Evening star., 1941-06-28

Ing. Just Slt Stlll, ne Salo, MS
voice slurring meaningiy.
A half hour later Chuck turned
the car off the main road and
headed into a dirt and rock-StreWn
one that was thickly bordered with
brush. For at least 5 miles Chuck
twisted and turned the wheel until
at last they came upon a clearing
and a small shack that stood de-
family against tall pines.
Get out" Farrell ordered
brusquely. He prodded Locke with
the gun to intensity the order
Locke clambered out after Xavier
Merrill. Janielle brought up the
rear. march," Farrell said. The
three prisoners stepped toward the
shack
Locke was thinking desperately.
He was trying to see a way out of
this. 1t was his fault, he reasoned
furiously. They might have had a
chance If he had not left those tools
In the Green Parrot But he had
and it was too late now. These
men were filled with a deep, pur-
poseful intent.
Chuck flung open the door Of the
shack and went inside, waiting for
the others to follow, He was taking
no chances, Locke thought. Their
quarry was too precious.
sit down." Farrell ordered
sharply.
They all realized the necessity of
complete acquiecence. Locke knew
that only by playing for time would
they have a chance. But he mad
not counted upon being tied securely
TO a chair. Chuck went to work
silently and competently.
Victims Tied Up.
~No need to tell you that scream
Ing will do you no good here"
Farrell said smoothly. You're too
far into the woods" He strolled
over to the side window and glanced
out into the slowly dying day. The
sun was just setting.
You're going too far this time,
Farrell" Locke said finally. He
wanted to talk to this man; any
thing to relieve the dreadful tension
that he knew must be beating upon
Janielle and her father.
They'll have to prove it, chum,"
Farrell grimaced. You could be in
an auto accident, couldn't you?
Even the best of drivers can't help
that sometimes"
Locke managed a tight grin He
turned his head toward Xavier
Merrill. Our pal has charming
ideas" Merrill nodded. His eyes
were on his daughter, and then they
switched to the rope that bound her.
I'm all right father" Janlelle
said, answering his unspoken ques-
ton. Locke knew suddenly that she
was not afraid That gave him
warming sensation.
Eric Farrell said quietly. Tell me
how you got in this afternoon,
ehum."
And II don't?"
Farrell shrugged. Chuck he
said softly, wants to repay a little
debt he owes me-" Chuck had half
started from his chair, his mouth
spreading widely in mirthless grin.
Tell him, JIM" Janielle cried.
Locke was startled by the concern
in her voice
"All right" he said.
Left Alone for a Time.
Chuck settled back. the gleam of
sadistic delight fading from his
eyes. Locke explained briefly how
he had entered the Green Parrot.
That was nice" Farrell COM
nented thoughtfully. You know I
use an electromagnetic for my rou-
lette tablet"
Listen to me, Farrell" Locke
said. 'If we give our word not to
say anything about the roulette
table will you let us go?"
"Oh, sure!" Farrell sneered. Ever
hear of the Lindbergh law? This
has gone too far. You would be
saps not to put the heat on me"
Locke looked at Janielle. She was
staring back at him in anxiety; but
beyond that look there was some
thing else, something kinder. deep
er. Locke said, Are you afraid2"
mo"
Don't be-"
Farrell stood f1at-footed in the
center of the room. You two
haven't much longer" he said. "I
heard last night that you were en-
gagged Too bad. Perhaps you would
like a little privacy. Sorry I can't
remove the old man" He chuckled
grimly, then motioned to Chuck.
Come on outside. That car of
theirs needs repairs"
Chuck stretched and hauled him
self to his feet. Sure" he an
swered, grinning evilly. I'VE got
things to do He sauntered out
after Farrell.
The room was still. Locke could
hear Janielle's regular breathing.
Xavier Merrill was sitting in stun
ned, bewildered silence. ResoMtely
Locke tried the ropes which bound
him to the chair. The effort was
useless.
What shall we do?" JanielIe
asked tonelessly.
Il don't know" Locke's voice was
bewildered.
Heart to- Heart.
Janielle said softly. Jim" Her
voice steadied him. The soft in
fiection of her tones were caresses
10 his ears.
yes" he answered.
"We won't get outS of this, will
we2 Tell the truth, please"
Locke was silent, his eyes answer
ing her question. Jim" Janielle
continued, Il know" That was
more crushing than death to Locke
I'VE have a chance while we live, -
he managed
Janielle seemed not to have heard
him. Jim" she said. quietly, did
YOU ever wonder at any time what
you would want most to do if there
was only a short time left to live?"
Locke looked at her steadily. ia
nielle was being completely realis-
tic
yes" he answered Il am think