Evening Star Newspaper, September 9, 1936, Page 25

INSTALLMENT XXX, HERE was & deep silence in the I room after Deeds McCune asked Beckham whether Gene Caston took his own life. 4 “There are several things to take into consideration,” was the Narcotics Bureau agent’s studied reply. “You're thinking it may not have been a sui- cide. It's easy enough to figure out @& motive for Sloan’s putting the poor chap where he couldn't talk. You've had a chance to find out what that man can do with his hands .. . it would be fairly easy in the water. And, now, we know for sure from Gaston's letter to you that he wouldn’t have made much resistance . . . unless he changed his mind at the last.” “He was murdered!” Deeds exclaimed in a low volce. “I tell you he was murdered, Beckham. That devil did . “Easy! We don’t know that. Where are your witnesses I should have been one, I suppose . .. but I wasn't. Only those two doctors. They'd laugh at the charge. More than that, we have written proof now that Gaston ~intended to kill himself. What would be more likely than he would drown himself? Plenty of motive. He was on a spot, as his letter to you says.” “But nobody—" “Oh, yes, they might. I'm sorry, but we can't disregard that evidence.” Beckham coldly thrust Gene's letter to Deeds into an inside pocket. “I give you my word it won't be used unless it's necessary. Maybe it’s compound- ing a felony . . . but you're forgetting there’s another side to the picture.” “What do you mean?” “That boy's mother, for one thing. 4 T told you out on the beach this morn- ing that there are compensations . . . sometimes. Don't you get it? And there's Miss Lindsay . . . mighty fine girl, too. Wouldn't it be much better if Gaston's death were accidental? For them? I'm not sure what is going to come out of this. But Sloan isn't going to do much talking. If that boy were alive, of course, he'd try to make him the goat. Now he cant. He won't care for much grilling on that one subject. Besides, we've got enough other stuff on him. And he knows it.” “I see. You think it would be Kkinder not to rake up his past. Yes » « . you're right.” “I think it would be kinder . . . if we can, I'm making no promises.” “But it burns me up . . . to think of their getting away with it.” “I know. Same as I know you'll change your mind when you stop to think of . . . Mrs. Gaston. I'm not trying to be rough.” “Oh.” Deeds settled back on his pillow. “I forgot,” he added dully. “I thought you had.” “But, Beckham . . . I know for a o fact that marriage wasn't legal. Just & couple of kids . . . on a lark, you know. I happen to know they never lived together. You see, they both falsified their ages.” “And you want that bruited about? I suppose you know there’s only one way to annul a marriage. There’s & record. It would have to go into court. So would Miss Kendall. As it is . .. she’s a widow. And I suspect that fact is known to only a very few « . . some persons who Wwill be glad enough to keep their mouths shut. For othe girl's sake. Deeds nodded and looked away. “I think you've had about enough for one day.” Beckham rose to his feet, but paused at the side of the bed. “Rest a bit and think it all over, I'd keep quiet and let things work out as they will. I'll be here for & short time and I'll do anything I can to help. After all, we're in your debt. Shake.” “Debt?” Deeds squeezed the little man’s hand in a tight grip. “What about mel If it hadn't been for you—- “Then, maybe, we're square. See you later, old man.” He paused in the doorway for one last sober reflection. “You know, McCune, there are times | when I wouldn’t mind being of the | the cottage would be buzzing like & hive. He wondered what Jere thought of it . . . seeing his one-time pal marched away wearing bracelets. Probably he was thanking his lucky stars that Joan had not followed his advice and encouraged the fat doc. The events of the whole day seemed THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1936. like some mad, preposterous dream. But that dull pain in his Adam’s apple was proof enough that some- thing had happened. He'd be lucky 1f his whole neck wasn't black and blue. If he only had been able to land on that guy Sloan’s nose just once . . . “Come in!” Deeds jerked into a sitting position at the sight of Joan in the doorway. He swung his feet to the floor, unable to speak for an instant. “No, no!” Joan paused long enough