The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-21

IS m ynu. lie declares his tnn0- cence. AL DRUGAN, friend of Kings, says the orchestra leader has been having trouble with JOE PARROTT, his former vaudeville partner, and accuses Parrott of the murder. Police learn that MELVINA HOLLIS TER, middle-aged spinster, had a violent quarrel with King af- ter his cat killed her canary. CAPT McNEAL of the detective bureau visits Miss Hollister and decides she will bear watching.
 Next day Bannister learns that the blond suspect has been ar- rested and goes to see her. She refuses to tell who she is or any, thing about herself.
 CHAPTER XXI
 The telephone on McNears desk rang sharply and the captain made a grab for it.
 "McNeal speaking" he parked into the instrument. ''What?"
 David Bannister, in a chair tipped back against the wall, gave his attention to the marine scene decorating the calendar across the room. The waves against which the gallant ship was tossing, Ban- mister thought, looked much too solid. Something like mattresses, Of course the calendar was all calendar bore large black numbers, easily read. Yes, the calender it. self was good one.
 McNeal shook his head. If he monosyllables. "Yes. Yes. Well-?"
 He set down the telephone a moment later, scowling. That was Steve" he said. Bannister knew he meant Steve Fisher of the de- tective. bureau. Thought he had Parrott located, but he's lost him again."
 DO you think Parrott's here in Tremont?" Bannister asked. McNeal shook his head. "I$f he was," he said, s'we'd have had him in a cell long ago. Oh, no! He got out of here pronto. Parrotts pretty tough customer you know. He's got a record"
 ''No, I didn't know," Bannister Interrupted. What sort of a record?"
 "State prison. Served eight McNeal went on, describing the offense which had taken place in another state. That's not all. He was indicted with some others on a narcotic charge in St Louis last winter. sGot out of it some how. Parrots a tough customer, all right, but we haven't got anything on him. Nothing but Drugan's story"
 Bannister wasn't interested in hearing about that again. He said, Listen, Cap. what about that girl back there?"
 He was leaning forward, speak, ing earnestly. He would have gone on but suddenly the outside door opened. There was girl on the threshold = Denise Lang. Behind her stood Parker Coleman. She looked from the captain to Ban- mister, doubtfully, hesitantly. Then, with rush, she entered the room.
 You're the one I want to see," she said, crossing to McNeaI's desk and halting directly before 1t. She was an incongruous figure in such surroundings. Her wine red suit was lavishly fur trimmed. Bannister, who knew little of fem mine fashions, recognized that fur. It was like some on a wrap Adele Allen had worn. Adele had told him what it was called and he remembered that it had sounded expensive. Sable-that was it. Her hat was dark brown, too, like the fur. That hat and everything else about Denise Lang looked eXpen- sive. There was the faintest odor of elusive perfume about her.
 Coleman came into the room and closed the door behind him. Listen, Denise" he began.
 She whirled toward him. 'I've got to do it." she said. 1T told you, Park. that I've got to do it."
 Then she was facing McNeal Bannister or completely disre- garded him. You're Captain Nc Neal, aren't you?" she asked.
 McNeal was on his feet. Why, yes, Miss Lang. Yes. Was there something you wanted to see me about? Is there anything I can do-?"
 The girls scarlete lips twisted. Her voice was lowered as she went on and again Bannister noticed that quality of vibrance in her tone. 'I-I didn't tell you the truth yesterday she said.
 McNeaps face was blank. "What?" he exclaimed.
 q didn't tell you the truth" Denise Lang repeated. T don't know exactly why except that it was all such a shock and-and it didn't seem important. But guerss that was wrong. should have told you"
 McNeal's face was grim again. "Well, let's hear it, he said. "What was it you should have told me yesterday? Here, Miss Lang, sit down."
 He drew chair forward. Now then"
 He sank back in his own chair. For an instant Denise Lang's lashes lowered. Then she met the captains gaze.
 ''It's about that girl" she said slowly. q saw her."
 "You saw-who?'
 "That girl. The one who's in jail here. I'm sure it must be the same one. read about her in the newspapers. I-oh, just couldn't say anything about it before but since you've found her." The words broke off. Denise Lang ap- piled a wispy handkerchief to her eyes.
 No one spoke and an instant later the girl went on. Tt was the day before yesterday" she said slowly. Everyone in the room knew what that meant-the day thath had been Tracy Kings last. We were going to play golf that morning, Tracy and I-". She stopped again. fumbling with her