Hammond Times, Volume 2, Number 111, Hammond, Lake County, 26 October 1907 — Page 3

Saturday. October 26. 1907.

THE LAKE COUNTY TIMES

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A Mystery Story o San Francisco BY EARLE ASHLEY WALCOTT (CopjrlKht 19. the liobbn Mrrill Co.) (Continued.) "But you forget the 'old man,' " I returned. The name of that potent Un known seemed to be my only weapon la the contest with Detective Coogan, and I thought this a time to try its force. "Not much, I don't!" said Coogan, visibly disturbed. "But if it comes to a choice, we'il have to risk a battle with him." "Well, maybe we're wasting time over a trifle," said I, voicing my hope. "Perhaps your dead man belongs somewhere else." "Come alorjs: to the morgue, then," said he. "Where was he found?" I asKed as we walked out of the City Hall. "He was picked up at about three o'clock in the back room of the Hurrieane Deck the water-front saloon, you know near the foot of Folsom Street. Detective Coogan asked a number of questions as we walked, and in a few minutes we came to the undertaker's shop that served as the city morgue. "Here It is," said Coogan, opening a door. The low room was dark and chill and musty, but its details started forth from the obscurity as he turned up the lights. Detective Coogan's words seemed to come from a great distance as ha eaid: "Here, you see, he was stabbed. The knife went to the heart. Hero he was hit with something heavy and blunt; but it had enough of an edge to cut the scarp and lay the cheek open. The skull Is broken. See here" I summoned my resolution and looked. Disfigured and ghastly as it was, I recognized it. Jt was the face of Henry Wilton. The next I knew I was sitting on a bench, and the detective was holding a bottle to my lips. "There, take another swallow," he said, not unkindly. " 1 didn't know you weren't used to it." "Oh," I gasped, "I'm all right now." And I was able to look steadily at the gruesome surroundings and the dreadful burden on the, slab. "Is this the man?" asked the detective. "Yes." "His name?" "Dudley James Dudley." I was not quite willing to transfer the whole of my identity to the dead, and changed the Giles to James. "Was he a relative?" I shook my head, though I could not have Baid why I denied it. Then, In answer to the detective's question, I told the story of the scuffle ia tho alley, and of tho events that followed. "Did you see any of tho men? To recognize them, I mean?'' I described the leader as well as I wag able the man with the face of the wolf that I had seen in the .lantern-flash. Detective Coogan lost his listless air, and looked at me in astonishment. "I don't see your game, Wilton," he said. "I'm giving you the straight facts," I said sullenly, a little disturbed by his manner and tone. "Well, In that case, I'd expect you to keep the straight facts to yourBelf, my boy." It was my turn to be astonished. "Well, that's my lookout," I sold with assumed carelessness. "I don't see through you," Eaid th detective with some Irritation. "If you're playing with me to stop this inquiry by dragging in well, we needn't use names you'll find yourself in the hottest water you ever Btruck." "You can do as you please," I said coolly. The detective ripped out an orth. "If I knew you were lying. Wilton, I'd clap you in jail this minute." "Well, If you want to take the risks " I said smiling. He looked at me for a full minute. "Candidly, I don't, and you know It," he said. "But this is a stunner on me. What's your game, anyhow?" 1 wished 1 knew. "So accomplished a detective should not be at a loss to answer so simple a question." "Weil, there's only one course open, as I see," he said with a groan. "We've got to have a story ready for the papers and the coroner's jury." This was a new suggestion for me and I was alarmed. "You can just forget your little tale about the row In the alley," he continued. "There's nothing to show that it had anything to do with this man here. Maybe it didn't happen. Anyhow, just think it was a dream. This was a water-front row tough saloon killed and robbed by parties unknown. Maybe we'll have you before the coroner for the identification, but maybe it's better not." I nodded assent. My mind was too numbed to suggest another course. The gray dawn was break!

through the chill feg, and people were stirring in the streets as Detective Coogan led the way out of the morgue.. As we parted he gave me a curious lock. "I suppose you know your own business, Wilton," he said, but 1 suspect you'd be a sight safer ii I'd clap you in jail." And wit'a this consoling comment he was gone, and I was left in the dawn of my first morning in Saa Francisco, mind and body at the nadir of depression after the excitement and perils if the night.

