Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1939-12-07, Page 6Thursday, DECEMBER 7th, 10W THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE T By Isabel Waitt wife — women husbands with As Potter, I I don’t really vIliililillllliliHliHjillllliiilliiUlililiilluni “iDisgiiised as a deaf old man, whom nobody ever saw very dis­ tinctly?. The ear appartus, thick lenses and the stoop made an easy impersonation. Not very difficult to get yourself up as a recluse. ’Sup­ pose your business as a director made that second nature. But how did you dare to come to the inn in the role Of an obscure artist?” “That,” Potter said, “■was to be my alibi. I doubt if he'd ever seen me in passing. My don’t acquaint their their —boy friends, was safe, I thought. paint, as you must know from the church picture, but Arlene taught me a little just for fun. It came in handy, or I thought it would. Really it led to my undoing. But skip it. The thing was that Old Man Brown was establshed at the Head. You know they saw the light burning in the fish shed last night. I’d left it to make folks think Brown was at home. After the fire, Brown’s glass­ es and earphones would be found in the bushes instead of beside his charred body, If Lane vanished the same night, it would look as if Lane might have killed him, wouldn’t it? Left the big earphone outside the fire area to do away with any theory of accident — Lane’s fingerprints on it!" “The victim used as the killer!” Victor emphasized. “Mighty clever. Regulai' movie style.” “Wasn’t it! I could get my re­ venge and make my victim the sup­ posed murderer in hiding. That’s why I left a time bomb at the bridge —to supposedly give Lane a head start and confuse the police. Smash­ ed the boats for the same reason, but it was a mistake draining his car— too clever. Cut off his means of es­ cape. "Milkman received a phone call from Rockville to leave the milk at the end of the route, on the (Fourth, and keep his mouth shut about what he saw, and he’d find an extra $20 in one of his milk bottles, the next day. -Give it to him, will you, Judy, out of the fund I sent you for the church? You see, I wasn’t sure I would fine Lane’s money before the auction, so had you buy the church where I could browse around later, if necessary. It wasn’t necessary, and I’m truly sorry I let you in suspicion. However, keep what you will and don’t badly of me.” I felt my eyes filling as my way. The water was knees! Any moment I was sure the old Eleanor would disappear into the bay. The chug-chug of the po­ lice launch was growing louder and louder. I couldn’t speak. I could only nod my head and cry. Bessie Norcross screamed:. “He did it! I didn’t! I didn’t! I only con­ fessed to save my brother.” The fact just seem to dawn upon her. “We know it. Take her away, Nor­ cross,” Victor said impatiently. He could see the nearness of the police boat, too, and the creeping water in the other. But Hugh merely turned to quiet Bessie. He put his arm around her and I saw her bury her face against his coat. More Confession De Witt asked eagerly: “Find any ledgers, Potter? That church busi­ ness I told you about. Wasn't it New York. It was here. Lane was one of my deacons, the elder Lane, I mean. How I’d like to have the case reopened! His suicide tanta­ mount to a confession, brought about my pardon. The church funds were on deposit at the hank. There was a forged check. He must have sus­ pected his son was responsible for everything. About ruined me. I dropped the Smith from my name when I finally was allowed to preach again.” He hadn’t, Potter said, found any books or other papers. Only cash and negotiable securities. “Tell me,” Victor said. “You killed Lane the night he came to the Head didn’t you? Rigor mortis it think for for too he looked up to his Chest Wheezing Means Bronchitis The principal symptom of bron­ chitis is a dry, harsh, hacking cough accompanied with a rapid wheezing and feeling of tightness across the chest. 