The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1919-06-05


shred of It,"
81 don't blame ye," said ODow(
heartily. "Id like nothing better me
self than to Jnix up in it. The next
time you plan to pay us visit, tele
phone In advance. / may be able tc
persuade my host that you're de-
cent, law-abiding, educated gentleman
and he'll consent to receive you al
Green Fancy. Good day to ye," and
he shook hands with the departing
trespasser.
'Takin' walkT was the landlords
greeting as Barnes mounted the tavern
steps at dusk.
"Going over the grounds Of last
nights affair."" responded Barnes,
pausing
AS he entered the door he was
acutely aware Of an intense stare lev
eled at him from behind by the land
lord Of Hart's Tavern. Half way ND
the stairway he stopped short and
with difficulty repressed the exclama-
tion that rose to his lips.
He had recalled a significant Incl
dent Of the night before. Almost i'm
mediately after the departure of Room
and Paul from the Tavern Putnam
Jones had made his way to the tele-
phone behind the desk and had called
a number in loud, brisk voice, but
the subsequent conversation was car
ried on in subdued tones. attended by
haste and occasional furtive glances
In the direction of the taproom.
Upon reaching his room Barnes Der
mitted the suppressed emotion TO
escape his lips in the shape of a soft
whistle, which If it could have been
translated'into words would have said :.
by Cad, why haven't 1 thought of It
before? He sent out the warning that
Room and Paul were on the way! And
Ia like to bet my last dollar that
someone at Green Fancy had the other
end of the WIRE"
Mr.. RuShcroft was giving Uamlet's
ADDRESS to the players, in the tap
room when BARNES came dow nstairs
at nine o'clock.
small, dark man who sat alone at
q table In the corner caught Barnes
eye and smiled almost mournfullv.
He was undoubtedly a stranger: his
action was meant to convey to Barnes
the Information that he too was from
a distant and sophisticated community
and that bond Of sympathy existed
between them.
Putnam Jones spoke suddenly at
Barnes shoulder. He started invol-
unfairly. The man was beginning TO
get on his nerves, He seemed to be
dcgging his footsteps with ceaseless
persistency.
"That feller over there in the cor
ner," said Jones softly, sis book
agent from your town. He sold me a
set Of Dickens when he was here last
time, about six weeks ago. years
subscription to two magazines throwed
in. BY gosh, these book agents are
slick ones"
Hes a shrewd-looking chap" COM
mented Barnes.
Says he won't be satisfied till he's
made this section of the country the
most cultured, refined spot in the Unit
ed States" said Jc as dolefully. "Ex-
cuse me. There che telephone.
Maybe Its news fro. the sheriff."
With the spasmodic tinkling of the
telephone bell the book agent arose
and made his way to the little office.
Barnes glanced over his shoulder q
moment later and saw him studying
the register. The poise of his sleek
head, however, suggested a listening
attitude. Putnam Jones, not four feet
away, was speaking into the telephone
receiver. AS the receiver was re-
stored to its hook Barnes turned
again. Jones and the book agent were
examining the register, their heads
almost meeting from opposite sides Of
the desk.
The latter Strengthened up, stretched
his arms, yawned, and announced in a
loud tone that he guessed he'd stop
out and get bit of fresh air before
turning in.
"Any news?' inquired Barnes, ap-
preaching the desk after the door had
closed behind the book agent.
at wasn't the sheriff." replied Jones
shortly, and Immediately resumed his
interrupted discourse on books and
book agents. Ten minutes elapsed be-
fore the landlords garrulity was
checked by the sound of an automobile
coming to stop in front OF the house.
Barnes turned expectantly toward the
door. Almost Immediately the car
started again, with loud shifting of
gears, and moment later the door
opened TO admit. not a fresh arrival
but the little book agent.
Party trying to make Hornville to-
night" he announced casually. "Well,
good night. See you I'm the morning."
Barnes was not In q position to
doubt the fellows word, for the car
Enthusiastically had gone on toward
HOrnville. He waited few minutes
after the man disappeared up the mar
row stairway. and then proceeded TO
test his powers of divination. He was
as sure as he could be sure OF anything
that had not actually come to pags that