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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Clinton News Record, 1940-05-30, Page 2AGE 2 THE CLINTON NWS -RECORD :PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL 'ARRANGEMENT Li / •` to 4! COPYRIGHT LLESLI i+,yl„•Ci cIL .$IR TIMOTHY WADE: dubbed "Tim the Teaman" by the irreverent. Self-made millionaire, with hobby 'of growing orchids. ,Nearing sixty- years ixtyyears of age, but wiry, He is the victim of a kidnapping plot which' later involves his niece. :FELICI'TE DELBOS: Tall, slim and Monde; unexpectedly English in appearance and outlook, despite her French name. Sir Timothy's sister married a Frenchman, but the daughter was orphaned 'at an -early age and has been brought up by her uncle. PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS BELLAIR, BR•OOME Private sec- retary to Sir Timothy. Also tall, but dark. Precise in his habits until aroused; when he becomes a man of action.: He is iii love with Felicite, who retinue his affection. MA.IOR MOSSON: employedin the Legal Department of New Scot- land Yard, A pleasant < man with- out mannerisms. Is called upon by the C.I.D. because his experience is valuable, and, in its early stages, the case requires' very tactful handling. CAPTAIN CAYTHERS: Scotland • Yard • Assistant Commissioner, Quiet, incisive, and efficient, but with a sense of humour, and known on occasions to employ unorthodox mother's. Friendly with Mosson, and knowing just how much rope to allow his colleague. "The CIIIEF," alias "Mr. BROWN": Was a high Army officer in the war, but, after reverses and dis- appointments,,turns his organizing talents to crime. Ruthless, but not cruel. With him are three other disgruntled Army men, each a specialist in his particular way. CHAPTER I CLUE OF THE BROKEN ORCHID Major Mosson was hurrying along the corridor to his department tack- ed- away in the rabbit warren of of - .fives which make up the interior of The Clinton News -Record with which is Incorporated THE NEW EI{A TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION 41.50 per year in advance, to Can- adian addresses; $2,00 to the U.S. or .other foreign countries, No Papel discontinued until all arrears are ,paid unless at the option of the pub- lisher. The date to which every sub- scription is paid is denoted on the label, ADVERTISING RATES — Transient -advertising 12c per count line for first insertion. 8c. for each subse- :aluent insertion. Heading counts 2 •lines. Small advertisements not to 'exceed one inch, such as "Wanted", "Lost, "Strayed", etc., inserted once 'for 35c., each subsequent insertion 15c. Rates for display advertising made knowon n application. Qommmnications intended for pub- lication must, as a guarantee of good faith, be accompanied by the name of the writer. 'G, E. HALL - - Proprietor H. T. RANCE Notary Public, Conveyancer ,Lrinancial, Real Estate and Fire In- +suranee Agent, Representing 14 Fire ';Insurance Companies. Division Court Office. Clinton grank Fingland, B.A., LLB, rSarrister, Solicitor, Notary Public Sbceessor to W. Brydone, K.C. I.Bloar: Blocs — Clintnn, Ont D. IL McINNES CHIROPRACTOR Electro Therapist, Massage Office: Duron Street. (Few Doors west of Royal )3ank) Hours—Wed. and Sat, and by appointment. FOOT CORRECTION '07 manipulation Sun -Ray Treatmeal Phone 207 GEORGE ELLIOTT d.feensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron 'Correspondence promptly answered immediate arrangements can be made for Sales Date at The News -Record. Clrintor„ or by calling phone 203. (Charges Moderate and Satisfaettion Guaranteed. THE McRILLOP MUTUAL Eire Insurance Company Head Office, Soarerth, Ont. Officers: 'President, Thomas Moylan, Sea - !forth; Vice President, William Knox, Londesboro; Secretary Treasurer, M. A. Reid, Seaforth. Directors, Alex, 13roadfoot, Seaforth; James Sholdice, Walton; James Connolly, Goderich; W. R. Archibald, Seaforth; Chris. Leonhardt, Dublin; Alex. McEwing, BI•'th; Frank McGregor, Clinton. List of Agents: E. A. Yeo, R.R. 1, Goderich, Phone 603r31, Clinton; ;Dames Watt, Blyth; John E. Pepper, ?Brumfield, R. R. No. 1; R. F. MclCer- ,eher, Dublin, R. R. No. 1; Chas. P. tfiewitt, Kincardine; R. G. Jarmuth, iBornholm, R, R, No. 1, Any money to be paid may be paid •to the Royal Bank, Clinton; Bank of Commerce, Seaforth or at Calvin Cirtt's Grocery, Goderich. Parties desiring to effect insur- -since or transact other business will 'be promptly attended to on applica ion to any, of the above officers ad- dressed to their respective post oii'i- oes. ;oases inspected by the director who lives nearest the scene. `CA Aa b • TIME 'TABLE ']Trains will arrive at and depart from Clinton as follows: Buffalo and: G°derici, Dir. *Ailing