'there is ft rising of phlegm, espe­ cially in the morning. This phlegm is at first Of a light color, but as the disease progresses becomes yel­ lowish. or greenish, and is sometimes streaked with, blood. You will And in Dr. Wood's Nor­ way Pine Syrup a remedy to stimu­ late the weakened bronchial organs, subdue tho inflammation, Soothe the irritated tarts, loosen the phlegm and mucus, and help nature to easily dislodge the morbid accumulation. The T. Hilburn Co., Ltd., Toronto, Ont. and was big the have com- that must have set in, judging from the way Judy described that hand. How did you happen to leave him there?” “Yes, when the sea was so handy?” Hugh cried. “I wanted the body. Had to have a body for Brown. Used all Mrs. Gerry had in her kerosene can the gas from Lane’s car. That stupid of me, but I wanted a fire, and De Witt’s breaking window of „|he garage made it easy. She burned like tinder, as you saw. Took off the ring and put it in Judy’s bag. 'Sorry, my girl. I was pretty desperate and nearly beyond thinking. Otherwise, I wouldn’t risked that fingerprint in the pact.” “Hurry man! It was you Quincy and Judy saw running along the bluff last night?” “No, that must have been Nor­ cross,” he said. “He’d gone the back way, through the woods, up the strip of beach and climbed to the church.' “But you took me to town!” Wy­ lie objected. “Quiet!” commanded Victor. “Hur­ ry, Potter. You drove to town three times, didn’t you? Afternoon to the movies for the stub alibi. Again with Wylie and De Witt after supper, when you knew your chance had come because Lane had come to the Head. But you only stayed until dark. Then you came back, after phoning the milkman to co-operate for a reward. Told him it was a Fourth of July prank at the bridge.” “Right. He said the old bridge needed repairing and that was one way to get it done.” “So you left the time bomb, know­ ing you’d pick up Wylie Gerry, and the only other car was the minis­ ter’s.” "De Witt had said he’d be back early. Wasn’t much of a chance. Left my -car in the woods, off the road near Gerry’s barn. Luckily, I met no- one at the Neck, and no one at the Head saw me. Then I made for the church, after reconnoitering a bit, through the basement door via my pass key. Miss Kendall was asleep on the church steps, worse luck, hut I had to take a chance to get Lane out of the chest and into the shed.” “He was in the chest, then? Since the night before? While the auction was going on? Why?” “Listen, will you? Can’t you see the way this tub’s filling? The night Lane came I was hidden in the church basement. I was disguised as Old Man Brown. I watched Lane digging where his treasure had been taken out by me. Then I came out of the shadows and told him who I was. ‘Get up and fight like a man!’ I cried. He was an awful coward. He fell at the first blow of my fists, then he pulled a gun. But I got it away from him and struck him with it. He went down and didn’t get up again. I had a skeleton key that would unlock anything. I wanted to go get my little cart from the shack and drag Lane’s body there, but I heard someone coming. That Ken­ dall woman was always hanging around the church steps. So I open­ ed the chest and dumped him in, .He was quite dead. As evidence against Lane, the gun might come in handy, so I kept it. Later it seemed best to hurl it into the sea. I was afaid to fire it for fear of be­ ing heard by the person outside, and I wasn’t sure it had been fired—to make it look like a murder weapon. Besides, I had to be sure the body wouldn’t be recognizable before leav­ ing the gun. Then poor Miss Ken­ dall—” he broke off. illlllillltlllllllllllliilllllllllllllliillllllilliu beach, to the woods, to my car in Gerry’s barn. Heaven alone knows why none of you caught me, though the beach isn’t visible from the inn. Same as the night before, after drag­ ging Lane from the chest to