3S8RS5BW mm# .vs^ ^-^-'^^"r .^"a clons el«g lhat llne. If was Ali ewn "Much—jw but first, ar« we n— some size—not the one in which h« nave a little seance of our own. That's •Cs^V. mm way, of course* gaflty eoascleiufe whl^ drove him to aloner ^r had. been he aore—fttted all there ls about it" attacked* Hit *¥v4 r^f?T•35. "Sure but that l« the way yon get Goolidge had been amp* ^Osrtalnly^-^why?" up with a long table, and a number Wept had said nothing, watchlngthe ~„i \%*&€>1fi§r? ?les to -know them best. Been, a Midler, dered, and thls man was either guilty The Case "This man Hobart you are sure he of., chairs. wag no other furniture Thece others, and waiting to choose some haven't yonf" of the crime, or else knew the one who la not listening at the door?" the walls w«re bar«, and only course of action. Hto mind was confused, "Yes, but what made yon think was, end.had personal reasons for profcectinr She glanced about then laughed. a small rag rug partlally covered the 7*rr® uncertain, yet he found encouragement that?" In some surprise at the unexpected^ the party. "Little good that would do him floor. first he perceived no other At In Hobart's statement of the query. The man laughed, Theft thoughts took possession of and there it no key-hole, no chance for fc occupants only as, painfully, he case. The fellow felt no serious fear of lighting a cigar carelessly. his mind and were convincing. He no sound to penetrate We are quite finally twisted his head to the right, him had no suspicion as yet that anyone longer questioned but that he was on "Oh, it has not been so long since, The Girl alone, Captain, and you are perfectly his eyes distinguished two men seated believed Perdval Coolldge murdered. that the evidence Is obliterated. Tve the track of crime, yet his thought at tree to say whatever you please" against the wall.' The^ sight of their The probability was that not got a habit of noticing things. The that moment concentrated more vividly "But even thai, is this wholly fair?" faces restored instantly his memory even the girl dreamed of Such a thing. way yon sit, and square your shoulders on his own personal perlL How "What do you mean?" of what had occurred. The Pole^rested Whatever, her connection might be told me you'd been-in uniform could he escape? What was he about "I came here," he explained earnestly, back, with feet on the table and eyes ^j with this man, she must be innocent besides, you'r» the right age. Get to be confronted with? Nothing around "with no bad Intention no desire closed, but the other—the younger of so foul a crime If he could only across to France?" him afforded Inspiration. He was bound to Injure any one. Miss Coolldge my ut man—was watching him closely, an "Had over a year 'there," wondering spea£ to her alone bring to her the helplessly Sexton had disappeared, A a only thought the possibility of being unllglited cigar gripped In his teeth."So, what the fellow could be angling truth reveal to her the real character Whether dead or a prisoner, he did By RandaO Parrish of some service to you." you've come out of It,** the latter of this man Hobart there would be after. "You didn't get In?" not know the walls of the room exhibited "That is very Interesting, I am sure. vt said unpleasantly. Td begun to no doubt of the result In spite of the "No I was over the limit. I was no' signs of weakness, while I am quite grateful. VJ U/ think Mike had handed you a real strange situation he yet retained faith Hobart eyed his every movement coldly, thinking you might. be interested in "Then I am going to ask you a favor. knock-out that time, Beady to answer evidently enjoying his predicament in the girl she had been deceived, led looking over a collection of war relics Release my hands and feet. You need a few questions?" astray In some manner, but his first Mike has got stowed away here somewhere. Apparently the man comprehended the not be afraid I give my pledge to West, his brain clearing rapidly, gat impression of her true nature still controlled He had two boys' over there, nature OTTiis thought make no attempt to escape while we up stralghter in the chair, determined his thought He could only believe and I reckon they mum have put in "Perfectly useless, West" he said llvAUMiA.Kaapf.lM. are together. Will you do this?" to play out his part the best he could her a victim of scheming villainsT most of their tim# gathering up jouvenlrs. carelessly. "This place was constructed 8YN0P8IS "Perfectly ready," he replied straggling (To be Continued) driven by circumstances to play a part Anyhow they brought bade for the purpose, and you are not to control his voice. "Only I has uterly foreign to her character. His the greatest collection of war junk the only one who tested Its CHAPTER" I.