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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1938-05-12, Page 6WINGHAM ADVANCE-TIMES Thursday, May 12th, 1938 fy S.S,Van Dine of ■for , as on. Business and Professional Directory <g> 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 Mian. Present hlso 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. At this time a ransom note arrives demanding $50,000 and free­ dom from police interference. Vance and Markham consult the Kentings and Fleel, their lawyer. It is decided to allow the police a free hand in dealing with the supposed kidnappers. A dummy package is substituted for the money and then secreted in a tree In Central Park according to instruc­ tions. The police capture a cloaked figure, Mrs. Falloway, who admits to Vance she is really trying to forestall an attempt by her son, Fraim, to get the money. The woman is not held and the real kidnapper’s identity re­ mains a mystery. Immediately after­ ward, Madelaine , Kenting, wife of Kaspar Kenting, also disappears sud­ denly. That night, while walking home, Eldridge Fleel is machine-gun- ■# ned at close range from, a passing automobile but not hurt. Vance sus­ pects a ruse. Heath, Markham and Vance go to Markham’s office and learn that Kaspar Kenting’s body has been found in the East River, While there Kenyon Kenting arrives with a second ransom note as does Fleel who also received a note. Vance ex­ amines both and discovers a cryptic meaning in the Fleel communication. The hidden meaning prompts Vance to investigate further. * $ $ And he tossed it negligently to me with a nod of his head toward Heath. Vance now Stood in the centre of the room, gazing down at the floor, deep in thought as he smoked. “It could be—it could be,” he mur­ mured. And I felt that he was mak­ ing an effort to control himself. “I want to see a detailed may of New York right away.” “On that wall—over there.” Mark­ ham was watching him closely. After a few minutes’ search of the intersecting lines he furned back to Markham with a curious look on his face and heaved a sigh of relief. “Let me see that yellow slip with the official bound’ries of the West­ chester Station post-office district.” Markham, still patiently silent, handed him the paper. Vance took it back to the map with him, and began to trace an imaginary zigzag line with his finger. I heard him enumerating, half to himself: “Pelham, Kingsland, Mace, Gunhill, Bushnell, Hutchinson River ...” » “That’s it! That’s it!” His voice had a peculiar pitch. “I think I have of Heaven had half risen <10 Lord/ mid the found the meaning of that phrase. “What in the name you mean?” Markham from his chair. " 'This year of our numerals. There’s a Lord Street in that outlined section up near Givans Basin—a section of open spaces and undeveloped highways, And the year 19—’ its. ‘ run near 1 and he gave the other two dig- ‘That’s the house number—they in the njneteen-hundreds over the water oh»Lord Street. And, incidentally, I note that the only log­ ical way to reach there is to take the Lexington Avenue subway uptown.” “I’m going with you, Mr. Vance,” Heath said, in a voice that was both stolid and final. “I got a feeling you may be needin’ me. An’ I sorta like' the idea of that address you figured out. Anyhow, I’ll have something to tell my grandchildren about learnin’ how wrong you were.” Vance and I had luncheon at the Caviar Restaurant, and he lingered unconsciously long over his favorite brand, which they always kept for him and brought out ceremoniously when he appeared at that restaurant. We went directly home after he had finished, and Vance spent the en­ tire afternoon in desultory reading in the library. A little before six o’clock Markham came in unexpectedly. “Well, Vance,” he said banteringly, “I suppose you’re still indulging your flair for melodramatic reticence. However, I’ll respect your idiosyncra- cies—with tongue in cheek, of course.” "Most generous of you,” murmured Vance. “I’m overwhelmed . . What good,” said make your assure your situation is i 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, Dr. W. A. McKibbon, B.A. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Located at the Olffice of the Late Dr. H, W. Colbome. Office Phone 54. Nights 107 HARRY FRYFOGLE Licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director Furniture and Funeral Service Ambulance Service. Phones: Day 109 W. Night 109J. DR. R. L. STEWART PHYSICIAN Telephone 29. J, W. BUSHFIELD 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 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. DR. W. M. CONNELL PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Phone 19. --------------------------------------- -------—- R. S. HETHERINGTON BARRISTER and SOLICITOR Office — Morton Block. Telephone No. 66. J. ALVIN FOX Licensed Drugless Practitioner CHIROPRACTIC - DRUGLESS THERAPY - RADIONIC EQUIPMENT Hours by Appointment Phone 191. Wingham W. A. CRAWFORD, M.D. Physician and Surgeon Located at the office of the late Dr.. J. P. Kennedy. Phone 150. , Wingham 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. A. R. & F. E. DUVAL CHIROPRACTORS CHIROPRACTIC and ELECTRO THERAPY North Street — Wingh^m Telephone 300. do you wish to tell me?” “I haven't heard yet from either Fleel or Kenting. . he began. “I rather expected that. bit news?’ Vance rose and, ringing his butler, ordered drinks. Then he resumed his seat, he went “Really, there’s nothing to worry about, They have probably decided to proceed without the bunglin’ as­ sistance of the police this time’—those last notes were0 pretty insistent on that point. Kenting undoubtedly has received his instructions . . By the by, have you tried to communicate with him?” Markham nodded gravely. “I tried to reach him at his office an hour ago, and was told he had gone home. I called him therC, but the butler told me he had -come in and had just gone out without leav­ ing any instructions except that lie would not be home for dinner.” “Very interestin’,” Vance murmur­ ed. “Elusive cliap. Food for thought, Markham. Think it over.” “I also tried to get in touch with Fleel,” Markham continued doggedly. “But he, like Kenting it seems, had left his office earlier than usual to­ day; nor was I able to reach him, at his- home.” “Two missin' men,” commented Vance, “Very sad. But no need to be upset. Just a private matter be­ ing handled privately, I fear. The on­ ly thing left for you is to ring down the curtain temporarily, and bide your time. Incidentally, what are your plans for the, evening?” “I have to get dressed and attend a damned silly' banquet tonight,” grumbled iMarkham. “It’ll probably do you Vance. “And when you speech, you can solemnly bored listeners that the under control, and that developments are expected very soon—or golden words to that effect.” Markham remained a short time longer and then went out. Vance re­ sumed his interrupted reading, x Promptly at halif-past eight the Ser­ geant arrived. “I still think you’re daffy, Mr. Vance,” he said good-naturedly, as he took a long drink of Bourbon. “How­ ever, everything is being attended to.” "If I’m wrong, Sergeant,” said Vance with pretended 'entreaty, "you must never divulge our little secret. The humiliation would be far too great. And I’m waxing old and sensi­ tive.” We went down to the street in sil­ ence—Vance’s instructions fo Currie had struck me as curiously portent­ ous. We got into Vance’s car, which was waiting outside, Heath and I in the toneau and Vance at the wheel. He placed the map on the seat be­ side him and drove on. At the inter­ section of East 177th Street he made a sharp turn to the left. After a few more turns a street sign showed that we were on Bassett Avenue, and Vance continued to the north. At its upper end we found ourselves at a small stretch of water. “I’ve gone a little too far,” Vance informed us. “But I’ll go through to the next avenue—Waring, I think it is—turn south there, and park the car just around the corner fromLord street. The number wq’re looking for should be there or thereabouts.” It took a few minutes to -make the detour, for the roadway was unsuit­ able for automobile t raffic. Vance shut off all his lights as we approach­ ed the corner, and we drove the last half block in complete darkness. The gliding car made no sound under the handling of Vance, even the closing of the doors, as we got out, could not be heard more than a few feet away. We proceeded ’on foot into Lord Street. “It would be on this side of the street,” Vance said, in a low, vibrant voice. “This is the even-number side. My guess is it’s that next two-storey structure, just beyond this vacant lot.” When we stood in front of the small frame dwelling, it seemed par­ ticularly black. There was no light showing at any Oif the windows. Un­ til we accustomed our eyes / to the darkness it looked as if the place had no windows at all. Heath tip-toed up the three sag­ ging wooden stops that led to the narrow front porch and flashed his light close to the door. Crudely painted on the linfel was the number We sought. At One side of the door was an old-fashioned bell-pull with a White knob, and Vance gave it a ten­ tative jerk. There was a faint tinkle' inside, and WO’ stood waiting# I saw Heath slip his hand into his pocket where he carried hig gUit . After a long delay, during which we remained there without a Sound, We heard a leisurely shifting of the bolts. The door then opened a few inches, and the pinched yellow face of an undersized Chinaman peered out cautiously at us. “What you want?” he asked. “We want to speak to Mrs. Kent­ ing/' said Vance, ‘ scarcely above a at least, Vance’s waist, at the same time throughing his arms round Vance’s neck., It was an astonishing feat of nimble accuracy. But, with a movement, almost as flame of then he nized one of the men as the shabby figure I had seen leaning against the bench in Central Park the night be­ fore. The two men sprang to their feet “She not here,” the Chinaman an-. uish any words. Vance moved stead- swered. “Me no know Missy Kent-* ing. Nobody here. You have wrong house. Go away.” Vance had already stepped inside, and in a flash he drew a large hand­ kerchief from his outer breast poc­ ket and crushed it against the China­ man’s mouth, pinioning him against the wall. Then I noticed the reason for Vance’s act;—only a foot or so away was an old-fashioned push-bell toward which the Chinaman had been slyly reaching. # Suddenly with the most amazing quickness and dexterity, he forced his head upward' and leaped on Vance, like a wrestler executing a flying tac­ kle, and twined his legs about ily toward the front of the house and stood before the only door on the left of the corridor. A line of faint light outlined the threshold, and it was now evident that the voices came from within that room. After listening a moment Vance tried the doorknob with extreme care. To our surprise the door was not lock­ ed, but swung back easily into a long narrow, squalid room in the centre of which stood a plain deal table. At one end of the table, by the light of an oil lamp, two illy dressed men sat playing casino, judging by the dis­ tribution of the cards. Though the room was filled with cigarette smoke, I immediately recog- CANADA/ ANAEMIA years ago, liver could be A HEALTH SERVICE OF THE CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN t The same law Clubs form a valuable