the shed in the cart I’d bought for the purpose, which burned up in the shed. Then I put out the shed light and went through the wpods to my car, drove to town and picked up Gerry. Saw De Witt’s car and got him to help me persuade Gerry, who was tight, to come home. Strengh- ened my alibi. But Judy nearly caught me in the church basement. If she’d come out the rear door she would have stumbled over my little wagon.” That squeaky door! I shuddered as Potter .half-grinned at me. If I’d taken the cliff path! “While you were pushing Quincy’s chair out the front way, I was load­ ing my burden onto the wagon. 1 knew it was now or never. I'd meant to go back the night before and finish the hiding of that body in the shed, but—well, maybe I got cold,feet. The little cart was right behind you on the path—at a safe distance, of course. It was well greased; didn’t rattle. I hid behind some bushes when you investigated the shack where the light was still on, The minute you passrd, did I hustle. You’ll find the thick glass­ es if you hunt in the brush.” “You’d cut the phone wires ear­ lier?” “Before going to town the first time—aftei' supper, that is. And the boats were hacked the night Lane died, when I got the gas for his pyre. Norcross, your club I’d picked up where De Witt had left it, used it as a blind to confuse the scene. Also your sister’s coat. It was lying in the hammock all last night. I wore it part of the time, in case I should be seen running through the dark­ ness. .Sorry about the spot, I really tried to cleanse it.” He gave the oars a shove into the sea. The police boat was within hail, and shouting at us. shout back. The drama before our eyes left The water had crept seemed that Albion drown where he sat. “Jump for Witt. But Victor The police the Eleanor. Would it reach there in time? Just as I was wondering she slipped into the sea. Hugh Norcross yanked off hiS* coat, but Victor and Uncle Wylie only exchanged understanding in­ clinations of the head. The minis­ ter started to pray—‘‘Dust to dust! Ashes to ashes!” Bessie grabbed Hugh’s legs and hung on. Aunt Nella and I stood weeping together. “Vengeance Is Mine” After the wash of the boat—well, won’t go into that. We saw him Then a few that at all, and added hastily, “I haven't even a brother. Have to lean on myself,” “You’re different. You never had n tragedy in your life like—” “How do you know?” Wasn’t Vic­ tor Quade liable to drive his trailer from the Head where I’d never see him again? Aloud I said, “My par­ ents were killed in a plane crash. They left me without a penny, but I’ll get along. Well, happy voyage!” Hugh’s dark eyes held mine so­ berly. Then he leaned over and kissed my hand. We could both hear his sister calling. “Oh, Hughie! Come and close my trunk straps.” Tho Last Mystery Is Solved Victor Quade was standing in the doorway. Had he seen Hugh kiss­ ing my hand? Evidently he bpd, for as Norcross hurried away to his Lady Simon Legree Victor said, “How touching. Did I interrupt something beautiful?” “Hugh was saying good-bye,” “Parting is such sweet sorrow! Going to miss him? And me?” It had come then. Victor was stepping out of my life, I couldn't conceal that I cared, and didn’t try. “Of course I shall miss you—both When people have been through all we have together—” “Exactly, Judy, what’ll you do with the old church?" I shrugged, “Sell it if I can, I sup­ pose.” “Will I’ll buy mystery mosphere. Do you know short-hand? My heart gave a great bound. “No, but I could learn.” you? That’s what I hoped, it. Grand place to write stories. .So full of — of at- In Toronto A Modem Hotel Convenient •— Economical Rate Single Special Weekly and Monthly Bates Write for Folder. Hotel .HHaturhg CHAPTER XXX What Potter was saying about the gun as he stood off from shore in the boat didn’t make sense to me. Later Victor couldn’t tell in the dark basement whether it had been discharged, and therefore — though it