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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1941-04-17, Page 2fl THURSDAY, APRIL mil,. IftU THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE llllilll ill IF--. ffl ELI WASNIDGE PJES SUDDENLY by ANNE MARY LAWLER Pledge for War Saving?. Lyle made another suggestion, “See if IRvans Mills is anywhere near Barrett’s Corner.” Toni obeyed dutifully. The room hung breathlessly on the slightest motion of her •questing finger. “Here!” she said. “Not Evans Mills, but Turnertown, He said something about Turnertown once. I remember that because Turner was my mother’s name.” “Mark it,” Mike said automati­ cally. His heart swelled with a fierce exultation. The pencil made a little scratching sound upon the paper. Then Toni’s shriek of tri­ umph. “Evans Mills!” Lyle and Mike bent over the map. The three towns formed a triangle —Turnertown, Evans Mills, Par­ rott’s Corner—each leg some 40- ojd miles long. “I have a hunch,” Mike said, slowly, “that the place Slick hangs put is in that triangle. Wherever he was, he was within easy motor­ ing distance of those places. Look carefully, Toni, and see if you can find you Indian name either inside or just outside of those lines.” Toni resumed her search earn­ estly. John iMorton spoke for the first time in a long while. “I think,” he said, “that we’re mahing progress, thanks to—to all of you.” He smiled at Lyle for the first time, thrust out a square hand. “I’m grateful for your help, Putnam.. I —we’ve both got a lot’ to forgive, I guess.” Understanding ■Lyle Putnam wrung the large hand gratefully. “I—there isn’t much to say, except this—Valerie’s left me. She’s getting a divorce. Reno. ‘I—maybe if it isn’t too late —maybe Jill and I—” the words trailed. Morton’s voice broke. “We’ve got to—fin'd her first.” Mike listened, aware of a sudden violent pang of terror. Joan, Mer­ rill might have loved a Mike Daly. B-ut Jill Morton—a world of wealth stood between them. And,* after all, there had been a time when Jill Mor.ton .loved Lyle Putnam. Had even planned to marry him—maybe she still loved him. Perhaps— Mike looked at Lyle without en­ vy, Handsome devil. Smooth. He had class. Poise. Charm. What woman in her fight m'ind would look at a Milk Daly when Lyle Putnam was in sight? Toni said, at last, the Indian name at isn’t anywhere near John Morton threw out h'is hands in a 'gesture of helplessness. “What do we do next?” Lyle broke that followed, tures. Maybe there—” Mike slid the photographs from their folder. The usual vacation snaps. Meaningless. Useless. Mon­ uments to the exhibitionism that ex­ ists in all of humankind. ISlick in a boat, against a stock background of sky and lake and trees. 'Slick with a canoe,,* in a small clearing. .Slick in slacks and sweater, posed gracefully against a tree that lacked integrity and char­ acter. Slick in a bathing suit, sil­ houetted against a patch of Slick waving a string of Script fish. • Then Mike gasped with The last picture was toe good to be true. long with Mike the Kettle.” Double Checking Mike leaped toward the phone, spun the dial fiercely, and Morton watched in amazement. Toni remained Intent on the map, bound to wring some from it. “Hell,” said Mike, me Travel Bureau.’ Clicks and busy rustlings at the other end of the wire. “Pays to work for a newspaper,” Mike said drily, “you know how to check on things.” John Morton thought: That’s the kind of man I want for a son-in-law. That’s the kind of man I’d have wanted if I had a son of my own. If Jill wants Lyle that’s all right with me. thought. “Travel graphic. up-State inn, The Copper Kettle. I think it’s somewhere near Parrot’s Corner or Evans Ijjills, Will you? Thanks,” He turned to Morton. “They’re looking it up, If it’s in the triangle we’ve got something. Toni’s Indian name may be the name of the lodge itself.” Lyle said, “When do we start?” “Right away,” Mike returned. “After we get hold of a cai- and a couple of guns. Can you shoot?” Off to the Rescue . “I can shoot,” Lyle returned calmly. “One of my few talents,” Murmurs from the phone. Mike said, “Where is it? Road 5 at