Newspapers / Watauga Democrat (Boone, N.C.) / April 7, 1938, edition 1 / Page 7
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MARCH 7, 1938 (gjBKTHK gpii SEVENTH INST ALUIENT SYNOPSIS?During the night Kaspar Renting was kidnaped Phiio Vnnoe, with District Attor*?y Markham go to the Renting home there to meet Sergeant Heath of the Homicide Bureau. Kenyon Renting and Mrs. Renting, fbc brother and wife of the kindaaped man. Present also is Eldridge Fleel, the Renting family attorney. Mrs. Renting tells of finding the kidnap note and of overhearing a rough looking man threaten her husband about a week previously. The first evidence casts some doubt as to the genuineness of flic crime. Vanco examines Weemcs, the Renting butler. Further search shows that Kaspar probably did not go down the ladder found outside the house. Vance re-examines Kenyon Renting. "We want to see Mr. Quaggy," Heath's manner was as intimidating os it was curt. "I don't think Mr. Quaggy she began in a tremulous voice. "Never rmnd 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, air; yes, sir. He's here." The woman was completely cowed bv this time. "He's in the sittin' room, over younder." The sergeant brushed past her to the archway at the end of the foyc-r, toward which she waved her arm. g Markhain, Vance and I followed him. As we entered, a haggard, dissipated-looking man of about forty rose from a low lounging chair in one Sj coiner of tile rooin. He seeimed both Sf surprised and resentful at our intru' oicn. He was unmistakably the iri gambler typo?that is, the type one ir aeea habitually at gamuig houses and the race track. Forgive our unceremonouis entry. You are Mr. Porter Quaggy, I beHave?" "What if I anru? I don't under& stand why you?" "You will in a moment, sir," Kg Vance broke in ingratiatingly. And |K, ho introduced himself, as well as ? Varkham and Heath and me. We IF have just coma from the Kentings' jjaS down the street," he went on. "A ij calamity took place there early this morning, and we understand from Mrs. Kiispar Renting that Mr. Renting was with you last night." Quaggy's eyes narrowed to mere ||* BlitS. "Has anything happened to Kespar?" 'We'll get to that later," Vance replied. "Tell me, what time did you and Mr. Renting get home last H night?" "Who said I was with him when he came homnie?" jyixa. a.enung uuormod us that you and her husband went together to the opening of a casino in Jersey last night, and that Mr. Kenting returned somewhere around three o'clock in the morning." I "Even if it is true, what of it?" "Nothing.realiy nothing of any importance," Vance murmured. "Just iookin' for information. I note you're still bedecked in your evenin' togs. And your pumps are a bit muddy. It hasn't rained since yesterday, don't yTcnow. Offhand, I'd say you'd been sittin' up all night." "Isn't that omy privilege?" "Did you go to the Kenting house with Ml-. Kenting?" asked Vance. "No; our cab cairne down Central Park West, and I got out here. I wish now I hid gone with him. He asked me to?said he was worried as the devil about something, and wanted 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 neemed all right. There was a light in Kaspar's room, and I merely figured he hadn't gone to bed yet. So I decided not to disturb him." 'Did vou. "bv anv chance aten info the side yard," THE fifll JJ HOUSE SlfS HAZARDS Mac Arthur j||||||| L MP MUI S.S.Van D "Just inside the gate." "Did you sec a ladder anywhere in the court?" "A ladder? No, there -was no ladder." "Did you remain there for long, Mr. Quaggy?" "No, I came back here and had a drink." "But you didn't go to bed. I notice.'' "It's every man's privilege to sit , up if he wants to, isn't it?" Quaggy asked coldly. "Ttie truth is, I began to worry about Kaspar." "Was it only Mr. Kaspar Kenting that you were thinking about?'" Vance inquired with a shrewd, fixed loo lr "T A. uouuauuiU VrJLl IC U C1U56 friend of the family and are very highly regarded toy Mrs. Kenting." "Glad to know it," muttered the man, meeting Vance's gaze squarely. "Madelair.e is a very fine woman, and I should hate to see anything happen to her." "Thanks awfully for the information," murmured Vance. "I think I see your point of view perfectly. Weil, your premonitions were quite accurate. Something did happen to the young gentleman, and Mis. Kenting is frightfully distressed. 'Is he all right?" asked Quaggy quickly. 'We're not sure yet. The fact is, Mr .Quaggy, your companion of yesterday has disappeared?superficial indications potntin' 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.'' Quaggy finished the remainder of his glass of whiskey. "Sorry, 1 can't help you," Quaggy said. "I've toiu you everything I know." Vance was at the archway now, and I was just behind him. Markham and Heath had already preceded us front the room. Vance paused for a moment and looked down at a small conventional desk which stood near the entrance. Quickljphe adjusted his nKmocoie and scrutinized the desk. On it lay a crumpled piece of tissue paper in the center of which reposed two perfectly matched dark atones, with a remarkable play of color in them?a pair of | alack opals! | When we were back in the car and (headed downtown, Vance said: "By the by, Karkhain, there were two rather amazin' black opals on the desk in Quaggy'a apartment. Noticed them as I was going out.1' "You think they came from the Renting collection?" "It's possible." Var.ce