would have been damning evi­ dence against Lane if found by the supposed body of Brown — was a risky weapon to heeve found on him­ self. He’d locked the chest Lane's body, before the gun. But Lily Kendall the rocks near the just as Victor had; kept still about it, while Lily show­ ed her suspicion. In a way it was my fault, for if I hadn't made Vic­ tor go down and hunt for Bessie’s key after our rehash of the auction, Lily might not have come upon Pot­ ter trying to retrieve the gun. “And she thought it Was yours, Qade,” Potter was saying. “She told me to get that revolver. She believed you'l killed Lane had any fear of her to show me she leaned over, a rock I had ready, once and my heart stood still, didn’t scream again. I had cross’ scarf in my bucket, know Whht I did With it, scrammed round the cliff, with he remembered had seen it on Pirate’s Mouth, only Victor'd with it. She never me, when I asked where. But when I struck her with She screamed She Nor­ and you Then I to the i i “Bless you. You’ll have to. But E* A I I JWO’U try to get through this one F&FITierS ATC wFffGCl straight to the machine. Type, can't Y ‘‘After a fashion. Why?” | Obt&lll Seed “Because, now that the police have wound up this case. I want to get busy right away. You remember I my title —- 'Murder on the Bluff’? Not bad, do you think?” “Not good either. Net distinctive enough. ‘Murder at Pirate’s Head’ doesn’t sound so—so much as if it had been used before.” Victor’s hands gave a loud clap, "I knew it. You’ll be invaluable to me. You will help me, won’t you? Mrs. Gerry’ll have to get, a new hos­ tess. We’ll turn the church into a studio, Trailer always annoyed me; so much in it. A man likes to pace : while he writes.” “I’d love to help you, Mr. Quade.” “Why Mister me now, aftei’ all we’ve been through, Judy? Vide, my friends call me—Vidor Quinn," “You’ll always be Victor to me,” I said, and saw how pleased he look­ ed. “This case will write itself,” he said, “all but one thing. What did Potter do with the gun—throw it into the sea ly think so. vous about guessed at.” “Wait,” I said, recalling the green bead near the hollow stump. The bead had been in the mixed string which had caught on Potter’s button when we were going over i the auction, and I remember that | he’d only run for the Eleanoi’ after, he’d started tearing down toward the willow. As the idea clicked 1. got Victor to hunt down t... __ . We searched thoroughly and found i ------- -----------Lane’s revolver hidden in the hoi-1 The sowing of clean seed is the low stump. The little green bead/ir3t step in profitable farming and must have clung to his coat by the the first step in weed control, Mr. broken strand and dropped when he (MacLeod declares, bent to toss the gun from his pocket. “That,” Victor said, ‘‘fixes every­ thing. Potter was afraid to hurl this into the sea lest he miss again or have some one see him.” “.Everything prints . he left pact. I didn't “Naturally,” the second time? Hard- He seemed pretty ner-x those fingerprints 1 Now Do not leave this important work until next spring, advises J. D. Mac­ Leod .of Ontario Dept, of Agriculture In yiew of the present situation in Europe, it is of vital importance that every effort be made to increase crop production, particularly crops which are necessary for the susten­ ance of those'actively engaged in the defense of the Empire, says J. D. McLeod, Crops, Seeds and Weeds Branch, Ontario Department of Ag­ riculture. 1 Ontario farmers have a duty to perform, that of making a special effort to produce more bushels per acre than has been customary in the past. It is possible to do this with­ out increasing materially the.,, costs of production by maintaining and building up soil fertility; adopting greater efficiency of implements and labor; better cultural practices and by sowing the very best seed obtain­ able. Fanners are urged to make sure that they have their 1940 seeding requirements on hand. 