Evening star., 1926-09-18
CHAPTER XIII.
Into the Thin Air.

Into the Thin Air.
Frank Hyatt received the rims
from Paul. but he did not Immediately
return with 1t to Gaines. for catching
sight of the conductor he beckoned
him into the empty drawing room.
Conductor" he said. my partner
and l are in a sense responsible fol
the affairs of the Reynolds family
and 1 cannot help feeling some anx-
iety over the events Of today. Sew
eral unexplained condolences have
taken place on this train. You are
aware that the Reynolds brothers
have been estranged. / am wonder
ing if the presence of this girl and
the Italian can be laid at the door OF
I the older brother Walter, possibly q
. plot to discredit the younger brother
May l ask for your frank opinion?"
Il fear that / have nothing to sug-
gest. We We're convinced that the
Italian was dead, yet he was alive
in some kind of trance! 1t is un-
accountable. I am certain that he
has some connection with the girl
but as neither one will admit 1t our
responsibility in the matter ceases
You are worried because Mr.. Reynolds
is 80 evidently interested in the
girl?"
Yes His wealth and position
make him an easy prey. His brother
may also wish to injure his good
name. He insists that he is respon-
sible for this girl, going so far as
desiring to take her home to his step
mother. 1 should feel grateful for
any additional information you can
. give me. 1t will be strictly conf
Dental. What was the gist of the
message Walter Reynolds sent to Carr
& Reynolds, New York, early this
morning."
The conductor felt in his pocket.
Here it is he said. holding out a
yellow blank; nothing Of any impor-
tance, l should say"
I'm not dead yet by a damned
1Signed) WALTER REYNOLDS"
Frank Hyatt's serious look gave
way to broad grin. Lots OF night
left in that old bird!" he remarked
Wen be glad to do anything we
can to help you at any time. Mr..
HYATT" the conductor arose, "and the
voung lady will he cared for by the
Salvation Army Mr.. Reynolds can
not object. 1t will give you time TO
divert his mind. / will see you later.
Frank Hyatt was left alone and his
hand slipped into his pocket. hnger-
ing the ring which Paul had given
him. Should he or should he not snow
!, to Gaines? What was Gaines do
. ing on the train? Whom was ne trail
ingo What information was he with
holding? Franks mind went back to
the REYNOLDS will and codicil. Was
/, possible that Mrs. Reynolds was
EMPLOYING Gaines to follow Paul!
What interest could she have in so
doing? His thoughts went around
and around in a circle. and still ne
pondered over these questions. the
+ ring held tightly in his hand.
Darkness had fallen. and in the
dimly lighted train Paul sat with
1 Carolita in "a tension which throopeo
4 nainfully. penetrating to his inner
most being, while from lme 10 tiIiie
/ he urged:
"Carolita, | cant believe II OF you
cant, You must tell me what you
/ have done with your ring. Ii you
,an't trust me with such small
hing. how are you going to trust me
with yourself? How am l to believe
in YOU? What is this mystery that
has fallen between us like a heavy
4 pall?"
But to each impassioned quesuon
/ uhe replied with a mournful shake
hI D6T HCAu, ASPS0Hc
,,ot ask me; you must mott"
Paul was desperate. Los Angeles
. rev nearer and nearer, the girl he
loved slipping further and further
away from him. and all for the sake
of a ruby heart, cleft in two!
.Carolita," he made one final plea
"let's forget the rings altogether
never speak of them again! only tell
me that you will see me In Los An
reles. give me your address and name
an hour when l, can come to you,
love you. I want you for my wlIe
Nothing can change that' oeates''
Promise me-"
"wiu you allow me then to think
Quietly for a time?" she replied, un-
. able to withstand his pleading. "Re-
turn to me at the depot. L VIII
4 answer you then" Silently he
| raised her hand and pressed it. palm
upward. against his lips. 1t was as
cold as ice.
He arose. every nerve keyed to the
breaking point. and in the aisle
Gaines passed him, pausing to say:
Wait for me in the smoker, VIII
vou REYNOLDS? want to speak a
moment with Adjt Gabrielle. ~
get her to keep an eye on the girl"
Paul obeyed. after making sure that
The Italian had not returned to the
'-.r He was determined that the man
should have no opportunity to speak
with Carolita. He had reached a
noint where he distrusted every one!
II was half an hour before Gaines
ioined him in the smoking compart-
ment followed by Frank Hyatt: =,
Sorry to have been so long;
Gaines said, but l had several niue
things to attend to before conferrlng
with you. Sit down. Hyatt. What
have to say to Reynolds will interest
you as S.ell"
Paul was on the point OF ques-
tioning him about the ring. but Games
allowed him no opportunity.
Frank Hyatt wants to know what
am doing on this train. I evaded MS
questions for a time. because IN our
profession we must keep our mouths
pretty tightly closed. This is one OF
he occasions when ! feel at liberty
20 speak, especially as l can set your
minds at rest. ! am professionally
employed to follow Miss MenendeZ.
but she is not aware of the fact. My
difficulty is to evade the Italian who
Is also following her. / may add that
| have the situation well in hand, thax
she will find her friends and be well
cared for. At the risk OF appearing
10 fntrude in your affairs I suggest
mat YOU allow her to go with the
Salvation Army lasses as arranged by
ne train conductor. Unless some
ouite unforeseen should now oc-