The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1920-08-05

cred no proof by this ritling OF her
bag.
Farriss' letter contained nothing of
interest except the fact that Enright
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 10 pro-
ceed with caution, as her quest might
prove to be a dangerous one.
Miss Donovan thought rapidly and
clearly, more than ordinarily eager TO
solve this mystery. II was Frederick
Cavendlsh 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 reaGon 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 IL was Of com
paratively small Importance contrast
ed with the known wecfth left by the
murdered man In the last. No, there
must be some other cHlse 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, It's object
the attainment Of money. but without
question the cost had been the life of
Frederick Cavendish.
The harsh clan. CO the diHner-beii
from the porch below aroused her to a
sense of hunger.
Ten minutes later Timmons, guilt
less or any coat, put temporarily lay
ing aside his pipe as a special act OF
courtesy, escorted her into the dining
room and seated her mt 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, 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. lie was not prepossessing,
yet she instantly recognized his type
and the probability that he would ad-
dress her II 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
~, and managed to smile.
Some chuck" he said In an at
tempt at good-fellowship. 'but not
to remind you of the Waldorf-Astoria."
II should shy not" she answered.
testing one Of her dishes cautiously.
but why associate me with New
York;"
"You can't hide those things In n
Joint like this. When did you leave
New York;"
"Oh. more than a week ago." she
lied gracefully.
He stroked hts moustache.
"Then I suppose you haven't much
late New York news? Nothing start
ling, l meany
mo; only what has been reported in
the western papers. I do o recall
anything particularly interesting She
dropped her eyes to her plate and
busted herself with a piece of tough
beef. 1.-THE usual murders. Of course,
and things of that kind"
There was a moments silence. then
the man laughed as though slightly III
at ease. whatever brought q girl like
you down In hereT
She smiled.
"Tm a feature writer; I'm doing a
she told him. 81 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 II yer l got out this way ! must
look him Up. He was continually sing
ing this valleys charms, and so here
I am. And I'm planning a great sur
prise on him. And, of course, I'm lit
orally drinking In atmosphere-to say
nothing d. 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 vas busy eating and appar'
entity paid no attention. Her calm In.
difference convinced him that hei
words were entirely innocent, and his
audacfty returned.
.Well." he ventured. do You agree
xath this prospector friend7"
'sThc scenery. you meanr" glancins
up brightly. why, It 10 wonderful o.
xourse. and ! an moi q al SORRY hay
Inr mado they Journey. aitheuGh \
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