'Clean and grade a sufficient amount of seed for your own use. Do not leave important work until youi* bins low. Do it now! If you sufficient or suitable ' own, purchase high from youi' neighbor. ' • "-f- 1 I~7 .1,. W Exrtrr ©tmta-Aitoncatr JEaVa-bJishefl 1873 and at Exeter, Ontario Published every Thursday morning SUBSCRIPTION—~$2.0i0 per year in advanceRATES—Farm or Real Estate ter aale 50 c. each Insertion for first four insertions, 25 c. each subee- fluent insertion. Miscellaneous ar­ ticles To Rept. Wanted, Lost, OT Found 10c. per line of six words. Reading notices 10c. per line. Card of Thanks 50o. Legal ad­ vertising 12 and 8c. per Hpe. la Memorial, with one verse 50c. extra verses 25c. each. Member of The Canadian Weekly Newspaper Association per line. Professional Cards GLADMAN & STANBURY (F. W. Gladmmn) BARRISTER, SOLICITOR, &c Money to Loan, Investments Made Insurance Safe-deposit Vaults for use of our Clients without charge EXETER and HE NS ALL this are gothave not seed of your quality seed . x . _ This should the path lbe done wllile Prices areu'easonable and before there is a scarcity. CARLING & MORLEY BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, *c LOANS, INVESTMENTS, INSURANCE Office: Carling Block, Mfoin Stree*. EXETER. ONT. us Up Potter We didn’t unfolding paralyzed, until it must it, man!” begged De said not a word, boat was almost upon reigned at Pirate’s Head, answered a million ques- that it did any good, came from everywhere.i I again for a moment, bubbles floated on the water. “Better so,” Victor said. “He’s paid his debt to society,” Hugh said. “ ‘Vengeance is mine! said the Lord,’ ” murmured De Witt. It was aunt Nella who brought us down to earth with, “Lookit! — what he done to Wylie’s nice boat!” The police boat came chugging up aftei' it was all over. From then on confusion I think I tions, not People Aunt Nella found herself swamped, for the rest of the summer. True, some of her guests left the .Head— the Norcrosses and Mr. De Witt, but others came to take their place. Pi­ rate’s Head had become famous. And the newspapers! Why our skull-and-cross bones pennant, flar­ ed grimly on the front pages from Boston to Los Angeles. Parker had been a pretty big man, out West, while Lily Kendall’s connection with Gloria Lovelace, the beautiful and beloved movie star, lent glamour to tho horrible story. But the town had to bury Roddy Lane! Bessie Norcross, despite all that had happened grew sentimental. She wanted to take charge of the funer­ al. Hugh wouldn’t let her. “Judy,” he said to me, the night before they left, “she’s headed for another breakdown right this mom­ ent. I’m taking her off on a cruise so she can’t make a fool of herself here. When we get back—and this has all died down — there’s some­ thing I want to ask you. Will you write me, dear?” Poor Hugh, With that sister of his he'd never have a chance to ask a girl anything. It was the second time he'd called me dear, “1’11 ans­ wer all your letters/ I said. “Did It ever occur to you to wake up and live yourself? Let Bessie quilt?” “She. has nobody but me.”"Neither have I.” I hadn’t meant j Spadina Ave. at College St A. M, Powell President p [1 n n t] ci © except the finger­ in my powder com- see any.” and how his teeth gleamed as Victoi’ grinned at “Bless you! There wasn’t any.” - THE E'ND a me. | Clean seed should be a bright, I plump, uniform sample, pure as to variety, free from all foreign matter, including seeds of other cultivated crops, diseased grains, small shrunk­ en grains and weed seeds. The man who sows weed seeds is his own worst enemy and is ing down a job for his children •his grandchildren. Weeds lower yields; the quality of crops; market value’ of crops and the value if farms; they add to the costs of production; they crowd out cultivat­ ed crops; they rob the soil of plant Dr. G. F. Roulston, L.D.S..D.D.S. DENTIST Office: Carling Block