replied.
Macl. can hung UP the receiver hh'
studied The hotel lobby with a froNi
In following the political situation II
Sew Hampshire he had spent 600
deal Of ,ime at the Trench home. AN
had come TO know Edith Trench r.
malkably well,
Before now she had aided him j
getting hold OF some news ahead {
other reporters, and he lolt sure ina
she would be frank with him under o
binary circumstances.
And stll he was NOT satisfied ina
Trench was no, in Concord. Wmle II
had dinner he puzzled over what oth'
move ne could make 20 land his maj
Then he started post.haste for II
Concord National Bank.
There he waited his Turn in line an
pa4sed n sealed envelope to the cas-
Ter. II was an ordinary white enVelol
. without address. and the cashier tur
! cd il over twice and looked inquilins
at MacI.ean.
Guess you know what to do vii
that" suggested the reporter
The words brought startling acllV
:. from the man behind the barred vi
u dow. He slid down off his sto'
t opened the grilled door and bee
d oncd MacLean to follow him.
e Together they passed into the We
d presidents office and the cashier pIa
Il ed the envelope before his chiri,
S "rhis gentleman brought it,"
suggested. And then. 81 guess y
y know what to do with that
@ With smile on his lips, Macle
h watched the cashier hurry away. IN
4. he turned to the vice.presidehl, !"
had risen and walked TO the window
K He tore the envelope open, gianc
\ nj the contents and lef the Office.
less than five minutes he had return
= and handed MaeLean a package do
le IN in heavy brown paper.
:, With Il word OF thanks MacLo
m tucked the package under his arm al
glancing at his watch. hurried for
II railroad station.
n Three hours later The 'ice.ptesid'