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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1938-03-17, Page 6'■•v & ’ '.I *' 4 f SIX WINGHAM ADVANCE-TIMES S’ Thursday, March 17th, 1938 jfy S.S. Van Dine © AUTOCASTER SYNOPSIS ■During the night Kaspar Kenting was kidnapped. Philo Vance, with District Attorney Markham go to the Kenting home there to meet Sergeant Heath of the Homicide Bureau, Ken­ yon Kenting and Mrs. Kenting, the brother and wife of the kidnapped man. Present also is Eldridge Fleel, the Kenting family attorney. The first evidence casts some doubt as to the genuineness of the crime. Vance examines Weems, the Kenting butler. Further search shows that Kaspar probably did not go down the ladder found outside the house. Vance re­ examines Kenyon Kenting first, then Mrs. Kenting’s mother Mrs. Falloway and her son, Fraim. He learns little but notes an undercurrent of hostil­ ity among these members of the strange inhabitants of the Purple House. ** * “Before we go, sir,” Vance said, “we wish to speak with you for a mo­ ment in the den. There are one or two points with which I feel you may lie able to help us . . . Do you mind? The lawyer rose with alacrity. In the den Fleel seated himself. with an easy, confident air and wait­ ed. for Vance or Markham to speak. "Mr. Kenting tells us,” Vance be­ gan, "that his brother demanded a large sum of money recently, to meet his debts, and that, when the demand was refused, Kaspar went to you as one of the executors of the estate.” "That is quite correct,” Fleel re­ sponded. “I, too, refused the demand; for, to begin with, I did not entirely believe the story Mr. Kaspar Kent­ ing told me. He has cried Svolf” so .often.” “Did Mr. Kaspar see you person­ ally?” "No, he did not. He called me on the telephone,” Fleel replied. "Frank­ ly, I didn’t ask him for any details other than those he “volunteered, and I was rather brusque with him ... I might say that Kaspar has been a trying problem to the executors of the estate.” • '"Despite which,” continued Vance, “I imagine his brother, as well as you yourself, will do everything pos­ sible to get him back, even to meet­ ing the terms of the ransom note. .'Am I right?” “I see nothing else to be done,” the • lawyer said without enthusiasm. | “Mrs. Kenting has informed us that, of us. mo- up, you the he said, bowed stiffly make of that amount, and dis­ tance?” do in asked in a gruff, lowered chance, one of never see him yop think feels Mr. Kaspar?’’ early hours of this morning, and that he became angry. I wonder if it _could have been you lie called again.” “Yes, damn it!” he lawyer return­ ed with stern bitterness. “It wag I. He woke me up some time after three and became very vituperative when I refused to alter my previous decis­ ion..” "By the by, Mr. Fleel," — Vance looked frankly at the man—“just how large a sum did Kaspar Kenting ask you for?” "Tpo large an amount even to have been considered,” returned the law­ yer. "He asked for thirty thousand dollars,” “Thirty thousand,” Vance repeated. "That’s very interestin’.” He rose lazily to his feet and straightened his clothes. "That will be all for the ment, Mr. Fleel," Fleel stood left the den. "What crepancy Markham tone. “My dear Markham!" Vance shook his head solemnly. "There are many I things we cannot make anything of * at the present moment. One never knows — does one? — at this stage of the game. Perhaps young Kaspar, having failed with his brother, reduc­ ed the ante, as it were, in approaching Fleel, thinking he might get better results at the lower figure. Howev­ er, let’s commune with the butler be­ fore we toddle on.” Vance went to the door and open-* ed it. Just outside stood Weem, bend, ing slightly forward, as if he had been eavesdropping. "See here, Weem,” Vance halted him. "Step inside a moment,” he said with an amused smile. “You can hear better; and, anyway, there are one or two questions we’d like to put to you. The man turned, back with a word and entered the den sulkiness. “Weem, how long the Kenting butler?” “Going on three years,1 surly response. “Three years,” repeated Vance thoughtfully. "Good . . . Have you any ideas, Weem, as to what happen­ ed here .last night?” Vance reached in his pocket for his cigarette case. “No, sir; none whatever,” the but­ ler returned, wifhout looking at any “But nothing would surprise with an air of have you been asked Vance, was the Kaspar.” "Are you, by any them?” "I’d just as soon again.” “And who else do the same way about "Mrs. Falloway and young Mr. Fal­ loway have no love for him, sir. And even ,Mrs. Kenting