to close the - door, then hurried to the bed. She placed her hands on Deeds’ shoulders and forced him back on his pillows. “Oh, Mac . . . you mustn't try A to get up! Please! Are you badly hurt?” . “Of course not. I'm all right . . . only I've' wanted 50 to see you. I ‘was just coming to find you. I couldn’t stand it much Jonger.” + +« I'had to Her fingers neck , , . it's all marked. Mac . . . he . . . he might have killed you!” Deeds swallowed painfully. He cap- tured Joan's hand and held it prisoner in both his own. “How did you know about that? ‘What do you know ., . about any- thing?” he managed. “Almost all, Mac,” she answered 1. Adorable Sacque in pink or blue with hand embroidery or angora trim. With or without col- lar, and with button or rib- bon fastenings ™ 2 2. Knitted Shawl in a lovely design with a fringe all the way around the edges. For the carriage, to wrap him in, or as an extra coverlet for baby’s bed. 32425 3. Exquisite Shawl imported from England especially for us—and your baby. Marvelously soft, with a deep edge in a lacy stitch. Light yet warm—altogether $ enchanting _ 3 understand that you had done every- thing you could to help Gene. And « . » and when it was too late to help him . . . you almost lost your life trying to . . .t0 . . " “It wasn’t that bad, Joan. I don't care now . . . whatever happened wouldn't have made any difference « « . just so long as you knew. As long as you believed I'd tried . . * “But I want you to understand, too, Mac. I can't bear it. You know I wanted to help Gene, because I was sorry for him. I didn't love him. We never could have been . . . like that. Oh, Mac, dear! What's the use? I can't . . . I can’'t prefend any longer!” Joan's wet cheek suddenly was pressed close against Deeds’. Onme of his arms went around her shoulders. His hand stole up and lost itself in the softness of her brown hair. & long silence in the 3 was the one to break . His voice was none too steady. “Darling . . .” “Yes, Mac.” Joan lifted her head and loozed at him through her tear- filled eyes. Her cheeks were very pink now.” She managed to smile. “I want my first kiss . , , Joan.” He got it. Got two. “I'm spolling you!” Joan drew back with a low laugh and seated herself on the side of the bed. Her hands went to her head. “T'd hate to think what my hair looks like, “Wonderful,” Deeds sighed. “I must go, before . . . you know. And I don’t care, somehow. But I've got to start taking care of my man. What can you eat that won't hurt that poor throat? I'll fix you any- thing you want. I'd love to.” “What are you talking about!” Deeds sat bolt upright. “If they're serving eats around this place to- night, yours truly is going to “e right in his place . . . unless you can fix iv to let me have my old one. You know . . . opposite you.” “I wouldn't risk that, my dear. What if I ask Salina to bake you some oustard . . . “Plel Py “Mac, you funny kid , , . an s « + you and “Come here” He reached up and drew her head down, placed his lips close to her ear. “I never could sing. darlin’, and my voice is cracked worse tl;‘h:; usual. But did you ever hear “Oh, you gotta be & lover Of the landlord’s daughter If you wanta get The second piece of piel” (THE END.) German General Dies. HAMBURG, Germany, September 9 (®).—Gen. Victor Franke, 70, Ger- man commander in Southwest Africa during the World War, died yesterday. WOODWARD & LOTHROP 10™ (1™ F AND G STREETS PHONE DIstrIcT §300 SEccial Purchase Glace Gloves Special $|.78 Smart new gloves that we were fortunate to obtain at a price that means important savings for you. styles are included, as well as fancy cuff types. and come in.brown, black, black with white, beige and white. is limited, so shop early for a complete selection. Groves, AsL 18, FirsT FLOOR. Franco’s “Sheneel-Lastik,” a_ New Woodthrop Foundation, 15 A rich, new foundation fabric made of Lastex, with a raised surface in a flowered pattern is miraculously smooth and firm in its control. foundation shown has The one-piece perfectly matched bust sections of fine net and satin. This same fabric makes a step-in girdle (not shown), which fits well up at the waistline and smoothly down at the hips. Consers, TrmD FLOOR. $10.50. Both plain four-button and six-buttor All are P. K. and O. S. sewn The quantity A Suit of Petalwate Will Serve Your Every Need $59.75 From a group of Fall and Winter suits of un- trimmed and