Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-08-27
INSTALLMENT XIX.

~ EEDS McCUNE gave a start
at Gaston's information that
caused him to step OH the
~ walk into the sand. Before
he could recover himself Gene passed
him. He followed, his mind in a
daze.
CASTOR said he would be through
his work in q week or 10 days! The
same time limit Sloan Elledge had
set! Was there any connection? Were
the two of them linked together in
some activity? Everything was merg-
ing into some common mystery, draw
ing everybody into it.
Rubbish First thing he knew he'd
be suspecting those three harmless
spinsters of some deviltry :. or the
preacher and his family. His sense
of humor had reached the point where
black Salina was putting arsenic in
her apple pies, when he turned the
corner Of the porch and received an
other shock.
John Elledge was sitting out in the
moonlight alone.
He had taken one of the porch
chairs and planted it on the sand
below the steps, as if he were mount
Ing guard over the house. Deeds felt
a quick suspicion that something OF
the sort might be true. The fat boy
was on watch. A glance around re-
vealed no one else in sight.
Been for ride?" John called
cheerily.
Down to Harbor Gate and back"
Gene informed him, without hating
Good night Much obliged for your
company, McCune"
Deeds hesitated involuntarily. This
was the first time he had been alone
with John since the letter episode.
He found himself trifle curious as
to what might happen. He felt an
amused contempt as he looked at the
squat figure in the chair.
I'm enjoying the moon" Elledge
explained. Won't you join me?'
Just minute" Deeds agreed. He
dropped to a seat on the bottom porch
step and lighted fresh cigarette. He
was near enough to the doctor to
converse without raising his voice.
Fine night for a ride" Elledge
remarked. II dare say you had a
pleasant time
Yes"
Fine chap. young CASTOR" the
other unused. But rather inclined to
be moody, I would say. Had you
noticed it, may I ask?"
You can ask" Deeds remarked
shortly, but I won't tell you. AS a
matter of fact. I'd rather talk about
you. I can't help trying to express
my admiration for you I think you
have the most unmitigated gall-to
speak frankly-of any one I've ever
had the luck to meet"
Gall? I confess I don't under
stand YOU McCune."
"Of course not. You have the nerve
10 pick my pockets, then act as If you
thought I should -. kiss you. I can
think of a better word than gall, but
some one might hear me-"
MY dear boy! Whatever are you
talking about? hope you have been
drinking" -
II haven't. And you may as well
cut the corners with me. You and
your sick brotherare the bunk. -.
doubt that you are brothers. @Yotr
name isn't. E1ledge. any more thar
mine is. I know that, and you know
I know it. You swiped a letter from
me that said so. And your big brother
comes running over to hand me lot
OF threats as to what will happen il
I don't keep my mouth shut How
do you like tf1at?''~~ '>''-'
The unexpected chance to give vent
to mis- feelings made Deeds reckless.
ITS perfectly incomprehensibie."
"Oh. yeah? There's lot of things
around here like that. I'm getting
fed up" He rose to his feet and ap-
preached the chair. "Oh, I'm not
going to start anything" he assured
the doctor, seeing him squirm appre-
hensively. Don't worry But I am
going to suggest that you keep away
from me as long as we're both around
here. Unless you have to. I'll take il
as a favor if you don't speak to me
Is that clear enough?"
"Of course. it isn't clear, McCune
II you are really sober, there is but
one excuse for such drivel You have
allowed my brother to fill your head
with bit of ill-timed talk. I have
tried to tell you -. it's little diff
cult to discuss such matters with
strangers that his trouble has
made him almost irresponsible a.
times. I thought you understood"
There was such a well-simulated
feproach in the mans voice that
Deeds stared at him in amazement