CHAPTER V. Doddridge Knapp. It wa3 past ten o'clock of the morning when the remembrance of the mysterious note I had received the preceding night came on me. I took the slip from my pocket, and read its contents once more. It was perplex ing enough, but it furnished me with j an idea. Of course I could not tane money intended for Henry Wilton. Hut here was the first chance to get at the heart of this dreadful business. The writer of the note, I must suppose, was the mysterious employer. If I could see her I could find the way of escape from the dangerous burden of Henry Wilton's personality and mission. But which bank could be meant? The only names I knew were the Bank of California, whose failure in the previous year had sent echoes even into my New England home, and the Anglo-Californian Bank, on which I held a draft. The former struck me as the more likely place of appointment, and after some skilful navigating I found myself at the corner of California and Sansome streets, before the building through which the wealth of an empire had flowed. I watched closely the crowd that passed in and out of the treasurehouse, and assumed what I hoped was an air of prosperous indifference to my surroundings. No one appeared to notice me. There were eager men and cautious men, and men who looked secure and men who looked anxious, but neither man nor woman was looking for me. Plainly I had made a bad guess. A hasty walk through several other banks that I could see In the neighborhood gave no better result, and I had to acknowledge that this chance of penetrating the mystery was gone. I speculated for the moment on what the effects might be. To neglect an order of this kind might result in the with-drawal of the protection that had saved my life, and in turning me over to the mercies of the banditti who thought I knew something of the whereabouts of a boy. As .' reflected thus, I came upon a crowd massed about the steps of a great granite building in Pine Street; a whirlpool of men, it seemed, with cross-currents and eddies, and from the whole rose the murmur of excited voices. It was the Stock Exchange, the gambler's paradise, in w-hich millions were staked, won and lost, and ruin and affluence walked side by side. As I watched the swaying, shouting mass with wonder and amusement, a thrill shot through me. Upon the steps of the building, amid the crowd of brokers and specu lators, I saw a tall, broad-shouldered man of fifty or fifty-five, his face keen, shrewd and hard, broad at the temples and tapering to a strong jaw, a yellow-gray mustache and imperial half-hiding and half-revealing the firm lines of the mouth, with the mark of the wolf strong upon the whole. It was a face never to be forgotten as long as I should hold memory at all. It was the face I had seen twelve hours before in the lantern flash in the dreadful alley, with the cry of murder ringing in my ears. Then it was lighted by the fierce fires of rage and hatred, and marked with the chagrin of baffled plans. Now it was cool, good-humored, alert for the battle of the Exchange that had already begun. But I knew it for the same, and was near crying aloud that here was a murderer. I clutched my nearest neighbor-by the arm, and demanded to know who It was. "Doddridge Knapp," replied the man civilly. "He's running the Chollar deal now, and if I could only guess which side he's on, I'd make a fortune in the next few Jays. He's the King of Pine Street." While I was looking at the King of the Street and listening t my neighbor's tales of his operations, Doddridge Knapp's eyes met mine. To my amazement there was a look of recognition in them. Yet he made no sign, and in a moment was gone. This, then, was the enemy I was to meet! This was the explanation of I Detective Cccgan's hint that I should be safer in jail than free on the j streets to face this man's hatred or i revenge. j I must have stood in a dase on the busy street, for 1 was roused by some ! one shaking my arm with vigor. "Come! are you asleep?" said the man, speaking ia my ear. "Can't you hear?" "Yes, yes," said I, rousing my attention. "The chief wants you." His voice was low, almost a whisper. "The chief? Who? Where? I asked. "At the City Hall?" 1 ju-mped to the conclusion that it was, of course, the chief of police, on the scent of the murder. "No. Of course not. Ia the second office, you know." This was scarcely enlig-teaing. Doubtless, however, it was a summons from my unknown employer. "I'll follow you," I said promptly. "I don't think I'd better go," said the messenger dubiously. "He didn't say anything about it, and you know fce's rather "

