Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1920-08-19

interest except the facC tnaC EnrlgnC |
had also left for the West. He in
structed her to be on the lookout for |
him in Haskell added a line or two |
of suggestions, and ordered her to pro-
coed with caution, as her quest might |
prove to be dangerous one.
Miss Donovan thought rapidly and
clearly, more than ordinarily eager to
solve this mystery. 1t was Frederick
Cavendish who had formerly been the
partner of Jim Westcott. This was
why no answer had come to the tele-
grams and letters the latter had sent
East. What had become of them? Had
they fallen into the hands of these
others? Was this the true reason for
Beaton's presence in Haskell, and also
why the La Rue woman had been
hastily sent for?
Westcott's discovery was not even
proven yet; its value had not been
definitely established; 1t was Of com
paratively small Importance contrast
ed with the known wealth left by the
murdered man in the East. No, there
must be some other cause for this sud-
den visit to Colorado. But what? She
gave little credence to the vague sus-
PIGEONS advanced by Valois; that was
altogether too impossible, too melodra-
matte, this thought Of the substitution
of some other body. No doubt there
had been a crime committed, its object
the attainment of money, but without
question the cost had been the life of
Frederick Cavendish.
The harsh clang of the dinner-bell
from the porch below aroused her to a
sense of hunger.
Ten minutes later Timmons, guilt
less of any coat, but temporarily lay
ing aside his pipe as a special act of
courtesy, escorted her into the dining
room and seated her at a table be-
tween the two front windows. Evil
IDENTIFY this was reserved for the more
distinguished guests-traveling men
and those paying regular day rates
for it's only other occupant was an in
dividual in a check suit.
A waitress, a red-haired, slovenly
girl, with an impeachment in her speech
took her order and disappeared in the
direction of the kitchen, and Miss
Donovan discreetly lifted her eyes to
observe the man sitting nearly OPP
pOsite. He was not prepossessing,
yet she instantly recognized his type,
and the probability that he would adj
dress her If the slightest opportunity
occurred.
The waitress spread out the various
dishes before her, and she glanced at
them hopelessly. AS she lifted her
gaze she met that of her vis-a-yis fair
ly, and managed to smile.
"Some chuck" he said in an at
tempt at relationship, but not
to remind you of the Waldorf-Astoria."
II should say not" she answered,
testing one of her dishes cautiously.
"But why associate me with New
York;"
"You can't hide those things in a
joint like this. When did you leave
New York;"
"Oh, more than a week ago." she
lied gracefully.
Az 0bACAACO AAo LnOUoldNhCs g
'"Then I suppose you haven't much
late New York news? Nothing start
ling mean?"
''NO; only what has been reported in
the western papers. I do not recall
anything particularly interesting" She
dropped her eyes to her plate and
busted herself with piece of tough
beef. 1.-THE usual murders, of course
and things of that kind"
Fhere was a moments silence. then
the man laughed as though slightly i'll
at ease. whatever brought a girl like
you down in here?"
She smiled.
I'm a feature writer; I'm doing q
series on the West for Scribb!er's,'
she told him. II visit New Mexico
next, but I'm after something else be
sides a description of mountains anG
men; I'm also going to hunt up an ole
friend interested in mining, who told
me if ever got out this way mus
look him up. He was continually sing
ing this valleys charms, and so here
I am. And I'm planning great sur
prise on him. And. of course, Pm lit
orally drinking in atmospheric sal
nothing of local color, which seem:
mostly to be men and revolvers."
The man opposite wet his lips with
his tongue in an effort to speak. bu
the girl vas busy eating and appar
emily paid no attention. Her calm in
} difference convinced him that he
! words were entirely innocent, and hi
: audaeity returned.
well" he ventured. "do you agre'
with this prospector frlend?"
"The scenery, you mean?" glancinl
up brightly. ''Why, it is wonderful, o
: course, and l am not at all sorry hav
Z ing made the journey, although
hardly compares with Tennessee Pas