EXETER. ONT. dosed Wednesday Afternoons lay- and the the big beg- food and moisture; they prevent the “Well, lady, it’s the .'farmers from following a proper ro- Housewife: “Why should strong man like you be out ging?” Hobo: _______ ____ — .. __ only profession I know where a'tation; they attract injurious insects gentleman can address a beautiful,and fungus diseases. Some weeds and woman like you without an intro- weed seeds are poisonous to live- duction.” j stock. E Magazines for [BOYS $ GIRLS Here’s the thrifty, economical way to subscribe y for this newspaper and your favorite magazines at prices that are really sensational. These offers are good either for new or renewal orders. It will pay you to look them over and send us the coupon TODAY - BIG FAMILY OFFER - This Newspaper, 1 Year, and Any Three Magazines MAGAZINES - ENCLOSE WITH ORDEBCHECK THREE Maclean’s Magazine, 1 yr. National Home Monthly, 1 yr. Chatelaine Magazine, 1 yr. Canadian Home Journal, 1 yr. Canadian Horticulture & Home Magazine, 1 yr. [] [] [] Cl (1 fl Rod & Gun, 1 yr. American Boy, 8 mos. Parents’ Magazine, 8 mos. Home Arts (Needlecraft), 1 yr. American Fruit Grower, 1 yr. Christian Herald, fl mos. ALL FOUR ONLY 3.oo ---------SUPER-VALUE OFFER--------- This Newspaper, 1 Year, and One Magazine Group A, Two Magazines Group B GROUP A—-Select 1 13 Maclean’s Magazine, 24 issues, 1 yr. f] National Home Monthly, 1 yr. C3 Chatelaine Magazine, 1 yr. [ ] Canadian Home Journal, 1 yr. 13 Canadian Horticulture & Home Magazine, 1 yr. 13 Rod & Gun, 1 yr. [ 3 American Boy, 8 mot. [ 3 Barents’ Magazine, 6 mos. t ] Home Arts (Needlecraft), 1 jt. [ ] American Fruit Grower, 1 yr. [ ] Liberty Magazine, 1 yr. [ ] .Collier’s Magazine, 1 yr. [ ] True Story Magazine, 1 jnr. [ ] Red Book Magazine, 1 yr. [ ] Woman's Home Companion, 1 yr< [ ] Parents* Magazine, 1 yr. [ ] Silver Screen, 1 yr. [ 3 Christian Herald, 1 yr, [ j Screenland Magazine, 1 yr. t J Open Road (for Boys), 1 yr# [ ] McCall’s Magazine, 1 yr. [ J Magazine Digest, 8 mos. C3 American Magazine, 1 yr. ONLY ONE SELECTION FROM GROUP “A” IS PERMITTED ALL FOUR ONLY 3’5 These Offers fill OUT COUPON • MAIL TOO AY ■ ■ Please clip list of magazines after checking ones desired. Fill out coupon carefully. Gentlemen: I enclose I am check­ ing below the offer desired. With a year’s sub­ scription to your paper. [ ] SUPER-VALUE [ ] BIG FAMILY Name Post Office ... R.R................... Province................................. Dr. H. H. COWEN, L.D.S.,D,DS, DENTAL SURGEON Office opposite the Post Office, Main Street, Exeter Office 36w Telephones Rea. 3<J Closed Wednesday Afternoons ARTHUR WEBER LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIAIZTY PRICES REASONABLE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Phone {57-13 Dashwood R- R. No. 1, DASHWOOD FRANK TAYLOR LICENSED AUCTIONEER For Huron and Middlesex FARM SALES A SPECIALTY Prices Reasonable and Satisfaction Guaranteed • EXETER P. O. or RING 138 USBORNE & HIBBERT MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY Head Office, Exeter, Ont. President ............. JOHN Kirkton, R. R. Vice-President .... JOHN Dublin, Ont. HACKNEY 1 MCGRATH DIRECTORS W.. H„ COATES ................... Exeter ANGUS SINCLAIR ...... Mitchell, R. 1 WM. HAMILTON .... Cromarty, R. 1 T. BALLANTYNE ... Woodham, R. 1 , AGENTS JOHN ESSERY ................. Centralia ALVIN L. HARRIS ... Mitchell R. 1 THOS. SCOTT .....................Cromarty SECRETABY-TREASURER B. W. F. BEAVERS ----- --- - Exeter GLADMAN & 3TANBURY Solicitors, Exeter Lumber Shingles Our Prices are the Lowest they have been for several years. If you are building it will pay you to call and get prices. Just think Matched Lumber at $35.00 per M. feet A. J. CLATWORTHY Phone 12 Granton We Deliver DEAD LIVESTOCK Phone Exeter 235, Collect DAY DR NIGHT SEVEN DAVS A WEEK Our drivers are equipped to shoot old or crippled animals DARLING and Co. of Ganado, Ltd. CHATHAM, ONT.