Clayton? Thanks.” The receiver clicked. "Look up Clayton, Toni.” „ “Right in the centre of the tri­ angle,” Toni breathed elation. “-Well,” Lyle said, “let’s go.” Mike said, “Mr. Morton, you stay here in New York. The police are your job. Tell them no publicity for at least 48 hours and make it stick. I.’ll get you the dope on Slick from the Star morgue before I go, Stay close to the phone at your hotel. We’ll report constantly. Wait for the ransom note. Putnam and I will make this trip with a Couple of guns—” “And,” said Miss Drake with a smile, “Toni. My memory may get better as we go along.” “And Toni,” added Mike. “Don’t come back without her,” John- Morton pleaded. He’s got-—more than I iBut this young fellow— Bureau? Daly in Phpto- I want to check on an hinges heralded the door. him enter. A faint one of the windows, cr CHAPTER XXVII Through the quiet darkness the green roadster ploughed north­ ward. iSlick drove swiftly but Carefully, with an attentive eye for suspicious incidents. The gas gauge was running low and he swung into a little, unkempt station, the the lay his “I can’t find all, Mike. It the triangle.” He leaped quickly from car and lounged lazily against side curtains behind which Jill helpless', puffing watchfully tan cigarette., The attendant was bored and sleepy and not observant. He no­ ticed neither the dark huddle on the front seat nor the bulging line in .Slick’s right hand pocket. iSlick kept him engaged in the route to him a $5 bill the hand and out- coat con- the stunned silence “Look * at -the pic- we’ll find something foliage, nonde- delight. Slick had the green roadster, and luxurious and arrogant, the background of an inn. •bent to read the letters on rustic sign. “The Copper tele­ Lyle further secret 'Star? Give A silence. no lights. Apd Jill knew instinc­ tively that iSlick would not risk hav­ ing alien eyes see his captive. A lodge, perhaps? Hhr heart sank, A darkened, deserted lodge, in the middle of what apparently was a wilderness, a lodge Slick had ap­ proached by devious and rounda- : bout roads. Slick opened, the car door on her side, bent and slashed her ankle bonds with a penknife. “Can you walk?” he asked, lifting her from the par and standing her on her feet. Her nuipta limbs refused the bur­ den of support.’ She stumbled, fell on her face on the gravel walk. ■Slick hauled her to her feet and propiped her against the running •board, Then he approached the house, trained a flashlight on the door, fussed with a key. The sound of complaining opening of the Jill watched light sprang in a flickering light—candle or oil lamp. No electricity, apparently. And. no telephone. No communi­ cation with the world at large. Into the House Slick emerged from the door, lift­ ed her from the running board and carried her into the house, Dank, cold tair struck her face, the musty chill of a house that has not been lived in for some time, He laid her on a couch by the wall and Went out the door, closing it behind him. Jill heard the car start, move with a crunch down the graveled path­ way. He had left her in., this tomb of a lodge, with hei’ hands still bound" and the gag still wound cruelly tight about her mouth. After what seemed hours of star­ ing at the diminishing candle, Jill heard footsteps along the walk. The door opened. IShe tried to rise, to scream through the gag. It was Slick, with her suitcase and one of his own. She watched him dump them on the floor, go out again. In a few minutes he was back with a cardboard carton of canned goods, a mountain, of blan­ kets and a tin of oil. Fascinated, she watched him kneel before the fireplace, pile logs on the heavy andirons and begin to kindle a fire. : -'r Sliclo Plays Host “■Cold in here, isn’t it?” he broke the silence conversationally. “Good thing I found this canned stuff and •oil in the garage. Game in handy.” Slick sprinkled a bit of oil on the logs and the reek of kerosene trailed across the room. Slowly the fire took hold and he nursed it skilfully. A welcome warmth dispelled the dank chill. “There!” Slick rose, brushed his hands and suiweyed his handiwork with pardonable