—Answering an advertisement should like to know what all thlg SEARCHERS FIND Strength. get cut when You will I say only hope of learning the facts froln I've ever seen. Say, Kike, what did calling for a young man. wUlkif means? Why attack me?" :-s- to nm» in aarvlca of Atmar Matlhwr so, an& not before." her own lips, or of re-establishing her you do wllli those war relies the boya wfert, ex-eervlco man hut returned from "You'll find that out soon enough, sent home?" -J "Do you Intend to say so?" .faith in him, lay In a moment's conversation Wane*, where he bad been captain of LOST HUNTER Captain but first Til do the questioning." tMrtneers, meets Natalie Coolldge, writer The fellow addressed leaned over "Well, that depends," shrewdly. "Not alone. His mind instantly If beta* the advertisement, and without the bar, his rface glowing with sudden If your release means my taking any leaped to this conclusion, and his eyes DMtructed aa as to to hie his probable probable duties, duti la "Not until I know one thing, at least MSWd by her, and chat same evening Interest. chances.. But frankly, I do not believe met her own. They were wide open, 'Introduced to her friends aa her fiancew —-what has ^become of the man who it will. So far as I can see you possess full of curiosity yet not unkind. He "They vas In the back-room, all was with me?" ROSS MARSH. MISSING SINC|o spoke swiftly. spread out. Why you ask? The gentlemen no particular interest in this matter—only CHAPTER II.—That night. In the CoolIdge home, West Is startled by the appearance "Well, I might as well tell you," SUNDAY, FOUND NONE THE would see them, what?" the attraction a young fellow "That sounds fair enough, Hobart," in his room of a young woman, carelessly. "He got hurt the fool compelled always feels in a pretty woman. Have "Yes this one was a soldier himself. he said quietly, taking the chance as WORSE FOR EXPERIENCE whom he takes to be Natalie, but who escapes before he can be vure. Next me to hit him with a gat so I got that doped out right?" How Is it? Yon fellows like to though It was the most natural thing morning Natalie tells West the has been he's out of It, and you might as well "To an extent at least" troubled by some woman, apparently her see the things?" in the world. "I am not hunting trouble Fort Frances, Nov. 15.—Searchers double, who has been Impersonating ner. come through clean—that guy isn't "Yes, to a very large extent. Of in any way, or seeking to pTtt in West hesitated for just an instant, who went out yesterday in search of going to help you any." course, curiosity also played a part, where I am not wanted. Your guess as his eyes turning unconsciously toward CHAPTER III.—Perclval Coolldge. Natalie's "You mean you killed him?" Ross Marsh, lost since Sunday, located uncle and guardian, apparently while everybody' possesses a sneaking to my purpose in coming here is about Se^on, who had not spoken. He felt 1s disgruntled by West's appearance as "Well, he's out of^the game that's desire to do a detective act Miss young Marsh last night near Hungry right I had no other object but to be no suspicion, merely a vague doubt as Natalie's fiance, and the feeling of antagonism enough. And as for you, your best play, Coolldge filled you up with a lot of is mutual. Natalie, Coolldge* and of some service to this young lady. If bay, Jackfish lake. The searchers to what thlg-invitation might conceal. West plan a visit of charity to a poor and right now is to talk up straight" He bunk she was good looking, and you. I can talk with her a moment alone, Yet it had all been natural enough, and Marsh returned here at noon today. remote section of the olty. laughed sneerlngly, "Unless you want fell for it. Certain things happened and thus assure myself as to her and promised an opportunity for him. to call up your friend Karvan, at the CHAPTER IV.