noddo-l slowly. "The collection was quite deficient in black opals when I gazed upon it. The few remain ill' specimens were quite inferior." The next morning, shortly before ten o'clock, Markham telephoned Vance at his apartment, and I answered. "Tell Vance," came the District Attorney's jicremtory voice, "I think he'd better come down to my office at once. Fieel is here, and Til keep him engaged till Vance gets here." We arrived at Markham'3 office a half-hour later. After casual greetings Markham i announced: "The instructions promised in the ransom note have been received. A note came in Mr. Fleel's mail this morning, and he brought It directly to me." He picked up the small sheet of paper before him and held it out to I Vance. It was a piece of ruled note paper, folded twice. The quality was of a very cheap, coarse nature. The writing on it was in pencil, in an obviously disguised handwriting. "I say. let's see the envelope," Vance requested. The postmark showed that the note had passed through the postoffice the previous afternoon at five o'clock from the Westchester Station. "And where might the Westchester Station be?" asked Vance. "I had it looked up as soon as Mr. Flee! showed me the note," replied Markham. "It's in the upper Bronx." "As a matter of fact, it's in the toughest district in New York in d. the radio \ oks so bare mouT something] i WATAUGA DEMOCRAT?EVE E0 11 VI o & SB Jl O AITIOCASTEK which to trace any ore by a postmark." Vance adjusted his monocle and read the penc'l-scrawled communication carefully. It ran: Sir: I no you and family have money and unless 50 thousand $ is placed in hole of okc tree 200 foot west of Southeast corner of old resivore in central park thusday at Kasper Kenton. This is final. If you tell police dcel Is off and we will no it. We are watching every move you make. ! The ominous message was signed with interlocking squares made with brush strokes. "No more original than the first communication," commented Vance dryly. "And it strikes me, off-hand, that the person who worded this threatening epistle is not as unschooled as he would have us believe ..." He looked up at the lawyer, who was watching him intently. "Just what are your ideas on the situation, Mr. Fleet?" "Personally," the man said, "I am willing to leave the whole matter to Mr. Markham here, and his advisors. I?I don't luiow exactly what to say ?I'd rather not offer any suggestions. The ransom demands can't possibly he met out of the estate, as what funds were entrusted to me are largely in long-term bonds. However, I feel sure that Mr. Kenyon Kentlng will be able to get the necessary amount, together and take care of the situation?if that is his wish." "Does he know of this note?" "Not yet," Fleel said, "unless he, too, received a copy. I brought this one immediately to Mr. Markham. But my opinion is that Kenyon should know about it, and it was my intention to go to the Keating house from here and inform Kenyon of ibis nnW development. I'll do nothing, however, without the consent of Mr. Markham." "Mr. Fleel," Markham said slowly, "I think you should go to Kenyon Kentlng at once, and tell him the exact circumstances." "Ibn gled you feel that way, Mr. Markham," the lawyer said. "I quite agree with you both," murmured Vance. "Only, I would aaa you. Ml-. Fleel, to remain at tlie Renting house until Mr. itarkham and I arrive there. We will be joining you very soon." "I'll wait," mumbled Flee) as he passed through the swinging- 1 entiler door out to the reception room. "Well, Vance, what do you think ?" Markham asked. "So many things," Vance told him, "that I couldn't begin to enumerate them. All probably frivolous and worthless." "Well, to be more specific, what do you think of that note you have there?" "Quite authentic?oh, quite," Vance returned without hesitation. "Hasty business is afoot. A bit too precipitate for my liking, however. But there's no overlooking the earnestness of the request." "The instructions seem somewhat vague." "No. Oh, no, Markhaim. On the contr'ry. Quite explicit. I know the tree well. Romantic lovers leave billets-doux there. No difficulties in that quarter. Quiet spot. However, it could be adequately covered by police. I wonder ..." "This situation upsets me," Markham rumbled ai length. "The newspapers were full of it this mornine aa you may have noticed." "I muat get some action. This new note changes the whole complexion of things." "Tut, tut," Vance's admonition was I almost frivolous. "Really, y'know, it changes nothing. It was precisely what I was waitin' for." "Well,'' snapper Markham, "now that you have it, what do you intend to do?" "Why. I intend to go to the Purple House," Vance said calmly. "I'm not psychic, but something tells me we shall find a hand pointin' to our future activities when we arrive there." "Well, if that's your idea," remanded Markhant, "why didn't you go with Fleel?" juereiy -wisnea to give him sufficient time to break the news to the others and to discuss the matter f( I'D BUY A LITTLE STATUETTE iNE MRS. LOOSE H/ >ULD REMEMBER V E POSE WAS L1K OU REMEMBER,! P.Y THURSDAY?KOONE, N. C. with brother Kenyon. Nothing like I letting every one know the details of g the case. We'll get forrader that way." r At the Kenling residence we found Kenyon Renting, Flee!, young Fuilovray and Porter Quaggy assembled in t the drawing room. 1 "Di<l you bring the note with you , gentlemen V Kenyon asked immedi- j