South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-06-25
CONTINUED FROM SUNDAYS
EDITION.


New York banker whose affected
simplicity and sincerity had won his
confidence. You see. I am moral
~ 70 blame for the loss. but the
stone could not be duplicated.
might send them another anony-
mously 20 make up for it,"
Mr.. Van Wendt seemed salts
fed that il was only an unavoidable
accident. am sure he can stand the
loss replied Christopher Poe.
You don't think he'll harbor any
resentment toward me-
why. no. II was all in the
game He came along with Us and
the accident happened. that's all.
You are no more responsible than !
am"
But 7 urged the Van Wendts 20
Join US said Bowen ruefully.
It's mighty unfortunate. but I'd
forget il II were you. You start
ed a good time and we all enjoyed
it, let's think OF that instead Of the
unfortunate climax
4 guess you're right. but I do
feel guilty. suppose there's no
chance TO dredge the canal?"
of course not. The diamonds
gone let the dead rest. Let's change
the subject. Tell me something TO
see in Venice; it's all new to me
and you seem quite at home"
The galleries and castles Of
course you've seem"
Yes, but isn't there some stunning
or something 10 do in this city Of
bridges2 I've been looking for
somebody who could show me an
exciting place or two Something
different that's what I want"
III take you TO the fish markets
tomorrow. il you like. It's quite a
sight" offered Bowen.
Bully. Would you? I'd enjoy it
so much" replied Poe. Il like that
sort OF thing and it isn't often one
meets a kindred spirit"
That's right replied Bowen
heartily.
Now forget all about that stone -"
advised Poe in parting. you are
blameless and don't let il Worry
you. We will meet here at ten to-
morrow"
They went TO their separate no.
tets and before going 10 bed Christ
opher Poe sent the following cable
10 his friend Burns. a brother bank
or IT New York who shared with
Poe his hobby Of anonymously trac-
ing down offenders against banks.
The code message translated read
WAS the name OF the suspect in
the Farmers National burglary Be
lasco Bowen? I remember he posed
as a society chap. When did he
SAIL from New York;"
on returning from an interesting
excursion with Bowen 10 the fish
market next day. Christopher Poe
found the following cipher message
awaiting him.
Right. Saw a newspaper notice
last month that after a house party
AT Van Wendt's he went abroad on
same boat with them"
Having torn up the reassuring
note Christopher Poe went 10 his
room and sat for an hour coucen-
trating on the missing Duchess Dia-
mond. Then he dispatched a note
TO Bowen inviting him 10 dine with
him that night.
Poe turned the talk 10 glowing
appreciation OF Naples after the
meal and before he and Bowen part
ed IT had been decided that they
would take the trip together
At Naples Christopher Poe man
aged so he occupied a room adjoin-
ests conform with the younger
mans he was soon on an intimate
footing with him.
IL Bowen had the Duchess Dia.
mond. which Poe believed he had
surely the possession OF IL bothered
him but little. He went about the
business of enjoying himself "A.
thoroughly as any American tour.
list and never showed the Slightes
degree of nervousness. always seek
ing Poe'S company and ever ready
for diversion.
They had spent an interesting
exciting week Al Naples when on,
night Bowen received a Cablegran
which he tore up and threw in tn,
crate in the presence Of his com
panion.
Good news" asked Poe
NO: bad news. I've got 70 &,
back home 70 tend 10 business" re
piled Bowen.
i've about made up my mind U
sail on the Princess day after TO
morrow" said Poe promptly
Good Then I will haze tn
pleasure OF your company TO New
York"
Bowen sat in thoughtful silenc
for a minute and suddenly remark
ed by the way, ! want to tax
home A couple of bottles Of tina
Barbers we saw in that little win
shop the other day I wonder If /
would be open tonight
We might stroll over and TAX
a chance" suggested Poe. anxiou
not 10 lose sight OF his companion
row that sailing time was near.
Luckily the shop was open an
Bowen purchased three bottles O
choice wine privately put Up by IN
dealer in squat, thick-necked bot
ties