The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-09-20
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his strong arms and carried her tt the large brass bed in the neX room. As he laid her down anS withdrew his supporting arm iron under her head, the button on hi coat sleeve caught in her wig ant dragged it off.
 Holy mackerel!" calculated Jim startled out of his usual silenct when he saw the woman's shaver head and the hideous scar, as hC went to Thorne's assistance.
 "A burn. evidently remarked 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 commun- icative," 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- quisitively.
 Ignoring the question, Thorne 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 a few courteous words to pr. Sands, Inspector Mitchell led the way downstairs, but while he stopped to speak to the landlady, Thorne accompanied Jim to the latter's automobile.
 "oeno 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 note book. Then go through the Rogues Gallery at headquarters and see If Mrs. Lawrence was ever mugged."
 The last was almost whispered in Jims ears, T get ye,' he mum bled in reply, stuffing the paper in his pocket But what about talk ing this gas to your carp"
 Do that later, then join me at Oaklands. Park the car on the highway near the entrance and wait for me" Thorne turned back to the boarding house as Jim start ed on his errand; at the gate he met Mitchell just leaving.
 Gan l 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 immedi- ately, he stepped again into the 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 abstracts 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 rela- tives."
 You took her in on faith alone?' with 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, perhaps, she was more careful" she acknowledged. "There was some hitch two or three days ago at the Metropolis Bank about some check"
 , T see" Thorne smiled down al the nervous little lady. "Tell me Mrs. Sims, did Mrs. Lawrence re- , ceive much company" : The landlady shook her head NO"
 Tonight" insinuatingly. Think l Mrs. Sims"
 : Mary, the latter's daughter, whC /. had been rapt listener, broke into the conversation. She told me after you went out, Ma. to let who. ever come and asked for her righ : upstairs she volunteered. "AnC so when the gentleman came abou eight o'clock, I showed him righ