The Jasper news., 1921-01-06

TO leaVo tOWn.
II suppose so.r acquiesced Clinton.
"The fact, however, is that nothing
was further from my thoughts than
those Lowrie bonds"
Frankly" snid BENIN, "what pux-
zles me Is that you wished to 60 at all.
You had agreed to stay, and we were
all trying our best to treat you we'll"
II presume the police searched my
suitcase" irrelevantly observed Clin-
ton. To tell BENIN about Amy's visit
to his room was unthinkable.
BENIN took out cigarette before re-
plying: zone can usually count on
their committing such. impertinences,
take II. Though, II they opened your
case, they must have been rather clev-
er In their work. II seemed to be Sc
curely locked"
"You left 1t at Miss Lowrle'sr
"Yes."
"That was very kind Of you"
"Don't mention It say, old man,
I've been wanting to talk with you
about your-er-about Miss Amy"
II fail to take you," said Clinton.
"You forget that am not your friend,
VIII Lowrie."
"Friendl" muttered BENIN. He
forced a smile. you're the one that
has forgotten your identity. But, un-
luckily for me. you still retain an i'm.
pression--or, as Doctor Kirkland
would say, a subconscious memory--of
your opposition to me-"
Must repeat"
mo. Yet you cannot deny you have
this feeling. this prejudice against me,
with regard to Amy"
"You refer to Miss Lowrie, pre-
sume."
"Deuce take itw exclaimed BENIN.
Haven't l stood your friend in this
police AFFAIR." Am l not entitled to
some consideration from your
every WE'LL" said Clinton. "Now II
you will kindly proceed to elucidate
what you are driving at"
"Right-Ol We're getting down to
bedrock" replied BENIN. you're
listening to me as her brother; you
have my word that am not so friv-
olous or-fast-as / am said to be +;
and you know how 1 regard your sis
ter. may not be as desirable a match
as some; but I am eligible, as you
know, and though 1 seem to be doing
nothing, really am engaged In q
serious and ambitious vocation"
"One moment" said Clinton. "You
insisted that I play the part Of Miss
Lowrie's brother; but have not asked
for any condolences from you. Kindly
remember that you are speaking to q
stranger"
'Tndeed1 Really now. you can't
fancy you can shuDt me of the track
at this stage of the game" scoffed
BENIN. "a man In your situation
might be expected to catch at hints
Perhaps your head really is added
I'll give you the benefit Of the doubt
Thanks" said Clinton.
"1f II Is not added, you certainly
are a cool one," rejoined BENIN
Don't you realize what hole you
are in over those bonds7 Admitting
for the sake of the argument that you
remember nothing about them, / will
explain that ] know enough Of what
you did to-put you through"
"Most kind Of you to tell me. Mr.
Bemm."
Bemm's grny-brown eyes lost theil
deceptive shallowness. Clinton looked
into their depths and saw the
man behind the Jester. His steely
glance struck flint instead Of rubber
But Bemm's voice was very soft:
"YOu see, old man, 1t is still a mat
ter between friends. All you need dC
is to find the bonds, or their equiva
lent In money, II they have been dis
posed of. Doctor Kirkland believes
you we're irresponsible. II you hav'
used any of the-er-proceeds there's
no doubt he will advance you tht
amount. If that Is done-the bank re
imbursed, y'know-the bank will nc
cept his theory of your mental condl
hushed up. This is provided forge
certain facts that, II recalled by me
would knock the doctors hyp0thesli
into a cooked hat"
"SO--yOu remember certain factsT'
muttered Clinton.
my dear VIII, let us say that d.
not now remember them. One maj
easily forget, where a friend is con
cerned. All ask Is that you, In turn
show your friendship by intimatinI
the situation TO Am-er-Mlss LOwrie
Nothing raw, sy'know. Just a hint
She admits that she Hikes me, and yoV
know how she is. A word from yOl
In my favor, and she would at once
For all his Quickness, BENIN wa
not quick enough to elude the hant
that shot out to clutch his collar. HI