Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Clinton News Record, 1940-08-22, Page 2'PAGE THE CLINTON NEWS -RECORD UBLISUED BY SPECIAL. (' \ .. t.' ARRANGEMENT COPYRIGHT CARGl►LL, SIR TIMOTHY WADE: dubbed "Tim the Teaman" by the irreverent. Self-made millionaire, with hobby of growing orchids. Nearing sixty years of age, but wiry. He is, the victim of a kidnappingplot which Iater involves his niece. T'ELICITE DEI,BOS: Tali,slim and blonde; tmexpecttedly English in' appearance andoutlook, 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 BROOME: 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 inlove with Felicite, who returns his affection, MAJOR MOSSON: employed in 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 methods. Friendly with Mosson, and knowing just how much rope to allow his colleague. "The CHIEF," alias `Mr. BROWN": Was a high Army officer in the war, but, after reverses and dis- appointments, turns his organizing talents to prime. Ruthless, but not cruel. With him are three other disgruntled Army men, each a specialist in his particular way. CHAPTER VIII CURES FOR BALDNESS "Very bald, you say?" Major Mos - son observed thoughtfully. "The sort of baldness you might get from thor- oughly shaving the scalp?" "Eh. Who the deuce wants to do The Clinton News -Record with which is Incorporated THE NEW ERA TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION $1.50 per year in advance, to Can- adian addresses; $2.00 to the U.S. or other foreign countries. No paper discontinued until all arrears are paid unless at the option of the pub- lisher. The date to which every sub- aco+iption is paid is denoted on the label. ADVERTISING RATES — Transient advertising 12e per count line for first insertion. Sc. for each subse- quent insertion. Heading counts 2 lines. Small advertisements not to exceed one inch, such as "Wanted", "Lost, "Strayed", etc., inserted once tor 35c„ each subsequent insertion 15c. Rates for display advertising ,Jade known on application. Communications intended for pub- 9ication must, as a guarantee of good faith, be accompanied by the name .of the writer. G. E. 'HALL - Proprietor. II. T. RANCE' Notary Public, Conveyancer ',financial. Real Estate and Fire In- surance Agent, Representing 14 Fire 'Insurance Companies. Division Court Office. Clinton iFrank Fingland, B.A., LL.B. v"terrister, Solicitor, Notary Public Successor to W. Brydone, K.C. eloar Blom — Clinton. Ont. D. II. Mc1NNE'S CHIROPRACTOR Electro Therapist, Massage Office: Huron Street. (Few Doors west of Royal Bank) Hours—Wed. and Sat. and by appointment. FOOT CORRECTION are manipulation Sun -Ray Treatment Phene 207 GEORGE ELLIOTT d.icensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron Correspondence promptly answered immediate arrangements can be made Por Sales Date at The News -Record, Clinton, or by calling phone 203. Charges Moderate and Satisfaction Guaranteed, THE McKILLOP M1JTi5AL Fire Insurance Company Head Office, Seaforth, Ont. Officers: "?resident, Thomas Moylan, Sea- dorth; Vice ?resident, 1Vil!latn Knox, itondesboro; Secretary -Treasurer, M. A. Reid, Seaforth, Directors, Alex. Broadfoot, Seaforth; James Sholdice,' Walton; James Connolly, Goderich; W. R. Archibald, Seaforth; Chris, Leonhardt, Dublin; Alex. McEwing, 131•'th; Frank McGregor, Clinton. List of Agents: E. A. Yeo, R.R. 1,. Goderich, Phone 6031.31, Clinton;I ,Tames • Watt, Blyth; John E. Pepper, Btucefield, R. R. No. 1; R. F. McKer- cher, Dublin, R. It. No, 1; J. F. .Preuter, Brodhagen; R. G, Jarmuth, Bornholm, R. R. No. 1, Any money to be paid may be paid 'to the Royal Bank, Clinton; Bank of Conainerce, Seaforth, er at Calvin Ovtt's Grocery, Goderieh. Parties desiring to effect insur- ance or transact other business will 'be promptly attended to on applies - ton to any ,of the above officers ad - 'dr -eased to their respective post ofEl- •res. Losses inspected by the director 'who lives nearest the scene. MAW( 1,TaONATEM TIME TABLE A. I gains will arrive at and depart from •Clinton as follows: Buffalo and Goderieb Dir. 'Going East, depart 6.43 a.m. Going Fast, depart 5.00 p.m.. Going West, depart 11.45 a.m. Going West, depart 9.50 p.m. London, Horan & Bruce !Going Worth, ar 11.21, lye. 11.47 a.m. Q•oing South ar. 2.50, leave 8.08 p.m, that sort of thing?" "A ringworm patient for one. Remember what I .told you about simple disguises. Like removing a moustache. Or simulating baldness. I. also suggested that one of the gang had remained close at hand to look after the local end of the business. For a further guess I will hazard him to be the chap who made off with your car near Reigate." "He was fair complexioned." "And your clergyman was dark! Naturally. The essential alteration. Sunburn lotion, shaven poll, dyed eyebrows, and so on." "What about difference in age? My parson companion looked older, more sunken