pride. ( “We’ll be at least comfortable—if a 'bit lone­ ly. Still cold?” She nodded. He tossed a blanket over her. “Sorry I’ll have to leave you for a bit while I rustle up some I’m starved. I ” He looked won’t do you know.” canned goods ate iplan. Suppose, she thought, as she lifted the coffee pot, suppose I should dash this hot liquid into his face—make a run for the car—es­ cape? iHis back was toward 'her, but as though he read the sudden inspira­ tion that swept her brain, he said idly, “In case you have any spiart idea of trying to make a break, let me tell you this. I’ve hidden the keys to the car, You’d freeze if you tried to walk to civilization. And even if you clouted me on the conk with a blunt object, you’d be no better off.” Jill poured the coffee with a trembling hand. The radio awakened gradually, and the ’ room began to fill with music. Slick returned to the fire. “If you weren’t so tired, I might suggest rolling back the rugs, for a little tango,” IHis smile was mocking. “As it is, suppose we tackle the chow.” Never had food been so welcome. Jill heaped her plate with beans and dug into them hungrily. missing heiress, announced this af- eyes. “You’re taking it pretty swell,” he said. “Most have hysterics.” Jill paused between "Nothing else to do.” iSlick apologized for “When Mac arrives tomorrow, added, “things will be different. He laughed at her surprise, don’t know Mac, that’s right. A sterling 'character, Miss Morton. Sort of a diamond in the rough, but a Grade-A cook. Not much in the line of fascinating company, but he’ll do.” 'His voice hardened. “Don’t think he can 'be 'bribed, because he ican’t. Mac’s learned that money rarely does a dou'ble-crosser any good.” Jill shivered. An Accomplice Coming “Mac’s coming up in the morning girls would .mouthfuls. the menu. ” he ’if “You with a load of food bought in New York, so as not to arouse the sus-*" piclong of the yokels roundabout, Really, you should appreciate the artistry of your kidnaping, Miss iMorton, It practically stinks of genius.” % Jill was inclined to agree. No* where could she perceive the slight­ est loophole of escape. Or of dis­ covery. Slick 'droned on: We’ll be very cozy and domestic, the three of us. And happy, I trust.” The music faded from the- radio and a ^cheerful voice announced, “We interrupt our dance program to bring you a last-minute news ’ flash. John Morton, father of the missing hearess, announced this af­ ternoon that Jill-Mortpn is on her way home to Chicago. “Miss ‘Morton was not kidnaped, contrary to the public belief. She had been working-under an assumed name as a model in the Morton; New York branch for a number of months, $.he will be remembered as the girl whose wedding was postponed la’st June, due to the fact that the groom-to-be eloped with a show girl. We now take you back to our musical program.” Slick grinned. Jill’s heart hung ■ heavy with hopelessness. She put down her fork. Food no longer tempted her. “Tired?” For ’the first time Slick noticed hei’ shadowed eyes, the ■weary hollows in ljer cheeks. She merely nodded. The funeral of Eli Wasnidge was held from St. James* Anglican Church on Monday, April 7, 1HL with Rev, F, L, Lewin, rector, in charge of the service, Mr. Was- nidge passed away suddenly on Fri­ day,. April 4, in a haart attack, He was the son of Joseph Wasnidge, Exeter, and the late Emily Hod­ gins) Wasnidge, He was horn in McGillivray Township in J 8'89 and married Nellie Waldeck on Febru­ ary 14, 1'9I1>2, In J915 he enlisted with the 135th Battalion and was in , active service ip France until the end of tfoe war. He received hen* arable discharge March 2'8, 1919. For the past 11 years, Mr, Wasnidge and family have resided in Parkhill. Surviving are his wife, Nellie Wasnidge; two sons, Frank of iParkhill, and Carl, of the Elgin Regiment, C.A.S.F., Toronto, and two daughters, Mrs, Cecil Pollock and Kathleen at home. He is also survived by his father, Joseph Was­ nidge, of Exeter, .and three sisters,, Mrs, Frank Smith, of Lucan; Mrs. IHarry Cronne, of Benfield, and Mrs. Jack Flynn, of Exeter; also four ^rand-daughters, Barbara, Betty and Beverly