Connecticut western news., 1920-03-18


 had last been seen on his way to the Del Mar one hundred and fifty yards in front of him. Somewhere within that distance of two hundred yards the owner of the Circle c had van- ished from the sight of men. The evidence showed he had not reached the hotel, for cattle buyer had been waiting there to talk with him. His testimony, as well as that of the hotel clerk, was positive.
 Could this little store, the Jack of Hearts. be the central point of the mystery? In his search for informa- tion Curly had already been in it, had bought a cigar, and had stopped to talk with Mrs. Wylie, the proprietor. She was a washed-out little woman who had Cace been pretty. She had protested with absurd earnestness that she mad seen nothing of Mir. Cul. lison. A single glance had been enough to dismiss her from any possible sus- picion. ....
 Now Curly stepped in second time. The frightened gaze of Mrs. Wylie fastened upon him instantly. He ob- served that her hand moved instinc- lively to her heart. Beyond question she was in fear. A flash of light clari- fed his mind. She was conspirator. but an unwilling one. Possibly she might be the author of the anonymous warnings sent Bolt.
 The young vaquero subscribed for a magazine and paid her the money. Tremblingly she filled out the receipt. He glanced at the slip and handed 1t back. ..s. 3 s
 "Just write below the signature of the Jack Of Hearts, so that I'll re- member where 1 paid the money if the magazine doesn't come." he sug- gested.
 She did so, and Curly put the re- ceipt In his pocket carelessly. He sauntered leisurely to the hotel. but as soon as he could get into a tele- phone booth his listlessness vanished. Maloney had returned to town and he telephoned him to get Mackenzie at once and watch the Jack of Hearts in front and rear. Before he left the booth Curly had compared the writ ing of Mrs. Wylie with that on the sheet that had come by special de livery. Beyond question the same person had written both.
 Certainly Mrs. Wylie was not wara- ing the sheriff against herself. Then against whom? He must know her antecedents, and at once. Calling up local detective agency, he asked the manager to let him know within an shour or two all that could be found out about the woman without alarm ing her. @. s.
 "Wait a moment. I think we have her on file. Hold the 'phone." The detective presently returned. "Yes. We can give you the facts. Will you come to the office for them" ~
 Fifteen minutes later Curly knew that Mrs. Wylie was the divorced wife of Lute Blackwell.
 He returned to the Del Mar and sent his name up to Miss Cullison. With Kate and Bob there was also in the room Alec Flandrau.
 The girl came forward lightly to meet, him. Have you heard some thing?" she asked quickly.
 "Yes. Tell me, when did your fa- ther last meet Lute Blackwell so far as you know?" t
 The owner of the Map of Texas an swered the question of his nephew. He met him the other day. Let's see. It was right after the big poker game We met him downstairs here. Luck had to straighten out some no- tions he had got"
 'How?" r@
 Flandrau, Senior, told the story of | what had occurred in the hotel lobby. l { And you say he swore to get even?"
 That's what he said. And he | looked like he meant it, too"
 What is it? What have you found | cut?" Kate implored.
 The young man told about the let ters and Mrs. Wylie. ..
 We've got to get move on us," he concluded. For if Lute Blackwell | did this thing to your father it's mighty serious for him."
 Kate was white to the lips, but in | no danger of breaking down. "Yes, if this man is in it he would not stop | at less than murder. But I don't be- live it. I know father is alive. Cass I Fendrick is the man we want. I'm sure of it.
 "First thing is to search the Jack | of Hearts and see what's there. Are you with me. Uncle Alec?" , |
 T sure am. Curly" and he reached for his hat.
 Curly turned at the door with his warm smile. By the way, I've got some news forgot. I know where your father got the money to pay his poker debts. MT. Jordan of the Car- tlemen's National made him a per sonal loan. He figured it would not hurt the bank because the three men luck paid it to would deposit it with the bank again"
 By George, that's what we. did, TOO.