The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1938-07-07
IA kiIDNAP MURDER, FL
- s.sss M S. S. Van Dine .v,ss.s,

The interlocking ink-brushed
squares. completed the message.
Vance rose and confronted the
two unstrung men.
''There is much to be done yet"
he said. "And we are most sympa-
thetie and eager to be helpful. l
would advise you that you both re-
main in your Office until you have
heard something further. We will
certainly communicate with YOU
later, and we appreciate the cooper
alton you are giving us. -. By the
by,"-he spoke somewhat offhanded
to Renting" has your money been
returned to your"
eyes, yes, Vance" It was Mark
hams impatient voice that an
swered. 'sMr. Renting received the
money the first thing this morning.
Two of the men in the Detective
Division across the hall delivered
it to him."
"Most Efficient" sighed Vance.
He addressed Fleel and Renting
again.
eve will, of course, expect to hear
immediately when you receive any
further communication, or if any
new angle Develops" His tone was
one of polite dismissal.
Don't worry on that score, Mr..
Vance" Renting was reaching for
his hat. Gas soon as either one of
us gets the instructions promised in
my note, you'll hear all about it,
A few moments later he and Fleel
left the office together. ~.
AS the door closed behind them
Vance swung swiftly about and
went to Markham's desk.
'That note to Fleel!' he exclaimed.
81 don't like it, Markham. I don't
at all like it. 1t is the most curious
concoction. I must see it again"
AS he spoke he picked up the note
once more and, resuming his chair,
studied the paper with far more in
terest and care than he had shown
when the lawyer and Renting had
been present. -
''You notice, of course, that both
notes were cancelled in the same
post-office station as was yesterdays
communication - the WestcheSter
Station.
II cannot understand the refer
ence to this year of our Lord It
doesn't belong here. It's out of key.
My eyes go back to every time I fin
ish reading the note. It bothers me
frightfully. Something was in the
writer's mind-he had a strange
thought at that time. It may be en-
tirely meaningless, or it could have
been written into the note with some
very subtle significance for some
one who was expected to see it."
II noticed that phrase, too," said
Markham. ''It is curious; but, in
my opinion, it means nothing at all
II wonder. :" Vance raised his
hand and brushed it lightly over his
forehead. Then he got to his feet
It'd like to be alone a while with
this note. Where can I go-are the
judges chambers unoccupied?"
Markham looked at him in a puz-
Zled amaZement.
"You can go into my private Of
flee, you damned prima donna.
Markham pointed to narrow door
in the west wall of the room. you'll
be alone in there. Shall I let you
know when Heath gets here?"
Carrying the note before him
Vance opened the side door and
went out of the room.
It was fully ten minutes before
Vance emerged from the private
Office. In the meantime Heath had
arrived and was waiting impatient
| ly.
| When Vance re-entered the room
he threw quick glance in Heath's
direction.
"Cheerio, Sergeant" he greeted
Heath. "I'm glad you came in
Thanks awfully for waitin', and all
that. I'm sure you've already
read the note Renting received
Here's the one Fleel brought in"
Continued Next Week.
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