The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1920-06-25

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 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-
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 n 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-beH
from the porch below aroused her to
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 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 # 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 ood-feIlowship. 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 a week ago." she
lied gracefully.
He stroked his moustache.
Then I suppose you haven't much
late New York news? Nothing start
ling. l 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. "The usual murders, of course,
and things of that kind
There was a moments silence. then
the NAH laughed as though slightly Ill
ar ease. Whatever brought a girl like
you down in here?"
She smiled.
I'm a feature writer; I'm doing a
series on the West for Scribbler's.V
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 /
ne If ever / got out this way / must /
ook him up. He was continually sing !
ng this valleys charms, and so here /
am. And I'm planning a great sur !
Prise on him. And, of course I'm lit I
orally drinking in atmosphere-to say
nothing of local color, which seems
Mostly TO be men and revolvers."
The man opposite wet his lips with
lis tongue in an effort to speak. but
he girl as. busy eating and appar-
,ntly paid no attention. Her calm in
Inference convinced him that her
words were entirely innocent, and his
returned.
Well" he ventured. do you agree
With this prospector friend?"
THE scenery, you mean?' CHANGING
lp brightly ''Why, it is wonderful. of
curse. and 1 am not at all sorry hav-
ng made the journey. although it
ardly compares with Tennessee Pass
T Silver Plume. Still. you know, If
vill be pleasant to tell Mr.. Cavendish
Then l go back that / was here"
He choked and his face seemed to
7hiten suddenly.
Mr. Cavendish7" he gasped. "Of
lew York? Not the one that was
illed?"
1t was her turn to stare across the
able, her eyes wide with horror, which
be simulated excellentIy
'I1illedl Has a man by that name
cen killed lately in New York? 1t
-as Frederick Cavendish / referred .
J." Her. pretense was admirable
He was silent, realizing he had al
sady said too much.
TELL me- she insisted, has he .
cen killed. How do YOU known"
Her earnestness, her perfect acting.
Dnvinced him. 1t was a mere coin
dence. he thought. that this name
could have cropped up between them. |
ut now that IL had. he must ex- &
lain the whole affair so as not to 7
rouse suspicion. He cleared his 5
,r-oof and ~orpnoIIed his eyes m meet