East, depart 6.43 a.m. Going East, depart 3.00 p.m. Going West, depart 11.45 am. Going West, depart 9.50 p.m. London, !IIuren & Bruce (Being North, ar 11.21, Eve. 11.47 a.m. Going South ar. 2.50, leave 3,08 p.m that much -criticized architectural curiosity known as New Scotland Yard. It was not unusual for loin to be seen moving ab a smart pace, for, like most consistently unpunct- ual people, he was generally trying to make up for lost time. Presumably the Major's executive duties were important, thoughit was a standing joke that nobody knew what they were, particularly the de- partmental chief. Somebody was just coining out of the Assistant Commissioner's room as he passed, and the Major mut- tered a brief apology to mark the occasion of a collision narrowly mis- sed. issed. Captain Caythers came to the door at that moment and stood watching his recent caller stalk away. And that was exceptional, though it might indicate parting with a close friend—or perhaps 'lnean that his suspicions were aroused: "Late again," lie quizzed. As his face cleared at the sight of Major Mosson there was apparently no in- tention of serious complaint, "Come inside a minute, will you? That is if your pressing work can afford to wait a little longer!" "As a matter of fact I have rather a lot to do, but , . ." "But you don't mind procrastinat- ing if a suitable excuse can be found, eh? Seriously, I'd like to have a little chat." He led the way back into his bar- ely -furnished office and began pac- ing up and down, while Major Mos - eon mads himself as comfortable a.. possible on. a chair that was not designed to tempt callers to overstay their time. "That fellow you barged into outside was Bellair Broome," Cay- thers remarked, frowning. "Thanks!" "Eh!" "I thought you were contributing a new specimen to my collection of odd names." "That's a queer hobby. First time I've heard about it. Hang it, you're trying to be funny." Mosson grinned, "Well, it was a trifle queer to be dragged into your august presence and presented with an apparently inconsequential scrap of information, Now I amhere, wouldn't it be as well to get it off your chest at once," . "That is the idea," Caythers said Somehow or other you always imulate my thought processes. oodness knows why?" "Sort of stooge, old man. All great electives need a Dr. Watson," "M'yes! Maybe that's right. But roome has come here with a story, ride, frankly, I find incredible. ou've .heard of Sir Timothy ride?" "Tim Wade the teaman? "That's him, though it isn't a meed descriptive nickname. Ranks as re of the wealthiest of our coin ercial princes. Consistently refuses accept higher honours than a nighthood . , ." "Because a peerage would cost ore to keep IMI" "Maybe! Anyway, he isn't in the ont rank of philanthropist,s al- ough noted as a good employer, muse it pays to have satisfied orkpeople. Not that all these de- ils have anything to do ;with the usiness. Suppose, however, that he was kidnapped?" "Has he been?" Mosson demanded, sibly startled. "I don't know. Bellair Broome inks so." "I-1011! Another crank with a fancy i•n!" "He didn't strike me that way. We et dozens of imaginative stories Id u s here most days, as ,you know.ut somehow it is always possible tell the crazy creatures by the ay they look and behave. Broome grays none of these symptoms. I w him without Hesitation as he is ade's confidential secretary; and he sisted on coming straight to the untain head, so to speak." "Thanks for letting me be the bas- in which your precious splashes iP," Mosson murmur ed. Caythers flung himself down in s swing chair so 'heavily that it rang back alarmingly. "I'm not a mood for joking," he snapped, st G d B hide, Y tiV g' of m to is fr th b w to b vi th ya g to 13 to w in sa 1n fo in dr hi sp in "If there's anything in the story there's going to be the devil to pay! If there 'isn't' it will stir up trouble, anyway. That's where you come in. Wade wasn't even in our effective area, but down at his place in Sur- rey, so I can't delegate one of the regular officers to the job. Why not take a few days off and nose around. Strictly unofficially, of course, al- though as a Scotland Yard executive you'll be readily acceptable to Broome. But don't make a mess of things by antagonizing the local force. You know how they hate us butting in without invitation." "Now isn't that nice of you! First I'm 'appointed stooge -inordinacy, then I'm promoted to the position of whipping boy. If anything goes wrong you can blame the poor in- quisitive semi -amateur, but if all is well, Assistant Commissioner Cay- thers get the praise." BERENICE STEPS IN "That isn't quite what I intended," Caythers hastened to explain. "You- 've got tact and a natural flair for detective work, or