Evening star., 1932-04-10

people of him, never goes anywhere;
never takes his hat off.'
During my first Summer in Moreton he
seemed suspicious of me, but when returned
for a second season he accepted me for what
was-a Summer visitor. This suspicion aroused
my interest, and when learned that he was
equally suspicious of other strangers, I began
to believe that he avoided meeting people
because he was afraid
During the second Summer my interest
impelled me to walk over to his place frequently
for an after supper pipe his piazza. He
was not natural recluse. He listened eagerly
when talked of my own life, my home, my
work, my social activities. He read much for
a Moreton farmer and I noted that his books
and magazines were filed with romance and
adventure.
We became friends The after-supper pipe
became one of the most delightful events of
the day. Hardwick was likable and intelligent
and conversation with him was a pleasure.
We talked of many things and on subjects Of
general interest he was almost eloquent. Our
friendship. however, lacked the element of
mutual confidence that is common to most
friendships. I talked frankly about myself,
but about himself, particularly about his early
life, Hardwick was vague. Sometimes he was
restless as conversation became personal
restless with the effort to resist the urge to
talk about himself, it seemed to me.
One evening" calling earlier than usual I
came upon him unawares as he sat on the
piazza. head bare, letting the light breeze dry
his sweaty forehead. In the middle of his
forehead vivid, lgzag scar
Hardwick grabbed instinctively for his hat.
which was on chair just beyond his ready
reach: and he glared at me-in terror in
hatred-and in something like relief Obviously,
here was a crisis, crisis in relations, a
crisis for Hardwick. The told why
Hardwick always wore his hat suggested
dramatic reasons for Hardwick the suspicious
is imminent I prefer to force it. So said:
THE blow that caused that scar must have
been pretty nearly fatal"
Hardwick jammed his hat on his head "The
scar" he said, and repeated, the scar"
There was hesitation in his voice and a sug-
gestion of awe. We were silent for a moment;
then Hardwick looked directly at me.
''Sit down." he commanded, "and I'll tell you,
because I feel can trust you. Tell you
because telling may do me good"
| us real name was Peter Skinner. A coun-
try boy with bent for mechanics, he
went to the city to work in an automobile
repair shop.
In the cheap lodging house where he hired
room lived two young men, Ed Rogers and
Tom Nelson who made their livelihood in
defiance of the law. In the outskirts of the
city was factory where, when business was
u
long time Rogers had been trying to devise a
plan for getting away with the payroll. When
he saw Peter trying out a machine from the
garage he had an inspiration
On the day selected for the robbery, Rogers
Joined Peter he left the lodging house for
work.
"A friend has loaned me the use Of his auto
for a little business trip, which I must take
right after noon today, but can't drive. Could
get you to drive?" asked Rogers.
Peter saw chance to show his skill to
city chap, and in the eyes of the country
youth this was no mean opportunity.
'Ill be glad to-" he said
With Nelson they drove rapidly out of the
city toward the factory short distance from
the plant Rogers leaned forward
Wait a minute in front of the shop. Don't
shut off your engine. Another guy will join
US"
Rogers got out. In few moments street
car came to a stop beside the automobile and
two men alighted. One, carrying black bag,