The Lehi sun. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1913-1949, 1922-09-07


--t2--
"Ah, here are Fell and Ansleyw ex-
claimed Malllard. almost with relief. |
T-ah-my friends, don't suppose
you've seen Bob recently2"
Ansley was silent. Jachin Fell, |
however responded with a cold nod |
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. He made an express
i've gesture of despair. Hes in cos
tune, of course. I've been given to
understand that-well, that he has
been--well drinking"
"He 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 1t frequently.
trust for your sake that the fact
hasn't become generally known In
sideY'
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,
fund OF sympathy in his voice.
Boys will be boys, you know; really,
this is no great matterl Don't let 1t
hit you so hard. I'll go with you to
find the room, of course. Where is
II, Jachin?"
"We1l all CO." put in Ansley. "We'll
have a little party of our own, gentle
men. Come on, believe we'll be able
3 to discover the place"
The four men left the foyer and
started through the corridors.
81 hear" said Judge Forester to
Doctor Ansley, as they followed the
other two, "that there has been aston
fishing news today from the Midnight
Masquer II seems that a number of
people have received back property
this afternoon-loot the bandit had
taken. II 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. wouldn't mind
getting back the little cash lost,
though l must say I'll believe the
story when see the money"
He broke Off quickly. n
AS they turned n corner of the cor
rIdor to the four men came realiza-
tlon that they had attained their goal.
From one of the rooms ahead there
sounded snatches of boisterOus Choir
us being roared forth Justify. As
they halted. 70 distinguish from which
door the singing proceeded, the Choir
us was broken OF by an abrupt and
sudden silence. This silence was ac-
centuated by the preceding noise, as
though the singers had checked their
maudlln song in mid-career.
IA "D-n I'll" muttered Maillard. "Did
they hear US coming7 No. that
wouldn't matter a hang to them-but
what checked them so quicklyr
n "This door" said Fell. indicating
one to their right. He paused at II,
listening. and over his features came
singular expression. As the others
Joined him, they caught low muir
muir OF voices, hushed sound OF talk.
rattle ms number of chips fell
from a table.
"Cursed queer" observed joachim
Fell, frOwnng. 81 wonder what hap
pened to them 80 abruptly Perhaps
the deal was finlshed-they're having
D game. Well, go ahead, Joseph!
Well back you up as a deputation
from the blackcoats, and II you need
any moral support, call on Judge For
ester."
That gentleman flung open the door,
and Malllard entered at his side. They
then came to a startled halt at view
Of the scene which greeted them.
The room was large and well light
Cd, windows and transom darkened
for the occasion. Tobacco smoke
made a blush haze In the air. In
the center OF the room stood a large
table, Uttered with glasses and bot
Ties, with scattered cards, with chips
and money
u About this table had been sitting
half q dozen members of the Krewe
OF Comus. Now, however, they were
standing their various Identities com
pleteIy concealed by the grotesque cos
tunes which cloaked them. ThelI
hands were in the air.
Standing at another doorway, mid
way between their group and that OF
the four unexpected intruders. was the
Midnight Masquer-holding them up al
the point OF his automatlc
Malllard was the FIRST TO break tn,
silence of stupefactiOn.
"By heavensl" he cried, furiously
Here's that id villain again-hoiC
him, you az him, everybody"
IN a blind rage. transported out Of
himself by his sudden access Of pas
sion. the banker hurled himself for
ward. From the bandit burst a err
Of futile warming the pistol In hit
hand yeered toward his assailant.
THIS action precipitated the event