Evening star., 1936-08-20
INSTALLMENT XIII.

OAN k6Ne y lLl8AOCACA 6ooP.
HOW could they know?" she
whispered anxiously. "You
~ surely didn't say anything
let them read it!"
"I'u say I didn't. II my guess is
right, it was slick trick. Have you
time to hear it?"
You know I have. Tell me-"
"Well, went up to the beach post
office this Afternoon to call for that
letter. I opened it in the lobby
,Rlanced through it. then stuck the
thing In my hip pocket. had no coat
on. On my way out the front door
Z bumped into the Elledges."
a 'Dou you think they followed you
for any reason?"
IT don't know what to think
now. John did make some remark
about my getting letter. He asked II
I had them sent general delivery"
They've been watching the house
mail then" Joan guessed. Maybe
they were suspicious of you. Does
that ftp"
1T could. They invited me to
walk back with them, but Sloan held
out for some beer first. We had g
couple of bottles apiece and sat at q
table chinning while we drank"
what did you talk about?"
That was funny. too. Sloan put
me through a regular third degree
about New York, my work lo'
of things. knew he was checking
up. particularly when I saw it wa!
making the fat boy sort of jittery
John was afraid Sloan was everyday
ing 1t all seems clear now"
But the letter."
I'm coming to that. When We lef
the beer place, John was behind mi
touched me on the arm ant
asked to be excused. He said he'e
catch up to us. So we walked aloni
slowly Sloan and l."
Did he say anything to make 70,
suspicious?"
"Um m. No, he didn't"
Deeds decided that he would no
mention the swim story. It woult
take too long and he was not read,
to bring Claire into it. That seemet
relatively unimportant.
John caught up with us and w
walked home by way of the shore
Beastly hot and John had troubl,
keeping up. When we were almos
home pulled out my handkerchief t.
wipe my face. Right away John callet
out from behind that had droppes
my letter. He gave it to me-
But don't see =. -
Neither did I. But I'm wise now
Il think. When he touched me ther
in the beer place he touched m
for the letter. Took it into the res
room and read it. He probably in
tended to let me think I had lost ii
until he grabbed the break 7 CAV
him. let him clear himself by pull
ing out my handkerchief. He droppes
the letter at the same time. No
dumb at all"
But you can't be sure Of that
Mac. After all =" .~
"Oh, yes I can. I've the making
of q great sleuth. John was perspirinl
like a race horse today. His finger
were wet and he smudged the addres
on the envelope"
When he picked it up for you,
Joan objected.
Listen. After I got to the room,
opened the letter to read 1t again. Ant
there was an inky smudge on the in
side Of the folded page See? Nor,
than that, it was fingerprint. No
enough to identify anybody with
maybe, but it wasn't mine. And II
r A..
letter back the first time. So what?
THAT sounds as though you nigh
be right" Joan said slowly. "Wha
are you going to do?"
"Just nothing, suppose Unles
one of those bozos makes a move.
don't look for them to. fancy they'll
keep quiet, If I do"
Il don't know shh!"
There was sound of steps and /.
dim figure came around the corner
Of the porch. The soft glow from tht
single lamp in the hall revealed the
newcomer as Gene CASTOR.
Good evening"" he remarked af.
. fably. Then, as he seemed to be aware
of the others identity: Hello
cooling off?"
"a, "Yes," Joan told him quietly. "W.
o. were enjoying the breeze. 1t was hot
here this afternoon"
II guess So had little busines.
:. up the line today .. almost roasted
Pretty decent driving back, though.
think I'm ready for good sleep, now.
$50 am l." Joan decided. And
should be getting at it." She moved
toward the open door. Good night.