—Leaving West In the that you failed to understand, so you wishes, give you any pledge you to learn something more of the place. Marsh and two companions went on car, Natalie and Coolldge enter a small City hall, you know. H—1, but you was rather naturally jumped to the conclusion want and forget all about the affair. Besides, there could be no danger^ «ottage, remaining a length of time which a hunting trip last Sunday. During easy!" that some crime was being concocted. causes him some uneasiness. Before they Is^hat satisfactory?" both he and Sexton were armed, and return. West secures Information whlcn "Easy?" the hunt, Marsh became separated That was what brought you "Alone, you said? You want to see apparently the invitation was innocently leads him to believe Coolldge Is deceiving "That's what I said. I knew you all from his companions and they returned here. Now I take it that ordinarily, Natalie, and has ulterior motives. her alone?" extended. To refuse to accept right when you first blew In, only I you are a man of some sense. Consequently to Fort Frances yesterday morning. would- be churlish. "Absolutely no other arrangement CHAPTER V.—On the party's return to wasn't quite sure. I naturally guessed I mean to try to get you to A searching party was formed the Coolldge home, Natalie Informs West will answer. I want her to talk freely "Certainly," he said at last, quaffing your smoke-Inspector stunt was a ahe has been mistaken In her suspicions drop the whole affair, as being none of to answer my questions with no interference." the last of his beer and rising to his by J. L. Marsh, father of the young concerning her "double," and that she sham. So I ran that Fred Karvan stuff your business. If you agree to this, I lias no further' need for his services. feet. "It will be nothing new to me, man, and they set out for the vicinity In on you. You ate it up, which gave West is astounded, but helpless. He leaves. accept your pledge, the door opens, and I Imagine, but- we'll have a look." Hobart glanced toward his companion fhere he was last seen. you clean away, for I never knew any you go free otherwise—" he waved The other, man, who had been leaning inquiringly, evidently inclined to CHAPTER VI.—On his way out of the Marsh is apparently none the worse guy of that name. Do you see the his hand expressively. a revolver shot, and against the bar, had disappeared, grounds, West hears deny the request. Investigates. He finds Perclval Coolldge point Captain West?" for his experience of being lost in the "Otherwise,. what?" asked West while the fellow at the table had seemingly "H—1, you don't want much," he dead, apparently a suicide. The inquest quietly. "Yes, I see all that plainly, but It Canadian wilderness. *o determines. In the city West Is visited fallen asleep. Mike came forward said rather gruffly. "What do you think toy Sexton, an old servant of the Cooltdges. does not explain the attack on me. "I will see that you are removed with a bunch of keys In his about this proposition, Natalie?" Sexton tells him he has been abruptly You evidently know my name, and this from all temptation my plans are too dismissed, for no apparent reason. hand. The girl smiled, her eyes still on He gives it as his belief that Coolldge assault has been deliberately made Important to be interfered with by a "I keep dot room locked," he exclaimed West's ffece. was and about convinces West murdered, PUNGENT PARAGRAPHS Why? What have you against me7 meddlesome fool." lie right. gruffly, "for some beoples run is "Fair enough," she admitted as "Perhaps I'll tell you when you explain. "But you can scarcely expect me off with all dings they get their fingers S though the whole matter was a joke. 8- -8 CHAPTER VII.—Sexton has overheard to give such a promise?" .What bi&ught you into this a on. Hey, you, Carl," and he roughly telephone conversation In the Coolldge "It looks like the easiest way out." When he expresses gratification over "Well, I don't know about that. It neighborhood Hunting some one, home, in which a man aemands Natalie's shook the sleeper Into semi-conscious- "All right, if you say so. It is my presence immediately. He gives an address, wasn't youT' doesn't pay tojhe too obstinate. You the election returns, Wilson probably and with Sexton, West, his suspicions guess you are equal" to the Job. How "Not exactly." have been in the army, I understand of things ndt being right strengthened makes a mental reservation in the case much time do you want, West?" by his learning that Coolldge nad "Oh, don't He that will bring you then you are aware there Is a harsh of