Evening star., 1941-01-25

II come to the point? We seem tc
be getting confused"
Crosley's eyebrows lifted. &c
ahead" he said ironically.
why don't you take me to John
O'Dian and get this over with?"
John ODian? I've no intention
of doing that. You're going to the
police"
Kelly's mind relaxed then. He
had been wrong And he was glad
of his mistake, for he found himself
liking this lean, gray man more
with every passing moment.
why not take me right away?'
Kelly asked softly. His dark eyes
squinted.
James Crosley said, Il can't I'm
derstand why man who appears
as you do, should pick this kind OF
racket to make money"
Were still at Odds" Kelly said
firmly.
mo we're not. You came here
with the idea of squeezing money
from me on the claim that you were
Sherr ODian's husband. That's
right. isn't it?"
Il am Sherr ODian's husband"
"You persist in that?'
-Why not?'
Ct was speaking to Miss O'Dian
an hour ago"
Kelly half arose from his chair.
Sherr was safe! That thought
pounded through his brain, and he
felt an immense, poignant relief. He
had not been altogether sure, de-
spite his reasoning, that John O'Dian
had been responsible for Sherr's
disappearance 1t had been possible
that some one else. about whom Kel-
" had not known, had threatened
her. She was a girl with money, a
legitimate prey. Now Kelly knew
the scene, and he sensed the first
breaking of trail.
The gun in James CroSley's fist
pointed straight at Kelly as he
started from the chair.
sit down Madigan! I've had
enough of this distasteful business.
I'm going to call the police"
James Crosley's hand moved to-
ward the transmitter switch. For
an instant, his eyes left Kelly's face:
the gun wavered slightly. Kelly
moved then. He thrust his body for
ward and his left arm swept across
the desk in a lightning stroke, hit
ting the automatic a sharp blow.
The gun spun from Crosley's grasp
and struck the far wall, then
thumped to the floor. Kelly leaned
across the desk and with one hand
he pinned James Crosley's fingers
upon the desk.
Damn you!"
EASY Crosley. You won't get
hurt"
The older man attempted to rise.
Easy. Easy" Kelly's voice was
smooth. He applied pressure, fore
ing Crosley back into his seat. Per
haps you will listen to me now.
What was said on the phone?"
You'll never know" Crosley's
voice was choked with fury.
Just what was SalO?
Kelly Offers Proof.
The lawyers jaw clamped tight.
His thin, reed-like body went rigid.
Kelly could feel the rapier strength
of the man, a tenacity that could
be bent, yet still retain all Of its
deadliness.
He said mildly, Il see that Ill
have to prove my words. What
would you say if told you that my
wife, Sherr ODian, was kidnapped
last night?'
James Crosley did not answer.
His eyes were still upon kelly's face
and there was permanent blaze of
doubt In them.
You are hard to convinced" Kelly
moved cautiously to the other side
OF the desk, still keeping Crosley S
hand imprisoned. The other man
swiveled around. Kelly lifted the
telephone receiver.
Get me Miss Sherr ODian's
apartment" he directed briefly.
He stood gazing down at Crosley
The mans face had screwed up
as though he could not believe what
he had just heard.
Hello, Calvin!" Kelly said. 'Lis-
ten, and get this straight the first
time. I'm down at James Crosley S
Office. He doesn't believe that Sherr
and I were married. Convince him
and make it fast. Yes, and you
might add what happened to you
and to me last night"
Kelly passed the telephone to
Crosley. He released the others
hands. Crosley's face was a puz-
zled mirror of amazement, his mouth
was thin line of concern. Hello
Crosley said. "Is what this man
says true, Calvin?"
Crosley listened. Kelly watched
the thin face change. 1t was de-
light to see the fiat lines relax, the
eyes quirk upward. Crosley's glance
was an apology. Kelly nodded
Then the lawyer Strengthened up
sharply, listening. No word hao
escaped his lips.
A Plot Was Hatched.
do you want to say anything
Madigan?" Crosley was holding the
receiver out to Kelly.
Yeah. Hello, Calvin! Stick around
as told you. may need you again
though not as badly as this time
I hope" He hung up.
Nov will you tell me what was
said over that telephone before ]
came?"
"We're wasting time"
Listen" Kelly interrupted. eve
know that Sherr is safe. The next
thing to do 1t to get to her. Now
pay attention and answer what ]
asked you"
James Crosley leaned forward
Respect for this tall, strong, young
man nodded his face into agree
able lines. Kelly Madigan could not
know that James Crosley was man
who usually dictated orders, not
received them.
IT was called about to 9, just
before YOU called" Crosley began.