The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1921-02-03

and had no wish to expose her to sus
picion. There was no longer doub.
In his mind as to the fate of Miss Don
ovan. She had been forcibly abducted
by this gang of thieves, and put wher,
her knowledge could do them no harm
But where? The clue had been give,
him, but before 1t could be of am
value he must learn more of thi
Mexican, Mendez. The fellow hat
always appeared rather mythica
character, but now became suddenly
real. The marshal might know; IL
not, then he must choke the truth out
of Lacy. Determined to make the
effort. he muttered a swift word of
thanks to Sadie and left the room.
trom the open doorway Westcott
took careful survey of the street, adj
justing his belt so that the butt of his
revolver was more convenient to the
hand. He had no conception that his
coming interview with Lacy was TO he
altogether pleasant one, and realized
fully the danger confronting him.
AT that moment the little marshal,
MS broad-brimmed hat cooked over one
eye, emerged from the narrow alley
way between the Red Dog and the adj
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.
shal saw him, and came forward. His
manner was prompt and businessIike.
Hello, JIM" he said rather briskly.
Had little trouble up your way last
night, ] hear"
Nothing to bother you, Dan; nv
Mexican watchman was shot up
through window Of the shack"
"Kill him?
Instantly. I told the coroner all
about it. Whoever the fellow was I
reckon he meant the shot for me- but
poor Jose got it. Seen Bill Lacy this
morn,rgW
The marshars thin lips smiled grim.
~ as his eyes lifted to Wcstcott's face.
Hes 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'?" anxiously.
Westcott laughed.
II don't see any use for any," he an
swcrcd. "But Bill might be q bit
touchy. Maybe, Dan, 1T might he worth
while for you to hang around. Do as
you please about that"
He turned away ana went I'D the
wooden steps to the door of the Red
Dog. The marshal's eyes followed
him solicitously until he disappeared
within; then he slipped back into the
nlleyway skirting the side of the build.
Ing until he reached a window near
the rear.
WeStcott closed the door behind him
and took a 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 slight feeling of
relief. Neither Enright nor Beaton
were present. and it was his desire
to meet Lacy alone, away from the in
fiuence of these others. He crossed to
the bar
"Where's B.ll?" he asked
Back there" and the dispenser of
drinks inclined his head toward a door
at the rear. "Go on in"
LIE IeIOW y manner was CIVIL
enough, vet 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 IL
INTO his pocket. Then he faced about.
He was not alone with Lacy; Enright
sat beside the desk Of the other and
was staring at him in startled surprise
Westcoft also had haZy Impression
that there was or had been another
person. The saloon keeper rose tc
mis- fees. angry, and thrown completely
of his guard by Westcott's uney pected
action.
"What the b does this mean?"
he demanded hOtly. why did you
lock the door2"
NATURALLY. to keep you in here un-
til l am through with you," returned
the miner coldly. "Sit down, Lacy;
we've got few things to talk over.