else luck walks beside you when you poke your fing- er in the police pie." "The metaphor is somewhat mix- ed, but I sea what you're driving at," Mosson replied. "Not that you need apologize. Obviously, a . fellow so eminent as Tim Wade is entitled to special attention. As for me, I'm always ready to turn my back on nay collection of filing cabinets, with or without due cause. Tell me some more!" "There isn't much. Wade is a notoriously methodical man, yet he leaves home unexpectedly and sec- retly, sending a note several hours later saying tae's decided to take a holiday. Might be a whim of a middle-aged person who suddenly tires of the daily round. We get dozens of such instances," "Usually an excuse to get away from the family, eh?" "But Wade happens to be a bach- elev." Mosson. whistled. "That's differ- ent," he agreed. "No family or fin- ancial handicaps. What about the note," "Might be forged. There's another explanation." "Written under threat, you mean? Quite a customary resort of kidnap- pers, I believe!" Caythers scowled ferociously. "Such crimes are rare in this coun- try," he said. "Personally I have never dealt with one involving an adult. But I believe in other count- ries where they are more common the method you suggest is used. Anyway, here's the message; read it for yourself."' "Is it the original?" Mosson ask- ed, taking the sheet of paper belc1 out for "inspection. "Yee, There is a matching '`en- velope." c'I see! Good quality paper. Ex- pensive, by the texture. Written with a fountain pen by the look of the consistent lettering. No sign of quaver ;' "Wade isn't the sort of chap to get hire a funk," Caythers remarked. "By the way, you seem to be able to Make 'quite a lot out of that note. Rather more than I had, as a chatter of fact," "Must be my natural flair corning out. You can't attribute it to sheer luck this time," He read the brief nolo aloud: "Dear Broome,—I{ave decided to cut (.drift for a few days and take a holiday. Please carry on as usual until you hear from me. T.W." "Quite Circuity,' he oonvneuted. "The initials, I take it, are custom- ary in writing to Broome?" "Every darned thing is normal ex- cept the truancy .and O'dontoglos- som,. Berenice Farland" "Ah, cherches la femme," "Odontoglossom," Caythers said severely, "is the botanical label fox' some sort of orchid," "Somebody's been telling you!" "Broome. That happens to be one of the ,pdhlts he makes. Wade has one passion, and that is the cultiva- tion of orchids. The Berenice Farlane is a newly acquired specimen, very 'I37.,; MAY 30, 1940 1 are and expensive, and the apple of his eye, ,Tiro. hanging basket in which it grew Was found ori the floor of rho ]lot-house;apparently having. been torn away from its hook." "You can't go and bag a fellow out of t greenhouse," Mosson objected. "Most awkward place to stage a crime. Too many windows." "Don't jump to conclusions. We. •don't know that a crime leap been committed yet," "Orn, bout, there has," the major said gently. "Hunches have no place at Scot- land Yard," "You forget: I'm not a pukka detective, but only the ,amateur who comes in, to show you experts where to get off. Miss Berenice persuades nae. 'Besides, I've just hada squint at the envelope lying on your desk. The stamp is stuck with a darned sight too much geometrical nicety in the corner. Just. Ince I should stick it if I wanted to affix an already, cancelled ,stamp steamed off another letter. You don't notice then that the postmark doesn't ga round and round in a complete circle," Caythers snatched up the envolo and examined it intently. "One on you," he remarked. ` "Ofcoo we'd have spotted it later, but hadn't submitted it to close insp tion. These old-fashioned d stamps are only used at the smal offices, so we can check up on y idea. Posted in—in—Bentonforks, something like that." "Benton, Yorks," Mosson amend "Little village right up beyond Ri mond. The Yorkshire Richmond, course. And didn't you say somethi about this letter having been deliv ed a few hours after Wade left . house?" "Same afternoon." "Well, it would take at least day to make the journey between Benton and London. Incidentally it's the first mention made of this being a morning job." "We hadn't got so far as admit- ting anything was wrong. Now it really does begin to look fishy Mosson was studying the stamp with the aid of a powerful magnifying glass. "Date too smudgy to be help- ful," he announced. "HIS WARD AND I" Major Mosson heaved himself his feet, ruefully rubbing a leg whi had acquired pins-and-ineedles. " really efficient kidnapper, or gang kidnappers, would watch points lik that," I'm he said softly, , "Unless y of nay death you won't find that post mark any good as a clue. There are ether ways