The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1922-11-17
The Mardi Cras Mystery

time ago, before l came to New Or
leans. the governor of this state ap
pointed me special officer to investi
gate the matter. There is my commits
sion, which the chief has been reading
1t gives me good sal of power, Fell
quite enough power to gather In you
and your bunch"
The chief of police looked very un.
easily from Gramont to Jachin Fell,
and back again. Fell sat erect in his
chair, staring at Gramont
"You were the original Midnight
Masquer." said Fell In his toneIess
voice. At this direct charge, and at
Gramont's assent, the chief started In
surprise.
Eyes. One reason was that / suspect
ed some one In society. some one high
up in New Orleans. to be connected
with the gang; but l never dreamed
that you were the man, Fell. l rather
suspected young Maillard. l am now
glad to say that was entirely wrong.
You were the big boss. Fell, and you're
going to serve time for IT.
Fell glanced at the chief. who
cleared his throat as If about TO speak.
AT this moment, however, a sharp
knock sounded at the door.
"Come!" called Gramort.
man entered. 1t was one of Ora
monts deputies, who happened also to
be reporter from one of the morning
papers of the city. He carried several
sheets of paper which he laid before
Gramont. He glanced at Fell, who
recognized him and exchanged a nod
OF greeting. then returned his attention
TO Gramont.
"Ahl" said the latter with satisfac-
tlon, as he examined the papers. $50 |
Hearne has given up everything, has
he? Does this confession implicate |
Mr.. Fell, here?"
We'll, rather" drawled the other
cheerfully. "And see here, CAPT. There
are two more of us in the crowd and
we've arranged to split the story We'd
Ike to rush the stuff to our papers the
minute you give the word, because"
Il know" Gramont returned the
,apers that bore the confession of
1earne. you've made copies of this,
f course? All right. Shoot the stuff
q to your papers right away, if you
gish."
Fell raised hand to check the
Their.
"One moment, pleased" he said, his |
yes boring into the newspaper man. {
VIII you also take a message from me
} the editor Of your newspaper-and >
&c that it goes to the others as well?" !
If Mr.. Gramont permits, yes"
go ahead" said Gramont, wonder ;
,g what Fell would try now. He I
BON learned.
'Then," pursued Fell, evenly, you
i'll kindly inform the editors of your ;
npers that, In case my name appears :
/ connection with this matter, / shall .
institute suit for libel
o matter what Mr.. Gramont may say ;,
: do. assure you fully that no pub !.
city is going to attach to me in this :
after. Neither, may add. am l going
be arrested. That is all, SIR"
Gramont smiled. take the message
you see fit, by all MEANS" he said.
"You may also take ely >,
Hest assurance that within twenty =,
inutes you will observe MI. Fell
fely In jail. That's ALL" -,
The newspaper man saluted and de- :,
rted, grinning. A.
Gramont leaned forward, the harsh a,
les of his face spelling determination h.
hn I0oI-aI NJ Ioobfr Toll
$50 you won't be arrested, Ell? Let's
E. know that this gang of yours
s influence running up into high in
ices, and that this influence has hr
wer. That is why / was appointed en-
investigate this lottery game secret Or
o. | brought the chief of police here or
light" no
lie turned to the perturbed officer, do
] spoke coldly. Inf,
Now, chief. you've seen my author WI
you've heard my charges. and you hir
wv they viii be proved up to the WI
!. Are you willing to arrest Jachin Do
!, or not?" he;
he chief cleared his throat.
Why, Mr.. Gramont," he observed. w
vously. "about the rest of the gang ter
n take care of 'em, sure But it's cor
erent with Mr.. Fell, here. He's a
nd of the senator" tw,
Different. hill !" snapped Ora loo
At. angrily. Hes a criminal. no
ter who his friends may be, and |
e the proof of II !"
Well, that may be So" admitted I
chief of police. But this thing is haC
! TO raise hi of a scandal all Wa
and down the stated You know ter,
as well as / do. Now, If | was win
I'd oct kind of SLOW" ado
ramont smiled bitterly. qua
'erhaps you would. chief. In fact, dec
MT doubt that you would. But you roo
not me. Now. as a duly-apponted to
err acting under authority of the in
,rnor of the state. call upon you too
rrest this criminal. and | make you desi
responsible for his safe-keeping. ing
You dare refuse?" had
ne chief hesitated. He looked at and
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