The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1922-11-16

plain. What brought you into this
neighborhood. Hunting some one,
wasn't your
"Not exactly"
"Oh, don't lie; that will bring you
nothing. West. You were sticking your
nose Into private matter which does
not concern you I'm any way. That's
right. isn't it7 Very well, you've had
your lesson. and now 1t is simply up
to you to either drop. this thing, or else
take another. It's up to you how far
we go. Now listen I believe II was
merely curiosity that brought you here.
That's true. isn't it7"
Largely, yes"
You suspected something, and want.
ed to find out IL 1t was so. Well, you
came into a bad neighborhood. We are
not nice to your kind around here.
What really caused your seeking me?"
II do not know that I did," West
answered honestly. I'm fact haven't
the slightest idea who you are"
: The other laughed.
so you are as green as that. Then
I'll give you the information. NV
name is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the
guy you were looking for?"
YES" West admitted. seeing no
reason to refuse an answer.
Il thought sd, although darned II I
know how you ever located me here.
However, the sooner we come to some
understanding, the better. What do
you know about meT'
Nothing"
ais that sol You knew my name
when / spoke It. It was tho Coolidge
matter that sent you hunting me. You
thought the girl was here, didn't your"
II had reason to believe she came
here"
II see; how did you gain that news p
"A conversation by telephone was
overheard"
Nov we are getting down to facts.
And this comprises yom entire infor
nation, doesn't it? Let's check up. You
connected me with the case because
you were with the uncle and her on
their call Sunday. You discovered I'm
some way that had since disappeared
from that neighborhood. Then you ac
cidentally got on to this telephone call
and decided tc run me down. Seine
cute little detective, Ill say. But what's
the object? What IL It you are trying
to connect me up with. What possible
cause can you have for buttlng In on
this affair?"
II told you before; merely curiosity"
"And who was the guy with youT
AN old servant of the Coolidge fam
ily."
ut was mere curiosity in his case
also, / presume2"
$50 far as know, yes~
Hobart smiled, showing his teeth
cruelty.
West" he said slowly. "you are a
ID good liar, but am about to spike
your gun. Go on out, Mike, and send
In the first Witness"
The two sat silently watching each
other, Hobart pretending careless.
ness he was far from feeling, uncertain
as to Vests real purpose. The latter
realized now the true seriousness of
his position, yet this only increased
his belief In the reality Of the crime.
Previously his mind had harbored
doubts, but the very fact that Hobart
ods was ample proof Of his apprehen-
sion of danger If Percival Coolidge
mad committed suicide, this fellow
would surely have nothing to fear he
could safely ignore any efforts to trap
him; indeed would possess no suspi-
cions along that line. 1t was mis- own
guilty conscience which drove him to
desperation. Coolidge had been mur-
dered, and this man was either guilty
of the crime, or else knew the one who
was, and had personal reasons for pro-
tecting the party.
These thoughts took possession Of
his mind and were convincing. He no
longer questioned but that he was Oh
the track Of sime, yet his thought at
that moment concentrated more vivid
~ on his own personal peril. How
could he escape? What was he about
to be confronted with? Nothing around
him afforded inspiration. He was bound
helplessly; Sexton had disappeared,
whether dead or prisoner, he did
not know; the walls of the room ex.
hibited no signs Of weakness, while
Hobart eyed his every movement cold
ly. evidently enjoying his predicament.
Apparently the man comprehendcd the
nature of his thought.
J Perfectly useless, West" he said
carelessly. This place was construct
ed for the purpose, and you are not
the Ohy one who has tested its
strength. You Will get out when say
so, and not before"
do you intend TO say sO?"
"Wels that depends" shrewdly. "Not
II your release means my taking any
chances. But frankly, do not believe
II VIII. SO far as can see you pos
sess no particular interest in this mat
ter-Only the attraction young fellow
always feels in pretty woman. Have
got that dopcd out right?"
ITO an eXteSt at least"
"9es, to very large extent OF
course, curiosity also played part,
while everybody possesses n sneaking
desire to do n detective act. Miss
Coolidge filed YOU up with lot of
bunk; she was good looking, and you
fell for 1t. Certain things happened