Abbeville progress. (Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, La.) 1913-1944, 1920-11-20
CHAPTER iV-Continued.

"Stay? You mean stay here and rob
me of my trip" pOuted the girl
Very sensibly" exclaimed Mrs
Kirkland.
Unless you drive me mad" quail
fled Clinton. II shall stay in Denver,
but on condition that Doctor Kirkland
shall at once telegraph to inquire
about Mr.. Lowrie."
The telegram shall be sent to-
night" said Doctor Kirkland. mo
doubt we shall hear from the santa
rum some time tomorrow"
Very well. l suppose l can keep
sane that long. May 1 ask you to
send kilograms for me to No, that
will not be necessary. The answer to
your telegram will prove that I can
not be Mr.. Lowrie."
"Mr. Lowrie !" chuckled BENIN.
Clinton flushed and almost snatched
out wallet, which he opened so hur-
riedly that the contents fell from ii.
Among them was bank draft and
yard-iOng railroad ticket. AS he caught
these from his lap to hand to Doctor
Kirkland BENIN stopped to pick up
the baggage check that had fallen on
the floor. With them lay a numbered
brass piece such as is given out as
receipt at checking counters.
When BENIN handed Clinton the pa
per baggage ct eek the metal check
was not with them nor was il on the
rug. The owner did not notice its
absence. He was pointing to the name
on the ticket and draft
sThere is clear proof of my iden-
titt," he said. Stupid of me not to
have thought of it before. Draft dr.wn
lid Eet," I'll '''
BENIN glanced at the signature and
said a trife sharply: That's not Your
writing"
You mean II is not VIII Lowrie's."
corrected Clinton. at is my name.
Richard Clinton and my signature"
Zone Of the results Of dissertation Is
a change Of handwriting" observed
Doctor Kirkland In his most cocksure
tone.
There Is the bank draft" srgutd
Clinton. ut is drawn on San Fra J
cisco. / shall cash 1t tomorrow"
BENIN shot a quick glance at the
physician and lightly remarked:
you'll need to be identified. I'll be
glad to introduce you to your bank"
Miner
"Your other sells bank" chuckled
BENIN.
'As VIII Lowrie, you know, you we're
confidential agent and broker OF the
Fourth National" explained Doctor
Kirkland. Charlie and have our
accounts there, so II will be less awk-
where he and l can explain the stu
alton"
Explain" muttered Clinton. "Well.
suppose | must make the best of 1t.
Now if you'll kindly give me your Of
fee card and the address of the bank
and direct me to the nearest hotel"
Listen to him. cried Amy. "Ho-
tel when he's at home. That comes
of travelling for months"
Miss Lowrie," he gravely replied,
your mother is away. / can no more
stay here than could have agreed to
your travelling alone with me-"
isn't he, the silliest!''
II mean Il"
Mamma, what If Amy should ask
us to stay tonight" suggested Ellen.
Clinton looked about him with the
alarm Of the bird under the descend
ing net Of the fowler. Mrs. Kirkland
l must beg you" he protested.
The lady smiled reassuringly. Ell
len has solved the difficulty. We may
call it house party. and you a guest
as well as she and l."
Leaving me out of It," complained
BENIN. why shouldn't ne put up at
my lodgings for the night?"
Just the thing" agreed Clinton.
VERY good of you. Mr.. BENIN. 1t
will-will save Miss Lowrie the trouble
Of"
"Botheration ~ exclaimed Amy. If
Charlie takes you away he need never
show his face here again. Besides he's
not going TO, because you're going to
stay home"
THAT settles It," declared Doctor