Imperial Valley press., 1936-11-08

politely and move away into the crowd For
moment the woman did not touch the note. Then
she picked it up, looked at it, and, without
changing her expression, put it into her purse
and left the cafe. AS usual Jose followed her
back to the hotel.
Here was something at last! What was writ
ten on the paper? Was it the message she had
been waiting for? Was it this that took her
to La Boca9 Jose would have given much to
know the answers to these questions. He wan
dered into the almost deserted lounge, dropping
wearily into chair, deep in thought.
Are you Jose Francisco?" Jose sprang to
his feet startled. His nerves were on edge, he
was jumpy. He turned toward the voice, stop
ping dead in his tracks 1t was Lenore Justin.
why, why, yes, Senorita, am Jose Fran
CISCO" he stammered
"And I am Lenore Justin of New York
Please sit down. want to talk with you" Her
voice was low and sonorous. It was coldly COM
manding, too. II have been looking for you,
Senor. They told me at the desk 1 would find
you here. came to South America for very
good reason. Once had a sister, younger
sister who was very dear to me- She married
fine young man whose firm sent him to repre-
sent them in Buenos Aires That was two years
ago. Her name was Diane Terrell. You knew
her. believe, Senor?"
JOSE barely inclined his head He was think
- ing of the hauntingy familiar mouth tho
strange bond that had drawn him to her
"Then you know the story of her tragic death.
How she left her husband because of another
man. How shortly after disillusioned, heart
broken she took her own fe and how Larry
Terrell followed her a week later when he leaped
from the deck of New York bound steamer
You know all that Senor Francisco. But no one
ever knew the man who responsible for
this tragedy. 1t was one of those secret affairs.
I'm sure Diane was ashamed of it from the
first, but she was always emotional and easily
swayed. have come here to find that man. I
have reason to believe that you, Senior Fran
cisco, know him." She paused He watched her
open small black bag, her hand slip
inside and close on something. There was q
menacing outline, like a pistol visible on the
soft velvet exterior of the bag.
What, what do you want with him? Jose
whispered hoarsely.
I'm going to kill him." she told him calmly
Without taking her eyes from Jose's face she
went Tonight a message was delivered to
me at rendezvous in La Bocd former serv-
ant of my sister with whom I had correspondent
wirelessed me on board ship to wait there each
night at an appointed hour until received a
message. She herself did not know the identity
of the man, but she knew a man in Cordoba
VINO had been in his employ. She had gone there
to find him at my request. Tonight word came
to me through strange who spoke no
English The message was written in Spanish
and said Senor Jose Francisco"
Before she could finish, Jose toppled from his
chair to the floor and lay very still. Several
guests who had just entered the lounge
crowded around.
Il think he has tainted" Lenore told them
Two of the men lifted the PROSTATE form to a
dvan and the house doctor was summoned
After a brief examination, he turned to the
manager who stood beside him.
This man is dead" he said. Apparently
heart attack"
Lenore Justin, standing the edge of the
crowd, heard the doctors verdict with mingled
emotions AS she started for her room st7e
opened the bag again. In it were a cigarette
case, a handkerchief and a card. Removing tho
card she read again. "Senor Jose Francisco is
the only living man who can tell you what YOU
wish to know You will find him at the Hotel
Plaza in Buenos Aires"
She tore the card in two and dropped tho
pieces the marble floor, wondering whether
her mission was over or just beginning
]. r. +.