Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 January 1937 — Page 30

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BEGIN HERE TODAY The gaiety of the Christmas party at “Fhunder Mesa,” the de Forest hacienda in New Mexico, has a tragic ending when Pearl Sam de Forest, oldest of three brothers, is found dead with a knife in his throat. Each of the de Forest brothers has the first name “Pearl’”’ As a family they cling to traditions. seldom see outsiders. Pear! John is the youngest brother, Pearl Pierre next. Others at the - house are Tante Josephine, old and an invalid; Betty Welch, her young companion; Ramon Vasquez and Angelique Abeyta, guests at the party; Prof. Shaw, archeologist, and Bob _ Graham, tire saiesman stopping at the hacienda until his car is repaired. The body of Pearl Sam, placed in the house chapel, disappears. Bob hears Tante Josephine, in a hysterical outburst, accuse each of the remaining brothers of Pearl Sam’s murder. Ramon and Angelique see Pearl Pierre poking about the embers of the burned Christmas greens. Later they discover that the body of Pearl Sam has been burned. Back at the hacienda, Angelique flirts with Pearl Pierre to see if she can learn from him anything about the murder.

NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

CHAPTER XV

A FTER lying awake for hours. A trying to fit together the pieces

of the puzzle of this strange house

and its occupants, Bob finally dropped into a troubled dream in!

which impending - disaster seemed | ‘about to grasp him. At last he awoke, relieved to find :the gry

light of morning streaming through his window. Apparently more snow was threatening. ~The chilling remembrance of his dream stayed with him, though he tried his best to banish it. But when the breakfast tray had been taken away, he dressed hurriedly and went out to see if he could find Betty. The girl's welfare had become the most important thing in the world to him, and he had to admit she was occupying most of his waking thoughts. Pearl John, hurrying toward him, brought him back to the world of reality. “My brother—have you seen him?” he asked. “No. I just got up,” Bob answered. “Want me to hunt him up for you? The men coming up from Santa Fe, perhaps?” He looked at his host hopefully. “They’ll probably get here today, but I don’t know,” Pearl $John frowned anxiously. “But the Mexican. reported Pearl Pierre had not been in his room ail night. I've just come from his study and he’s not there, either.” : For an instant it was on the tip of Bob's tongue to ask svhat Angelique knew about Pearl Pierre. Then he decided to wait and see what developed. So he - asked casually: .

un 8 'n . | ‘His any of the servants seen | him going ‘out of the house? | He may be outside somewhere.” “Come on. We'll ask them,” an- | swered Pearl John, as though he were glad to have company. He looked tired and worn, in the cold

morning light, Bob thought, as he walked along beside him. A tour of the servant's quarters brought only negative grunts and head shakings, and, since most of the others were about when they returned, Pearl John had a chance to ask what they knew of Pearl Pierre’s whereabouts. “Maybe he’s gone down to the city, now that the road is open,” Prof. Shaw suggested. “Im sure he hasn't,” the younger brother said quickly. Pearl John went on to explain, “He never goes to the city if he can send any one else. My brother distikes crowds of people.” “You think, then, that we had better make a search of the house?” asked Ramon. “And perhaps the cellars? Where do you go downstairs from this floor?” : Pearl John did not answer his last question directly. He only said, “I've had the basement searched already. He's not there.” Angelique and Betty came into the room just then. “Good morning. Where's Pearl Pierre?” asked Angelique. “I've just remembered the name of the race horse of my father's I was Btrying to tell him about yesterday.” “We were wondering if he wasn't ~ with you some place.” Bob tried to keep his voice casual.

# a on . ‘ME: Why?” she asked coyly. ; “I haven't seen Pearl Pierre since we all said goodnight here.”

“That’s pretty good, too,” thought Bob as he looked at her curiously. Where had she been with Pearl Pierre when he saw them in the hall outside his door? And how about her trailing softly after de Forest when he opened the mysterious door that was always kept locked?

The Indian guard, coming to the door just then, claimed Pearl John's attention, and they all heard Broken Shield say that nobody had gone down the trail to the plains since the road was opened the day before. After he had gone Pearl John . came back into the room, looking very much disturbed. “I think we had better start to look for him here,” he said. “If he’s not in the house, we'll search the mesa.” Accordingly every door in. the hacienda was opened and each room looked over very thoroughly, except the locked door with the * lion’s head knocker. “That leads down cellar and I've already had a search made there,” Pearl John repeated when some one spoke of it. . Tante Josephine vigorously protested an investigation of her rooms, but her nephew paid no attention to her fuming. It was lunch time before they finished, and Pearl John insisted that they should eat the meal before they started outside. Bob noticed, though, that de Forest ate almost nothing himself. . Apparently Pearl John was more disturbed than he admitted over his brother’s absence. It did seem queer without Pearl Pierre sitting in his place at the head of the table—his strange, silent personality overshadowing everything else in the room. Both he and Pearl Sam had had that almost hypnotic power of . making themselves felt, even though they spoke little. It was a relief to

bave the younger brother's more genial presence, instead.

