The diamond drill., 1920-05-22
CHAPTER !.
WIII o, tha WIap.


the rear Of the hurrying crowd OF his
fellow passengers there was nothing
peculiar In his appearance. His
clothes were I'm good taste. his manner
q3et and well-bred, his look intelli-
gent. pleasant and Indifferent. On the
whole he gave every indication of be-
ing manly and attractive young gen.
tleman. He walked with the resilient
step of an athlete In training-and in
his mid-twenties.
The gatekeeper told him where he
could check his suitcase. He started
across the arcade TO enter the depot.
From outside the iron fence an ele-
gantly dressed young fellow beside the
nearest train waved hand to him and
called familiarly: "Hello. old man |
Didn't know you were returning-what
the deucew
The traveller, after moments quiz
zical scrutiny. had started on into the
depot without betraying the slightest
sign OF recognition. The young elegant
who had called to him flushed and bit
his lip. AS quickly his shallow gray
brown eyes hardened and he recovered
his nonchalant polse. With a swift
ness that was masked by the utter lack
or hurry In his manner he slipped
through the gate and across the arcade
into the depot.
The sight OF the man he had ad-
dressed brought him to an abrupt halt.
He turned aside behind pillar and
paused to light cigarette. The Gav-
eler was at the checking counter de-
posting his suitcase. Having re-
ceived his check he turned away with
re bearing OF one who is In a strange
place with no particular desire TO do
anything.
Before he had taken half dozen
steps he was rushed by middle-aged
man who might have passed for pro-
tn6ter or clubman OF rather pro-
bounced tastes ''Why. howdy, Mr..
Lowriei Back In Denver again. see.
and looking fit as fiddle. Glad your
stay east has done you so much good"
''You are slightly mistaken" re-
oiled the traveller, ignoring the others
outstretched hand. "I do not happen
to be a comer-on, and I care neither
for little game nor a gold brick.
thank you"
He went out through the main exit
Of the old depot. leaving the man who
had accosted him agape and blankly
disconnected.
The traveller tensed with the upwell-
ing OF his energy. He noted the line
of taxicabs drawn up outside the depot
grounds. and started forward. brisk
and purposeful. At the same time
small touring car that had been stand
Ing beside the curb before the ladies'
waiting room curved around and rolled
smoothly out across the block pave
ment toward the Welcome arch.
Car and pedestrian reached the
crossing at the same time. The driver.
Ia portly, gray-haired gentleman. footed
a warning and swerved over on the
|crossing. Checked by the sound Of the
| horn the traveller came to an abrupt
| halt and stood poised, waiting for the
automobile to glide past.
The elderly driver was too Intent on
steering the machine to give further
|heed TO him. But the matronly lady in
1.-THE rear seat looked In his direction
|nnd met his gaze full and direct. In
|stantly she flung out her hand and
|edned toward him. her face aglow
with surprise and delight.
"wil |" she cried. "Stop. Karl. stop!
Don't you see WillT"'
The car came 20 a stand within ITS
|bwn length. and the dlgnified driver
Twisted about 20 peer at the traveller.
AS he met the young mans look OF
|well-bred annoyance his joyful aston
|lshment became clouded with doubt.
|But the doubt vanished and left him
|beaming with cocksure delight.
"It is WIFI" he exclaimed. "Most
Such a--a-"
my dear VIII My dear boyi"
broke ia the lady. "To think that
kou---"
For the first time the traveller rallied
from the half daze into which he had
been thrown by this sudden attack. II
beg your pardon, madam" he inter
|rupted the lady. you have rather the
advantage Of me. Evidently you mis-
lake me for some friend who has been
hway."
He smiled as IL In sympathetic
amusement. but the others at once be-
came grave. The lady gazed at him In
khocked surprise. The gentleman re-
billed TO him with dignified Irritation:
F.ThIs Is no occasion for practical
bokes. Will. Very unlike youi Merely
because you have grown n mustache
IA No reason why you should"
~0ne moment, sir" broke In the
kyoung man. and be Drew cut his card
case. my name n CLINTON Richard
Clinton. am stranger In Denver"
1T won't do. won't do, WIN r. irrf-
tabiy rejoined the older man. you've
changed a great deal--wonderful I'm
provement But OF course It's all ow-