Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1923-01-06

4OA HbSki~AAtA EVtAEtAlAAtEF anu " ant
ed TO find out if ii was so Wen, you
came into a bad neighborhood. We are
not nice to your kind around here.
What really caused your seeking me7"
81 do not know that I did" West
answered honestly. IN fact l haven't
the slightest idea who you are'
The other laughed
$50 you are as green as that. Then
I'll give you the information. My
name IS Hobart. Jim Hobart. 1 am the
guy you were looking for2''
"Yes," West admitted, seeing no
reason to refuse an answer.
Il thought so, although darned If /
know how you ever located me here.
However, the sooner we come to some
understanding, the better. What do
you know about meF'
Nothing"
as that sol You knew my name
when l spoke it, 1t was the Coolidge
matter that sent you hunting me You
thought the girl was here. didn't you"
Il had reason to believe she came
here"
Il see; how did you gain that newsY'
"A conversation by telephone was
overheard"
"Now we are getting down TO facts.
And this comprises your 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 in
some way that had since disappeared
from that neighborhood. Then you ac-
cidentally got on to this telephone call,
and decided to run me down. Some
cute little detective, I'll say. But what's
the object? What is it you are trying
to connect me up with What possible
cause can you have for butting in on
this affair?'
81 told you before merely curiosity"
"And who was the guy with you?"
"An old servant Of he Coolidge fam
ily."
at was mere curiosity in his case
also, / presumef'
$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 a 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
Previously his mind had harbored
doubts, but the very fact that Hobart
would resort to such desperate meth
DDS was ample proof Of his apprehen-
sion of danger. If Percival Coolidge
had 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 ais 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 bat that he was on
the track Of crime, yet his thought at
that moment concentrated more vivid
ly on his own personal peril. How
could he escape? What was he about
to be confronted with2 Nothing around
him afforded inspiration. He was bound
helplessly; Sexton had disappeared,
whether dead or a 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 predlcament,
Apparently the man comprehended the
nature of his thought
Perfectly useless, West" he said
carelessly. "Thls place was construct
cd for the purpose, and you are not
the only one who has tested its
strength. You win get out when / say
Sc. and not before"
10 you luteuu 70 say GOF
well, that depends" shrewdly. "Not
II your release means my taking any
chs5ees. But frankly. ! do not believe
it Will SO far as | can see you pos
sess no particular interest in this mat
ter-only the attraction a young fellow
always feels in pretty woman. Have
/ got that doped out right?"
ITO an eI-ent. at least"
Yes, TO 1, very large extent. Of
course, curiosity also played a part
while everybody possesses n sneaking
desire TO do a detective act. Miss
Coolidge filed you up with a lot Of
bunk: she was good looking, and you
fell for 1t. Certain things happened
that you failed to understand. SO you
rather naturally jumped to the conclu-
sion tha; some crime was being con
rooted. That 5.as what brought you
here. Now I take # that, ordinarily.
You are a man Of some sense# CoHse,
quently I mean 10 try u get yca 10
dr0p the whole affair. as being none Of
your business. II you agree TO this. j
accept your pledge. he door opens. and