The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1938-03-31
ky:A 'kiIDNIAP MURDER ~
- g. b4 SIS. Van Dine ..ss..-


i sentiment and venom in it.
Vance rose. would you be so
good as to take us upstairs?" ne
asked.
''pll be glad to-" Renting said,
and started for the door. We fol-
lowed him. s
Mrs. galloway was woman be-
tween sixty and sixty-five years old.
She had an intelligent and canny
expression, and her features were
large and striking. She impressed
me as a woman with an iron will,
but also with an innate sense Of
loyalty and sympathy.
When we entered her room that
morning Mrs. galloway was sitting
placidly in wicker. armchair in
front of the large bay window.
At an old and somewhat dilapi-
dated walnut secretary sat a thin,
sickly youth, with straight dark
hair which fell forward over his
forehead and large, prominent fea-
| nifying glass in one hand and
nifying glass in one hand hand and
was moving it back and forth over
ia page of exhibits in a stamp al
bum.
these gentlemen wish to speak
to you, Mrs galloway" Kenyon
Renting said in an unfriendly tone,
When he had gone, Vance took a
few steps toward the woman with
an air of solicitation.
Perhaps you remember me, Mrs.
Falloway-"
"Oh, very well, Mr.. Vance. It is
very pleasant to see you again. Do
sit down in that armchair there, and
try to imagine that this meageT
room is a Louis-Seize salon."
Vance bowed formally.
"Any room you grace, Mrs. Fallo-
way" he said, becomes the most
charming of salons" He did not
accept her invitation to sit down,
however.
What do you make of this stu
atom" she went on "And do you
really think anything has happened
! to my son-in-law?" Her voice was
hard and low-pitched.
Il really cannot say just yet,
Vance answered. eve were hopin
you might be able to help U.s." and
the woman acknowledged the in
Productions with dignified gracious
ness.
"This is my son, Frain," she said
waving with bony hand toward
the anaemic young young man al
the desk.
"Philatelist?" asked Vancef study
ing the youth.
Il collect American stamps" There
was no enthusiasm in the lethargic
COVE, and Vance did not pursue the
subject.
did you hear anything in the
house early this morning?" Vance
went on.
Fraim galloway shook his head
without any show of interest.
Il didn't hear anything" he said.
Il was asleep"
Vance turned to the mother.
did you hear anything, Mrs.
Falloway?"
Il heard Kaspar come in-he
woke me up banging the front door
shut" She spoke with bitterness
''But that's nothing new. went to
sleep again, however, and didn't
know anything had happened until
Madelaine and Mr.. Kenyon Renting
informed me of it this morning, af-
ter my breakfast"
Gould you suggest any reason
asked Vance, "why any one should
wish to kidnap Kaspar Kenting?"
mo. But can give you many
reasons why any one should not
wish to kidnap him." she returned
with hard, intolerant look. "He is
not an admirable character" she
went on, "nor pleasant person to
have around. And I regret the day
my daughter married him. How
ever, wouldn't wish to see any
harm come to the scamp"
"And why not, mother?" asked
Fraim galloway with whine. 'You
know perfectly well he has made us
all miserable, including Sis. Per
sonally, I think it's good radiance -
"Don't be vindictive, son." the
woman reproved him with a sudden
softening in her tone, as the youth
turned back to his stamps.
Vance sighed as if this inter-
charge between mother and son
bored him.
Then you are not able, Mrs.
galloway, to suggest any reason for
Mr.. Kenting's sudden disappea-
rance, or tell us anything that might
a ~o~ORo@Do~~o@O~
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