The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1933-07-07

dence that they had written each
other. And still more extraordinary
was the fact, that the student had ap-
parently no friends of the opposite
sex. Pictures Of girls, the familiar
notebook Of addresses and phone num-
bers, communications from them-all
these were missing. Yet Rankin could
not credit the complete and unnatural
solitude that the circumstances indi-
Gated. The alternative was that he
had destroyed whatever letters he got
because he was either hiding himself
or some secret to which they referred.
1t was unlikely that anyone else had
removed them. And his mysterious
monthly payments partly supported
this theory. 1t was too early to jump
to conclusions from facts susceptible
of an innocent explanation but their
regularity and covertness both sug-
gested that Jordan was paying black
mail to someone who knew secret
he wished concealed.
If this were so, then this secret
might plausibly have brought to bear
on his life the forces which finally en-
comprised his tragic death.
Rankin left Room 315 in Croft hall
after one o'clock. Pelham hall was
the name of the dormitory given him
as Walter Randall's address; and
there, he next turned his footsteps.
The room, he discovered, was on the
third floor, facing the grounds on the
same side as Jordan's quarters.
The door was open and after knock
ing, Rankin entered to find the char
woman, at the moment busy busting
with cloth, the only occupant. Short,
middle-aged and motherly, she had
gray struggling hair, lined face and
glasses over tired eyes.
The charwoman ceased her work to
peer near-sightedly at the visitor
''If it's Mr.. Randall you're wantin',
he won't be out long," she volunteered,
before he spoke. HE left hardly twen-
ty minutes ago when was finishin' up
next door and said he'd be back soon."
''He didn't, by any chance, go to a
class or for lunch?" Rankin asked.
I'D rather drop In again later than
wait for him now any length of time
"Oh, no, he just went out SOS l
could straighten out his room without
his bein' in the way" the cleaner re-
piled and elaborated volubly. "He
allus stays in bed late, till most every
body else is gone already; guess he's
only got afternoon classes, since he
amt been very well. Anyhow, he's
still in when / get round to tidy up.
That's why make 1t point to do this
room last Not but what" she added
hastily, "Mr. Randall amt fully
dressed when do get here. The way
some o. these boys run round with
most nuthin' on is disgrace, I say;
they amt got no modesty. But he's a
gentleman. It's just kind o. conven-
lent to keep this place to end with"
"Then 1 think I'll stay till he comes
in, over in that corner where it won't
inconvenience you" The detective took
the chair he indicated.
The woman began to collect her
cleaning appliances. "Oh, I'm done
for today" she announced. II never
stay alter one o'clock or half past.
But l can't very well be lettin' you in
here when go off," She surveyed
him shrewdly for moment you
amt one O. the students here, are you?
don't remember ever seem you be-
fore"
"No, I'm not" Rankin smiled
amusedly at her justifiable caution.
st just wanted to speak to Mr.. Ran
dali about a rather important
business matter"
swell, guess 1t would be all right
if you did wait here" the woman pom
dered uncertainty. 1--WE got to be
awful careful, what with the boys hav-
in money and valybles layin' about
loose and it bein' so easy to get in and
steal it,"
She was plainly talkative and Ran
kin improved the opportunity to learn
something of dormitory life.
tits quite all right" he agreed SYM
pathetically. II understand you can't
run any risk 1t must be quite
job for you to keep so many rooms
in order-especially when they're occu-
pied by college men,"
ut amt easy, sir, most o. them is
that unconsiderate and careless. Mr..
Randall is different. I've noticed he
amt much o. one for foolin' with
them and he's too sensible to invite
them into his room to make free with
it. He's as neat as pin, too, cleanin'
up good deal hisself; there's SO little
for me to do, it's pleasure"
''He must be quiet sort of chap"
the detective remarked, mot to mix
much with the Others"
''Mr. Randall is the kind that don't
come to college and spend good money
just for fun" the woman declared
with conviction. "In a way, he has to
keep to himself on account o. his
health; that made him miss most the
whole autumn term. Natcherly, he's
strange to the others. He amt a bit
stuck up, though, but is as polite and
nice as can be. Nearly all the boys is