Pollock and Elinor Wasnidge. Veterans of the last war acted as pallbearers and guard of honor. The flower bearers were Bill Mit- cheltree and Pat Ryan of the Elgin Regiment, Toronto, and Misses Pat’ ricia Elliott and Dorothy Thomp­ son, both daughters of World Wai’ veterans. Interment was in 'Park­ hill Cemetery,—iParkhill Gazette. The Exeter Times-Advocate O Exeter, Ontario Published every Thursday anorntos SUBSCRIPTION—$2.Ob per year 1» fidlvan'C© RATES—Farm or Real Eatate for eale 60c. each Insertion for fintt four insertions, 25c. each aubaa- quent insertion. Miscellaneous ar­ ticle a. To Rent, Wanted, Lost, or Found 10c. per line of six; word*. Reading notices 10c. per line. Gard of Thanks 50c, Legal ad­ vertising 12 and 8c, per line, U Memorlasn, with one verse 50c. extra verses 25c. each. Member of The Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association Professional Cards GLADMAN & STANBURY (F. W. Gladman) BARRISTER, SOLICITOR, &c Money to Loan, Investment? Made Insurance Safe-deposit Vaults for use of dur Clients without charge EXETER and HEN SAIA CARLING & MORLEY BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, LOANS, INVESTMENTS, INSURANCE Office: Carling Block, Main Suva', EXETER, ONT. • .(TO BE CONTINUED) Roll Them Better With] OGDEN'S’1" CIGARETTE TOBACCO ESTIMATED loss $50,000 IN Eire at Wingham The plant of the Western Found­ ry Company ^at Wingham was par­ tially destroyed by fire early April 110th, with an estimated loss of $50,- 000. The cause is undetermined, but the blaze is believed to have started in the black lead room, w* its large stock of lead and benzine. A large warehouse stock of stoves and furnaces, ready for polishing apd crating, was a total loss, Will Carry Mail if Line Closes A contract has been let to Percy Manning, of Londesboro, for draw­ ing the .mail and express from Clin­ ton to Wingham, if and when the C.N.R. branch from Clinton Junc­ tion to Wingham Junction is dis­ continued. The closing date of this branch is now set for April 26. .' ..............<t ■" •••■•- ........................................ Dr, G. F. Roulston, L.D.S.,D.D.S. - DENTIST Office: Carling Block EXETER, ONT. CSooed Wednesday Afternoons. Dr, H. H. COWEN, L.D.S..D.D S DENTAL SURGEON Office next to the Hydro Shop Main Street, Exeter Office 30w Telephones Res. 3«) Closed Wednesday Afternoons FRANK TAYLOR ARTHUR WEBER LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY PRICES REASONABLE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Phone 57-13 Dashwood R. R. No. 1, DASHWOOD LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY Prices Reasonable and Satisfactlos Guaranteed EXETER P. O. or RING 186 Agonizing ‘•EOZOffiS (Salt Rheum) No test, day or night, for the®® afflicted with that awful skin Bs- easty eczema, or salt rheum as it 1® commonly called. The intense burning, itching and smarting, especially at night, or when the affected part is exposed io strong heat, Of hot water, are almost unbearable; and. relief is gladly Welcomed, To get fid of eczema it is neces­ sary to haw the blood cleansed by the use of a thoroughly reliable blood medicine such as Burdock BlOOd Bitters Which during the past 60 yehts has met with great success ill relieving such diseases by its blood Cleansing and purifying properties, Tho T, Milburn Co., LtL, Toronto, Ont. ** Whs reward- and her hands toward gag. SHVIHGS CERTIFIER every BEntR-- tonners, versation, asked him Montreal and handed with a casual flip of ■a “Keep the change.’ The car leaped forward once more and Slick congratulated himself upon his cleverness. So far, so good. So good, so far. Tears rolled helplessly down Jill’s cheeks, soaked into the tight Help had been so close— The miles winged by. On Into the Night Slowly Jill’s brain cleared, enough for the enormity of the situation to lace her heart with horror. Kid­ naped! -Bleakly she tried to fumble for a plan of escape. Kidnaped! How long before her -absence would be discovered? The letters to Mike and Toni would aSecount for half a day. Maybe tomorrow, maybe even later —the truth would be suspected. And by that time, what would have happened