fur-trimmed Petalwate, we sketch this one in a classic tailored style. Three piece with a skirt, double-breasted jacket and swinging three-quarter-length topcoat. The all-wool fabric is flecked with rabbitshair and nubbed with a contrasting color. Others from $39.75 to $100. Misses’ sizes. Misses’ Suirs, THIRD FLOOR. cloth. It would come in handy as a » - . Sort of extra-curricular activity.” Not long afterward Deeds had another caller, another member of the Beckham family, no less than young Middleton, who bestowed a « toothy smile upon the man on the bed, after assuring himself there was Bo one else in the room. “Hello,” he remarked. “Hello, yourself. Come in, won't you?” “Can‘t stop,” boy explained impor- tantly. “I got a note for you . . . nobody's supposed to see me give it to you, either.” 27 j o i b Unequalled for Fall—Velvet for a “I see. Quite a day for . . . things, 3 y gl 5 (g & : », e e | Y A " 3 ,-»\"; Larger Woman's Frock S | \. $]9.95 things . . . sometimes. He caught ‘em pretty slick, didn't he? He's always pullin’ stuff like that. They call him ¢ e .‘n";e'd . A ©,, NS i L 0 I. A note, you said, I be- Vs 1 Designed as the perfect frock for afternoon wear, and for in- 1 formal dining. The front fullness of the top has a definitely softening, slenderizing effect. The lame vestee is a becom- ing light accent. And the burnt-out stripes in the sleeves give the frock a ‘“dress-up air,” yet keep it informal. In lleve.” i 3 N //'//\\\ “Miss Lindsay asked me to slip it 5 g L%,{/’?fi\\ A black or plum, with a colorful corsage at the neck. Sizes 42 to 50%2. thn you after she went away. She and K A\\\ N er mother just left . . . taxi from NS ‘Waples Beach.” ;\\//:/”'/73' &\)’ “I'm sorry I didn’t see them,” Deeds KN\ said regretfully. He held out his hand. “Thanks a lot. You won't be = insulted if I gave you a quarter for your kindness, will you?” “Me? I should say not! They're showing ‘G-Men’ again up at the Criterion.” “Pine.” As soon as the door was closed Deeds examined the envelope Mid- dleton had given him. The hand- writing was very different from Gas- ton’s . . . bold and angular. The inclosed note was brief. “My Dear Deeds: “This seems to be your day for letters from our family. I'm sorry to bother you, but I thought I'd rather \ say good-by this way than in person. It’s mostly to thank you for being kind to poor old Gene. “I'm not going to pretend that I know what it’s all about. But I can't help putting a good many unings together, and it starts a picture that I'm too cowardly to want to see. I'm going to hope I'll see you again some day and that you are going to be very happy. I think you will be , . . you're a good egg. “I have explained to mother that you are & bit indisposed. She extends <her good wishes and so—more than you suspect—does “CLAIRE.” Deeds slipped the note under his pillow with a little sigh. And that was that. He'd have liked to have seen Claire again, say good-by. She had proved a good friend . . . but Beck- bam was right. All that remained now was . . . Joan. That must be faced as quickly as possible. There was no reason to fear, yet. Deeds was fearful without being able to explain it. She would Tave been almost sure to see the Elledges’ departure. Or to have heard pbout i, With the Lindsays gone 4, Sweaters in coat or slip- over styles with angora trimmings and hand- embroidered rosebuds. Round or crew necks. Slip-over and coat styles, both Sl.SS and s2 5. Hand-embroidered Blan- kets for the baby’s carriage or to wrap him up when you take him out. Pink, blue and white. Others, $2 to $5. Shown 6. Cunning Knit Sacques in pink or blue with ribbon or button fastenings. Daint- ily finished; collars 7. Knitted Cape withahood, ribbon and angora trim. A tassel on the peaked hood and even slits $ for the baby’s hands______ 2 Invants’ FurNSHINGS, Fourter FLoOR. WoOMEN's DrEssts, THIRD FLOOR. S Granite_ Service Featured in a Special Purchase Selling Silk Hose 3 pairs $.85 g pair This hose has proved itself to be one of the best wearing at this price. Full-fashioned, reinforced and designed to give you the kind of wear you expect from a service-weight stocking. In such new Fall colors as Tawnee, Harmony, Cubana, Otter, Vagabond, Brownie -and Gun Metal. In short lengths, sizes 8 to 94; in regular lengths, sizes 82 to 10%. The quantity is limited, so shop early for a complete selection. Hosmzy, Azsix 19, Prst FLooR. ~