The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1945-12-28
CHAPTER 1

Adam Bruce decided 1t was time
for lunch, sought the hotel. He gave
his order, and while he waited, two
people came into the dining room
and stood just inside the door. A
gray-haired man, round without be-
ing fat, apple-cheeked, with a mild
blue eye and curious suggestion
of physical readiness In his walk.
Beside him a woman, not so old as
he, with certain formidable sobri-
ETY. in her countenance that was be-
lied by the warmth In her eyes.
Adam rose, stepped toward them,
said in quick pleasure: "Hello,
Topei"
The old man turned, smiled broad
~ and clasped hir. by the hand.
"Why, hullo, Adaml-Mrs. Tope,
this Is Adam Bruce, an old friend of
mine"
"Sit down with me-" Adam urged.
They obeyed, and Bruce looked in
quiringly at Mrs. Tope. II didn't
know you were married, Inspector"
"Oh, yes, over a year ago." And
the old man told Mrs. Tope: "Adam
here was youngster on the force
while I was on the Homicide squad.
He spoiled flrst-rate policeman to
become a second-rate lawyer"
Bruce grinned. "You're behind
the times, Inspector I'm q police
man again" Tope looked surprised;
and the younger man explained: 81
passed the bar exams, but no one
seemed to need a lawyer. So I
went to work in the bank commits
sioner's Office for while, and now
I've hooked up with Washington
Department of JUSTICE
"Your outfit has done some good
Jobs lately" Tope said approvingly.
Anything happening up here?"
Adam said casually: ''No, I'm on
vacation" And under TOPICS inquir-
ing eye he added: II used to live
up this way, when I was a boy.
Been home on a visit. I'm leaving
on the midnight train. I often wish
we had you with us, Inspector. We
need man who can see the hole
in a doughnut Which way are
you heading?"
''Nnrth, I think. We're just gypsy
ing. l plan to do some fishing as we
60. We may hit Canada by and by"
Bruce nodded. EVERY little brook
up this way had trout in it. wien
I was a boy" he said. 81 haven't
tried them lately" And he asked:
"Where do you expect to stay to-
night?"
"We may camp out. Or we may
try a hotel, if one attracts us. Or
a roadside camp"
there's good camp about forty
miles from here, between Ridgcomb
and Madison village. was there
only last night" Adam said eagerly.
IA place called Dewain's Mill.
You'd like It'll"
I'VE might take a look at it,"
Tope agreed.
IA girl named Bee Dewain runs
IT," Adam explained. "She's a cam
tankerous, stubborn young woman;
but II you're careful not to mention
my name, she may take you in!"
He felt Mrs. TOPICS eye upon him,
and was conscious that his ears
were red; but after lunch, when he
came out to see them continue on
their way, he suggested again: "If
you do stop at Dewain's Mill, tell
that young hussy I sent her my
Lowell"
When they were gone, Adam paid
calls here and there, at police head
quarters, the post Office, the drug
store. There was a wealth Of time
upon his hands. A little past six
o'clock, he returned to the hotel to
dine; and while he was at table, a
bell-boy came calling his name.
Adam shut himself into the tele-
phone booth and heard a familiar
voice.
"Adam?"
EYES," Adam replied, wondering
family at this call.
'This Is Tope."
eyes. Sure. What's up?"
''I'm phoning from that place you
recommended, Dewain's Mill.
Adam, you'd better come up here"
''What's the natter"
Rather not talk over the phone.
But you"
miss Dewain all right?"
"Yes, Of course. Do you know the
police up here?"
"Sure. Ned Quill-he's a state
troopers an old friend Of mine"
ION your way here" Tope direct
ed, '''get word to your friend the
trooper to meet you-without any
one seeing him-at the cabin called
PARKWAY. You hire that cabin for
the night. I'll see you there"
"But Tope, I'm due In New York
tomorrow"
you've job to do here" Tope
insisted. "Good-byl"
And Adam heard the receiver
click as Tope hung up. The young
man stared at the instrument for q
moment in perplexed and indeci-
sive fashion; but-here was at least
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