"Well, I order it," I cut in decisively. "I may need you." I certainly needed him at that moment if I was to find my way. "Go ahead a few steps," I said. My tone and manner impressed him, and he went without another won. I sauntered after him with as careless an air as I could assume. My heart was beating fast. I felt that I was close to the mystery and that the next half hour would determine whether I was to take up Henry Wilton's work or to find my way in safety back to my own name and person. My unconscious guide led the way along Montgomery Street into an office building, up a flight of stairs, and into a back hallway. "Stay a moment," I said, as he had his hand on the door knob. "On second thoughts you can wait down stairs." He turned back, and as his footsteps echoed down the stair I opened the door and entered the office. As I crossed the threshold my heart gave a great bound, and I stopped short. Before me sat Doddridge Knapp, the King of the Street, the man for whom above all others in the world I felt a loathing and fear.' Doddridge Knapp finished signing his name to a paper on nic desk before he looked up. "Come in and sit down," he said. The voice was alert and business like the voice of a man accustomed to command. But I could find no trace of feeling in it, nothing that could tell me of the hatred or desperate purpose that would Inspire such a tragedy as I had witnessed, or warn me of danger to come. "Do you hear?" he said impatiently; "shut the uoor and sit -own. Just spring that lock, will you? We might be interrupted." I was n t at all certain that I should not wish very earnestly that he might be interrupted in what Bret Harte would call the "subsequent proceedings." But I followed his directions. Doddridge Knapp was not less impressive at close view than at long

5 range. The strong face grow stronger when seen from the near distance. "My dear Wilton," he said, "I've come to a place where I've got to trust somebody, so I've come back to you." The voice was oily and persuasive, but the keen gray eyes shot out a glance from under the bushing eyebrows that thrilled me as a warning. "It's very kind of you," I said, swallowing my astonishment with an effort. "Well," said Knapp, "the way you hondled that Ophir matter was perfectly satisfactory; but I'll tell you that it's en Mrs. Knapp's say-so, as much as on your own doings, that I selected you for this job." "I'm much obliged to Mrs. Knapp," I said politely. I was in deep waters. It was plainly unsafe to do anything but drift. "Oh, you can settle that with her at your next call," he said good humoredly. The jaded nerves of surprise refused to respond further. If I had received a telegram informing me that the dispute over the presidency had been settled by shelving both Hayes and Tilden and giving the unanimous vote of the electors to me. I should have accepted it as a matter of course. I took my place unquestionIngly as a valued acquaintance of Doddridge Knapp's and a particular friend of Mrs. Knapp's. Yet it struck me as strange thai the keen-eyed King of the Street had failed to discover that he was not talking to Henry Wilton, but to some one else who resembled him. There were enough differences in features and voice to distinguish us among intimate friends, though there were I not enough to be seen by casual acquaintances. I had the key in the ' next sentence he spoke. I "I have decided that it is better ; this time to do our business face to face. I don't want to trust messengers on this affair, and even cipher : notes are dangerous, confoundedly dangerous." : Then we had not been close acquaintances. "Oh, by the way, you have that ! tker cipher yet, haven't you?" he i asked. ! "No, - burnt It," I said uablush- ! ingly. ! "That's right," he said. "It was best not to take risks. Of course you understand that it won't do for us to be seen together." "Certainly not," I assented. "I have arranged for another ofice. ; Here's the address. Yours is Room 15. I have the key to 17, and 16 Is ; vacant between with a 'To Let' sign on it. They open into each other. You understand?" "Perfectly," I said. "You will be there oy nine o'clock 4 for your orders. If you get none by

