Arkansas State press., 1943-12-24
CHAPTER XIV

In vain for George Rumble"
Where could he have got to
Dwight" asked.
Dwight made a gesture, indicat
ING that he did not know.
He checked out Of the hotel las,
night about ten-thirty o'clock"
My own thoughts instantly were
dlled with speculations. I glanced
at Rogers. but beyond a narrowing
OF his eyelids there was no sign Of
what he thought.
Perhaps he's gone back home, "
! suggested. He was fed up last
night. you know, when we saw him
at the Belmar, and was wishing he
might leave Mazatlan."
There's been no train since he
checked out" remarked Reed Bar.
ton. "El Costeno on the Sud Pa.
cifco is due going north tomor.
row"
He won't be hard to find"
suggested. He probably moved to
another hotel"
We inquired at couple Of 9th.
ers." Reed responded.
For moment no one said any.
thing then Rogers turned to LON.
bardo.
This will interfere somewhat
with your plans this evening, senior.
But-perhaps we can 60 ahead with
those Of us who are here. I'm ready
to be the first to put on the hat
and walk to the room where Cheese
bro died"
There was stir among US and
we prepared to take up where we
had left off the night Pedro fled
where's the quirt?" inquired
Rogers.
Here" said, picking it up from
the table where it still lay beside
Elsa's hat l gave it to Rogers.
And now we need Rumble's black
sombrero." l said, "but it's not
here"
Won't another do just as well?"
suggested Reed Barton. He and I
went out to the rack near the door.
There were several hats there; none
as large, however, al Rumble's huge
black one. We settled upon one of
straw. The head size was small,
so that it perched on top OF Rogers
rather large head as he began a
slow, measured stride down the dim
passageway to the door OF the room,
while Pedro from his station and the
rest Of us at vantage points looked
on. Rogers opened the door and
disappeared within the room. A
moment later he emerged to learn
the verdict which Pedro was quick
70 pronounce.
mo, sir; he Is not the one," he
said, his teeth chattering.
Who's next?" inquired Rogers,
extending the hat and quirt toward
me. Barry, you play the role
next"
! took the hat gingerly and set 1t
on top my head, although II was a
better fit for me than 1t had been for
Rogers. grasped the quirt firmly
and with slight sensation Of cold
playing down my backbone l began
to walk along the passageway.
Slowly -- 1t seemed hours
walked along; I could hear the
breathing of Lombardo as he looked
on In silence while I passed him.
was keenly aware as my fingers
touched the doorknob that Rogers
and | were agreed that the solution
we sought lay without question in
the identification that Pedro would
make; he had seen the murderer.
No one spoke for several mo-
ments. Reed Barton cleared his
throat. Pedro shifted his bare feet
"Pedro!" exclaimed Lombardo.
Speak"
My heart sank at the sound Of the
jefe's voice.
He is not the man. SIR" said
Pedro in voice that was little more
than whisper.
"You are sure?"
Yes, sir"
With an audible sigh I removed
the hat and handed it, together with
the quirt to Dwight Nichols.
you're next, Dwight, old man."
I said lightly, although my voice
sounded strained and unnatural In
my own ears He took them hest
family, but before he could put on
the hat. Margaret appeared at the
end Of the passageway. She halted
abruptly at sight OF us.
Whatever are you doing7" she
called. oh" Her voice betrayed
that she understood, and she moved
slowly In our direction. IT'S
DWights turn, Is it,
Eyes, dear" Dwight replied So
berly, putting on the hat
The same hush descended upon
us. There was the same suppressed
breathing as Dwight moved slowly
and deliberately past the place
where Pedro crouched in his con.
cealment, and on down toward the
door.
Slowly he drew near the door: his
hand was stretched out to touch the
knob There was sudden move
ment in Pedros place of conceal.
ment. Lombardo was alert to II in
stantly; he made as II to leap upon