Loading...
The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1943-05-27, Page 7TO NEW SERIAL STORY • •• SYNOPSIS Harley Longstreet, member qt De­ Witt & Longstreet, brokers, and host tn n Party celebrating hia en­ gagement to Cherry Browne, actress dies op trolley frpm poison scratch­ es ipto his hapd by a needle-pierced cprk in his pocket. De Witt, his wife Fern and daughter Jeanne, her fian­ ce Christopher Lord, Cherry’s vaude­ ville friend of DeWitt, Latin, and Irishman, At the carbarn Inspector Thumm ex­ amines them, the other passengers, the conductor, Charles Wbod 2101, Who says he has often [Longstreet and DeWitt on his and the motorman Guineas No. Thumm had had DeWitt; partner, sums of each Pollux, AhqRrn, friend Imperials, middle-aged Michael Collins, brawny are Longstreet’s guests. No, seen car, 4Q9,‘ Il z THE EXEJER TIMES-ADVPCATE, THURSDAY MQMBHP, MAY ?70>, 1943 who corroborates him. learns later that Longstreet - an affair with Mrs. Fern that he had a hold on his frequently demanding large money from him. Indeed member of the party seems to hold some grievance against Longstreet Drury Lane, retired Shakespearean actor, is helping Thumm and D. A. Bruno, Lane, who says he thinks he knows the murderer, refers to him as Mr. X, but refuses to name him, The three go to the W'eehawken Fer­ ry one evening in answer to an un­ signed letter purporting to be from somebody on the fatal trolley. About midnight, as a ferry boat comes into the slip, there is great commotion. Lane and Bruno push forward-. “Man overboard,” rings the -cry. “They say he fell from the top deck,” ex­ plains a ferryman. The men find De­ Witt on his way home. The four go to the top deck. “Something rummy here,” says Thumm. ‘“The body was dragged across the deck. It might be murder.” The crushed body of the ' man is hauled on the deck. The visor of his cap bears the metal nuJnber 2101—Third Ave. Railways. His identification card is signed Charles Wood. “The writer of the letter,” cries Thumm, “the conductor of the murder car!” told of strolling forward through the cabin when the body hurled past the window. The othei- two were young girls, office workers, returning from seeing a show. When Bruno, Lane and DeWitt went back to the stationmaster's of­ fice, Inspector Thumm glared at DeWitt. ‘‘W|hen did you get aboard the Mohawk tonight?” “I took the 11:30 boat,” said De­ Witt. ‘-Were ypu pn the upper passen­ ger - deck during any part pf the ten-minute ride across the river?” asked Thumm, “Suspicious again Inspector? No” “Did you see Conductor Wood during the trip?” “No.” “If you had seen him, would you have recognized him?” ‘‘I think so.” Thumm produced a paper pack­ et of matches, ripped one away, struck it and lit his cigarette most ■carefully,"’*In all the times you’ve seen Wood on his car, did you aver speak to him?” “Of course not.” DeWitt seemed amused. ’’When I stepped on the ferry you were just leaving. You certainly knew an accident had occurred Weren’t you curious enough to stay' and find out what had happened?" “No. I was tired, anxious to get home,” “DeWitt, do you smoke?” “Cigars,” he said slowly. “Have you any with you?” ■Silently DeWitt produced a leath­ er cigar-case, neatly initialed in gold, and handed it to the Inspec­ tor. Thumm pulled the top away and, taking out one of three cigars, examined it minutely. On the cigar was a gilt band lettered J. O. DeW. “Private “Yes. “Have of these or anywhere else? “Certainly not. “That’s fine, DeWitt,” chortled Thumm. “Because I found one of your special-brand, initial-bairded cigars in the vest pocket of the dead man!” At that moment two men ap­ peared at the door, led by a police captain. The newcomers were Patrick Guin­ eas, who had driven the street-car in which Longstreet had been mur­ dered, and a lean old man, who said brand, DeWitt?” May I ask: What of it?” you ever offered Wood one cigars—on the street-car NOW GO ON- WITH THE STORY chorus of assent, see look anything else— at the face as it each other doubt- “Everybody see the same thing?” There was a “Anybody maybe get a fell past?” They looked at fully. “Very well. Jonas! Take their names, occupations and addresses.” The detective stepped into the midst of the group. After Havemeyer came a ferry boot-black, then !Mrs. Mar­ tha Wilson, returning from work as scrubwomen in a Times Square