in the cheek." "I was just thinking that if he normally wore a dental plate a nice finishing touch would be provided by taking it out." "Guesswork." "Not entirely. We are fairly sure that only four men are involved, The Chief is a six-footer, the chauffeur has a thin face and prominent nose, and the driver who was with you in the small saloon was too distinguish- ed to make up as a meek and mild clergyman. Which leaves a minority of one. You admit some feeling of familiarity, but couldn't place him," "Most of the time his nose was stuck in his paper, and I didn't stare naturally." "Ah, the inherent politeness of the travelling Englishman! Which also accounts for your not having noticed the message at once. Don't apologize. nine hundred and ninety nine in every thousand would have done the saMe." Broome breathed deeply. It was too bad being made a scapegoat again, Apparently he was expected to he alert for every emergency. Seeing his name on the envelope Loft behind by the clergyman had so taken the wind out of his- sails that the train was in motion again before he could take action. At the next stop, how- ever; he had sought out Major Mas- son. "Would you have acted in any other way?' 'he demanded. "N -no. I don't suppose I should." On mature consideration he saw there was no other course open, except, perhaps, an instinctive spurt after the baldheaded one. And that would merely have been foolish. They want- ed the other side to think that in- structions were being carried out to the letter, Communication had been made with Broome in such a secretive manner as part of the general scheme to circumvent pollee interference. -Ar- riving at London he was to put up for the night at the New Holland Commerical Hotel, registering in the name of Samuel Dirksen. "Why all this confounded beating around the bush?" he questioned. "For a similar reason a man being followed dodges in and out of shops and alleys. Only in your ease it is to prevent the follower being tailed." "Surely the money could be col- lected withoat all this bother?" "They don't think so. While it re- mains in your possession no warning tap on the shoulder from a pouncing policeman is to be anticipated and by setting you running round in circles they expect to relieve you of the burden at the psychological mom- ent." om- ent" 'What psychological moment?" "When youleast expect it and when they feel absolutely certain the coast is clear—by a simple exchange of bags in a railway compartment, in a crowded booking hall, or after you've kept an appointment on some lonely country road. We know there have been plenty of suitable oppor- tunities already, but they're not risk- ing anything." Mosson believed this was anin- telligent summing up of the enemy's strategy. His part was by no means clear. Captain Caythers had now left him to hie own devices. If necessary, police aid was available anywhere at short notice. That night they actual ly remained within the effective area of Scotland Yard, yet he dared. not call in help for fear of upsetting things again. Apprehending the single represen- tative of the kidnappers could be arranged) only it would have little effect on bringing about the release of Wade and his niece. With Broome he felt that this was all important. No doubt a more experienced police officer would prefer to pick up one Criminal, expecting this to prelude a general round -up. Mosson's hope was to be led by easy stages to the hid- ing place. Or even to conclude the ransom transaction; so that when the victims were free agan every pos- sible measure might be taken to bring the criminals to book without involv- ing the innocent parties. Broome went alone to the New Hol- land Commercial Hotel, leaving the major to keep out of the way at a neighbouring establishment. They kept in close touch by telephone, an expedient that was as reliably secure against eavesdropping as anything. TOO MANY CLERGYMEN Not until the middle of the next afternoon was Broome able to report further activity. This time it was in the form of a telegram bidding him make for Birmingham by the evening Once again they split partnership, the Scotland Yard man carefully avoided any open intercourse. He was early at the crowded terminus and found a comfortable seat. The train was made up of corridor coaches, so he made up his mind to undertake a cautious tour of inspection, trust- ing that his appearance was unknown by the gangster. So far as he knew ony the chauffeur had seen him face to face. By an unexpected coincidence there were at least a dozen clergymen aboard. Two of them joined him, apologizing for tha interruption. They were in a jolly mood. Masson was told the occasion was a big convention. His smile was returned with gen- uine warmth. 