to her? And when they did discover Jill was gone, who would suspect Slick? Nobody, of town, into the deserted Was in Slick, sipair overwhelmed her. Where was Slick taking her? The roadster had wheeled from the -main highway and was bumping down a poorly paved road. No lights, no houses, nothing visible but stark trees and a bleak sky. The roadster swung from the bad road onto a rutted lane, narrow, apparently grooved only occasion­ ally by a stray wagon or truck. The earth was hard with frost and the great car bounced from furrow to farrow. Jill tried to watch the speedometer, to guage distance and direction. Slick noticed her in­ tent eyes and turned the switch that lighted the dashboard. The Secret Hideout After an eternity of -discomfort, a dozen pinwheel turns and incal­ culable miles of rough traveling, the roadster slid to a stop before a building that balked large la the blackness. Slick cat off the motor? “Welcome to year new home-— for a while,” he saidv Jill strained her eyes against the darkness. A long, rambling stractare, rustic in simplicity. What Was it? An inn? But there were Toni thought he was out Nohody had seen her step roadster. The inn had been except for Tim, and he this dreadful game with What hope was here? De- coffee and beans, suppose you are too. at her intently. “It any good to cry, you Loaded down with and kerosene, he disappeared into a side door. Jill heard him fuss­ ing in what she imagined was the kitchen. iShe heard the creak of a pump, the scratching of a match and the dull “bloom” of a kerosene stove coming to life. Soon a lightful odor of bubbling coffee warming beans seeped through doorway. When -Slick finally returned, bore a large tray loaded with a great battered agate coffee pot, icups, saucers, plates and some odds •and ends of silver, a .mixing bowl heaped with baked beans and a mound of bread slices. He set them carefully on a small table be­ fore the«fire. Then lie walked over to the couch, ripped off the blanket and Sat Jill up. He removed the gag and the bindings from her Wrists. “If you really want to scream,’ he said, with his insolent smile “go ahead. Good for the lungs There’S nobody around for miles,’ Jill’s hands were purple from lack of circulation. Her lips felt swollen and dry. $lick massaged the Chafed wrists, not gently, until the warm li^e began to creep back into them. “NoW,” his" manner became busi­ nesslike, “over to the fire and get thawed out.” Advice by Slick Jill walked obediently over to the hearth, sat down on a hassock. \fire crackled cheerfully, stretched flames. “Make approved, fee, if you want, dinner music while we eat battery’s held out.” a radio in the corner, spun a dial clicked a button and ed by a gentle hum. Through Jill's mind ran a desper- yourself comfortable, “You can pour the i’ll get us a little if the He moved to andeconom«“lly yP . deiaysby Before '.is. wars” keTTeK - done. trucks BETTER iUty <orCOtn" ’ * »< C'“K“1!™ekP mo»ufae",r<>' Ahead CANADIAN- BUILT BY GENERAL MOTORS SNELL BROS- & CO., EXETER lot Vtcfottyrt. WM. H. SMITH LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex Special training assures you of your property’s true value on sale day. Graduate of American Auction College Terms Reasonable and Satisfaction Guaranteed Crediton P. O. or phone 43-2 USBORNE & HIBBERT MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY Head Office, Exeter, Ont. President ........... JOHN McGRATH ’Dublin, Ont. Vice-Pres......,T. G. BALLANTYNE Woodham, R.R. 1 DIRECTORS W. H. COATES ................... Exeter JOHN HACKNEY ... Kirkton R. 1 ANGUS SINCLAIR ... Mitchell R. 1 WM. HAMILTON... Cromarty R. 1 AGENTS JOHN ESSERY ...... ALVIN L. HARRIS THOS. SCOTT ....... Centralia . Mitchell Cromarty ' SECRETARY-TREASURER B. W. F. BEAVERS ........... Exeter’ GLADMAN & STANBURY Solicitors, Exeter The World’s Finest Anthracite is Trade Marked Blue. Order Blue Coal and we have it, also Large Lump Alberta Coal HAMCO Dustless Coke Prices are Right A. J. CLATWORTHY Phone 12 Grantor We Deliver (Sometimes you think that a young fellow is throwing away his money when he isn't-—it’s his papa’s mon- ■# 0