The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-03-22

sistence Of visitors.
"We're coming In, you know" the
owner of the Bird Cage told him In an
swer to his explanation of why his mas
ter could not be seen. "This Is impor-
tant business and we've got to see
Bromfield."
Eyes, sir, but he said"
Hell change his mind when he
knows why we're here" Whitford
pushed In and Beatrice followed him.
From the adjoining room came the
sound of voices.
81 thought you told US Mr.. Bromfleld
had gone to sleep and the doctor said
he wasn't to be awakened" said Bea-
trice with broad, boyish smile at the
mans discontinue.
"The person inside wouldn't take no,
miss, for an answer.
HE was like us, wasn't he? Did he
give his name?" asked the young
woman.
mo, miss. Just said ne was from
the Omnium club"
Whltford and his daughter ex-
changed glances. "Same business we're
on. Announce us and Well go right
In"
They were on his heels when he gave
their names.
Bromfleld started up, too late to pre-
vent their entrance. He stood silent
for a moment, uncertain what to do,
disregarding his fiancee's glance of hos
tile inquiry lifted toward the other
guest.
The mining man forced his hand.
wont you introduce US. Clarendon ?"
he asked bluntly.
Reluctantly their host went through
the formula. He was extremely I'M
easy. There was material for an ex-
ploslon present In this room that would
blow him sky-high IL match should
be applied to 1t. Let Durand get to tell
Ing what he knew about Clarendon and
the Whitfords would never speak to
him again. They might even spread a
true story that would bar every house
and club In New York to him.
''We've heard of Mr.. Durand," said
Beatrice.
Her tone challenged the attention of
the gang leader. The brave eyes flashed
defiance straight at him. A pulse of
anger was throbbing In the soft round
throat.
Inscrutably he watched her. 1t was
women. Most people have" he admit
ted.
'Mr. Lindsay is our friend" she said.
"We've just come from seeing him."
The man to whom she was engaged
had been put through so many fiuttera
of fear during the last twelve hours
that a new one more or less did not
matter. But he was still not shock
proof. His fingers clutched tighter the
arm of the chair.
"W-what did he tell your"
Beatrice looked into his eyes and
read in them once more stark fear.
Again she had a feeling that there was
something about the whole affair she
had not yet fathomed-some secret
that Clay and Clarendon and perhaps
this captain of thugs knew.
She tried to read what he was hiding,
CROPPED In her mind for the key to his
terror. What could 1t be that he was
afraid Clay had told her? What was
1t they all knew except Lindsay's
friends? And why, since Clarendon
was trembling lest 1t be discovered,
should the Arizonan, too. Join the con-
spiracy of silencef At any rate she
would not uncover her hand.
"He told us several things" she said
significantly. you've got to make open
confession, Clary."
The ex-pugilist chewed his cigar and
looked at her.
"What would he confess7 That the
man with him murdered CollinsT
'"That's not true" said the girl
quickly.
$50 Lindsay's your friend, Ell? Diff
ferent here, MISS" Jerry pieced to-
gether what the clubman had told him
and what he had since learned about
her. He knew that this must be the
girl to whom his host was engaged.
"How about you, Bromfeld?" he
sneered.
The clubman stiffened. i've nothing
against Mr.. Lindsay"
Thought you had"
"Of course he hasn't. Why should
he2" asked Beatrice. backing up Clar-
endon.
Durand looked Mt her with bold in
science that was an insult. His eyes
moved up and down the long, slim
curves of her figure. Il expect he could
find n handsome reason If he looked
around for 1t, MISS"
The girls father clenched his fist. A
flush of anger swept his rudy cheeks.
He held himself, however, to the SUBJ
ject.
"You forget, Mr.. Durand, that Lind
say was his guest last night"
Jerry's laugh was a contemptuous
jeer. THAT'S right. I'd forgot that. He
was your guest, wasn't he, Bromfield?"
"What's the good of discussing 1t
hereT' asked the tortured host.
mot Bit" admitted Whitford. "Ac-
lions talk, not words. Have you seen
the police yet, Bromfield?"
"N-not yet"
"What's he gonna see the police
about?" Jerry wanted to know, his chin
jutting out.
ITO tell them that he saw Collins
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