The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-25
FICTION

Satlon ne nau neld With the maSkeu man. s-
 T cannot be positive on that point, but l am inclined to the belief that he is an old . Italian curio dealer, whose place of busi- ness is on Central avenue. His name is Giovanni Marlitti. He is suspected of being a fence and to have been mixed up with several well known crooks in a number of shady deals outside of his own line of busi- ness. But, as bad luck will have it. under stand he has sold out and left Cincinnati"
 This made matters look more hopeless than ever.
 After carefully weighing every circum- stance of the puzzling case, Vignolos coincided with Bristow's theory that Anna Wrightson possessed knowledge of the Sel- don murder, which, if it could be elicited from her, would be of incalculable value in establishing Nerissa Selden's innocence. They discussed several methods whereby this end might be attained, but all of them were eventually discarded as impracticable.
 "If I have free rein in this matter I believe I can clear it up sooner or later," said Vignolos with conviction. q will go to Laurens some time tomorrow and remain there as long as necessary. In the event of Miss Selden's arrest, when will her case be called?"
 "The January term of the Laurens Circuit Court convenes in about a week. But un- doubtedly we can get continuance.'
 "If you can do that we shall have plenty of time, as I infer that the court convenes quarterly. Rest assured that I shall put forth every effort to find the girl as well as the slayer of her father. Will you defend herr"
 "As one of the most important witnesses in the case, I cannot take the personal part in her defense that should like But Colonel Bainbridge was one of her fathers closet friends. There is no question that he will devote himself assiduously to her case Between us, the state will have it's hands full to convict her."
 "The first logical move now would be to find the girl" said Vignolos "You have obtained no information regarding her prob able whereabouts?"
 "None."
 If what the leader of the Circle said is true, should judge that she would make an effort to reach home at once, provided, of course, that she is innocent"
 T had already drawn that conclusion," replied Bristow "But Colonel Bainbridge said no trace of her had been found in Lau- rens.''
 The whole matter is in the hands of the police," said Vignolos. "They will search every nook and cranny of Cincinnati for her. But you had better turn in now. You will need all your strength for what is be- fore us.'
 The reporter took his departure, prom ising to see the lawyer in Laurens the fol- lowing day.
 Bristow, in the excitement of the events which had transpired with such rapid-fire continuity, had almost forgotten his wounds. Now he proceeded to bathe and dress them with the best care he could master. They proved to be mere scratches. After hot bath, he felt refreshed but terribly in need of sleep. Slumber came to him almost as soon as his head touched the pillow. It was broad daylight when he awoke. The storm had passed and the sun was shining into his room. From the street came the worldly roar of traffic. It seemed almost incredible to him that the universe had continued its wonted activities after all. that had happened during the last 36 hours.
 The lawyer breakfasted and then sought the railway station. Here he found the customary crowd and confusion Entering the general waiting room, he seated himself and opened copy of the Tribune, which he had bought on his way from the hotel. Blazoned across the front page was the