Missouri. lied about the reason for the trip to the "Ten or fifteen minutes. I want to nothing, West. You were sticking your side to life, a way to make or break •cottage, visits the place. It Is a disreputable get down to the bottom of this thing. saloon. nose Into a private matter which does men. All right, now Tve got the power Army aviators who have, been trying "Oh, you do, hey? Modest as ever, not concern you in any way. "That's I can keep you locked up here I to fly across the United States are I see. Well, here's luck to you. You right isn't It? Very well, you've had could even kill you If necessary. You CHAPTER VIII needn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie convinced that this is one of the widest your lesson, and now It Is simply up are utterly helpless. There Is an argument we got his gat before we brought him to you to either drop this thing, or else worth your consideration. But I countries in the world. Trapped. up here, and if he-makes any break. take another. It's up to you how far West smiled pleasantly, glad the will give you yet another which may I'll be out in the hall ready to take a we go. Now listen. -I believe it was man had taken the initiative, thus have even more weight." The old-fashioned boy who watered band. You're still for It?" merely curiosity that brought you here. "What?" naturally opening up a way for asking his hair and greased his boots has a That's true, isn't it?" "Yes," indifferently, seating herself certain questions. Whatever his The door opened quietly, and then son who vaselines the dome and wears "Largely, yes." closed, leaving Natalie Coolldge standing on a convenient chair. "We might as own immediate object might be in patent leather pnmps in the rain. "You suspected something, and wanted well talk It out now as any time. You thus scraping an acquaintance made there In the light, her eyes slightly to find out if It was so. Well, you go on Jim, and leave It to me" no difference. It would doubtless develop frowning as she looked silently at The trouble with a late and pleasant came into a bad neighborhood. We are in time, but meanwhile here was the two men. Hobart was not entirely satisfied, fall is that it always affords an the opportunity sought to discuss the not nice to your kind around here. "The lady, of course," explained Ho. hesitating as he lit a fresh cigar, hir What really Caused your seeking me?" affairs of the neighborhood. Yet the bart, rising to his feet, "you will, at keen eyes watchful of them both. However, opening for the man whq^is forever "I do not know that 1 did," West subject must be approached with due least, be gentleman enough to accept It was plain to be seen the girl saying, "We'll get our pay for this." answered honestly. "In fact I haven't her word I" caution. The very indifference of the had made her decision, and he evl the slightest-Idea who you are." bartender, coupled with the. evident She waited, seemingly unable to About the worst thing that can be The other laughed. "desire of this hanger-on to form an grasp the situation, or realize the part said about Russia is that it makes "So you are as green as that. Then acquaintance, served to reveal the' she was called upon to perform, but as every hare-brained individual who I'll give you the information. My West failed to respond, finally asked Teal nature of the place. Plainly spends a week there want to write a name Is Hobart, Jim Hobart. I am the enough strangers were viewed with a question. guy you were looking for?" suspicion, .and this was no ordinary "What is It, Jim? You sent for me?" book. "Yes," West admitted, seeing no„ saloon, catering to whatever trade "Yes, as a last resort. You recognize reason to refuse an answer. drifted within its doors. Mbre than this man?" An apartment house janitor has been ,"I thought so, although darned if I likely it was rather a thieves'- hangout, "Of course," indifferently "what Is left $1,000,000 in a will and probably if know how you ever located me here. he doing here?" ever suspicious of the activity of he knew that that is what they want Howeverfthe sooner we come to some the police. Hobart laugKed. him for he would answer the bell. understanding, the better. What do Yet this fellow bore no outward "It seems the fellow hasn't taken his you know about me?" semblance to the common conception dismissal very seriously, Natalie," he "Nothing." When it comes to