twelve, there will be none for the day." "If I can't be there, I'll let you know." I was off my guard for a moment, thinking of the possible demands of Henry's unknown employer. "You will do nothing of the kind," eaid Doddridge Knapp shortly. His voice, so smooth and businesslike a moment before, changed suddenly to a growl. His heavy eyebrows came down, and from under them flashed a dangerous light. "You will be there when I tell you, young man, or you'll have to reckon with another sort of customer than the one you've been dealing with. This matter requires prompt and strict obedience to orders. One slip may ruin the whole plan." " "You can depend on me," I said with assumed confidence. "Am I to

have any discretion?" "None whatever." I had thus far been able to get no hint of his purpose. If I had not known what I knew, I should have supposed that his mind was concentrated on the apparent object before him to secure tho zeal and fidelity of an employe in some Important business operation. "And what am I to do?" I asked. "Be a capitalist," he said with an ironical smile. "Buy and sell what I tell you to buy and sell. Keep under cover, but not too much under cover. You can pick your own brokers. Better begin with Bockstein and Eppner, though. Your checks will be honored at the Nevada Bank. Oh, here's a cipher in case I want to write you. I suppose you'll want some ready money." Doddridge Knapp was certainly a liberal provider, for he shoved a handful of twenty-dollar gold pieces across the desk in a way that made my eyes open. "By the way," he continued, "I don't think I have your signature, have I?" "No, sir," I replied with prompt confidence. "Well, just write it on this slip then. I'll turn it into the bank for your identification. You can take the check-book with you." "Anything more?" "That's all," he replied with a nod of dismissal. "Maybe it's to-morrow maybe it's next month." And I walked out into Montgomery Street, bewildered among the conflicting mysteries In which I had been entangled. CHAPTER VI. A Night at Borton's. Room 15 was a plain, comfortable office in a plain, comfortable building on Clay Street, not far from the heart of the business district. It was on the second floor, and its one window opened to the rear, and faced a desolate assortment of back yards, rear walls, and rickety stairways. The floor had a worn carpet, and there was a desk, a few chairs and a shelf of law books. The place looked as though it had belonged to a lawyer in reduced circumstances, and I could but wonder how it had come into the possession of Doddridge Knapp, and what had become of the former occupant. I tried to thrust aside a spirit of melancholy, and looked narrowly to the opportunities offered by the room for attack and defense. The walls were solidly built. The window-case ment showed an unusual depth for a building of that height. Tne wall had been put in to withstand an earthquake shock. The door opening Into the hall, the door into Room 16, and the window furnished the three avenues of possible attack or retreat. The depression of spirits that progressed with my survey of the room deepened into gloom as I flung myself into the arm-chair before the desk, and tried to plan some way out of the tangle in which I was involved. How was I, single-handed, to contend against" the power of the richest man in the city, and bring home to him the murder of Henry Wilton? I could look for no assistance from the police. The words of Detective Coogan were eiough to show that only the most convincing proof of guilt, backed by fear of publi sentiment, could bring the departnt to raise a finger against him. And how could I hope to rouse that public sentiment? What would my word count against that of the King of the Street? Where was the motive for the crime? Until that wa3 made clear I could not hope to piece together the scraps of evidence into a solid struc ture of proof. And what motive could there be that would reconcile the Doddridge Knapp who sought the life of Henry Wilton, with the Dodd ridge Knapp of this morning, who was ready to engage him in his con fidential business? And had I the right to accept any part in his business? Fatigue and loss of sleep deepened the dejection of mind that oppressed me with these insistent questions, and as I vainly struggled against it, carried me at last into the oblivion of dreamless slumber. The next I knew I was awaking to the sound of breaking glass. It was dark but for a feeble light that came from the window. Every bone in my body ached from the cramped position in which I had slept, and it seemed an age before I could rouse myself to act. It was, however, but a second before I was on my feet, revolver in j hand, with the desk between me and a possible assailant. Silence, threatening, oppressive, surrounded me as I stood listening, watching, for the next move. "I thought the transom was open," said a low voice, which still seemed to be struggling with suppressed laughter. (To be Continued.)