'A, happy gathering by all appearances," he commented. "For most of us." The speaker was one of those generously built individ- uals who could have set off a bishop's apron to advantage. "Why not, sir? Happiness is the right of all God's creatures. I have no patience with my fellow -wearers of the cloth who think it becomes them to walk about with lugubrious expressions." "Like that " began his col- league. "Dear me, I am forgetting the virtue of Christian charity." Mosson pricked up his ears. "I thing I begin to understand why you came in search of fresh quarters," he said, "You are quite right, sir. Very re- grettable, but when three members of the same calling are thrown together one might at least expect a friendly exchange of views. Ah, well, he'll be able to commune in solitude for the remainder of the journey." This seemed to be a tip worth fol- lowing. Exousing himself he stroll- ed down the long corridor taking note of all the passengers in spite of an assumed nonchalance.. Sure enough there was a lone, in- dividual in clerical attire in one of 'the compartments. The major dare not hesitate long enough to get a proper look at hm, but he seemed to fit the description given by Broome of the man on the train from Rei- gate. Wasn't it rather odd that he should retain the same disguise? Not at all, his intuition suggested in a flash. It had served excellently in the prior instance and could be re- lied upon for further use. Who would take a second glance at a clergyman or connect him with criminal activ- ites? Provided nothing had been said about the first encounter he could congratulate himself on having brought Broome and th second 125,- 000 out 25,-000rout of the danger zone, •and brought him nearer in time and place to the chosen moment for taking delivery of the packed travelling case. Up to a point it would be neces- sary to take Wade's secretary on trust, If his sentimental interest in Felieite Delbos was known so much the better, and it would also be con- cluded that the second kidnapping h+ad taught the young man a lesson. Farther along he caught Brootne's eye in, passing, a slight jerking of his. head being intended to convey the information tisat danger lay he the direction from when he had come. A nod in reply suggested that the ges- ture had`beeri rightly interpreted. Several other passengers were in Broome's carriage and the shiny new case was very much in evidence among a miscellaneous assortment of luggage on the rack. If only these people knew what was se carelessly keeping company with their modest possessions how amazed they would be, ' Contrary to expectations no sign was given in Birmingham. Browne alighted and: stood on the platform, undecided as to what was ,expected of him. Unlike Mossorn he had not not- iced the train was favoured by Birm- inghant-bound parsons, and the sight of so many of them lent an air of unreality to the scene, for he had been subconsciously keeping it look out for the bald-headed man of the previous day's encounter. To expedite any intended transfer of the ransom 'honey he had placed the case at his feet, quite expecting something n the nature of a slick transfer forecast by the Scotland Yard man. "Excuse me!" He gave that in- voluntary little frown which crimes of being jostled it -ea crowd. There was. a glimpse of a smooth expanse of head as a broad -brimmed black hat was politely lifted. "Certainly sir! Oh, you're " "Booking hall over the bridge in ten minutes." Ile hurried away, leav- ing Broome to follow more leisurely, glad to observe the protective pres- ence of Major Mosson bringing up the rear. Five minutes later he was sorry they had not kept closer together. This was when he was invited to en- ter a waiting car. In the maze of one-way streets which makes Birm- ingham a motorists' nightmare, they were quickly lost to sight. KIDNAPPER HAS "NERVES" "Tut, tut, Mr. Broome, you haven't been playing the game;" murmured his companion. "Once before your ill- advised action put your employer another £25,000 out of pocket, as well as inconvenieneing his niece." "I don't know what you're talking about" "0f course you do. If you hadn't taken it into your head to runaway that night our business dealings, would have been settled long ago. And if you hadn't been so ill-advised as to remain tied to the apron strings of Scotland Yard I should have been able to exchange cases as intended on the trip up from London. As it is, I've had to scrap that scheme entir- ely. There's a nice new bag, the twit of the one you have with you, left in the train. I ought to add that to my expenses account, to say no- thing of the cost of telegraphing for, a private hire car to meet us :here." "You're making a big mistake," "Oh, .no --i can't, afford to make even a small one. Do you imagine I''nt fool though to be eaught with. the money in my possession:?" "It was there to be picked up when you wanted." "Sure it was — and detectives all round to pick me up," "Detectives?" "Anyone can tell 'em