The Coolidge examiner., 1936-06-05


ITS snug camp" Nan said.
you'll be comfortable here, Kerry"
He scratched a temple thought
fully.
"D'you mind if 1 use my own
outfit?"
"Why, no! Don't you fancy this
campo"
"Oh, it's got shingles and glass in
it. I'd rather set up myself on one
of those islands,"
Certainly, If you want 1t that
way. 1 used to come here with
my father, but now the place has
been a little spoiled for me. E.
You see, Holt stayed here alone
the night Father was killed and if
it hadn't been for wise old Ezra
he'd have been carted in to Jail and
held there for a while"
"You think a lot Of Holt, don't
you?"
"Of course! Why shouldn't, I?
He's the most loyal boy in the
world. He's worked his head off
for me-"
Anybody would" he said :.
and wondered why she colored
quickly and looked at him almost
defensively when she spoke of Holt
Stuart.
Other cars were there when they
drove up to headquarters. One was
Ezra Adams battered roadster and
the old doctor looked up from tink-
ering with the motor in a way
which commanded Kerry's interest.
But Nan, with a wave to Ezra,
was more intent on the group
about the other.
"Oh, there's Mr. Dexter, up from
Chicago!" she said excitedly. "That
means he's ready to close" Her
face clouded. "And day before
yesterday l mailed Tod West a for
NAL request for permission to deed
that section. It's our first chance
at a real sale Oh, hope it won't
be blocked!"
"Who's sick, Ezra?" Young asked.
as Nan walked rapidly on to greet
the others.
Nobody much, except this tar
nal motor" he said loudly. Then,
with caution: "Come close, Kerry
Stick your head down here with
me, like you were trying to help
me tinker at somethin'."
'The bullet that killed Cash." he
whispered, was fired from Tod
Vests pistol ~
For moment Young did not re-
ply; savage triumph swept him,
followed by sinking sensation.
Tod West, the slayer of Mans ia
ther and, perhaps, the slayer of
her hopes as well! He knew that
even despite her misgivings, the
girl was hoping that West would
be generous enough to permit her
to close the deal which this eve-
ming seemed to be in prospect. And
it was such forlorn hope.
WELL" he said, that gives US
a course to steer, Ezra!"
whats the first move?"
"TO watch him. What else can
we do? If he's started using that
money, he'll keep on; anyhow,
that's a good bet. We've got to
locate it before we tip our hand"
But suppose he suspects and
lights out?"
Kerry twisted his head doubt
fully.
HE won't light out so long as
there's a hope left. All he has
worked and schemed and killed for
is in this country. A man of his
age doesn't run away from it so
long as there's a chance of hang
ing on.
",,Iow, l can get Jim Hinkle to
trail him. He won't suspect Jim.
That can be fixed up. With me out
of the picture for a few days,
maybe he'll feel more free to act.
I'll see to it that plenty Of folks
know I'm to be gone for a while"
81 swear it's going to be up to
you, son." the old man said. 81
get all fluttery inside, now, think
ing about what might happen j..
and about what you and I've got to
make happen!"
Nan Downer sat disconsolately
at her desk that evening. The man
Dexter and his companions had
gone from the dinner-table down
to the river. Soon they would re-
turn and want to talk business Z.
and as yet she was not able to talk
in conclusive terms.
She had an opportunity to bring
to realization some of the dreams
she had shared with her father,
but not yet the legal right!
She had been conscious for a
moment Of another's presence, but
did not look up at once. When
she did, it was into the flushed
face of Tod West.
"Oh!" she cried, and rose quick
ly from her chair.
Surprised, eh?" he asked and
stepped closer. "Why surprised? I
got a letter from you yesterday"
Now, she caught the reek of
whisky on his breath.
MNNnll Irant anSHrar