The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1920-07-17

community, the SearcherS had dlScOv-
cred no proof by this rifling of her
bag.
Farriss' letter contained nothing of
interest except the fact that Enrighf
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
Benton'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
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 tins SUD
den visit TO Colorado. But what? She
| gave little Credence to the vague Sus-
picions 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 its only other occupant was an in
dividual in a check suit.
A waitress, q 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 # the slightest opportunity
occurred.
The waitress spread out the various
dishes before her, and she glanced al
them hopelessly. AS she lifted hel
! gaze she met that of her vis-a-vis fair
ly, and managed to smile.
"Some chuck" he said in an at
4 tempt at ood-fellowship, "but not
4 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 :
Joint like this. When did you leave
n New York;"
"Oh. more than a week ago." SIT
\ lied gracefully.
n He stroked his moustache.
n "Then I suppose you haven't mucl
late New York news? Nothing start
1 ling. l mean?"
4 "No; only what has been reported II
/ the western papers. I do not REGAL
/ anything particularly interesting" Sh
4 dropped her eyes to her plate an
\ busted herself with a piece of toug
\ beef. 1.-The usual murders. Of course
H and things Of that kind"
II There was moments silence. the
the man laughed as though slightly 4
! at ease. "Whatever brought girl lik
you down in here?"
She smiled.
I'm a feature writer; I'm doing
series on the West for Scribbler's,
she told him. Il visit New MeXic
next. but I'm after something else b.
sides a description of mountains an
men; I'm also going to hunt up an 81
IT friend. interested in mining. who tol
J. ,Ya3if fever | got out this way / mus
NJ 3ffS3ok him up. He was continually SIM
t Ing this valleys charms, and so hel
le | am. And I'm planning great su
1t prise on him. And, of course. I'm II
Ig orally drinking in atmosphere-to SO
J. nothing of local color, which seen
,r mostly to be men and revolvers."
The man opposite wet his lips wit
o. his tongue in an effort to speak, 81
d the girl las busy eating and appa
= emily paid 10 attention. Her calm
Re difference oMvinced him that n
IS words were entirely innocent. and b
err | audacity returned.
well" he ventured. do you ayr
d. WITH this prospector friend?
II .sThe scenery. you mean?" glancil
%. nm brightly. "Why. It is wonderful.
Sc | course. and am not of ali sorry ma
~ ing made the journey. although
: hcr,l,v compares with Tennessee Pa