The Coolidge examiner., 1936-12-10

| HrenIlSS, CIQ yOu hIlOW LndL wal
ter and Molly were going to be
married."
mo, Mr.. O'Brien-not definite
ly. l suspected it,"
"When did they leave your
house Saturday morning?"
Somewhere between nine and
ten - about half-past nine per-
haps."
Did they tell you where they
were going?"
No"
Did you ask where they were
going?"
No"
Patrick made a few notes in
the notebook. handed the pen back
to Walter.
Did you know you were going
to elope with Walter when you
went to the masquerade, Molly?"
MY suitcase was all packed in
my car"
Here's Hopestill!" Patrick ex-
claimed again without looking
around.
The runabout crunched to stop
outside and Hopestill came strid-
ing into the room. He is a big,
tall, stoop-shouldered lad my
nephew-not lanky exactly, but
angular. Perhaps the most notice.
able thing about him are his eyes
-steely gray and deeply set. With
his characteristic long, swift step,
| he crossed the room to me. Il
never thought I'd see you on such
tough spot. Aunt Mary!" he ex-
claimed, putting his arm about
me.
'Oh, I'm all right" 1 answered.
II had, all told, about six hours
of good sleep last night. And I've
just had some strong coffee. Have
cup?"
You bet!" He turned to the
| others. Hello there, you two!
What do you mean-getting tied
so suddenly? Congratulations!
He kissed the bride. Hello Patti"
he concluded. He shook hands
with Patrick. you've got your
work cut out for you'll"
I'm say!" Patrick wrung Hope
stills hand. Glad to see you.
think your aunt needs a man about.
I've transferred police headquar-
ters to her house"
Its a CHASTITY business!" Hope
still commented soberly. Gee,
you read about murders in the
paper with the greatest calm. But
when it strikes honeywell, you
suddenly realize that you've never
really known what it meant be-
fore"
That's the way l feel, Hope
STILL" 1 agreed a little drearily.
And then remembering, 1 ex-
claimed, "Oh Hopestill. l think
you've never met Miss Prentiss.
My nephew, Mr.. Blaine, Caro-"
Hopestill strobe to Caro's side,
shook hands with her. We all
sat down. Hopestill ensconced
himself on the couch, his eyes fol-
lowing Caros movements.
Molly and Walter arose. 'I
think We'll be going, Aunt Mary"
Molly said, unless, Patrick, you
want us"
NO." Patrick answered in
meditatiVe tone. Il don't think l
want you any more at present.
However, Walter, l guess I'll have
to ask you to stick around for a
while. may need you any time"
Walter gave him quick, intent
look. He nodded. IN be at the
housed" he announced briefly.
Gould 1 go down to the Spin
ney?" Hopestill asked Patrick aft
er the Treadways had left. I'D
like to see the SPOT
"Oh yes" Patrick permitted.
ITS anybody's ball now"
May 1 go too?" Caro- asked
suddenly. Il don't know that I've
ever been in your Spinney, Mrs.
Avery, and people are asking me
SO many questions"
by all MEANS" l answered. Il
don't want to go with you, Hope
still. You understand that 1t
will be a long time before :"
"Of course not, Aunt Mary"
'T'u go down with you" Pat
rick offered. IN be back in
moment, Mary" he called over
his shoulder to me.
Patrick was back in a few mo-
ments. Apparently he took only
the time to point out the spot
where we found Ace and to give
them the CHASTITY details.
He took up his hat with a long
sigh. Those two are down there
examining every inch of ground.
But all they've found SO far is a
four-leaf clover!"
"Ah," l thought-'H HopestiIl!"
He was one of those maddening
people who pick out four-leaf Glow
ers everywhere.
I'm say I'm on a spot, Mary"
Patrick went on. Here l am in
charge. I've got to solve this muir
der and l don't even know how to
go about it. l haven't got any
qualification for this job. except