Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1919-07-16

action was meant to convey to Barnes
the information that he too was from
q 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
logging his footsteps with ceaseless
persistency.
"That Teller over there in the cor
ner," said Jones softly, ''ts a book
agent from your town.. He sold me a
set Of Dickens when he was here last
time, about six weeks ago. A years
subscription to two magazines throwed
In. BY gosh. these book agents are
slick ones" ....
"He's 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 Jones dolefully. "Ex-
cuse me. There gees the telephone.
Maybe its news from 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
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 a bit Of fresh air before
turning in.
"Any news?" inquired Barnes, ap-
preaching the desk after the door had
closed behind the book agent.
1T wasn't the sheriff." replied Jones
shortly, and Immediately resumed his
interrupted discourse on books aad
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 a moment later the Hdoor
opened to admit. not fresh arrival
but the little book agent.
"Party trying to make Hornville to-
night" he announced casually. "Well,
good night. See you In the morning."
Barnes was not In 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 divinatlon. He was
as sure as % could be sure Of anything
that had not actually come to pass that
IN a short time the automobile would
again pass the tavern. but this time
from the direction of Hornville.
Lighting cigarette he strolled out
side. He had barely time to take
position Mt the darkened end Of the
porch before tie sounds Of an ap-
preaching machine came to his ears. A
second or two later the lights swung
around the bend in the road quar-
ter Of q mile above Harris Tavern,
and down came the car at high rate
Of speed. 1t dashed past the tavern
With great roar and rattle and shot
of into the darkness beyond. AS 1t
rushed through the dim circle of light
in front of the tavern Barnes succeed
ed in obtaining a brief but convincing
view Of the car. That glance was
enough, however. He would have
been willing to 60 before jury and
swear that it was the same car that
had deposited him at Harris Tavern
the day before.
Having guessed correctly in the one
instance he allowed himself another
and even holder guess-the little book
agent had either received message
from or delivered one to the occupant
or driver Of the car from Green Fancy.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)