Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1942-05-21

we're somewhere in New Mexico or
possibly Arizona"
The moonlit night showed them lit
tie as they drove along the rough
country road. Barren waste land
stretched on all sides.
"You mean this guy is one of
Karl's menu" Thomas whispered.
"Just Karl's boss" Paul said wry-
ly
Thomas, for once, was stunned
into silence.
In short time they arrived at
a ranch house. 1t was the first
dwelling of any kind they had seen
since landing. Behind the large
house was a smaller one and into
this Paul, Joan and Thomas were
led. The house was modern though
crudely finished. There was a fire.
place and electric lighting. Several
rooms led into the living room but
none of the three was inclined to
venture from the fire.
WELL" Thomas said, 81 guess
this is all my fault. l thought Null
ford was on the level. didn't know
he was connected with Karl. Hon.
estly."
''We know that, Thomas. It's all
right. 1t had to be this way. I've
suspected for some time that Null
ford was the chief of this outfit"
Joan sat down in an old wicker
rocker and drew it closer to the
blaze. "And now what do we do?".
'This ranch is a clearing house.
Stolen plans that are not taken from
San Francisco by boat are flown
here and from here to Mexico where
they are picked up off the coast by
fishing boats"
Thomas rubbed his hands togeth-
er nervously. "But why did they
want us to come here? Why would
they have bothered?"
"That," Paul admitted, remains
to be SEEN"
"They must think they have some
use for u.s." Joan argued, cor they
wouldn't have gone to so much trou-
ble"
The wind whistled outside. The
silence of the night held the peculiar
loneliness that belongs to the desert.
Joan was SO deep in her own
thoughts that the sound of foot
steps startled her and she leaped
from her place by the fire.
The door opened to admit Karl
Miller, His arm was in a sling.
"You didn't quite finish me-" he
said smoothly. "Your aim is really
very bad"
what pity" Paul murmured.
Karl turned his cold blue eyes
upon him. "You have caused us
a great deal of trouble, Mr. O'Mal-
ley. l believe the time has come
now for you to be of use to u.s.
Paul had risen and the two men
stood facing each other.
Karl said quietly, again I offer
you the chance to come in with us.
You could be valuable asset"
Silence. Contempt was written on
Paul's face.
eff you refuse to give us your
services" Karl said, "Joan will
have to pay for it,"
He walked over and took her arm.
twisting it until she cried out with
pain. Paul took step forward but
Arthur milford, who had been
watching from the door, leaped
forward with gun in his hand.
Although Karl still held her arm,
which throbbed with pain, Joan
cried, Don't pay any attention to
him, Paul, I'm not afraid"
Karl said, perhaps you are not
afraid for yourself but there is still
your sister to consider.
"Sybil! Where is she?"
cat the moment, she is safe. If
you can persuade Paul to see this
situation my way, she will contin-
ue to be safe If not - He
shrugged.
Karl looked at O'Malley and
smiled. Il believe you will find
that you and your government are
playing losing game. OF course,
Mr.. O'Malley, in our country man
does not let sentimentality interfere
with his job. 1t is unfortunate that
you are not constituted the same
way-unfortunate for you, and ex-
tremely lucky for us. am sure
that, being so fond of Joan, you
would rather betray your country
than permit her to suffer-"
He exchanged glances with Null
ford, and they both left the house.
81 told you'll" Thomas cried.
They're devils!"
eff l can stall them off for few
days :" Paul was saying in
low guarded tone.
(TO BE CONTINUED