Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-09-02
THE VAGRANT DUKE
BY GEORGE GIBBS
=, "The Splendid Oueast "The YeLow Doue "Ths Secret
Author I" '''N Witness" ETC.
IA Cartwright 1871. bv D. Appsfo~ q
Nv GEORGE GIBBS

happened out there at the mine In tho
desert, but more than that he wanted
20 Know how the destinies of this man
stected Beth. And SO the thought that
had been growing in his mind now
found quick utterance.
know this-that you've como back
to frighten MCGUIRE, but you've also
come back to bring misery and shame
to Others wbo've lived long In peace and
happiness without you--"
'What---2' said Coast incredu-
lously.
II know who you are. You're Ben
Cameron" said Peter distinctly.
The effect OF this statement upon Jim
Coast was extraordinary. He started
back abruptly, oyerturning q chair, and
fell rather than leaned against the bed
post-his eyes staring from a ghastly
fncc.
,,.nWS "WhatIyhat At M did-you sayr h.
You're Ben Cameron" said Peter
"Me-B-Ben Cameron! That's
damn good. Me-Ben Cameron! Say,
head ?" ''''
The way you frightened the old
woman at, the kitchen door"
| oh " Coast Strengthened In relief
hI I get you. You've been talkin' to
"Yes: What did you say to herY"
~ just gave her a message for
McGuire. reckon she gave It to him. /"
| "A message"
"Oh, you needn't say you don't know,
the placard."
Peter was now more bewildered than
Coast. DO you deny that you're Ben
Cameron" he asked.
Coast pulled himself together and
took up his coat.
Deny 1t? Sure! I'm not--not him
not Ben Cameron-not Ben Cameron.
Ion 1 know who amp he shouted.
Ihen he broke off with a violent gesture
and took up his cap. Enough Of your
damn questions, I say. I've told Won
what I've told you. You can believe Il
or not, as you choose. I'm Jim Coast
to You or Hawk Kennedy, II you like.
but don't you 60 throwin' any more
OF your dirty jokes my way. Under
Peter couldn't understand, but he had
enough of the man. SO he pointed to.
ward the door.
Co" he ordered. "I've had enough
or you-get out -
Coast walked few PAGES toward the
door, then paused and turned and held
out his hand.
"Oh, hell, Pete. Don't let's you and
me quarrel. You gave me a start back
mere I'm sorry. OF course, you
knew. You been good to me tonight.
I'm Obliged, ! need you in my bust :
ness: More'n ever"
|
Oh very well. Suit YOURSELF" said
Coast with shrug. There's plenty
OF time. I'll be back in a month or siy
weeks. Think 1t over. I've made Won
a nice offer-real money-to help me 4
pit. Take It or leave it, as you please
III get along without you, but I'd
rather have you with me than against
me-"
I'm neither" said Peter. IT wan,
nothing to do with it,
Coast shrugged. "I'm sorry. Wei,
so long. I've got horse back in the
qlnes. III take the milk train from
Hammonton to Philadelphia. You
NO"
Good night"
Peter didn't even reply. And wber
tho man had gone he opened tho doc,
and windows to let in the night air
The room had been defled BY the man.
very presence. Ben Cameron? Beth,
rather? The thing seemed impossible
out every fact In Peters knowledge
pointed toward 1t. And vet what RI,
meaning Of Jim Coasts strange action,
at the mention Of his name? And wba,
We're the facts that Jim Coast didn',
ten! What had happened at the mine
that was too terrible even to speak
ABOUT! What was the bond between
these two men, which held the success :.
ful one In terror, and the other in
silence! Something unspeakably vile,
The telephone bell tangled apain.
feter rose and went to It. But he was
IN no humor to talk to Mcclure.
HelIo,' he growled. "Yes-he's
gone; ] let him go. You told me
to. Yes, he talked long me
while. No. He won't be hack
for month. We'n tall that
over later. II" No. Not toniSbt
I'm going to bed. No. Not
until tomorrow. I've had about enough
OF this. All right. Good night -
And Peter hung up the receiver nm =
dressed and went to bed.
CHAPTER WI