Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1933-09-14
MONTGOMERY COUNTY SENTINEL

tina. the prick ue felt was part and
parcel of the ritual. And therein was
his slayer's assurance of safety.
Fifteen minutes elapsed before aw
kuriy returned to the chapter room
with the information after which
Rankin had sent him. His eyes blazed
in excitement and he looked troubled
and perplexed.
Its darned funny" he burst out
the words tumbled over one another.
but the second chap who came to the
meeting late wasn't either Larry or
Ben. don't know who he could have
been, They aren't in the house at all
I've asked the other fellows but no
body remembers seeing them around
tonight"
The presidents surprise at the news
verged on alarm. "But that is impos-
sible! No one left and thirty-two mem
bers were in this room when the ritual
ended"
Though Immediately alert. Rankin
was more composed. "PrObably one
of them attended the ceremony" he
suggested, land has gone out since, for
some reason. l should say that is
what has happened; 1t would explain
everything"
mo. no one could have done that"
Kurly asserted positively. That's
what makes 1t so peculiar. If either
Larry or Ben was in the house this
evening, some of the boys would have
seen him go out afterward. But they'll
all swear that not soul did that since
Jordan collapsed, and only thirty-one
brothers are In the house"
"It's certain no one tried to leave
after l arrived" the detective agreed,
"or the officers would have prevented
it and reported to me. But how can
you be so positive he hadn't slipped
away before that timer"
Because as soon as Chuck Saun-
ders went to phone Doctor Thompson,
someone was always at the door,
watching for him." the half-back re-
lated. II waited there myself for
while and am sure no one got out
then. And while the doctor made his
examination. several of us stood in the
downstairs hallway, discussing what
had happened. They all say the same
thing"
Rankin frowned and took out his
watch. "It's two o'clock already" he
said. "If Mr.. Palmer and Mr.. Craw-
ford didn't attend the initiation, it's
strange they haven't returned yet.
Let me know the minute they do"
II suppose you appreciate what that
indicates, Mr.. Rankin" the supervisor
declared sOlemnly. "A stranger, not
belonging to the fraternity-someone
with no right-was present in this
room. That completely changes the
scope Of your investigation"
"Yes, that seems to be the alterna-
tive" Rankin agreed. equally grave.
But it would be wise to verify Mr..
Kurly's report before we accept that
conclusion. I'll have to check up the
evidence Of every boy. anyhow; there
are a number of other points / must
settle"
He spent the following forty-five
minutes In meeting and quickly inter-
viewing one young man after another
in the chapter room. OF each member
and each candidate. his inquiries were
the same, first as to his knowledge of
the dead boy, his antecedents and
those of his family. He obtained no
facts, however, besides those Stanton
had already supplied. One and all, as
was to be expected If the criminal was
among them. denied untying Jordan's
wrists; and none could say who had
freed him. Nor did the detective learn
anything new about the tacks in his
shoes; no one had been seen tamper-
ing with them the previous night. But
Kurly's statement about the two alb
sent brothers received unanimous con-
firmation. Neither boy had gone out
since Doctor Thompson was sum-
moned.
While Rankin continued his inter.
rogations, Ted Stanton quit the room
The detective had questioned about
two-thirds Of the fraternity, when he
returned.
he approached him, speaking in a
low voice. Larry Palmer has Just
come in, Mr.. Rankin" he said. e.
just wanted to inform you, sir:
but don't think he'll be able
to help you in clearing up STARTS
DEATH" Q
His manner was hating, and he
glanced nervously at the supervisor.
Rankin stopped his inquiries to
study him keenly. wen find that ont
when speak to him. Have him sent
to me next, will you please? And don't
mention the tragedy to him, If he
hasn't heard Of it yet"
The presidents distress increased.
HE doesn't know a thing about r."
he replied. That's just it.; you see.
he isn't very well. and perhaps
you could postpone seeing him. until
say ;. morning, when he.
"Not well. Mr.. Stanton?" Rankin
thrust in quickly. "Why, what's the
matter with him?"
ITO tell the truth, he's had a little
too much to drink. sir He isn't ex-