FOR MADAM AND MADEMOISELLE By BEATRICE IMOGENE HANSEN

LACES. The fall fashions will see an extensive and varied use of lace. Seldom has there been a season when laces were more peculiarly adapted to the requirements of style than at the present moment. So well are Importers prepared to meet this great and diversified demand that laces will form one of the most important garnitures of the season. So excellent and so many are the kinds shown that in many instances laces will encroach upon the domain hitherto reserved for trimming's. The decidedly novel notes in laces receive the indorsement of fashion for the ornamentation gowna and wraps are filet, or square mesh effects alone and in combination with other types of lace; soutache, which is really an embroidered effect worked upon a net ground; metal lace, which Includes polo" silver, aluminium and copper alone and In combination with white, ecru and black lace; embroidered lace in white, ecru, black and colors, the colors being introduced on a white or colored ground; Irish. Cluny and Venise laces, which stand as tho types of heavy lace most appropriate for the ornamentation of prevailing styles; dyed lace, which will be brought in the original white or ecru tones and dyed by the individual; filet nets in white and ecru; slik Toscas In several of the fashionable colors, and allover Chantlllys. IIEMSTITCIII.; Cl'KTAIXS IX UKV SCRIM. Dainty yet most sensible looking are curtains of plain linen scrim coming just to the window sills; and they are quite the style at present for dining and living rooms. The edges of these may be finished with heavy lace or insertion or hemstitched hems, any or all of these, according to the time the housewife can expend upon their making. The hemstitching is extremely easy because of tho coarse mesh of the material. When drawing the threads for this be sure to save them for use in the stitching in place of machine cotton as they are stronger, and being or me exact shade and quality, they weave themselves in as a part of the fabric once more, showing far less than would the cotton threads. Xor do they tangle in the stitching. These hemstitched curtains are most serviceable, and launder perfectly. THE SHOES A WOMAN MAY WISELY I1UY. In buying shoes, gloves, belts or purses, remember that good leather is not cheap. A really good pair of shoes at $3 or more will often outwear two pairs of cheap ones, but the durability of shoes does not always Increase with their cost. The thin, fine, soft kids which are used In some of the highpriced shoes are so pliable that the shoes do not keep their shape well and are not suitable for anything but light wear. Shoes which require a great deal of care are a poor bargain for the busy woman, therefore choose those which are well finished to begin with and sufficiently firm so that they will retain their shapeliness as long as possible. A mixture of two parts tal low to one of resin, melted together and applied to the soles of shoes, in creases their durability by making them waterproof. Paste blacking containing oil is the best dressing for the uppers. It Is always economy to have at least two pairs of shoes at. a time. NECKWEAR. White lingerie effects will be the keynote of style. These will be developed in lace, embroidery and combinations of the same." Colored effects will come in for a fair share of attention, particularly in popular priced goods. In made up stocks these will ICAUFMAIVrV

MON

5,000 Yards

u r is vv fi v i

In Blue and Brown Checks All Sizes

NO MORE

generally carry out the style noto by j having some form of linen collar attached to them, and the greater de-i mand for silk ties and bows will be for