herself has had more than enough of him, I think. She and Mr. Kenyon are very good friends—and there never wa§ any great love between the two brothers . , . Mr. Kaspar is a very difficult man to get along with—he is very unreas­ onable. He’s the kind of man that strikes his wife when he has had too much to drink,—” “I think that will be all,” Vance broke in sharply. “You’re an unspeak­ able gossip, Weem." He turned away with a look of keen distaste, and the butler shuffled from the roonf without any sign of displeasure or offense, "Come, Markham,” said Vance. “Let’s get out into the air. I don’t like it in this house—I don’t at all like it.” Vance stopped at the drawing­ room door, bade the occupants a brief farewell; and a minute later we were descending the outside steps of the house into the • noonday sunshine of the street. We entered the District Attorney’s car and drove toward Central Park. When we had almost reached the corner of Central Park West, Vance leaned forward suddenly and, tapping the chauffeur on .the shoulder, re­ quested him to stop at the -entrance to the Nottingham Hotel. "Really, y‘ know, Markham,” said as he stepped out of the car, think it might be just as well if paid a little visit to the as-yet-un- known Mr. Quaggy. Hes a .gentle-1 bedecked in your evenin’ togs, man of means and a gentleman of lAnd your pumps are a bit muddy. It leisure, as well as a gentleman of noc-1 hasn’t rained since yesterday, don’t tumal habits. He may be at home, j know. Offhand, I’d say you’d been don t y* know . . . But I think wed|§itt|ji* up all night.” better go directly to his apartment “iSn't that my privilege?” without apprising him of the visit by “Did you go to the Kenting house being announced.” . ;with Mr. Kenting?” asked Vance. We had no difficulty in obtaining i "No; our cab came down Central the number of Quaggy’s apartment j Park West, and I got out here. I and being taken up in the elevator wish now I had gone with him. He without an announcement In answer to our ringing, the door was opened by a generously proportioned Negro woman. "We want to see Mr. Quaggy.” “I don’t think Mr. Quaggy—” she began in a tremulous voice. “Never mind what you think,” Aunt Jemima.” Heath cut her short. “Is your boss here, or isn’t he?" He flashed his badge. “We're from the police.” “Yes, sir; yes, sir. He’s here.'* The woman was completely cowed by this time. “He’s in the sittin’-room, over yonder.” The Sergeant brushed past her to the archway at the end of the foyer, toward which she waved her arm. Mark'ham, Vance and I followed: him* ' As we entered, a haggard, dissipat­ ed-looking man of about forty rose from a low lounging chair in one cor­ ner of the room. He seemed both surprised and resentful at our intrus­ ion. He was unmistakably the gamb­ ler type—that is, the type one sees habitually at gaming houses and the race-track. “Forgive our unceremonious entry, “You’re • Mr. Porter Quaggy, I be­ lieve ?” “What if I am? I don’t understand why you—” “You will in a moment, sir,” Vance broke in ingratiatingly. And he in­ troduced himself, as well as Mark­ ham and' Heath and me. “We have just come from the Kentings’ down the street," he went on. “A calamity took place there early this morning, and we understand from Mrs. Kaspar Kenting that Mr. you last night.” Quaggy’s eyes slits. “Has anything par?" “We’ll get to that later,” Vance re­ plied. “Tell me, what time did. you and Mr* * Kenting get home last night?" “Who he came , “Mrs. you and to the openin last night, and that Mr. Kenting re­ turned somewhere around three in the morning.” "Even if it is true, what of it?” "Nothing— really nothing of any importance,” murmured Vance. “Just lookin’ for information. I note you’re in your evenin’ togs. Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Established 1840. Risks taken on all classes of insur­ ance at reasonable rates. Head Office, Guelph, Ont. ABNER COSENS, Agent. Wingham. Dy. W. A. McKibbon, B.A. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Located at the Office* of the Late Dr. H. W, Colbome. Office Phone 54.Nights 10? HARRY FRYFOGLE Licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director Furniture and Funeral Service Ambulance Service. Phones: Day 109W. Night 109J. 1 f I 1 Renting was with narrowed to mere happened to Kas- DR. R. L. STEWART*J.W. BUSHFIELD PHYSICIAN Telephone 29. Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, Etc. Money to Loan. Office — Meyer Block, Wingham THOMAS FELLS AUCTIONEER REAL ESTATE SOLD A Thorough Knowledge of Farm Stock. Phone 231, Wingham. Dr. Robt. C. REDMOND M.R.C.S. (England) L.R.C.P. (London) PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON DR. W. M. CONNELL PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Phone 19. J. H. CRAWFORD Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, Etc., Successor to R. Vanstone. Wingham Ontario It Will Pay Yop to Have An EXPERT AUCTIONEER to conduct your sale. See T. R. BENNETT At The Royal Service Station. Phone 174W. he “I we said I was with him when home?” Renting informed us that her husband went together g of a casino in Jersey W. A. CRAWFORD, M.D. Physician and Surgeon Located at the office of the late Dr. J._P. Kennedy. Phone 150. Wingham Kaspar spoke to some one on the' me in this house. There arc too many Heath’s manner was an intimidating telephone when he came home in the people who’d like to get rid of Mr. [ as it was curt. AGED STUDENT, PRISONER, MASQUERADER, MAKE NEWS shown(Mrs. Jane L. Wan* (1'pper I.cft-), 75-year-old Columbus, Ohio, grand­ mother, btlie.es you’re never too old’ to learn. She walks five mile-, four; nights a week to attend classes at! Ohio State university. She was photo-j graphed doing some homework in i ■psychology. California legislature | members, after two days of heated ar- j qismtni, voted a pardon Tom Mooney (Above Left), who hai-. been in San Ourntin prison 22 years fol­ lowing conviction for being implicat­ ed in preparedness day bombing that took fen lives. Mooney has frequent­ ly sought pardon, claiming he was framed. The proposed pardon has no legal standing, however. ‘’George” I Vine of Johnstown, (Above Rightin the clothes of a boy, in which guise she has masquer­ aded since 1021 because her mother already had two daughters and want­ ed a boy, She will be 17 nmtt week and has decided to use her christened name “Catherine” and wear dresses (Above Centre), asked me to—said he was worried, as the devil about something, and want­ ed to put me up for the night. I thought he was stewed, and didn’t pay any attention to him. But after he had gone on, I got to thinking about what he’d said — he’s always getting into trouble of one kind or another — and I walked down there about an hour later. But everything seemed all right. There was a light in Kaspar’s room, and I merely fig­ ured he hadn’t gone to bed yet. So I decided not to disturb him.” . “Did you, by any chance, step info the side yard?” "Just inside the -gate.” "Did you see a ladder anywhere in the court?” “A ladder? No, there was no lad­ der.” “Did you remain there long, Mr. Quaggy?” “No. I came back here and had a drink.” "But you didn’t go to bed, I not- ice, ■ * “It’s every man’s privilege to sit up if he wants to, Isn’t it?” Quaggy ask­ ed coldly. “The truth is, I began to worry about Kaspar.” ' "Was it only Kaspar Kenting that you were thinking about?” Vance in­ quired with a shrewd, fixed look. "I understand you’re a close friend of the family and -are very highly re­ garded by Mrs. Kenting.” "Glad to know it,” muttered the man, meeting Vance’s gaze squarely. "Madelaine is a very fine woman,- and I should hate to see anything happen to her.” "Thanks awfully for the informa­ tion,” murmured Vance. “I think I see your point of view perfectly. Well, your premonitions were quite accurate. Something did happeii to the young gentleman, afld Mrs. Kent­ ing is frightfully distressed.” "Is he all right?” asked Quaggy quickly. “We’re not sure yet The fact is, Mr. Quaggy, your companion of yes- tereve has disappeared—superficial in­ dications pointin’ to abduction.” "The hell you say!” “Oh, yes—quite,” Vance said. "When did this happen?” "Oh, early this morning some time,” Vance informed him. "That’s why we’re here. Thought maybe you .could give us an idea or two?’ know.” Vance was at the archway now, and I was just behind him. Markham and Heath had already preceded us from the room. Vance paused for a moment and looked down at a small conventional desk which stood near the entrance. Quickly he adjusted his monocle and scrutinized the desk. Qn it lay a crumpled piece of tissue pap­ er in the centre of which reposed two perfectly matched dark stones, with a remarkable play of color in them —a pair of black opals! (Continued Next Week) DIABETES A HEALTH SERVICE OF THE CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CANADA Within the body lie certain glands which pour their secretions directly into the blood stream. These secre­ tions are particularly powerful, and any abnormal condition which results in the alteration of one or other of the internal secretions, whether this be in quantity or in quality, gives rise to