The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-02-22

very erect ana laced MCM0HU Will
wide, unflinching blue eyes. "Mr.
Nc Mann, swear on the name of my
dead father, who taught me truth
and honor-I did not touch the gun,
I did not remove it, for any reason
Whatsoever, from my desk, and do
not know where it ISL
X X X
McMann gazed keenly into her
eyes as she swore her solemn oath,
then beckoned Convey to his side.
The two men conversed in whispers
for minute or two, while Ruth and
Jack retreated, hand in hand, toward
the front windows.
"Well - IL o'clock! Time for
lunch!" McMann surprised them both
by booming out cheerfully. I'd like
you to be back by one, if conven-
lent, Miss Lester. may need you
to help me go over Borden's private
papers. You may 60 about your busi-
ness as usual, Hayward, but I'll have
to ask you to hold yourself available
for further questioning"
"Then l am not under arrest 2"
Jack asked quietly, as Ruth drew a
sobbing breath Of. relief.
"Not yet" McMann answered
CURLY.
"And-and may we 60 to lunch
together?" Ruth begged tremulous-
ly.
"Sure! Why not?" the detective
grinned. "But if l were you, Hay
ward, l wouldn't forget to tip the
waiter this time. Now clear out, both
Of you, and don't waste time gossip
ing with the reporters"
"Thank you, Mr.. McMann!" Ruth
cried, tears of relief quivering on
her thick lashes. "I'll wait in my Of
flee for you, Jack, till you get your
hat and coat"
AS she was powdering her face
McMann appeared in the commune
eating doorway and spoke to the de-
tectivc stationed at Benny Smiths
desk. "Phonc down to the cafeteria
on the corner to send me up couple
of sandwiches, some apple pie, and a
cup of coffee, Birdwell. Better have
them send up your own lunch, too.
I'm too busy to leave here now.
BY the way, Miss Lester, I'm afraid
I'll have to ask you to stay all aft
crnoon. You undoubtedly know more
about Borden's business and person
al affairs than anyone else"
I'LL be glad to stay, Mr.. Nc
Mann" Ruth assured him. "I'm more
anxious than you can possibly be to
have this mystery cleared up"
"Have a good lunch," McMann
called, almost gently, as he closed
the door upon himself again.
Biggers, the patrolman stationed
outside Borden's offices, proved ex.
tremely useful in holding off report
ers as the girl and her sweetheart
waited for the elevator, but not even
he could prevent the explosion of q
flash1ight or two as cameras were
aimed at the couple who, reporters
knew. were involved somehow in the
investigation of the death of "Hand-
some Harry" Borden.
Ruth was grateful, for the pres
ence of other passengers in the car
since Micky Moran was prevented
from asking embarrassing questions
As matter Of fact, the red-headed
Elevator operator was a much sub.
|dued youngster, with the fear of the
law heavy upon him.
J X X X
/ "Where shall we eat, darling -
Jack asked, when they were upon
the street.
i Anywhere but the Chester Ho.
TEL" Ruth shuddered. "How about
our own little tearoom? But no!
We've been too happy there. Let's
not go back there until we've walked
up from this awful nightmare"
II "Then the 'Colonnadc is as good 3
place as any," Jack decided. II wan,
to talk, and there's no chance in thi.
mob. Since it's cafeteria, Their.
won't be any waiter hanging ovel
u.s." he added grimly, as he guidet
I her through the storm doors.
n A few minutes later they depos
tied their lightly burdened trays up
on small table in q far corner O.
, the big, noisy room. Ruth automati
!, cally raised a spoon of vegetabl,
n soup to her lips, then repudiated i
4 with violent gesture. ].
II -"Oh,. Jack, / can't eat! Talk t,
me-say something! Oh-l'm sorry
Butts been 500 horrible!"
: Jack Hayward quietly laid dow
his fork and reached for the girl
, twisting, cold hands. "You want m,
to say / didn't do it. don't YOU. darl