Nogales international., 1936-02-15
Final Installment


older edition, of the marines
portrait in Washington. The. pas
sage of time had served only to
improve his appearance; broad and
tall, six years had filled out the
gangling frame Ellen Trent once
described, into an enviably perfect
physique. His dark hair had been
bleached and was now blond and
curly, but hY@ handsome, broad fea-
tures remained the same.
For an instant he was SO startled
by Rankin's appearance that he
dropped his guard. His mask off,
an ugly light of fury flashed across
his face; and his lips drew into a
snarl. Both were swiftly gone,
however, before the detective could
be certain of them.
Rankin began facetiously. "Mr.
Seymour King, 1 believe" he
greeted him. I'm lucky to find
you in; and l must apologize for
my intrusion at this late hour"
The other frowned, then forced
a smile that developed into hollow
laugh.
"Mr King?" he repeated. eyes,
of course, that's how rented the
apartment, so my wife wouldn't
find out about it or trace me. =.
But come in, Rankin. To what do
i owe the honor of this visit?"
Rankin stepped inside the door,
Icareful, however, not to close it.
you use a good many names,
Idon't you, Rowland?" His voice
developed a steel edge. Perhaps
you'd prefer to be called Fred Den
Inis or Steve Harmon"
His quarry turned white, fear
smingling with anger at this provo
,icative onset. He retreated, his
ieyes glaring; it was all he could do
ito control the savageness that crept
into his voice.
"What do you mean, Rankin7"
NE demanded furiously. 81 never
heard of them. l don't know what
you're talking about and neither do
you"
ooh, you understand me all
eight, the detective returned evenly.
"You've been many places and
tried your hand at many jobs, be-
sides being a life-guard at Miami
Aad a movie extra in Hollywood.
a marine on the U.S.S. Wyoming,
for instance, who deserted, and a
burglar in Fort Wayne. And you
knew Ellen Trent there. should
have connected the sort of rowing
life you led before your marriage
with your activities in Indiana"
Allen Rowland clenched his fists.
"You must be crazy, Rankin" he
cried; his alarm betrayed the truth
of the accusations. you had better
be careful; if you've come here to
insult me, advise you to get out!'
Instinctively, t c detectives
muscles tensed as though preparing
for an attack.
I'D stay where l am if l were
you" he warned him ominously
He dug his hands into his pockets.
II have a warrant for your arrest
for the murder of Barbara Keith,
Allen Rowland alias Fred Dennis
alias Steve Harmon. And | caution
you that anything you Say-Stand
back there, Rowlandl"
simultaneously with his shouted
adnonition, he leaped back, ducking
to the door; and from his coat came
the staccato bark of a revolver
Physically no match for Rowland
he moved just in time to escape his
half-anticipated forward lunge His
assailant had sprung with huge
muscular arms outstretched to pin
Rankin to his side and bear him
down by sheer weight. The bullet
caught him in mid-leap; halted by
the shock, he dropped to his knees
with a groan and clapped his left
hand to his right shoulder. Blood
Spurted between his fingers and an
expression of astonishment on his
face gave swift place to one OF
agony.
Damn you, RankinI" he ground
out with an effort, through clenched
teeth.
you asked for it, Rowland"
Rankin said heartless1y, 81 warned
you l had you covered; you won't t
escape this time as easily as you did
from the American Express office
and the Stager House in Fort
Wayne. Now perhaps you'll be-
have yourself"
He turned to the two officers,
who had rushed hastily from the
corridor at the shot and pushed
their way into the apartment anx-
ious and alert.
"It's all over but the shouting,
boys" he reassured them. II don't
believe there will be any more
trouble. You can take him along
as soon as l put these irons on him.
And see that his wound is treated
at Headquarters immediately"
He first permitted his prisoner
enough time to tie a handkerchief
about his shoulder. Then he pro-
duced the handouts; and disregard
ing Rowland's stream of oaths and
abuse, the policemen held him,
while Rankin clicked them on his
wrists.