of­ fice-building. The fourth was a large dapper man, Henry Nixon, -dressed in a shrieking checked suit. An iti­ nerant salesman of cheap jewelry, he he was Peter Hicks, ferryman on the New York side. Guipess glanced at Wood's re* mains, swallowed convulsively and mumbled: “It's Charley, all right.” “Hicks, got anything to offer about Wood’s m.ovepients tonight?” Thumm asked, The ferryman nodded. “Around ha’ past ten, Charley comes into the ferry terminal and we gabbled a spell as usual,” “You’re sure of the time—10-.30?” “Sure I’m sure,, Ferries run on Schedule, Charley was carryin’ his bag, and I asked him if he’d beep in town the night before as per usual—y’see, sometimes he stayed over in the City—but po, he says, it was jest a second-hand bag he’d bought on his off-time today; handle of the old one’d broke. And—” “Wihat kind of a hag was it?” de­ manded-Thumm. Hicks pursed his lips. “Jest one o’ these cheap black handbags you qan buy for a buck anywhere. Square, kind of-’’ Thumm motioned to Detective Peabody. "See if any of the pas­ sengers have bags like -Hicks de­ scribes. And get a search started on the Mohawk for a bag of that Have the boys on the search the been thrown or [jifeu Roll Them Better With"] OGDEN'SZ c/gabtttt tobacco water— fallen Drury Wood description, police boat might have overboard. As Peabody strolled out, Lane said: “Hicks, was smoking a -cigar while you chatted?” Hicks’ eyes widened at this ap- paritional inquisitor, but he replied: “Yes. Matter of fact, I asked Char­ ley for one. Them Cremos he smoked sorta appealed to me. But he said: ‘I’m all out, Pete. I’m smok­ in’ my last one.” “Smart question at that Mr. Lane” said Thumm grudgingly, DeWitt sat in his chair as if turn­ ed to stone. From his eyes, it was doubtful whether he had even heard the exchange of questions and swers, “Guiness,” said Thumm, “do know where Wood lived?” “In a rooming-house in Weehaw­ kin—2075 Boulevard.” “Any relatives?”, z “He wasn’t married and he never said a word about kin.” “Here’s another thing,” put in Hicks. “When Charley and me were talkin’, all of a sudden he points to a little geezer that gets out of a -cab all bundled up and buys a ferry­ ticket. Charley says to me that little guy was a broker, John Witt, the fellow mixed up in murder on Charley’s car.” “What!” roared Thumm. say this was around 10:30?” glared down at’DeWitt, roused now and was sitting, forward, hands gripping the arms of the chair. "Go on, Hicks! Did DeWitt see Wood? an- you “Reckon not. He stuclc in a cor­ ner, all by blmselL As the ferry boat came in Ue went through the gate and Charley says good-bye and goes in too/* Thumm pushed by the ferryman to the broker. “Hicks, is this the man Wood pointed out to you?” Hicks stretched his attenuated neck, “Yep,” “Good enough. You two stairs unff wait tor me,” turned, to DeWitt and “Now, suppose you explain were seen boarding the 10; 45 ferry, yet a while ago you said 11:30/’ DeWitt made a sorry smile. “Yes, gentlemen, 10:45 boat.” “Why’d you lie, Thumm shouted. “That,” said DeWitt quietly, “I must refuse to explain. I had an. appointment with someone on the 10:45 boat, but the matter was strictly personal and had nothing to do with this ghastly business/’ “If the appointment was for the 10:45 boat, why were you on until 11:40?” “The person I was waiting for did not show up, I remained for four trips, suspecting a delay. At 11:40 I decided to go home.” Thumm snickered, “Who were you waiting for?” “I’m sorry/’ Bruno wagged his finger at De­ Witt, “You are placing yourself in a most peculiar position. You must realize your story is very thin. Un­ der the circumstances we can’t ac­ cept it without specific information.” DeWitt stared at the wall. “Well,” said the Inspector argu­ mentatively, “maybe you’ll tell us how the appointment was made. Any record of it?” “It was made over the phone this morning at my office. My operators keep no record of incoming calls.” “You knew the person who called you?” DeWitt remained silent. * Thumm grasped Bruno’s arm and arched him to a corner. The two men conferred in heating whispers. Drury Lane sighed and closed his eyes. At this moment Peabody returned from the w4aiting-room with a group in tow and detectives brought in five cheap, black handbags. “Here are some, bags like you described.” grinned Peabody, ious owners.” Thumm