“Y THINK the girls had better not come with us,” said Pearl John as they rose from the table. “It’s cold and threatening outside.” “Oh, please!” begged Angelique. “It gives me the creeps to stay in here alone, doesn’t it you, Betty? And Tante Josephine will be all right for a little while. She’s taking a nap and a maid is with her.” Under protest, Pearl John finally consented and soon they were all trooping through the snow, searching for something—but what? The Indian was still in the patio and Pearl John ordered -him to come along. As they came to the ash pile where the Christmas greens had been burned, Angelique and Ramon both eyed it closely, but now there was nothing but a blackened heap. They went on to the rocky place where the two had watched Pearl Pierre poking about in the cinders, and the girl looked at Ramon. He did not see her; instead he was staring dewn over the side where a black object lay crumpled in the crags below.

” 2 2 ITH a cry, Angelique saw it, too, and drew back, pointing a

shaking hand.: “There! Down there!” Pearl Pierre was certainly down there, lying very still and sprawled grotesquely on the bare rocks. After the first shock Bob raced back to the house for a stout rope. When he returned Pearl John ordered the Indian to go down over the edge of the cliff. The man protested, but de Forest was firm. “Do as I tell you, Broken Shield, or, by Heaven, it'll be the last time you ever refuse to do anything!” he exclaimed with sudden fury, and watched as the Indian slipped the noose under his arms, and the other end was looped about a point of rock. Slowly the dédcent was made, and then every one lent a hand to help bring the double burden back up to the surface of the mesa. Inch by inch, the rope was drawn up until the Indian’s head appeared. Eager hands drew him to safety and they all stood breathless while Pearl Pierre’s lifeless body was laid on the snow. . Then all eyes fastened on something black sticking in his throat. The obsidian knife again!

(To Be Continued)

THIN ICE

By J. Warren Hight . Daily Short Story

“Goodness!” she said. “You, look apples!”

ICK LESLIE, in the living room of his home, faced his lawyer and friend, Jim Brandt. His face was worried. “I asked you here, Jim,” he said, “to ask your advice on a very delicate question.” He drew a deep breath. “Janice, apparently is thinking of leaving me.” There was no change in Jim's expression. -{**Hmm . . . that so? know?” ~‘Here, read this.” Dick held out a single sheet of stationery with a few scrawled lines on it. Jim took it and read it: “Darling: If you loved me, you wouldn't let a ridiculous sense of duty keep us apart. We could be so happy together. . .” The note: was unsigned. Jim looked up. “Where did ‘you get this?” “Found it on Janice’s dresser yesterday. Since then, I've run down every possibility in my ‘mind and I haven't the slightest idea who wrote it.” { ” 2 8 IM studied the ceiling reflectively. “Has Janice given you any reason to believe that she’s—er— considering a break?” “Not a vestige. That's what I can’t understand, darn it all!” Dick rose and paced the floor. Jim lifted one eyebrow. “Perhaps Janice is only following your example—or have you forgotten Connie Hammond so soon?” “Good lord, Jim, don't be a fool! That didn’t amount to anything! Connie and I were simply lonely. Phil Hammond was away, and Janice was abroad. There was nothing to it, I tell you!” / “Perhaps not;” Jim admitted drily, “but Janice may have decided to have a little fling on the side herself. This note seems to indicate it, anyway.” “But why, Jim—why?” “Why not?” Jim said sharply. “After all, she heard about you and Connie, and she’s got pride! If she thought you were interested in ancther woman, why wouldn’t she welcome the attentions of another man!” Jim paused, then went on, less vehemently. “At any rate, Dick, I wouldn't say anything to Janice Just yet. She——" Just then, they both became aware of her presence in the room. She stood just inside the door— slim, grave, lovely. Her head was tilted a little to one side; there was 2 faintly inquisitive smile on her ips.