of getting used stamps than by making a long trip to post a letter from an obscure village. icking a suitable specimen from ollection of waste, for instance. An alking of waste reminds me that' what I'm doing with time." He had the door open before th Assistant ;Commissioner called hi back to mention that Sir TImoth Wade lived at Epworth. "That, er air," he added, "comes in handy a ares but it won't lead you to place y instinct." "I'd have asked a policeman, if mild have found one round abou cis place," Mosson retorted, an clucked outside smartly. * t' e * Epworth wasn't so easy to find, even with the aid of a large-scale road map. The village was one of those little clusters of houses right avvay from the beaten track such as one still tomes across in Surrey, in spite of the ever questing tentacles of London's suburbs. Major Mosson was glad he had driven down in his own car because there was no railway station nearer than two miles, and the Wade resi- dence was at least a mile farther Away from the'village, Getting off the main road was like slipping back to the pre-war age. stead of the familiar tarmac, his heels hienuned on old-fashioned eater -bound macadam, and there ere high untrimmed hedges on both des. Judging by the excellent sur, ce tittle traffic passed that way, ater he was to find that the high. ay, though a public thoroughfare, as virtually a drive to 'Fairclough,' e handsome Victorian home of Sir niothy Wade. Not that it merely finished at the dge gates, for, serving a few wid- y-separated farms, it meandered on join the Leatherhead road another ile or so away. An unexpected obstacle to inma- te investigation presented itself on e Major's arrival for Bellair roome had not yet come back from radon. He was expected on the td -day train, a car having already no to Epworth station to meet him. Mosson did not wish to state his siness, so he merely said -that he Bleed to see M. Broome rattler gently. A footman ushered trim into a asant apartment overlooking a cep of tuff bounded by well tended wer beds. Presently a maid offer. whisky and soda, a hospitable ges- re he gratefully accepted. While the Major was still enjoying chink an enormous .motor -car r1e arrogantly up the drive, which COI seen to the right of the wns, and, a few moments later,. man he had nearly collided with side the assistant commissioner's m came to greet him. Bellair Broome Was as unusual as name. Tail, but well built, he d the bearing of an athlete'. There s nothing; of the studious type en emaciated with private sec- ne Up As soon as he allowed nese sus- t•se picions to enter his mind, Mosson countered them with ready, objec- ec- tions. Further secrecy relight be an t e asset to either criminals or an ab- ler sconding financial magnate. A ran - our soin might be expected to be nego- or tiatecj by a third party with the po- lice kept strictly out of the"picture. ed. Bellair Broome was regarding the Ric Z retaryship. Ills handclasp was firm and lois keen eyee were rock steady,, Not the sort of man to 'betray a con- fidence, by the look of flim. The major was favourably impres- sed, though the police wont made him realize'that likeable looking in- dividuals 'could not always be taken on their face value. For the time being he was prepared to keep an open mind. After all, Broome had raised the matter of possible 'foul play, which was in his favour.: But if Sir Timothy Wade had been spirit- ed away the time must inevitably come when it would be turned to account. "A detective must have a natural- ly suspicious mind,'. Capt. Caythers lead once Iaid down as an axiom.' Mosson had.never forgotten that,' Straight away he saw what advant- ages might accrue from approaching the police at, this stage. First, it would lead the scent away from any implicated'ineider. Second,•, it would open up ransom proceedings. Third, it could be a blind if Wade himself' had some ulterior motive for disap- pearing. visitor quizzically. "I see," he re - of marked, easily, "that you are already ng sizing me up. What your conclus- er- ions are don't worry me in the slight- hetest. Sir Timothy is, to me, something more than an employer" "A friend?" "I'rn not sure. To tell the truth I am in love with his niece and ward, Miss Felicite Delbos." (CONTINUED NEXT WEEK) , Speeds Up War Effort 40,000 MEN TO BE ENLISTED Further measures for speeding up Canada's war effort were announced to in the House of Commons on Mon- th day. On the heels of last week's A decision to mobilize a Tlhirc! Division of of the C.A.S,F, and form a veterans' e home guard of 12 companies, Prime ut Minister I stet in K Defence a mist M et Rogers and Air Minister Power an- nounced] further plans. They are: Recruiting of rifle battalions for a 4th