weaving from a of the underworld. He was well explained, "and remains very much Interested The Giant Pole flung His Whole "Is that so! You knew my name skein of fact a tapestry of golden dressed, easy of mannei, with an exceptionally in your affairs." Weight Into thejpi^ashing Blow. when I spoke it. It was the Coolldge intelligent face, blue eyes "You mean he followed me here?" words, nothing is so appealing as the matter that sent you hunting me. You meeting West's gaze frankly, a carefully "He was on the trail, but Just for ness, "woke.up, 'and see to the bar message beginning, "Inclosed find thought the girl was here, didn't you?" trimmed mustache, with white what particular purpose I have failed awhile. I've got some business. Whoever check." "I had reason to" believe she came teeth good humoredly showing when to learn the lad is a bit close mouthed, comes, you keep them here—understand-All here." he smiled, and threads of gray in his but It looks to me as though he was In right, gents." "I see how did you gain that news?" A E finir. His very appearance invited love with you." The three stood close behind him "A conversation by telephone was The girl smiled, tossing her head as confidonre and comradeship, while his as Mike inserted the key, and opened Lawyer overheard." •outspoken words increased this Impression. she stepped forward. the door. The tightly closed room, "Now we are getting down to facts. "In love with me," she echoed. "That International State Bank Bldg. with shades drawn at the single "window, And this comprises yom entire information, "Excuse my butting In," he explained was so dark thai West could Is a joker yet I had some such suspicion International Falls, Minnesota doesn't it? Tret's check up. You. genially, "But it's d—-n dull scarcely discern its shape and contents. when I told him to quit the job. connected me with the case because around here tonight. Nobody to talk He acted like a fool then, and began Mike. without hesitation, you were with the uncle and her on with but a couple o* bunis. You see to question me as though he had a stepped ithin, his great bulk blotting SEND FOR OUR ILLUSTRATED their call Sunday. You discovered in don't helmis around here just out whatever view there was. right. It was that being engaged business,* some way that I had since disappeared dropped in ?'r a bit of business with most likely." "Come right in, gents," he insisted. FRFF TRAPPERS GUID from that neighborhood? Then you accidentally Mike." "Sure he thought he had you copped, "Von minute, an' I turn on the light." got on to this telephone call, -"I see." admitted West, puzzled, West never understood why he reSDonded fortune and all, and it looks to me and decided to run me down. Some to, this invita­ like he needs another jolt to put the so recklessly Oara«vadirtdl' •-and wondering how far he dared venture. rtute little detective. I'll say. But what's idea entirely out of his head. That CaMi Is nair "You can get lonelier In a big tion, and advanced without hesitation. "You Recognize This Man?" "How to the object? JVbat is it you are trying city than anywhere else." He had no suspicion of any trick, no is what I brought you in for. TO explain to connect me up withWhat possible Animals" conception of being in any .danger. '•You bet you can. You see I run a first just how it happened. This dently knew her well enough to realize cause gan you have for butting In on KnsSumns, "broker's office down town, an' it's He stepped in directly behind the army guy blew in here before dark, Hid** this affair?" the uselessness of revolt. Tags, Pricea on pretty blame slow around a dump like leader, and Sexton followed. An instant along with another fellow, Sexton. and Fum, ana other "All right, then," he replied finally, "I told you before merely curiosity." 