New Britain herald., 1929-06-07
Chapter g WHAT ABOUT "JERRY".

hated Peterson because of his suc- cess and his good looks. Joe wanted to ruin Peterson and suppose that shooting came out of his hatred. The town was too small for both of them. and Joe would be a daneer- ous enemy. Is there anything else. Mir. Peebles?"
 Her question disconcerted me. It implied that she had little more to tell. was bitterly disappointd, for actually she had told me nothing that illuminated the problem of Andrews death.
 T was only there a week." she went on, reading my thoughts, ''and thankful to get away. I always re- call that week with loathing. After my return to Los Angeles I heard nothing from my husband"
 But when he was brought back you surely heard what had happen ed"" I exploded. About the shoot ing, I mean. It's dreadfully import ant. Mrs. Lundy."
 She shook her head sorrowfully. Joe came to me on a stretcher. ! have had him ever since. All I know is that he was shot-by Alex Peterson"
 Who brought him to you:''
 "Torridity was abandoned about that time and Joe was taken to Peskella by his men. One of the men telegraphed me from Peskella that Joe was there-that he had been shot by Peterson. and that . doctor who had been working as a miner had attended him. I had Joe brought to my home and I have since heard nothing from any one who lived in Torridity at that time. And don't want to-"
 meditated moment. You mentioned Alex Peterson's brother. Jerry" said hopefully. Can you tell me anything about him."
 Very little. I only saw him once. He had his brothers lean face and arrogant eyes. but I heard that he was wild and undisciplined. I shouldn't b. surprised if the boy came to . bad end" .yr x
 I could not answer for I was thinking of what Deacon and had stumbled over in the Two Brothers mine.
 Didn't the size of that cheek Ogden gave you surprise your"
 Yes. it did," she said frankly. T had been soliciting subscriptions along the avenue and l met Mr. Oe- den at the gate. He didn't seem in- terested until I happened to mem ton my name. Then he looked at me sharply and asked me if my husbands name had been 'Joe.' l said 1t was-that he was still alive. He looked at me hard, then he in- vited me into the library. His first question was the one you asked me. Was the wife of Joe Lundy who kept . resort in Torridity 50 years ago? The question angered me. but he promised me 31OO for the cause if 1would answer it. So I told him what he wanted to know"
 How did he take it?"
 He seemed dumbfounded. And when told him that my husband had not died in Torridity and that he was still alive. his face crimson ed and he began to pace up and down the room, mutterinE to him. self Then he sat down and wrote me that check for S1.o00. You may imagine my surprise. He asked me for my address and showed me out"
 Where is your husband now" I went on.
 At our home in Los Angeles"
 "1s he able to get about?"
 Yes"
 Mrs Lundy, have you ever heard of poker game played for . mans lifec"
 She frowned. "Yes, have. My husband has talked about such | game in delirium several times"
 Has it ever occurred to you that the shooting of your husband and that poker game he talked of in de. llrium were connected?"
 Yes" she admitted. Tt has oc- cured to me. But don't know. And l don't care-now.''
 Mrs. Lundy. you did not recos- nize Andrew Okden?"
 Recognize him. I never saw him before." Her face became thought. full. No. ! am not sure, now you speak of if. There was something familiar about him. His face. his voice. his manner-I don't know which,"
 You haven't guessed why he gave you that check?''
 Her nostrils quivered a little. but her face was calm.
 He gave it to you" said slow. ly gripping tensely the edge of my desk. "because-3o years aso-he was Alex Peterson."
 She stared at me. becoming a.h- en Of face.
 So that was jt.'' she cried. "A thousand dollars to pay for go years of misery. The best of my life gwen 10 looking after broken hulk while Alex Peterson grew rich. We'll. am glad he i. dead. I wish my hand had driven that dag ger into his neck"
 But as I stared at the woman shocked by her venomous words which. in the intensity Of their bit- terness. ! had never heard eaualed on human lips, her face was slowly transformed.
 No." she said. in | rapt voice,