styles which are suitable for wear with white collars. There is a general feeling that coat sets, consisting of collar and cuffs, will be much in demand. This will be mostly for the early fall season, when embroidered linen and pique sets In blind and open work effects and heavy laces, such as Venise and Irish, will be called for to wear with tho plain tailored suits. MX RE III 1-1 ll(HI)OU 1'IM.OWS. Both white and colored embroideries will be used for the ornamentation of pillow tps. The great favor shown toward the lingerie boudoir pillows during the past year has been the means of bringing out some attractive styles in all white embroidered pillows as well as those of a delicate color worked upon a washable material. If the lace or insertion on clothing gets torn instead of attempting to darn the many holes, which is a difficult and tedious task, just lay a piece of plain net under the hole, overcast it around the edges, and you will find that the torn place is neatly mended. SKIRTS. Tho separate skirt this autumn will occupy a most important place In tho well dressed woman's wardrobe. Many of the worsteds and soft plaid fabrics show wonderfully beautiful colorings, plaids which are subdued rather than conspicuous. The materials will be much used for the making of separate walking skirts to wear with plain cloth jackets. Then the separate skirt comes In most conveniently when one does not happen to own a skirt and coat suit, but has many shirt waists and a long coat. rialts are still the feature of tinsmart skirts. There are kilted, boxplaited and fan-plaited skirts, which are all extremely good style. The very new walking skirts are quite short, skirts cut in many gores are also much worn. Many of the skirts are decorated with a foot trimming. Bands of silk braid are used for this purpose, also bands of the same material sometimes one and sometimes three In graduated widths. A pretty touch is to introduce a note of plaid or contrasting color as a piping for these bands. FISH CUSTARDS. Fish custards are easy to make, and taste very good as a supper dish on cold fall evenings. Kemove every bit of Mesh from the bones of a boiled haddock, cod, or any other kind of fish. Pound it up very finely, and mix with it half a teaspoonful of salt and pepper. Butter some old teacups and shake some finely chopped parsley over the bottom of each cup. Beat up two eggs and mix with them one pint of milk, then stir in the fish. Fill up the eupn with the custard, cover each with greased paper and steam very slowly until set. They will be found very delicate and light for any one who cannot take anything heavy for supper. The new styles of children's dresses do not differ greatly from those worn last season. The skirts the rarely trimmed, and the waists. If the frock is not cut In one, are of the blouse type. The difference lies principally in the sort of material employed, which Is more frequetnly of a fancy order, and others where the fancy portion Is merely carried out by black, or colored crossbars. For children's frocks, is in the case for grown-up people, a broad band of some piecedyed fabric, rarely similar to that of the frock, Is frequently to be seen in the form of a hem. & WOLF

For One Day Only

DAY. OCT

Extra Heavy Checked

SI A THAN 10 YARDS TO A

Our Pattern Department

DRESSING SACQUE AND SLUMBER SHOES. S7J& Pattern No. C91G. Nothing makes f prottier or more comfortable jacket for cool mornings than eiderdown or the soft flannelettes. This one was made of pale blue showing a stripe of tan color. A choice is given of full length bishop or elbow sleeves. Tho pattern also includes a slumber shoe, and no more acceptable gift could bo devised for a girl leaving for college or a friend about to travel, than just such a negligee as this, with slumber shoes to match. They may be mado of double facel material, or be lined with some contrasting color. A bow of ribbon in front gives a dainty touch. The edges are buttonholed or bound with ribbon. For :56-inch bust measure three and seven-eighths yards of 36-inch material will be required for tho sack, and one-half yard for the shoes. Sizes for 32, 34, 3G, 3S, 40 and 44 inches bust measure. This pattern rdll be sent to you on receipt of 10 cents. Address all orders to the Pattern Department of this paper. Be sure to g-ive size and number of pattern wanted. For convenience, writ your order on the following coupon: Ni 5916. SIZE. NAME ADDRESS. Heights of Hats. The white lace hat of cloche form la ubiquitous, clumped to mountainous heights either side with taffeta ribbon. White hats with Persian ribbon and white hats with lotus blossoms, magnolia and pond lilies, are to bo worn for evening the coining season. Every Woman U uoiTfu-i ami uiotua mow about the woniitfrful MARVELWhirlingSoray Xue new arm rjnnrw lit sfc M Oftt convi i- i ' AiKyonrdrnstitfoTlt. , j M A II V V. I, aecepi no other, but lnd stamp Tor lUuitmb-ii !fok seal"!. It prWI full particular! and dlwtior.B lr aluatle to lad:e. M A It) ''' HAMMOND Quality a. CUSTOMER

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