'this—you get me?" later, the door closed, with the "I was standing by the bar talking vtluible information. turning to the door. "Suit yourself, "And who was the guy with you?" BUY OF AND SHIP TO sharp gjlck of night latch, and Mike "Sure this seems to be a pretty a with Issy, and I was sure I knew this THB OLD RKLIABLS "An old servant of the Coolidge.famliy." only watch your step. Anyhow, TO be flashed on the light. As he did so, -quiet place." lad's face I was stumped a bit at first mnvsmn roc into. ... withiiTcaHing distance, if this guy gets MiNNKxrous. mtau "Quiet I H—1! It isn't always so quiet. he wheeled about, and shot one mighty where I had seen him then all at once Kay" "It was mere curiosity in his case clenched fist straight into West's face. Tve" dropped in here when It was lively It came to me—he was the guy sitting also, I presume?" "Don't worry about that" a flash of enough, believe me. But tonight It's This was done so suddenly, so unexpectedly, out there alone in the automobile over anger in her eyes. "I am no baby, Jim "So far as I know, yes." -the man attacked found no the limit. Fact: is I come up for a lit- on Arch street I knew then what he Hobart smiled, showing his teeth Hobart. Go on now, and leave Captain opportunity to even throw up a hand We Repair $!• excitement, as much as anything was over here for, and got to talking 2 cruelly. --a• We# to me." tH «ise, but must have struck an off in self-defense. The giant Pole flung with him. Ha give himself away the He closed the door behind him, and "West" he said slowly* "you are a tiight. You're a smoke Inspector, Mike his whole weight into the crashing first thing, and that Is why we got him d—d good liar, but I am about to spike the two were alone in the room. No blow% and the ex-soldier watt $own aays?" up in this dump." _£ sound reached them from without not your gun. Go on out Mike, and send West nodded. as though. struck by a pole-ax. For "How did he know I was here?" GENERATORS in the first witness." even .an echo of Hobart's footsteps in Fred Karvan, I •appose?? van instant, he realized that Sexton "Know "Some of you precious help out STARTERS The two sat silently watching each the hall. West looked across at the was lir a fierce struggle that his assailant *Qh, yes friend of yours?" iv other, Hobart pretending a carelessness there heard you talk to me over the girl, who sat motionless, her eyes MAGNETOS stood poised above hlm ready "TTsed to be we were kids together 'phone and passed it on." he Was far from Reeling, uncertain shaded by long lashes, and rlngless FANS down on the South side. Re's got a to land again be moved then consciousness ft -:-jjmm,-.*: as to West's real purpose. The latter "And what does he .want? What do fingers clasped in her lap. She appeared left him entirely. pretty soft job aow stands in strong HEATERS realized now the true seriousness of Indifferent uninterested, scarcely these men want?" -with the City hall, they "tell me. Mean He woke up, sitting in a chair, his COOKING UTENSILS his position, yet this only increased aware of his presence. He wondered "Well Sexton don't want much of to (drop In and see him some of these hands bound to the arms with strips and REWIRE CARS. his belief in the reality of the crime If Hobart was listening at the door anything—he's knocked out the fool •Jays." of cloth. For a moment everything Before your work Previously ills mind had harliored what had become of Mike, and whether about seemed tinged with yellow, the made a fight and had to be.hit and, "YtraH- And him a mighty good fellow,". iJ— doubts, but the very ffcet that Hobart Sexton was alive or dead. For the moment as to this bird, I rather think he was away tee as. various objects In sight vague and asserted West, to whom the would resort to such desperate nfethods he eould~scarcely make himself shapeless. It hurt him to movie his just naturally nosing around out of name wag entirely unfamiliar. rm was ample proof of Us apprehension realize the true situation. His silence curiosity, and because he waa stuck -"Well, not so sure about that. head, and his mind functioned dully. Auto Electri of danger. If Perclval Coolldge on you. I don't figure he is anything served to arouse her Interest for she He's got pretty stiff the last few years, He could not think, or bring back had committed suicide, this fellow to be afraid of, but I am not going to suddenly lifted her head and looked at to memory a recollection of what had they tell me. But then you work under would surely have nothing to fear he him. have the fellow gum-shoeing around. hiih, and ought" to know. Head of occurred. Yet slowly the mlst eleared Repair Shop' could safely ignore an&, efforts to trap FU take his word to get out audi stay -"Well," she said soberly. "You have your department, "Isn't he?" and the objects about him assumed 15 Stli At him indeed would possess no suspl- something to aakr "Yes. but only meet him In busl- natural form. He wa» Ip a room of out otherwise he and I" are going to a