The Arizona copper camp., 1920-10-16

THE STRANGE CASE OF CAYENDISH


out with his gang somewhar in the big
DESERT
"Was anything said about Miss Don
ovan?'
''Not by name; they was too smart
for that; but that was the direction
Matt Moore drove off last night
there's Enright comm downstairs
now; won't yer hav' some more cakes.
sir?'
Westcott pushed back his chair and
rose to his feet. He had extracted
all the information the girl possessed,
and had no wish to expose her to sus-
picion. There was no longer a doubt
in his mind as to the fate of Miss Don
ovan. She had been forcibly abducted
by this gang of thieves, and put where
But where? The clue had been given
him, but before it could be of any
value he must learn more Of this
Mexican, Mendez. The fellow had
always appeared a rather mythical
character, but now became suddenly
real The marshal might know; if
not, then he must choke the truth out
of Lacy. Determined to make the
effort, he muttered swift word of
thanks to Sadie and left the room.
From the open doorway Westcott
took careful survey of the street, a@r
justing his belt so that the butt of his
revolver was more convenient to the
H. hot
coming interview with Lacy was to be
altogether a pleasant one, and realized
fully the danger confronting him.
At that moment the little marshal,
his broad-brimmed hat cooked over one
eye, emerged from the narrow alley
jacent dance hall, and stood there
doubtfully, his gaze wandering up and
down the deserted street. AS West
colt descended the hotel steps the mar
shall saw him, and came forward. His
manner was prompt and businesslike.
"Hello, Jim," he said rather briskly.
'Had little trouble up your way last
night hear"
Nothing to bother you, Dah my
Mexican Waterman was shot up
through a window of the shack"
"Kill hirn?'
''Instantly. I told the coroner all
about it. Whoever the fellow was
reckon he meant the shot for me, but
poor Jose got it. Seen Bill Lacy this
morn;ngw
The marshal's thin lips smiled grim
ly as his eyes lifted to Westcott's face.
He's back there in his Office That's
what I stopped yer for. He said he
rather expected ye'd be along after a
while. What's up between yer, Jim?
There amt goin' ter be no fight er
nuthin'w anxiously.
Westcott laughed.
81 don't see any use for any," he an
swered 'But Bill might be bit
touchy. Maybe, Dan, it might be worth
while for you to hang around. Do as
you please about that"
He turned away ana went up the
wooden steps to the door of the Red
Dog. The marshaIs eyes followed
him solicitously until he disappeared
within; then he slipped back into the
alleyWav skirting the side of the build
ing until he reached a window near
The rear.
Westcott closed he~door behind him
and took swift view of the barroom.
There were not many present at that
hour-only few habitual loafers play
ing cards. Westcott recognized most
Of the faces with a slight feeling of
relief. Neither Enright nor BeatOn
were present. and it was his desire
to meet Lacy alone, away from the in
fluence of these others. He crossed to
the bar.
where's Bill?" he asked.
"Back there" and the dispenser of
drinks inclined his head toward door
at the rear "Go on in
The fellows manner was civil
enough, yet Westcott's teeth set with a
feeling that he was about to face an
emergency. Yet there was no other
way; he must make Lacy talk. He
walked straight to the door, opened it,
stepped into the room beyond, and
turned the. key in the lock, dropping it
into his pocket. Then he faced about.
He was not alone with Lacy; Enright