The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-05-28
CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER TEN
When Madge put her car In the
garage, she saw a light in the
kitchen and entered that way.
Hilda and Clyde, usually long in
bed by this hour, were In the
breakfast room lowering over the
radio.
We're waiting for the IL o'clock
news broadcast" Clyde explained
to the girl. big excitement on
the radio tonight"
Excitement ?"
Yes, there's been a shooting.
A man from the district attorneys
office was shot as he was leaving
his home about $50. We just
happened to have the radio on at
$50 before we went to bed, and
caught the flash. There's been
quite a bit of news since, but
nothing definite.
Shocked
District attorneys office ?"
Madge was shocked at the news,
and her heart leaped convulsively.
what was his name ?"
Bryce, I think they said it was.
He's an assistant to Roland
Beatty, the announcer said"
Bryce. Walton Bryce. That was
why he hadn't appeared. Madge
felt sudden fear, cold chill
swept over her. Bryce, whom she
had seen but a few hours ago.
Bryce. who had promised to meet
her and explain what he was doing
in her house last night in the
guise of burglar. Bryce, shot i.
rs he's he dead ?" she asked.
He apparently wasn't from the
broadcasts we heard. He was
taken to General Hospital. they
said. That's what we are waiting
to hear, whether he's dead or not.
One of the announcers said there
was a lot OF politics mixed up in
the shooting, Miss Madge."
Excited
Clyde's eyes widened with ex-
element.
Il certainly hope your father
doesn't get mixed up in anything
like this" Hilda said, nervously.
II never was In favor OF him GO
ing into politics anyway. They're
all a bunch OF crooks-a fine man
like him, associating with the likes
Of them"
flush! Here comes the IL
o'clock news now" Clyde said, and
turned the radio on a bit louder.
Flash. News bulletin the
voice of the announcer came out
of the speaker. Our reporter at
General Hospital has just flashed
us the news that Walton Bryce,
assistant district attorney shot
down outside his home tonight,
died without regaining conscious
ness just a few minutes ago.
Mr.. Bryce was shot three times
in the chest by two unidentified
gunner who stepped from the
shadows as he walked TO his car
and opened fire without warning
The gunner rushed to a dark
sedan parked nearby, leaped into
the back seat and the car roarec
away down the street. Bystand'
ers who witnessed the cowardly
assassination. said license numbers
had apparently been removed from
the car as they could not see then
as 1t passed under a street light.
Unconscious
Mr.. Bryce was unconscious
when witnesses reached him. II,
was Immediately rushed 10 Gen
eral Hospital and DIR. Perry Pied
mont. well known surgeon. hastil,
summoned. performed an emer
gency operation. Mr.. Bryce die'
shortly after he had been taken &
his room from the surgery"
There were more details. bu
Madge didn't hear them. The full
significance Of the news was jus
beginning 70 penetrate her brain
1t was all such tumble. He
discovery Of Bryce in her room
last night, confronting him wit
waring. and then her meeting wit
him today in Leah Seldes' homs
She wondered what she ha
stumbled into. and what connec
ton, IL any, this mysterious chat
OF circumstances had with tn
fight her father was making 70
election to the office Of mayor o
the reform ticket. She mus
somehow. see Victor waring.
As she stood wondering HOY
she would get in touch with hin
Clyde suddenly switched the radi
| from the station 10 which he an