The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-07-22
COPYRIGHT. 1893
kEA SERVICE, INC.

was the most usual thing in the
world to her.
Il would like to introduce my
self" he continued. My name is
Wade Bancroft. This gentleman
is Mr.. Sarto, my business assoc
late" Mr.. Sarto nodded jerkily
and backed away until he could
continue on up the passage.
Il would like to see more of
YOU" said Bancroft, and Nikki
thought, wonder how he means
that. If ne doesn't quit saying 81
would like" I'll scream, and if he
is Bancroft and the other man is
Sartu, where is Dillon? Then she
remembered her fathers note and
said:
Il am Nikki Jerome"
Going to the coast"
"No. Just to the Lazy X Ranch
in Wyoming"
Bancroft nodded pleasantly, an
nounced that he hoped to see her
again and Nikki continued on to
her Statcroom. her brain whirling.
The man with the dressing case
full Of money isn't Dillon, she
thought. he is Bancroft. He is
travelling with an associate"
who looks remarkably like a
bodyguard
And now. summed up Nikki un-
happily, | know about the money.
Either Bancroft is Dillon or he
has done something to Dillon and
taken his money. If he's Dillon
I've got to be nice to him on ac-
count Of Dad, and if he isn't Pm
liable to be murdered because |
know about the money.
That afternoon she and Steve
stroIlcd back to the club car, but
found every chair taken. The
train had filled up at Chicago.
Want to try the obSrrvatlon?"
asked Steve. Nikki nodded and
they had almost reached the far
end when Il man arose hastily. 1t
was Bancroft.
Miss Jerome" ne observed.
"Looking for Il chair? | think Mr.
Sarto WAS just leaving, weren't
you, Carl" Sarto arose without
Il word. Bancroft graspcd NikkTs
arm gently and began guiding
her toward the vacated chair.
Just minute" said Steve.
mostly amazed, but ii little an
nOycd. Nikki Ieaped into the
breach.
"Oh, Steve" she said. This Is
Mr.. Bancroft. Mr.. Bancroft, Mr.
Mallory" and added, my IL
nance"
Steve grunted. Bancroft looked
Steve up and down and said:
every happy. Congratulations.
But I'm sure" turning to NikkI,
that Mr.. Mallory won't mind
leaving you in good company for
while" He again offered Nikki
, the chair. 1t was obvious he in
tended Keeping the seat beside
her, leaving Steve to retire from
the scene. The shading Of indif-
fcrcnt contempt in his voice in
furiated Steve.
"Yuu'rc Il little too quick, Ban
croft" said Steve. "We'll 30 Oh
out on the observation. Come on.
Nikki."
II think you'll find it occupied
also" replied Bancroft smoothly.
He took Nikki's arm again. May
| offer YOU this seat. Miss Jc-
romeo"
Take "our hand off her ARM
Stoves voice was low, but it was
gratinglv harsh, and several peo-
pie in the car looked up.
Nikki glanced around quickly.
she felt like a bone between two
strange dogs. She was thinking of
Steve and her father both when
she spoke.
"Steve," she said quietly. This
is being ridiculous. Mr.. Bancroft
is an old friend"
Steve stared at Nikki a moment
in disbelief, his eyes bitter. Then
he turned and strobe out Of the
car. Nikki hated herself for what
she had said and hated the man
beside her for placing her in
posion where she had to say it.
She sat down, thinking that the
situation couldn't last much long
er, as u porter came up and told
. Bancroft:
"Your wire has been sent, sir"
Bancroft turned to Nikki. He
said:
IL just telegraUhed ahead for
reservations on the Lazy r: De-
cided a little Western vacation
wouldn't do me any harm, either"