serious disorder in the body. Situated close to the outlet stomach is the gland known pancreas. The pancreas produces an internal secretion, insulin, which al­ lows the body to digest and use cer­ tain foods. The old idea that in di- human of the as the R. S. HETHERINGTON BARRISTER and SOLICITOR Office. — Morton Block. Telephone No. 66. F. A. PARKER OSTEOPATH All Diseases Treated. Office adjoining, residence next to Anglican Church on Centre St. Sunday by appointment. Osteopathy Electricity Phone 272. Hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the -dia- urine is the fre- there is abetes, or the absence of the normal supply of insulin, the blood turns to water, comes from the fact that one of the first signs noted by betic is that the amount of considerably increased as is quency of voiding. Further, a thirst, which seems impossible to quench, and, in spite of an increasing appetite, there is loss of weight. .Many mild cases of diabetes are de­ tected when apparently well persons present themselves for medical exam­ ination in connection with life insur­ ance, or for a periodic examination. These persons are the fortunate ones, for they are given the chance of ear­ ly treatment and so avoid the dangers that attend the untreated, advanced stage of dihbetes. Before the discovery of insulin, the only treatment for diabetes was diet, and mild crises are still controlled by diet alone. The more advanced cases Eire treated by diet and insulin. In­ sulin, is not a cure for diabetes. It supplies the body with the substance which the: normal pancreas furnishes, and it must be taken regularly, being injected under the skin. Insulin does not replace dieting; it is always used in combination with diet. The diabetic who follows the in­ structions of his dictor with regard to diet and insulin may expect to live a long and useful life. Because he has to take .care of himself, he -may out­ live the non-diabetic. It is not easy to adhere to a diet. This is some­ thing for all of ‘us to remenibcr in our contacts with diabetics; we.should help them, not tempt them, in their adherence to what they have been told and what they know is best for J. ALVIN FOX Licensed Drugless Practitioner CHIROPRACTIC - DRUGLESS THERAPY - RADIONIC EQUIPMENT Hours by Appointment Phone 191. Wingham A. R. & F. E. DUVAL CHIROPRACTORS CHIROPRACTIC and ELECTRO THERAPY North Street —- Wingham Telephone 300. them. Properly used, insulin has allowed to live many who, otherwise, Would have died It has made an active life a reality for many diabetics for whom diet alone had to be so restricted as to leave them weak and incapable of working. Insulin permits the young diabetic to live: before its discovery, the younger patients had but little hope. Every case of diabetes requires* medical supervision in order that his or her particular needs proper attention. * * * Questions concerning dressed to the Canadian sociation, 184 College St., will be answered personally by letter. may receive Health, ad- Medical As- Toronto, GATHER EGGS OFTEN Eggs should be gathered at least twice a daj\ and three times daily is better during.Hot weather. The time of one gathering should be just be­ fore dark or as near to it as practic­ able. This last gathering may not produce a great number of eggs, but since broody hens will commonly search out the nest containing eggs after the day’s laying has ceased, fail­ ure to gather late in the day is a common source of distinct deteriora­ tion. Each gathering should be placed in the coolest part of the cellar if no other cool spot is available, as soon as gathered. Eggs should npt be put into cartons or cases immediately if this can be avoided. The ideal con­ tainer for cooling eggs is a wire tray. A wire basket is the next best, and perhaps the most practical. These bas­ kets are waste paper containers. TRAPPER BAGS WHOLE PACK OF WOLVES IN COCHRA NE AREA Amedee Larosa, Ftenclt Canadian woodsman from Eowbttsh, Ont., ’ Quaggy finished the remainder of clainas he shot or trapped a11 these his glass of whiskey;wolves within a radius td 35 miles of "Sorry, I can’t help you” Ouaggy Cochrane. Once it was worthwhile I’ve told you everything I to spend a winter in the north woodssaid. hunting wolves, he declared. In those days ths bounty was $40 for each. Now it is $20, The man who ran away from an orphanage and started trapping at the ago of 12, scoffs at stories of wolves attacking humhns. The most difficult part of the strug­ gle with them is to thaw out frozen carcasses--and. wait the two months the government takes to forward the bounty cheques.