division; Special training courses for senior officers of the C.A.S.F, a and a quota of veteran officers from d each military district under 60 years s of age and desirous of qualifying for duty; Organization of reserve mim- e aides to be attached to militia units m for training, Y In addition some 5,000 men who , have applied for enlistment in the t Royal Canadian Air Force and their s assignment to general duties and training courses will be instituted at I once. This will mean that allproxinc- t ately 40,000 men are to be added to d the armed forces. The 3rd division 13,000; nine infantry battalions for 4th division, '7,000; the balance of man power will be distributed among ancillary units, reinforcements, air force and home guards. The home guard army will be en- listed from the ranks of war veterans who will have the status of members of the non -permanent active militia. Veteran officers and non-commis- sioned officers will be attached to the headquarters of each military district to assist in training. Three additional elementary fly- ing schools; two service flying P c fl ti b c tl In w v NV Si fa L W vv th Ti 10 e1 to nl tlr Lo tri go bar do lir plc ev f10 cd to the Cal co ar the ottt 700 his ha wa oft On Sale Now! WAR SAVIN CE RTIflCAT` S 4 direct obligation of the Dominion of Canada "Since the momentous day of last September, hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been asking themselves, ',What • can I do to help win the war?' ' "One answer is, `By saving!' Every man, woman and child in the Dominion can now make a direct and con.' tinning contribution to Canada's war effort by saving not only his dollars, but also his nickels, 'dimes and quarters to buy Canada's !� War Savings Certificates." ►R,. ' • ' MINI&TBR OF FINANCE, WAR SAVINGS 'CERTIFICATES: are repayable in seven and one-half years. If you hold them to maturity, you will receive 3% on your money — your investment will in. crease by 25%. They are sold as follows:— For a 55 certificate you pay $4 For a $10 certificate you pay 58 For a $25 certificate you pay $20 For 'a $50 certificate you pay $40 For a $100 certificate you pay $80 TO FIT ANY BUDGET: You can take advantage of this patriotic and profitable savings plan, whether your savings are measured in dollars or in occasional nickels, dimes and quarters. Canada's War Savings Certificates are expressly designed to appeal to the man or woman of modest means who cannot afford to subscribe to war bonds of .larger denominations, but who desires to do something tangible to assist the Country's war effort. CHILDREN TOO: Even children can purchase War Savings Certificates, using their coppers, nickels and dimes to buy War Savings Stamps at 25c each. Sixteen of these stamps will buy one $5. Certificate. DEVELOP THE SAVING HABIT: You can purchase as many War Savings Certificates as you like, up to $500 ma- turity value in any calendar year. Buy them when you wish buy them often. Remember, systematic saving is success- ful saving — and your Country needs your money, REGISTRATION: Each War Savings Certificate is regis. tered in one name only, and is not transferable. REDEMPTION: War Savings Certificates cannot be called for redemption by the Government prior to their date of maturity, The owner, howeverhas the option, after six months, of redeeming his certificates for cash at fixed re- demption values. In urgent cases, advance notice will be waived. Get your War Savings Certificates or Stamp Card today, Your employer will gladly arrange to make weekly deductions from your wages to buy War Savings Certificates. Complete information aced application forms at BANKS, POST OFFICES AND DEALERS schools, two air observer schools and, one bombing and gunnery school un - 6'C -the n - der the Air Training Plan are also' slated. The elementary schools will be established at Goderich, Hamilton: and Chatham, N.B., and the service schools at Carberry, Mair., and Moue - ton, N.B. Observer schools at Win- nipeg and I•Iarnilton, and the bomber; school at Fingal in Elgin County. MESSAGE TO CHURCHILL Prime Minister fIackenzle ling he a recent cable to Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain reaffirming Canada's determination to see the fight through, ended his message with these words: "We must muster the utmost strength of this country so that we may make our full contribution to the triumph of right which must and will prevail. ROUND TRIP RAIL TRAVEL BARGAINS Frim CoL9 TON JUNE - TC IICAGO $12 00 (Plus Exchange) JUNE 8 To WINDSOR $3.75 DETROIT Equally low fares from all adjacent C.N.R. Stations. For train service going and returning see handbills or consult Agents. pnANA IAN NATIONAL SE!IL Read the Opelli1g Installments of "The Wado Kidnap Siarthig is