The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1920-09-11


East. What had become of themt 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?
WestcottS discovery was not even.
proven yet; its value had not been
definitely established; it 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 Cavendsh.
The harsh clang of the dinner-bell
from the porch below aroused her to a
SellSe OF munger.
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 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 check suit.
waitress, red-haired, sovenly
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 ad-
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-vis fair
ly. and managed to smile.
Some chuck" he said in an at
tempt at good-fellowship, but not
to remind you of the Waldorf Astoria.
Il 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 week ago. she
lied gracefully.
He stroked his moustache.
"Then l suppose you haven't much
late New York news? Nothing start
ling. mean?"
''No; only what has been reported in
the western papers. l do not recall
anything particularly interesting" She
dropped her eyes to her plate and
busted herself with a piece Of tough
beef. "The usual murders, of course,
and things Of that kind"
There was moments silence, then
the man. laughed as though slightly i'll
at ease. Whatever brought girl like
you down in here?"
She smiled.
I'm feature writer; I'm doing a
series on the West. for Scribbler's,"
she told him. Il visit New Mexico
next. but I'm after something else be-
sides'a description of mountains and
men; I'm also going to hunt up an old
friend interested in mining, who told
me if ever got out this way must
look him up. He was continually sing
ing this valleys charms, and so here
/ am. And I'm planning great sur
prise on him. And, Of course, I'm lit
orally drinking in atmospheric say
nothing of local color, which seems
mostly to be men and revolvers."
The man opposite wet his lips with
his tongue in an effort to speak. but
the girl as busy eating and appar-
emily paid no attention. Her calm in
difference convinced him that her
words were entirely innocent and his
audacity returned.
WELL" he ventured, do you agree
with this prospector friend"
"The scenery, you mean?" glancing
up brightly. "Why, it is wonderful, OF
course and am not at all sorry hav-
ing made the journey. although 1t
hardly compares with Tennessee Pass
or Silver Plume. Still, you know. i
will be pleasant to tell Mr.. Cavendish
when / 60 back that was here
He choked and his face seemed to
whiten suddenly.
mfr. Cavendish?" he gasped. III
New York? Not the one that was
killed.
II was her turn to stare across the
table. her eyes wide with horror, which
she simulated excellantly.
aKilled! Has a man by that name
been killed lately in New York; II
was Frederick Cavendish l referred
TO-. Her pretense was admirable.
he was silent, realizing he Nd al
ready said too much.
"Tell me-" she insisted, has ne
heen killed? How do you known
Her earnestness. her perfect acting,
convinced him. It was mere. coin
cidence. he thought. that this name
should have cropped up between them,
Int now that 1t had. he must ex-
49, ,,,holn affair SO 0s not TO