The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1934-04-12
CHAPTER IX-Continued
IL.


II don't want to think |" When he
turned to face her Rylie's tortured ex-
preston revealed his inner agony.
web and | have been like brothers.
He loved Doris. II he killed Jim
Franklin, he did no more than might
have done. had I been given the OPP
portunity.'
"Oh, Ryliel He couldn't have done
1t! Not Web"
And when he made no answer. she
added, "All the more reason we should
stand by him, then. We can't desert
him now
ut isn't deserving him." retorted the
boy sharply. Father will see to his
defense Everything that friends and
money can do, will be done for him.
Wen all stand by him. But remain
Ing here won't help him. Why, he'd
be the first to advise us to go, If he
knew"
They'd follow us wherever we
went" the girl objected
IT'S easier than you think, honey"
He glanced at his watch. 'eThree-
forty-ive. Call Flo and tell her we're
coming. In the meantime promise
to lose my shadow. Once out OF town,
they'll never find u.s."
Calls walked to the window and
watched the lettering detective across
the street. Apparently the man was
engrossed In the newspaper he was
reading.
RylIe peered over her shoulder. The
taxi waited. conveniently. half block
up the street. He had grown familiar
with the mans methods. When Rylie
appeared at the door. the taxicab got
slowly under way, so as to be nearly
abreast Of the waiting detective by the
time the young man could reach his
car. The detective invariably contin-
ned his pernsal of the newspaper, ap-
parently taking no notice Of the pro-
ceedlngs. Once he was In his car how
ever, Rylie always noticed the sleuth
was close at his heels. This proceed
ure had never varied.
The young man rumpled his hair
thoughtfully. II know how to get rid
OF him." he began, surveying the stub
by hood OF the taxlcab critically. II
could run away from that car In sec
ond, once we got out OF the city. Sup
pose take him out into the country
and lose him. II they question me
about 1t later, only need to say /
didn't even know was being fol-
lowed"
"They might watch here and pick up
your trail when you come back
II wouldn't need to come back.
Rylie's confidence was rising now lie
smiled boyishly "They aren't follow
ing you. AS soon as leave. call up
Flo and tell her we're coming. Then
catch the first train for Westport. In
the meantime, I'll lose the detective
and meet you there at seven o'clock
Give me plenty OF time, because I'll be
miles from there when | give that fel.
low the shake won't take any
chances of his finding Us again, after
I meet you"
Calls wanted to 60. After the worry
OF the past two days, the lazy peace
of Martins Cove was more than ever
inviting. And II Rylie were there
Rylie, without detectives DIGGING his
footsteps She glanced again at ths
waiting sleuth across the street. What
II he had overheard Rylie's bitter re
marks concerning Jim Franklin a few
minutes ago7 Coupled with the sus
picion with which he was already re
garded, that might have been enough
to cause his arrest. 1t might be BETTE
Ii they did go away for few days.
All right" she decided at length
"Tll do 1t. But first | must see Mr.
Cardigan. Perhaps he can help Web.
Cardigan? What are you thinking
of, Callis7 He's that detective fellow
HE Isn't a detective, Rylle. A
least, not police detective. He's tn
man who writes those detective stories
Don't you remember how full tn
newspapers were OF his exploits las
summer when he solved the murder o
Lila Vale after the police had failed
If Web Is innocent, he could help u
by finding the real murderer
Eyes, and II Web is guilty, he'd prob
ably help send him to the electrl
chair added Rylie grimly. Don
go to him, Calls. I'm afraid 1t woul
only make things worse"
But In the end the girl had her wa.
She made 1t stipulation that sh
would visit Peter Cardigan In an e
fort to enlist his sympathles on the