How do you

2 n " * OODNESS!” she greeted them. “You look just like two little boys caught stealing apples!” She moved toward them, offering Jim her hand. Her eyes flew quickly from one to the other. “Now, you conspirators,” she continued, with mock severity, “what were you two saying about me?” Dick’s embarrassment added plainly to his misery. “Youre home early, Janice. Jim and I—er—we—" - : Janice shook her head. “Please! You always were a bad liar, Dick darling.” She dropped her banter. “I heard my name as I entered the room. If you didn’t look quite so guilty, Dick, I might let it pass. As it is, I'm afraid you'll have to tell me what you were talking about.” Almost apologetically, Dick handed her the note. Het brows raised slightly as she read it. Finished, she looked up, smiling, and affectionately placed a hand on Dick's shoulder. : “My. ,. poor, befuddled husband!”

like two little boys caught stealing

She laughed. “This note isn't to me,

| Dick. Is that what you wanted to

know?” | Dick's arm went around her. “I might have know it, sweet.” The retlief in his voice was obvious. “Gosh, ‘I've been nearly crazy! But Whose note is it, and how on earth did it get en your dresser?” : For a second, Janice hesitated, then spoke quickly. i “It belongs to Connie Hammond. | She left it here by mistake yesterday afternoon when she had tea with me. She brought it with her because she wanted my advice, Dick. She’s still crazy about Phil, of course, but for some curious reason, she’s afraid that he no longer loves her. I told her to destroy the note, and forget the man who wrote it.” She smiled and glanced at the clock. “Goodness! It's five-thirty?! T’ll have to fly. Jim, you'll stay and have dinner with us, of course . ..”

® » ”

N hour after dinner, Jim was crossing the hall on his way out, when Janice’s voice arrested him. “Not leaving?” She was descending the stairs. On the bottom step she paused. “Sorry I had to desert you and Dick, but I had some telephoning to do.” : “Telephoning?” Jim repeated. “To Connie Hammond, I suppose.” He smiled wryly.’ You can depend on her.” He glanced toward the living room, where he had left Dick. Then he smiled into her eyes and, taking one of her hands, kissed the tips of her fingers. “Some time, Janice, I'd like to know what Connie suggested the other day when you showed her the note.” : At the door, he turned. ‘Maybe I can guess. She said, ‘Destroy it, Janice, and forget the man who wrote it.’ I guess it was good advice, Janice. After all, it can’t do either you or Rp] any good to remember——" THE END

1937, by _ United Feature

Syndicate, Inc.)

(Copyright,

The characters in this story are fictitious.

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Inclose a 3-cent stamp for reply when addressing any question of fact or information to The Indianapolis Times Washington Service Bureau, 1013 13th-st, N. W., Washington, D. C. Legal and medical advice can not be given, nor can extended research be undertaken. ~

Q—Give the exact wording of the auctation from Robert Burns beginning: “O would some power the gift would give us.” A—“0O wad some power the giftie : gie us To see oursel’s as ithers see us!”

Q—What is the shortest verse in the Bible? A—"“Jesus wept.”—John 11:35. Q—How many inches tall is a 12% -hand pony? ; . A—Fifty inches to the shoulder.

Bunker Hill and the number of killed and wounded. A—June 17, 1775. British losses were 226 killed and 828 wounded; American losses were 145 killed or missing and 304 wounded.

Q—When was the earthquake at Charleston, S, C.? 4

A—Aug. 31, 1886. \

“Great pal—Connie. |

OUT OUR WAY

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES __

By Williams

FLAPPER FANNY

FRIDAY, JAN. 1, 1087 { By Sylvia,

7 OH, WON'T THEY HIGH-HAT US- THAT TOLERANT ATTI-¢g TUDE ~1 WON'T GO PAST THEIR PLACE - ILL GO AWAY AROUND TH' BLOCK.~ OH’

LI'L ABNER

HE CLOCK, TURNS BACK TO W YEARS DAY, LONG AG ABNER WAS VERY LIL. ; ;

WHAT'S WRONG WITH NOU? WEVE JUST HEARD THEY'VE MADE THAT SIMPLE LOUT NEXT DOOR, A FOREMAN ~ WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU? WE'LL HAVE TO MOVE, NOW ~ 1 CAN'T “TAKE IT~ NOT THAT?

FRECKLES AND HIS FRIENDS

WELL, HE HAS BEEN HERE ALL HIS LIE, AND I'VE BEEN THERE TWO MONTH S - WHAT'S TH ME TTER WITH Yeu ?

HEROES ARE MADE -NOT FE ORK].

Goob EVENING, { MRS: MCGOOSEY.... |, IM TON PEYTON!