opened the scrubwoman (raged little gasp. go down Thumm growJDff: how you it was tjies attempt to I took th® DeWitt?" "and their anx- the De- the “You He who had NATIONAL SELECTIVE SERVICE one of the bags* uttered an out- ___ _ _ Thumm pulled out a bundle of soiled working­ clothes and a lunch-box. On the next bag, the. jewelry salesman stepped forward; It contained sev­ eral cardboard trays covered with cheap trinkets and a pad of order blanks with the man’s name im­ printed. The next bag revealed a pair of dirty old trousers and some tools. Thumm looked up and saw the Mohawk pilot regarding him ■anxiously. "Yours?” “Yes, sir.” The fourth contained a dockwork­ er’s change of clothing and a lunch­ box; the other, three baby-diapers, a half-filled nursing-bottle, a pack­ et of safiety-pins, and a little blan­ ket. They belonged to a young cou­ ple with a sleeping infant. Thumm whirled on himself like a furious dog chasing his own tail. “I’m going over to Wood’s -rooming­ house with some of the boys, Bruno.” (To be continued) Second Compulsory Employment Transfer Order Notice to Certain. Employers and .Employees that men in specified. lines of civilian employment, in classes already designated under National Selective Service Mobilisfatiori Regulations, must report for interview not later than June 15th, 1943, at anfEmploynicnt and Selective Service Office. A. Objective: Thijs Second Order makes available for essential employments the ser­ vices of men in classes already designated under National Selective Service Mobilization Regulations, who arc now employed in Speci­ fied non-essential employments. B. EMPLOYMENTS COVERED' by Tins ORDER: Men, of ll.ic specified categories, arc covered if now employed at: (1) Any occupation in or associated with retail stores; (2) any occupation in or associated with thq manufacturing of feathers, plunici and artificial IloWftrS) chewing guni; wiricj lacc goods; greeting cards; jewelry; (3) any Occupation In or (associated With distilling alcohol for Leverage; (4) 'any occupation iii ot- asso­ ciated with the factory’ production of statuary arid art goods; (5) any occupa­ tion in the operation of ice cream parlours rind Soda fountains; (6) any of the follow­ ing Occupations: bus boys; charmcri rind cleaners; custom furriers; daheing teachers; dish washers; doormen and starters; greens keepers; grounds keepers; porters (other than. in tailway train ser­ vice) ; private ehnuffeurs. C. AGE-. AND MARITAL CLASSES OF MEN COVERED BY THIS ORDER: («) ’Every man born in any year from 1917 to-1924 (inclusive') who has reached ago 19i (6) riVcry mart born from 1902 to 1916 (lhehisive), who, nt July 15, 1940, .waS unmarried^ oh divorced Or judicially separated, or n widower without child or children; (c) every man born from 1902 to 1916 (inclusive) who has become a Ulen referred to Oiboha ntusl presbhi documents tit iltti einploytitOnt Office, indicating coniplionce tbith ItfoirillxtittOh ReghldtidiiS ■widower since July 15, 1940, and Is Without child or children now living? (d) every man born front 1902 to 1916 (inclusive) who, since July 15, 1940, has been divorced or judicially separated. D. Procedure to be Followed.: All men as defined above mi^t report to an Employment and Selective Service Office not later than June 15th, 1943. Men resident outside a city or town having tin Employment and Selective Service Office, too far removed to call per­ sonally, may write to the nearest office, and await further directions. E. OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYEES: When directed to accept employment, men referred to in Paragraphs B and 0 above arc required by the Regulations to follow the direction, F. OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS: It Will be illegal for an employer to retain in his employ after June 15th, 1943, any meh referred to In Paragraphs B and C above, unless a special permit has been obtained from Selective Service. 0. Transportation: Provision will be made for transportation of men moved to a new place of residence. 