The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-09-14
CHAPTER x-Continued.


~, I'VE know you never got 1t, but
che did. There amt no other way 1t
could have been done. The dame left
with Alva. George here saw her 60
out with him. Then the next morn
ing the guy was found dead, his pock-
cts rifled, and the bag Of cash gone.
How was he crOaxed-dO you know
Punctured from behind with some
sorter sharp instrument, no bigger
than a hat-pin. 1t looked like a wom-
ans job, but she got away clean. And
what then? The next night she turns
up with you over at Perond's blowing
In the coin. and the two Of yer havin'
q HI Of time. That proves yer
were together. don't it?'
"We're not going to blow this to
the police" broke in Harris, as Dan
paused for breath. "That amt the
idea at all. But we want share Of
that dough. You come across. and
there won't be no more trouble"
but suppose l don't7 Suppose I tell
you haven't the slightest idea where
that money is, or who got 1t? What
them"
Harris grin was more malicious and
hateful than never, but he waited and
deliberately lit his stump of cigar.
"What thenY' he echoed finally.
"Well, In the first place, we've got
you, haven't we? You'll sQueal, believe
me, before you ever get out Of our
hands. See here. Severn, amt got
any direct proof that'li put you in the
chair ut Sing Sing; that's true enough,
but unless the two Of you cough up
liberal, I'll turn something over to the
police Of this town what will give you
a term in the jug. as accessory, and
tx that fly dame Of yours for all
time"
"You are blufing: you have no such
proof"
"Oh, haven't II Look here, you
fool; do you know where 1 got that?"
He whipped something from out the
concealment of an inner coat pocket,
and flung it fully revealed onto the
desk-an ornamental dagger, glitter
ing in the light. which l as instantly
recognized.
"Ever see that baby weapon be-
fOre7"
"Yes," and l felt a sudden relief at
the discovery. "You slashed open my
valise, and found 1t"
Exactly; that's what l did," evil
IDENTIFY proud of himself. 1T was an
easy enough trick. Just as soon
as got eyes on this pretty plaything
! knew I'd got the sticker that put
Alva out Of business-an' l knew
where 1t come FROM"
"Where?"
''Oh, HI! do you think l amt got
any eyes? That skirt wore it in her
hat when she and Alva went out to-
gether."
"Oh, did she? This same pin, was
IT. Say. Harris, wish l could be as
bright as you think you are. And did
you happen to observe also that the
lady's hat was held IN place by ex-
actly the same p:n tonight when she
was in PerOnd's? Well, 1t was; now
how could 1t be In your pocket and in
her hat at the same timer"
j. He stared at me, his mouth wide
open, and was equally amused at the
expression upon the faces of the other
two. l realized fully the peril was
In, and that these men would hesitate
at nothing to obtain their end. Yet,
In spite of all this, l was inexpressibly
happy. spiked their big gun with a
single blow; moreover, l had learned
the truth about her, and my faith In
her innocence came back In food.
Harris had done too much Boosting !;
he had ruined his own case He had
placed the very weapon in my grasp
which I most desired to have-ab-
solute assurance that the girl herself
was innocent. The fellow felt, and
realized. the change.
THAT'S easy" he sneered. "She
bought herself another. That proves
nothing. except that she Is smart
enough to play safe. Neither one Of
you can get away on that sort Of
dope"
Perhaps not; but 1t clears her Of
the murder charge"
"Oh, does it, That remains to be
eeen. We know who she is, and that
10 more than you do. Oh, HI, l got
onto that over the wire; the only
thing that interested you into coming
here was to learn who the dame real
ly was. That's part of her play, as l
figure 1t. Severn. She won't give her.
self away. but IL just using you. When
cbe's good and ready she means to
fade. an she'll take the dough along
with her. You will have sold out for
4 few cheap kisses, an that's ALL" He
laughed cOarsely. "She is stringing
you for fool. Come now, wake up,
before 1t Is too late, an let's all get
hand in the pot; what'de yer say?"
"YOu still think l am that kind?
One of your class?' questioned, thor
aughly angered by his sneering speech.
Zone of my class? l should saw
not; you are the rawest kind of a
mutt but so far vOu'ye haan In luoly