The Mena weekly star., 1921-01-27
Author of "Cappy Ricks"
kxxxXxXXXxXXxxxxxXXxXXXXX&
 Copyright hy Psssr B. Kyns (Continued from previous issue.)

stand your peculiar code. but yoa're too deep for me; go let me go thy way to the devil George Sea Otter is out side asleep in the tonneau of the car. Tell him to drive you wherever you're going. suppose you're afoot today. for noticed the mayor riding to his office in your sedan this morning"
 She tried to look outraged, but for the life of her she could not take of fense at his bluntness; neither did she resent look which she detected In hls eyes, even though 1t told her he was laughing at her.
 "Oh, very we'll" she replied with what dignity she could muster. Have lt your own way. I've tried to warn you. Thank you for your offer of the car. shall be glad to use 1t. Uncle Seth sold my car to Mayor Pound stone last night. Mrs. P-- admired it s0l'
 "Ahi Then 1t was that rascally Tombstone who told your uncle about the temporary franchise. thus arousing his suspicious to such an extent that when he heard his locomotive rum bling into town, he smelled a rat and hurried down to the crossingT
 Possibly. The Poundstones dined at our house last night"
 Pretty hard on you, I should say. But then I suppose you have to play the game with Uncle Seth. We'll, good morning, Shirley. Sorry to hurry yeu away. but you must remember we're on strictly business basis yet and you mustn't waste my time"
 You're horrid. Bryce Cardigan"
 You're adorable. Good morning"
 You'll be sorry for this she warned him. Good morning" She passed out into the general office. wis tied with Moira about five minutes, and drove away in the Napier. Bryce watched her through the window. She knew he was watching her, but never theless she could not forbear turning round to verify her suspicious. When she did. he waved his sound arm at her, and she flushed with vexation.
 sGod bless her!" he murmured. "She's been my ally all along. and I never suspected iti I wonder what her game can be-"
 He sat musing for a long time. Yes" he concluded presently. ''old Tombstone has dOuble-crossed us aad Pennington made 1t worth his while. And the Colonel sold the mayor his niece's automobile. It's worth twenty-five hundred dollars, at least. and since old Poundstones finances will not permit such an ex- travagance, I'm wondering how Pen zngton expects him to pay for it. l smell rat as big as kangaroo. In this case two and two don't make four. They make six Guess I'll build fire under old Tombstone"
 He took down the telephone re- ceiver and called up the mayor. Bryce Cardigan speaking. Mir Pound stone" he greeted the chief executive of SequoIa.
 "Oh, hello. Bryce, my boy" Pound stone boomca afrably "How's tricks?"
 "So-sol hear you've bought that sedan from Col. Pennlngton's niece Wish I'd known it was for sale. I'd have outbid you. Want to make a profit on your bargain?"
 No. not this morning. Bryce. think we'll keep it. Mrs. p- has beer wanting a closed car for a long time, and when the Colonel offered me this one at bargain. snapped 1t up"
 And you don't care to get rid of It at proiit?" Bryce repeated.
 "No, siree n
 "0h, you're mistaken, Mir Mayor. think you do would suggest that you take thnt car hack to Penning- toms garage and leave it there That would be the most profitable thing you could do"
 what--what fin blue blazes are you driving at?'' the mayor sput- tered.
 T wouldn't care to discuss If over the telephone. take it. however. that hint to the wise is sufficient; and I warn you. mayor. that if you keep that car it win bring you bad luck. Today is Friday. and Friday is an un- lucky day. I'd get rid of that sedan heIore noon if I were you"
 There was long, fateful silence. Then in singular small. quaverinc voice: You think 1t best. Cardigany
 T do. Return 1t to No 3S Redwood boulevard, and no questions will be asked. Good-by r
 When Shirley reached home at noon, sue found her car parked in front of he porte cochere: and brief note ieft with the butler. informed her that aIter thinking the matter over, Mrs. roundstone had decided the Pound stone family could not afford such an extravagance. and accordingly the car was returned with many thanks for he opportunity to purchase it at such ridiculously low figure. Shirley smiled. and put the car up in the garage When she returned to the house her maid Thelma informed her ehat MT. Bryce Cardigan had been calling her on the telephone. So she called Bryce up at once.
 Has Tombstone returned your car?" he qucried
 Why. yes. What makes you askr' "oh. had suspicion he might. <n..s.