Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-08-31

knew who she was, he was the kind
that might become ugly. and, however
much | suspicioped her in my own
mind, l had no desire to leave her I'M
defended at his mercy. Guilty or not
guilty, my inclination was to protect
her TO the last. Besides | was eager
TO obtain the information he claimed
to possess; indeed, all progress ON the
case was blocked until / did obtain it.
As to his boast that he knew where
the stolen money was concealed,
took little stock i'm that Doubtless he
merely threw that in for good meas
ure. But the other looked reasonable
Perond's before; Pierre was fully as
likely TO recall her TO memory as he
was to remember Daily and Harris
could never have made SO shrewd a
guess. unless he had really been told
the facts. Another thing gave me cour-
age to go to Costigan's. | was still
accepted by these people as Harry
DAILY, crook. l would undoubtedly be
SO received, so treated. Under these
circumstances there could be no per-
sonal danger; held the whip-hand,
the advantage-Harris was only en-
deavoring to see what he could get
out of me; he had abandoned force
TO resort to diplomacy.
"All right" | said. "rn run over
there; if you want to play fair, I'll
meet you half way"
"0h, I'm on the square, old man,
and I've got some good dope" he in
sisted an blow it when you show
up"
I returned the receiver to the hook,
uncertain whether or not l had de-
cided rightly, yet determined TO carry
out the experiment Above all else
wanted TO learn who Marie Gessler
was. Nothing else mattered so much,
for on this discovery all else hinged.
If vioicnce, or treachery, was intended,
l would be found prepared, and well
able to defend myself.
The neighborhood into which | was
venturing induced me to take taxi,
posted at the door OF the saloon. /
pressed open the swinging door, and
stepped into the brilliantly lighted bar
room.
Costigan was behind the bar, but.
at sight Of me, rounded the end, and
shook hands cordially. removing his
apron, and slipping into a coat in
token that he had changed his occupa-
ton.
Better call Charlie" he said to a
man beside him. ''for I'll be of for an
hour or so. You came to see George?"
"Yes: he telephoned me-"
"Said he was goin' TO. He's waitin'
in the Office there. I'll 60 along with
you"
He pushed passage through the
crowd, his breadth Of body according
me ample room in which to follow
without being obstructed, and opened
the closed door with pass-key. To
wave of his zig hand / passed con-
fidently past him, and entered. The
next instant he had pressed me for
ward, came in also, and closed the
door; the sharp click of the lock
sounded like the report of a pistol.
One startled glance at the interior
told me ! was trapped, and the swift
instinct of defense led me to step
aside, so that j should have my back
TO the wall. Harris sat In the swivel
chair, with feet elevated on the desk,
sardonically grinning at me over a
half-chewed cigar tilted between his
teeth. A white rag was bound round
his head, through which a few drops
of blood had oozed, leaving a dark
stain. Leaning against the wall OPP
posite was WaldrOn, one eye half
closed, and his lip split, giving to his
face look of savage brutality, rem
dered peculiarly sinister by grim
effort TO smile. Costigan remained
motionless, with back against the door,
as though thus barring all possibility
of escape had walked into their
trap, and the jaws had closed.
The grin on Harris face maddened
me. "well," ] said coldly, ait was
stall, was itl What is the ideaT"
He laughed, without changing his
attitude.
"Tnis happens to be our turn to
play. DAILY" he returned, apparently
well satisfied with his smartness.
Then you have nothing 10 tell mef'
"oh; yes, have; I've got hi Of
a lot TO tell you. But first of all you
are going to tell me a few things
Push back your right sleeve to the ell
bow shirt and ALL"
whats that for"
Never you mind what it's for; you
do what l say. if you know what is
best for yourself"
| looked at the faces Of the others,
but they were hard as flint Ny hesi-
fancy caused Harris to lower his feet,
and sit up angrily.
Push up that sleeve, you, or III
have waidron do it for you. We've
got yeu foul, you fool -
/ stripped back my sleeve. exposing
my right forearm, yet never remov-
ing my eyes from their faces. Harris
and Costigan bent forward, intent on
the operation, but Wnldron never
shifted bis position. Harris slapped
a hand on the desk, and gave utter
ance to an oath.
by Cd, Dan. we're right. This
birds not Dalyf"