11. Appeals: If objecting to transfer to other employment When directed, a man may enter appeal with a Court of Referees within 7 days. , I. Penalties: Penalties arc provided for either employer or employees failing to comply with this Order. J. Authority: This Order is issued by the Minister of Labour under National Selective Service Civilian Regulations (P.C. 246 of January 19th. 1943,.and amending Orders in Council). K. This Second Order is Additional to First Order: Employments listed in Para­ graph B above, declared non-essential in this Second Order, arc additional to the non- essential employments contained in the First Order. The First Order, issued on May 4th, 1943, required compliance by May 19th oil the part of employees designated under Mobilization Regulations, and also of their employers, in the following, lines of work:— (/) taverns or liquor, wine and beer stores; (2) retail sale of Candy, confectionery, :o- baCCO, books, Stationery, news; (J) barber shops and beauty parlours; (4) retail.and wholesale florists; (5) service stations (gaso­ line-filling stations'); (6) retail sale of motor vehicles or accessories; (7) retail sale of sporting goods or musical instruments; (d) waiter, taxi driver, elevato'r operator, hotel bell boy, domestic Servant; (9) any occupa­ tion in or directly associated with entertain- meat, Including but not restricted to theatres, flint agencies, motion picture coni panics, clubs, bowling alleys, pool rooms; (10) any occupation in Or directly associated with dyeing, cleaning, and pressing (not including laundry work); baths; guide service; shoe shirting. ,w**'i5 "I HUMwntRY MrrcnF.Lt, Minister of Labour A. MacNamaiu, Director National Selective Service CENTRALIA PRECISION SQUAD PARADE TO NEW COMMAND While hundreds o£ Londoners braved a steady drizzle to view the parade and ceremony, Sqdn. Ldr. J. M. Roberts, -officer commanding No. 9 R.C.AF. Recruiting Centre at London on Friday, handed the com­ mand of the centre to Sqdn. Ldr. Harold Weasley, of Wondsor, Sqdn. Ldr. Roberts will take command of the JI.C.A.-F. (Recruiting Centre at North’13 ay. The R.C.A.F. Kiltie Pipe Band, accompanied by a precision squad of the Women’s Division from No. 9 Service Flying Training School, Cen­ tralia, marked the ceremony with a parade through the downtown sec­ tion at noon. Led by tli© band, the precision squad paraded south from Richmond and Central avenue to Dundas then east to a saluting base on Dttndas street in front of the Bell Building, where Sqdn. Ldr. Roberts took the salute. The recruiting centre staff also paraded for the occasion. Among those at the reviewing base were Whig Cmdr. Hoyden Foley retiring supervisory officer at No. 4 A.O.S., Crumlin; Wing Cmdr, W. IL Kingsland, new supervisory officer; Sqdn. Ldr. Wensley; Mayor Heaman, who tendered a civic welcome to the new C.O., and other R.C.A.F. offic­ ers. After the formality of “handing over” the command was completed, the W.D. precision squad porlormcd a precision demonstration with a smartness and unity that drew plau­ dits from the crowd, dpi. James -Ross | of London, was iii charge of the Kil­ tie band. ckhad 50BUS2E UlT.Y0’1^ , the bo®e’ - ' XouF also Pu\y rayet “ t m SaV^ welb fend bi® sate already tb a,s fast carry wheels carry -.—than let- food fot y°uc furnace* you to heat • • * he wants to ■yoU - ( mailed tt might L- ^“^leeding S-y -heels ca° ®S°te more—111 , They carC^ r n«V for yo“c p 7 Ml tirelessly They r°u u Borrowing Termers all over Canada—grain growers,stock raisers, dairymen, fruit growers, vegetable gardeners, poultry­ men—all kinds of farmers—are forcing production, fighting hard Carly and late to supply the enormous quantities of products demanded in the greatest of all wars. In this ‘“Survival war” food plays a tremendous parr, and the farmer is the dependable supplier, to and tnateri4s « fte^OBa. aU of us ^y a day T^eoty-fo'11. jelling, railway whe:1Sa”y of driven by s’£«ng 15O,000 , major ftoj1, {rent, and the their “K^ ’T whether h's watr Ttatks or hoops. oc fuel, to yooc OI just your boy •• • AVOW hoUDAYS whom armed forces and civilians alike must look. The extra demands on farm production mean extra financing. The Bank of Montreat ready always to Co* operate with agriculture, is making special efforts at this time to help the farmer produce food fot Canada and the United Nations. If you need to borrow, see our nearest branch mana* ger, who will understand your problems.■ * 4 » 3 B a N K » “A BANK WHERE SMALL ACCOUNTS ARE WELCOME” ■MODERN, EXPERIENCED BANKING SERVICE...........the 'Outcome of W Years’ Sutwsfal Opt ratios, Exeter Branch: W. J. FLOYD, Manager