The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1921-09-30
CHAPTER x-continued.

w, we know you never Spt ~ but
she did There amt no other way II |
could have been done. The dame left |
with Alva. George here saw her go |
out with him. Then the next morn |
inr the guy was found dead, his peck
els rifed. and the bag of cash gone.
TOW was he crpnked-do you know?
l'mctured from behind with some
sorter sharp instrument, no bigger
thnn hat-pin. II looked like wom-
ans job. but she got away clean. And
what then? The next night she turns
IN With you over at Peronds blowing
IN the coin. and the two of yer havin'
HI OF time. That proves yer
were together. don't it?'
Were not going to blow this to
the police" broke In Harris, as Dan
paused for breath. "Rhat 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 don't7 Suppose tell
you | haven't the slightest idea where
that money is, or who got itf What
them"
Harris grin was more malicious and
hateful than never, but he waited and
deliberately lit his stump of cigar
what then?" he echoed finally.
swell, In the first place, we've got
you, haven't wei You'll squeal, believe
me, before you ever get out of our
hands. See here. Severn, I amt got
any direct proof that'll. put you In the
chair at 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
term In the jug, as accessory, and
Ak that fly dame of yours for all
time"
"You are bluffing; you have no such
proof"
"Oh, haven't II Look here, you
fool; do you know where got that?"
He whipped something from out the
concealment Of an inner coat pocket,
and flung 1t fully revealed onto the
desk--an ornamental dagger, glitter
Ing In the light. which as Instantly
recognized.
"Ever see that baby weapon be-
fore?
"Yes," and felt sudden relief at
the discovery. you slashed open my
valise, and found it."
Exactly; that's what did," evil
IDENTIFY proud Of himself ut was an
easy enough trick. Just as sooI
as got eyes on this pretty playthins
4 knew I'd got the sticker that pu
Alva out of business-an' knew
where 1t come FROM"
"Where?"
"Oh, HI! do you think I amt go
any eyes? That skirt wore 1t In he
hat when she and Alva went out tC
gether."
"Oh, did she? This same pin. wa
lt2 Say, Harris, l wish ! could be O
bright as you think you are. And di
you happen to observe also that Il
iadys hat was held Ia place by e.
actly the same pin tonight when 81
was In Perond's? Well, 1t was; no
how could 1t be In your pocket and
her har Mt the same timer"
He stared at me, his mouth wi,
open, and was equally amused at d
expression upon the faces of the 9th
two. realized fully the peril W
In, and that these men would hesta
at nothing to obtain their end. Y
In spite Of all this. i was inexpressit
happy. / spiked their big gun with
single blow: moreover. l had learn
the truth about her, and my faith
her innocence came back In flo
Harris had done too much boastir
he had ruined his own case. He h
placed the very weapon In my grt
which l most desired to have
eolute assurance that the girl hers
was innocent. The fellow felt, q
realized. the change.
That's easy" ne sneered. IS
bought herself another. That pro
nothing, except that she Is SIN
enough to play safe. Neither one
you can get away on that sort
DOPE"
Perhaps not: but It clears her
the murder charge"
"Oh, does It'll That remains to
seen. We know who she Is, and
Is more than you do. Oh, hi,
onto that over the wire: the
thing that interested you into con
here was to learn who the dame i
~ was That's part of her play,
Ngure 1t. Severn. She won't give
self away. but Is just using you. "
tbe's good and ready she mean
rade, an she'll take the dough a
with her. You will have sold on,
few cheap kisses, an that's ALL
laughed coarsely. "She Is strir
you for fool. Come now, wake
before II Is too late, m let's al
hand in the pot; what'de yer $
"You still think ! am that |
One OF your classY questioned,
Sughly angered by his sneering 50
Zone II my class3 l should
not: you are the rawest kind
mutt. but 50 far you've been In 4
that's al. Now your luck has chs
end Yer up against It."
4. NWhat DO you want me to Dc
Il 4 81 1eN mr. 80 - AL you
&@ ~ 1S;. y. Y &