part of our social structure. They encourage co-operation and mutual under­ standing. They promote activities that benefit our social life. Many of these clubs are granted authority by the Liquor Control Board to serve beer to their members. To many of them, especially Veteran and Labour Clubs, this provides useful assistance in improving the accommodation in their premises and increasing the scope of their good work. The opportunity which these clubs provide for relaxation is provided also in hotel beverage rooms to those not fortunate enough to be members of a club—but to whom relaxation is as essential The same law provides for both. The present law permitting Veterans’ Clubs to sell ® beer to their members has been of great assistance in maintaining suitable club rooms and has enabled them to expand their efforts to assist ex-service men and overcome their economic difficulties and physical handicaps. In the past the bootlegger received a large part of this revenue, which now is used in the interests of groups of patriotic citizens bound together by their Service for their King and < Country. Veterans’ Clubs are a great asset to any community as they stand as veritable Gibraltars of patriotism in the midst of unsettled conditions and foreign ’’isms/’ —Thos. Hobbs, President, Originals1 Club Toronto • This advertisement is inserted by the Brewers in the interest of a better public understanding of certain aspects of the problems of temperance and local option. i The pinched yellow face of a Chinaman peered out. jB quick as the Chinaman’s, Heath, who|tinstantaneously, turning in our direc- was standing close to^ Vance,.brought the1 butt of his revolver down on the yellow man’s head with terrific force. The Ghinaman’s legs disentangled themselves; his arms relaxed; hie head fell back; and he began Slipping limply to the floor. Vance caught him an4d eased him down noiselessly; Leaning over for a moment, he look­ ed at the Chinaman by the his cigarette lighter, and straightened up. “He’s good for an hour, Sergeant,” he said in a hoarse wliis- per, “My word! You’re so brutal?’ As we filed noiselessly up the dim­ ly-lit stairs, Vance leading the way, Heath just behind him, and I bring­ ing up the rear, I was assailed by^a terrifyihg premonition of disaster. As aVnce stepped into the hallway above, which was narrower and ding­ ier than the one downstairs, he stood tensely still for a moment, looking about him, ’There was only one small lighted gas jet at the rear of the halt Suddenly the muffled sound of voices came to us, but we could not disting- tion. “Down, Van!” ordered Vance; and his call was answered under two deaf­ ening detonations accompanied by two flashes from a revolver in the hands of the man, nearest us. The bullet mttst have gone over us, for both Heath and I had dropped quick­ ly to the floor at Vance’s order, Al­ most immediately—so quickly as to be pratically simultaneous — there came two reports from Vance’S auto­ matic, and I Saw the man who had shot- at u§ pitch forward. The thud of his body oh the floor coincided with the crash of the lamp, knocked over by the second mail. The room was plunged in complete darkness, “Stay dowfi, Van!” came the com­ manding voice of Vance. Almost as lie spoke three was a stacgato, exchange of shots, could see were the brilliant flashes from the automatics, I lay flat on my stomach across the door-sill, my head spinning dizzily, my muscles paralyz­ ed with fear for Vance. (Continued Hext Week) All I Twelve bought for a few cents, and was used to feed the cat or the dog. Today, so many people are eating liver that the price has advanced until it is only the indulged cat which gets an occasional taste. It' was no jonger ago than 1926 when it was observed that patients suffering from pernicious anaemia were much improved when they used a half-pound of liver each day. Anaemia is a general term which means that the blood is deficient in quantity or quality. There are sever­ al kinds of anaemia, such as that Which follows upon a hemmorrhage, or the anaemia which usually devel­ ops as a part of such chronic diseases as tuberculosis, cancer, malaria and ( lead poisoning. Then there are the anaemias which occur because of the failure of the organs which manufacture the red blood cells. We cannot live without oxygen, and if there are not enough red blood cells, or if there is a lack of the haemoglobin which shoulti be in these cells to carry oxygen, then the bqdy tissues are starved of the oxygen which they need. The red cells are manufactured by the red marrow at the ends of the long bones, ribs and vertebrae. Per­ nicious anaemia was, until • recently, almost always ‘fatal. The red cells were so rapidly destroyed that the bone marrow could not meet the de­ mand; this, in. the end, meant death as the blood could not carry enough oxygen to all the tissues to maintain life. Liver contains something which brings back the blood of pernicious anaemia patients to normal and so gives them back their health. No longer is the victim of pernicious an­ aemia doomed to die; health and Strength are his through the contin-- ued proper use of liver or liver ex­ tract. The fame of live spread, and many people began to eat it on the general principle that what is good for one ailment is good for others, Which is, of course, absurd. •' Liver is not even of value in the treatment of all anaemias. The chlor­ osis, or “green sickness” of young girls, a form of anaemia, disappears with- improved habits of living; other forms of anaemia respond to iron therapy, all cases, a blood exam- mation is required to determine what form of anaemia is present; this must be known before proper treatment can be prescribed. a.