The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1946-02-15

tant consideration for this harried
man, and something like sympathy.
He said straightforwardly: Sorry,
Kelli But I'm acting for the law In
this matter; and Mr.. Bruce here
represents the Federal Government,
Department of Justice. I Suppose
you know that you're involved in q
serious affair. kidnapping is serious,
Kell. And so is-murder. I won't
press you; but II you told US q little
more, 1t might help in Strengthening
things out, and-in finding your
wifel"
Kell stood grimly silent, twitching
and shaking.
Some one," Tope urged, "tele-
phoned the Ridgcomb police that the
coupe had been acknowledgement
from New York. You didn't do that,
did you? You weren't In New York
Saturday morning, were your"
mo sir" said Kell.
Then they all heard car on the
drive, and Tope spoke to Adam.
''That may be Mat" he said; and to
Kell, while Bruce turned toward
the door: "This is Mr.. Cumberland,
the District Attorney, Kell. I'm
afraid he'll lock you up" He add
ed: IF we get any trace of Mrs.
Kell, I'll let you know"
Then Cumberland came in, Mrs.
Tope beside him. Adam admitted
them both, shut the door.
Tope made explanations-summed
up Kell's statements-and silences.
Mrs. Tope spoke quickly.
Inspector" she suggested, 'Kell
would know Mr.. Ledforge If he saw
him."
TOPICS eyes quickened. "That's
right" he agreed. He chuckled.
'sMa'am, I never thought of that.
OF course he would" He spoke to
Cumberland, eagerly. Lets get up
there-let Kell see him, see If he
knows him."
A moment later they were all in
Cumberland's car, and soon they
turned into the byway that led to
Amasa Dewain's farm. The ambu-
lance Of Will Banion, the undertake
er, was backed up to the kitchen
door; laden stretcher was just be-
ing wheeled out Of the kitchen as
they arrived. Amasa Dewain, heavy,
ponderous, silent, stood in the light
ed doorway.
They approached the stretcher;
and Cumberland said to the UNDER
taker: Twill, let this man see himi'..
A sheet was turned back; an cleo
oric torch threw its beam on the
dead mans white face. Tope and
Adam thrust Kell forward.
Look at him, Kell," Tope direct
ed.
And Kell-though they could feel
the muscles in his arms contract
looked steadily enough upon the
dead man.
''That Mr.. Ledforge?" Tope de-
manded.
Kel shook his head. In the watt
ing silence his hoarse tones were
clear.
mo sir" he said sullenly. -.
When Will Banion heard Tope
speak Ledforge's name, he pressed
nearer, incredulous, astonished. He
cried:
'Ledforge? The Utilities mann"
Mat Cumberland started to speak;
but Tope interrupted him. you're
Will Banion?" he asked crisply.
"Yes."
"Well, I want you to forget what
you've heard" Tope sternly direct
ed. 'This isn't Ledforge. You heard
Kell say so. Now get along to town.
Doctor Medford here?"
"He's gone ahead, going to meet
me at my place." Banion said meek
ly, and turned to his task. When
the ambulance was gone, Tope spoke
to Cumberland. Heard from young
Dane?" he asked.
eyes, he telephoned awhile ago
that Holdom can make the trip to-
morrow. They'll be here by noon"
Tope nodded, and he spoke to
Cumberland. you'll want to lock
Kell up, of course. Drop Mrs. Tope
and me at the Mill, and then you