Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1936-05-09
CHAPTER 40


KEYES DECIDED that a shove
would refresh him before he starte,
pumping the truth out of Manue
Gonzales. SO he left me at my hote
while he drove on to his rooms. HI
instructed me as soon as l had fin
ished my bath and breakfasted. Il
go to Van Every's house and learr
whether Dow knew that Ward was
in New York City. 1 was not to re.
veal Wards release unless necessary
to startle his brother into telling his
whereabouts. Meanwhile, Reyes
would set the search for Ward go.
ing.
The bath and breakfast Reyes per-
mitted me aggravated more than
they refreshed. Sleep was what ]
needed, but / told myself 1 could
stand it if Reyes could.
I was sorry to miss the question
ing of Gonzales. but the fact that
Reyes had given me something to
do in the meantime cheered me con-
siderably.
1t weas nearly IL o'clock when I
reached Van Every's home. The
front door was wide open. so 1
walked in and found my friend clear
ing papers from his library desk.
He stopped when he saw me, and
invited me to join him in a cup Of
coffee. 1 remembered his custom of
a cup of coffee in mid morning at
the Villa Maurin. 1 accompanied him
70 the dining room.
Joyce insisted on going to work
Doday. She looked bad when she left,
10 l suggest you call her at noon
and tell her to come home. She
won't do as I say, of course, and l
think you'll have more influence with
her since she's working for YOU"
I murmured that 1 had no idea
she. would work today. Indeed, 1
hadn't expected it. 1 would drop
into the library at noon
Have you heard from Ward
lately?" I asked as casually as 1
could when we were halfway through
our coffee.
Van Every's eyes narrowed and he
glanced at me sharply.
whats behind your question,
Maughan?"
I flushed at my clumsiness in ask
ing such a question out Of a clear
sky. Of course it would sound queer
to his brother. The best 1 could do
now was to tell him the whole truth.
Keyes' suspicious. everything.
Tell me at once. Vaughan" he
urged.
"Keyes and 1 went up to Sing
Sing last night. We learned that
Ward was in New York Monday
night-the night Margalo was
killed."
He paled and the Lenox china cup
dropped from his hand, crashing into
dozens of pieces.
Ward in New York Monday
night" he cried. "Maughan, you're
mistaken. You don't know what
you're talking about. He was in
Sing Sing! I would know first if he
had been released-unless he escaped.
ano know him better than that!"
/ tried to quiet him while Soon
was removing the bits Of broken
china and getting a fresh cup of
coffee
TITS true. You must believe it
Keyes and got it from Lawn him
self. Ward was released Sunday. but
left Monday noon for New York
City,"
"Thcn why wasn't 1 notified?
Soon. get Warden Lawn for me on
the telephonei"
: caught Soon before nc left the
room and persuaded Van Every
finally that I was telling the truth.
Ward didn't want you to know.
He was afraid you might tell Joyce
that her father lived"
HE knew wouldn't"
We'll. that's the reason he gave
Lawn"
Vaughan. you know what this
means. of course! Why did they let
him out so he could be here Monday
night! Why!" TIis hand ran
through his siivery hair. "Tbis
means that Reyes will arrest Ward
he'll try to pin the crime OIL him!"
Hes trying to already"
Ward couldn't have done II. Man.
CHAN. Lawn told me he's a different
man. His temper is cared. I've been
working for his release for years
I've pulled every wire could"
keyes wants to know where ne
would CO." I put in as gently as I
could.
Il can't tell YOU"
1t would be better to tell. Van