The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1920-08-05

|
Srorsed as to her presence In that
community, the searchers had dlscov-
cred no proof by this rifiing of her
bag.
Farrlss' letter contained nothing of
Interest except the fact that Enrlght
had also left for the West. He In.
structed her to be on the lookout for
him In Haskell, added line or two
OF suggestions. and ordered her to 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
Cavendish 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
others2 Was this the true reason for
Benton'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; II was of com.
rarntively 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-
piclons advanced by valols; that was
altogether too impossible, too melodrn-
matte. this thought of the substitution
OF some other body. No doubt there
had been 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 dlnner-bell
from the porch below aroused her to
sense of hunger.
Ten minutes later Tlmmons, guilt.
less OF any coat, but temporarily lay
ing aside his pipe as special act OF
courtesy, escorted her into the dining
room and seated her at a table be-
tween the two front windows. Evi.
IDENTIFY this was reserved for the more
distinguished guests-travellng men
and those paying regular day rates
for Its only other occupant was an in
dlvldual in check suit.
A waitress. red-haired, slovcnly
girl, with an impediment I'm her speech,
took her order and disappeared in the
direction of the kitchen, and Miss
Donovan dlscreetly lifted her eyes TO
observe the man sitting nearly op-
posite. He was not prepossess'ng.
yet she instantly recognized his tyne.
and the probability that he would ad-
dress her Il the slightest opportunity
occurred.
The waitress spread out the various
dishes before her. and she glanced al |
them hopelessly. As she lifted her
gaze she met that of her vis-a-yls fair. |
ly and managed TO smile.
Some chuck" he said in an nj.
tempt nt ood-fellowshIp. "but not
to remind you Of the Waldorf-Astoria."
II 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 n
Joint like this. When did YOU leave
New York;"
"Oh. more than week ago." she |
lied gracefully.
He stroked his moustache.
Then | suppose you haven't much |
late New York news? Nothing start.
ling. meanT
mo; only what has been reported In
the western papers. do not recall |
anything particularly interesting" She |
dropped her eyes TO her plate and |
busted herself with n niece of tough |
beer The usual murders, of course,
and things OF that kind"
There was n moments silence. then |
the man laughed as though slightly III |
at ease. whatever brought a girl like
you down In here2"
She smiled
I'm a feature writer; I'm doing n |
series on the West for ScribbIer's"
she told him. 81 visit New Mexico |
next, but I'm after something else be. |
sides description OF mountains and |
men; I'm also going TO hunt up an old
friend interested In mining, who told |
me II ever got out this way | must
look him up. He was continually sing. |
ing this valleys charms, and so here
] am. And I'm planning u great sur.
prise on him. And, of course, I'm III.
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
his tongue in an effort TO speak. but
the girl vns busy eating and appar-
emily paid no attention. Her calm In.
difference convinced him that her
words were entirely innocent. and his
audacity returned.
WELL he ventured, do you agree
with this prospector friendY"
"The scenery, you mean?" glanclng
up brightly. why, II is wonderful, OF
course, and am not at AL sorry hay-