at a glance, Dressing them up like .parsons wasn't smart: Pretty soon they knew they were rumbled and cleared' off but not. far. Trying to get, ,matey, the poor saps!" This had no meaning whatever fox Broome. "Mosson promised faithfully to avoid anything of that sort.". "Well, he was double-crossing you. That would be the chap sneaking about the corridor, eh? Little mous- tache and I-oan't-see-a-thing at titude." "So you know him?" "Not to write house about. Just putting two and two together and us- ing my wits." Broome remained doubtful about the part played by the alleged de- tectives in clerical guise. Undoubtedly the fellow was in such a nervous state as to be suspicious of the slight- est suggestion of anything out of place. It was not to be wondered at, for he had remained in the firing line, to bear the brunt of the offen- sive. Every time a policeman on traffic duty held up his hand the fellow betrayed his nervousness. Symptoms such as sudden starts, bursts of bad temper and spells of positively dangerous driving betrayed a state bordering on panic. All this must have been steadily ,building up for days, a psychological outcome of being in a constant state of watchfulness. More than half the precautions taken by the kidnappers were really unnecessary. Times in- numerable the ransom could have been accepted with impunity. In. fact the over -elaboration of scheming tended to introduce weak links in the chain. Like so many much vaunted efficiency methods there was so much system that useful energy was being dissipated in carrying out a cut and dried routine, when a quick decision and initiative would have settled the whole problem in an instant. Once clear of the town the driver donned a light peaked cap and pulled the collar of a macintosh close up to the chin. Broome was now sure enough of his identity, and brought up the subject of the stolen two- seater. "Yes, that was me all right," he agreed. "Thought you'd spot it when we were together on the train. Won- derful what you can. do with a razor r,! THURS., AUGUST 22 194 The Tube' is the Heart of. Any Tire For top service from new tires be sure to equip them with new, low-cost Goodyear tubes. Thrifty motorists everywhere are switching to this Money- saving, lowest -priced Goodyear. PATHFINDER features include a non-skid, centre -traction tread , twin protector cord plies for longer tire life ... new Supertwist cord for blowout protection .. more rubber In the tread for long, slow even wear and low -cost -per - mile of service. Drive In for new Goodyeare today. We'll take off your old, worn tires, mount new Goodyears in short order ... save you fuss and muss and money too! Brownie's Service Station Clinton Ontario and a spot of stain. Not that it makes any difference who I am." "Quite so. What is important is the immediate future." "That depends on several things." "What things?" "Whether we're followed is the chief one." "Hardly probable. We hadn't got a car waiting like you had." "Maybe not, but the police have plenty of facilities. A telephone call would start the whole hive buzzing, and I expect the local patrols are fitted with wireless." "So you're holding me as an ad- ditional hostage?" "You've still got the dough, haven't you?" "That wouldn't heap you if we were stopped. You people have an obses- sion about being in possession of the money. What difference can it make if I'm here against my will with a suit -case as incriminating evidence?" "Shut up. I'm doing things my way. And if anything goes wrong I take the rap this time, riot The Chief and the others." "H'm, I see. Previously it was .a case of lack of trust. Now, Mr. Jones, or whatever his real name is, gets clear with a cool twenty-five thous- and, leaving you to hold the new baby. He must think a lot of you to leave yea to carry on without an. overseas. Has it occurred to you how useful the cash might be without sharing it?" "Meaning?" "Well, there's a bag at my feet to be taken for the asking. I shouldn't try to stop you, especially if I had an indication as to where Sir Timothy Wade and Miss Delbos had Kean taken." (CONTINUED NEXT WEEK) Drafts Badges Dodgers Receipts Vouchers Bill Heads Catalogues Post Cards Note Heads Menu Cards Milk Tickets Deposit Slips Order Blanks Laundry Lists Visiting Cards Show Printing Business Cards Store Sale Bills Posters, all sizes Auction Sale Bills Admission Tickets Wedding Invitations Acknowledgement Cards Wedding Announcements Envelopes, all sizes & kinds. GS JNT Ballots Blotters Cheques Placards Handbills Pamphlets Invitations Statements Score Cards Programmes Meal Tickets Letter Heads Bread Tickets Funeral Cards Window Cards Shipping Tags Coupon Tickets At Home Cards Butter Wrappers Society Stationery Dance Programmes Prescription Blanks Typewritten Circulars 'Advertising Programmes Circulars, all sizes and kinds The Clinton hws-B000rd