IM SO GLAD TO KNOW “You, TON! ! JUST MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN “THE LIVING Room! I'LL CALL FRECKLES!

BUT, TUNK, THATS IMPOSSIBLE!

4 1 CANT HELP NAT TH TIME YOU SAY HE A PRISONER, UNDER GUARD, IN TH’

GRAND WIZER - HE'S TH’ GUY WHO CAME WITH Dh WUR TSEE ME!

IMPOSSIBLE, AH? IN A PIG'S LEFT EYE! NO DEVILMENT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO. THAT OL Guy!

ME’

THAT KID OF THEIRS DON'T WANT TO SNOOT

J. RPNILLIAMSES

I-1

“If you're strang minded enough to make any.” :

“I can’t think of any good resolutions, Fanny.

i to keep resolutions, you don’t need x i

{=t

[ *\H NAME IS DiS

TCH. AH LL GLADLY, AY WIF YO'f

v . {inited Feature Syndicate, Inc. fl * Hi

1 fl Tm. Rez. 5. Pat. Of.—All righty reserved

SHO NUFFP Eo

SHALL WE PLAY, ‘REVEN- | OOERS AN’ MOONSHINERS™THASS WHAR WE CHASES

ROCKS—OR “FEUDIN®— THASS WHAR WE ST STILL AN’ THROWS

LE'S PLAY “COURTINTHASS 4 WHAR WE ; SETS ANS STILL, AN ROCKS!) HOLDS HANDS rf

SSS 7

: How DO You THIS 1S MR )

DO, TON! ! I'LL

1 McGOSSEY, | GO UPSTAIRS

“TON ! AKWD TELL 1 JT FRECKLES “| youre HERE! ’

J, YER HIGH - HESS -LET ME 1-1 WANTA i. TH’ ONE RAB THAT Guy!

(WeLL, son YouD BETTER HURRY DOWNSTAIRS ! 1 JUST SAW “THAT

eo =| z Byr HIS WAS LONG AGO! ¥ TIMES HAS CHANGED. . | . ae Co Lo

* —By Blosse ¥ \j YT ty ey ;

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.M. REG. U. 5. PAT.

OH, HO! THERE'S TH GRAND WIZER, NOW! 1 GOLLY, I'M GLAD 1 FOUND A ‘IM ‘FORE TUNK SPILLED = TH WORKS ~

“Better put in an extra five gallons—UI'll have to hunt a

a — TTT

_ 1 ; al nL —— —_ parking place downtown.”

CROSSWO

HORIZONTAL 1 Table of days and months.

8It is a — of reckoning time. 13 Axillary. #4 Molding. 16 Roof edge. 17 Room walls. 19 Female sheep. 20 Singing voice. 21 Golf device. 22 Cat’s murmur 23 Beverage. 24 Snow shoe. 25 Half an em. 26 Behold. 27 Father. 29 And. 30 Blemish. 31 To recede. 33 Spar. 34 Regrets. 36 Nozzles for gas. 37 Makes lace. 39 To consume. 40 The first day of the year is a —.

45 Ratite bird. 46 Musical note. 47 Curse. ° 48 Bronze. 50 Paid publicity 51 Obese. 52 Prophet. 54 To harden. 56 Last word of a prayer. 58 Creed. 60 Sea eagle. 62 Very poor 63 The —— calendar is in general use,

Answer to Previous Puzzle

GRAND WIZER, YOU RAT-) YOURE UNDER ARREST! ONE BAT OF AN EYE AN’ I'LL KNOCK YOU GALLEY WEST!

nab

RD PUZZLE 20 Candle. 26 Girl. 28 To border on. 30 Husband or wife. 3B Ray. 33 Table-land. 35 Portico. 36 Caesar introe duced the — cdfiendar. 38 To become sad. ’ 40 Derby 41 Upon. , 42 Lazy person. 43 Lava. : 44 Aye.

VERTICAL 1 Furniture wheel. 2 Stranger. 3 To load. 47 Company 4 Before. 49 Prophet. 5 To accomplish 51 Lawyer’s 6 To affirm. charge. y 7 Line. 82 Unit of worls 8 Therefore. 53 Fish. 14 9 To observe, 55 Three. 10 Makes brown. 57 Myself. 11 To call out. 59 King of 12 Rewards. Bashan, 15 To permit, 61 North 18 Game. America. _

10 ir |

Sw PON

3 485 6 0 tl 1213

JANUARY * 1937

Tus wee

17 18 19 20 25 25 26 27 28

£55) Pr 2 Se 22 233 25

7 14 2! 23 30

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