The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-10-13

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"Ah. here are Fell and Ansley :" ok
claimed MaiIlard. almost with relief
~"I-ah-my friends. / don't suppos'
you've seen Bob recently?'
Ansley was silent. Jachin Fell
however. responded with a cold noe
of assent.
yes" he said in his peculiarly tone
less manner. Eyes, we have. AT least
] believe II was he"
I'm worried said Maillard. anxi
ously. hurriedly. lie made an express
I've gesture of despair. Hes in cos
tune, Of course. I've been given ia
understand that well, that he has
b~een--well. drinking
'1He has said joachim Fell. without
any trace Of compassion. "A number
of the Krewe are occupying one of
the rOoms in the building. and they
must have been visiting il frequently.
I trust for your sake that the fuct
hasn't become generally known In
side?r
Maillard nodded. Shame and anger
lay heavily in his eyes.
Judge Forester. in his kindly way.
laid his hand on the bankers arm.
tut. tut. Joseph" he said. gently.
a fund OF sympathy in his voice.
Boys will be boys. you know; really.
this Is no great matter. Don't let 1t
hit you so hard. I'll go with you to
find the room. of course. Where is
Ii. Jachin?"
"WeTl all GO put in Ansley. "WeH
have a little party OF our own. gentle
men. Come on. | believe wen be able
to discover the place"
The four men left the foyer and
started through the corridors.
81 hear" said Judge Forester to
Ansley, as they followed the
other two, that there has been aston
news today from the Midnight
Masquer. II seems that a number OF
people have received back property
this afternoon-loot the bandit had
1t appears TO have been some
sort of a carnival joke. after all"
"A poor one. then responded Ans
ley. "and in doubtful taste. I've
heard nothing of 1t. I wouldn't mind
getting back the little cash l lost.
though | must say I'll believe the
story when I see the money"
He broke off quickly.
AS they turned a corner OF the cor
ridor TO the four men came realIza-
tion that they had attained their goal.
From one of the rooms ahead there
sounded snatches of n boisterous Choir
us being roared forth Justify. As
they halted, to distinguish from which
door the singing proceeded. the Choir
us was broken off by an abrupt and
sudden silence. This silence was ac-
centuated by the preceding noise. as
though the singers had checked their
maudlin song in mid career.
On IT," muttered Mnillard. ibid
they hear us coming? No. that
wouldn't matter a hang Il them-but
what checked them so quIckly?"
"This door" said Fell. indicating
one to their right. He paused at II,
listening. and yer his features came
a singular expression. As the others
joined him, they caught n. low MUIR
muir OF voices, a hushed sound of talk.
a rattle as a number of chips fell
from a table.
"Cursed queer" observed .Jachii
Fell. frownlng. 81 wonder what hap
pened to them so abruptly? Perhaps
the deal was finished-they're having
a game. Well, go ahead. Joseph
Wen back you up as a deputation
from the blackcoats, and IL you need
any moral support. call on Judge For
That gentleman flung open the door.
and Maillard entered at his side. They
then came to a startled halt. Mt view
Of the scene which greeted them.
The room was large and well light
ed. windows and transom darkened
FOR the occasion. Tobacco smoke
made a blush haze in the air. In
the center OF the Oom stood a large
Uttered with glasses and bot
les. with scattered cards. with chips
and money.
About this table had been sitting
half a dozen members of the Krewe
" Genius. Now. however. they were
standing. their various Identities com
concealed by the grotesque cos
which cloaked them. Their
lands were in the air.
StandIng at another doorway. mid
way between their group and that OF
he four unexpected intruders. was the
.IIdnight Masquer-holding them up at
he point OF his ~automatici
MailIard was the first to break the
Hence of stupefaction.
'By heavens," he cried. f%uriously.
Here's that id villain again-hOid
I'm. youl az him. everybody -
In a blind rage. transported out Of
imself by his sudden access or pas
lon. the banker hurled himself for
ard. From the bandit burst a cry
Z futile warning; the pistol in his