New Britain herald., 1930-10-15

Wingate. Its a wonder she sur vived it."
 Ever hear her speak of any rela- tives, Dr. Sands?" asked Mitchell.
 The physician shook his head. Mrs. Lawrence was not communi- cative," he explained. While she waxed voluble at times, she never discussed herself"
 Mitchell scratched his head medi- tatively. Tn that case we can't notify her relatives" He turned suddenly to Thorne. Say, what brought you here?" eyeing him in- qunitively.
 stepped once more into the little sitting room and went quickly through the tumbled contents of the table drawer. The other half of the Dryden Sanitarium bill was not in it, however.
 After d few courteous words to Dr. Sands, Inspector Mitchell led the way downstairs, but while he stopped to speak to the landlady Thorne accompanied Jim to the lat ters Automobile.
 Send this wire to Captain O'Brien, Police Department, Chica- go," he explained, scribbling the message even as he spoke and tear ing out the sheet from his notebook. Then go through the Rogues Gal lery at headquarters and see if Mrs. Lawrence was ever mugged.'
 The last was almost whispered in Jim's ears. T get ye,' he num- bled in reply, stuffing the paper in lis pocket. But what about talk ing this gas to your car?'
 Do that later, then join me at | Oaklands. Park the car on the ! highway near the entrance and wait i for me" Thorne turned back to the | boarding house as Jim started on his errand; at the gate he met Mitchell just leaving.
 Can 1 give you lift?' the latter inquired, seeing Jim drive away from the curb.
 Thanks, yes; let me get my hat and before Mitchell could say more Thorne bolted back into the house. | He found his hat where he had dropped it near the staircase, but instead of joining Mitchell imme- diately, he stepped again into the 1 front parlor.
 Mrs. Sims looked up at his en- trance and struggled to rise, but Thorne stopped her.
 Here is my card" he took one as he spoke from his bill folder My phone number is there also; please call me if you need assist ance, that is, as to money" noting her startled look; funeral arrange, ments for Mrs. Lawrence will have to be made"
 That is what distracts me-" ad- mitted Mrs. Sims; she liked Thorne instinctively and placed confidence in the big, silent man. ITO think of her being put in the potter's field - the poor dear" She wrung her hands T have no idea where she was from, what part of the country, nor the names of any relatives"
 You took her in on faith alone?" with a sharp, questioning look.
 The landlady colored to the roots of her hair. Mrs. Lawrence paid a month in advance and didn't ques- ton the price," she said simply.
 Was Mrs. Lawrence amply sup piled with money?"
 Lately, p'raps she was more careful" she acknowledged. "There was some hitch two or three days ago at the Metropolis Bank about some check"
 q sec" Thorne smiled down at the nervous little lady. "Tell me, Mrss Sims, did Mrs, Lawrence re- ceive much company"
 The landlady shook her head. "No"
 Tonight" >insinuatingly. Think, Mrs. Sims"
 Mary. the latter's daughter, who had been a rapt listener, broke into the conversation. She told me, after you went out, Ma, to let who- ever come and asked for her right upstairs she volunteered. And sc when the gentleman came about eight o'clock, l showed him right up."
 "Ah" Thorne looked at the young girl. much pleased. And what was he like-this caller?"
 The girl shook her head. There wasn't much light" Observing Thorne's disappointment, she add ed: He was bout middle height and wrapped up in his coat He had nice teeth, though, and a pleasant Smile-that'S all I saw inst his