j ately, with frightened eagerness... "Fleel told me just what's in it, but j I'd like to see the message itself." Vance nodded and took the note from his pocket, placing it on the ^ small desk near him. Kenling, without a word, took the * folded piece of paper from its enve- j lope and read it carefully. "What do you think should be done about it?" hiarkhani askec him. "Personally. I'm not inclined to have j you meet that demand just yet." Renting shook his head in perturbed silence. At last he said: "I'd always feel guilty and selfish If I did anything else. If I didn't , comp.y with this request and anything should really happen to Kas- i par?" "But I've no idea exactly how j I'm going to raise that much money |' etc auvu <x i?norc notice, it'll pretty well break me, even if I can manage to get it together." "I can help contribute to the fund," offered Quaggy, in a hard tone. "And I'd like to do something, too," put in Fleel, "but, as you know, my personal funds are pretty well depleted at this time. As a trustee of the Renting estate I couldn't use that money for such a purpose without a court order. And I couldn't get one in such a limited time." Fraim Falloway stood back against the wail, listening intently. "Why don't you let it go?" he sugI gested, with malicious quetulousness. 'Raspar's not worth that much money to any one, if you ask me. And how do you know you're going to (save his life, anyway?" "Shut up. Fraim!" snapped Rent- I ! ineYoung Falloway shrugged indifferently. "I say, Mr. Fleel," put in Vance, just wnat would be the financial |' standing of Mrs. Renting in the hpyo- j ( thetical case that Kaspar Renting I , should die? VtvUlci she benefit by! his demise?that is, to whom would ! ADMEMISTRATULY NOTICE Having qualified a3 the administratrix of tiie estate of William T. Baird, late of the county of Watauga, state of North Carolina, this is to notify all persona having claims against the estate of the said doceased, to present them to me for payment within twelve months of the date of this notice or the same will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate are asked to make Immediate payment. This Fob. 12, 1938. MRS. W. T. BAIRD, Administratrix, Estate of William T. Baird, Dec'd. 2-17-6p. NOTICE OF SALE OF LAND Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain deed of trust executed on the 25th day of Miay, 1933, by Jennie Mast to John E. Brown, trustee, said deed of trust being recorded in the office of the register of deeds for Watauga county in Book 15, at page 225, which deed of trust was to secure the payment of a certain note, and default having been made in the payment thereof, the undersigned trustee will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash on the 4th day of April, 1938. at 10 o'clock a. m., at the courthouse door in Boone, North Carolina, the following described land, to-wit: Beginning on a stake in the road at Campbell's gate and runs north 34 degrees west crossing the creek. i oa pores to ?. sut-te; uicnce norui as I degrees east 25% poles to a hickory near the hollow and branch; thence ! north 7 degrees west crossing a | branch 39 3-5 poles to a stake In the old line near the top of the ridge; thence we3t with the old line 49 poles to a white oak, the old corner, now gone; thence south with the old Councill line SI poles to a stake in the road on the south side of the creek; thence south 79 degrees east with the road 16 poles to a stake; thence south 59 degrees east with the road 11 3-5 I poles to the beginning, containing 25 acres, except all the lands from 20 feet above the barn at the J. W. Ward line straight course to the old Counciil line back to the highway, 'including house and barn, and about five acres. This February 22, 1938. JOHN E. BROWN, 2-27-5C Trustee. rssrr ?---ir Caspar Kenting's si tare in the estate ;o?" (Continued Next Week) ~=?* Hundreds of pair of high ;rade Shoes being disposed of at he lowest prices in the historj >f local merchandising. Boone bargain House. NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Having quaiified as the ad minis jator of the e3tate of Mrs. C. A ttay, late of the county of Watauga date of North Carolina, this is to no :ify all persons having claims agains he said estate to present theni to rai lor payment within twelve months o: the date hereof, or this notice will bi plead in bar cf their recovery. AI those indebted to the estate are re {uested to make immediate payment This February 15, 1938. E. A. RTJSSELL, Administrator, Estate Mrs. C. A. Ray, Deceased M7-6C NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE RV VirtUA rtf *-V?r> * ? ???V ui 3ilie I'.UIl ained ill a certain deed of trust cxe :uted to the undersigned trustee oi lie first day of April, 1936, by Johi rohnson and wife, Cora Johnson, t< secure the sum of $220.00 to H. C Jreen, said deed of trust being re lorded in the office of the Registe: if Deeds for Watauga County ii Book 26 at page 116. and defaul laving been made in the payment o: he moneys thereby secured a3 there h provided, I will, on Saturday >\priL 23, 1938, at 1 o'clock p. m., a he courthouse door ol Wataugi lounty, sell to the highest bidder, foi lash, the following described real es ate, to-wit: Being in Watauga County, Nortl Carolina, beginning on a rock ncai he mouth of hold house field brand in the north bank of Eik Crock, Johr Tohnson and N. G. Wheeler's line to o ocust, corner Sid and P. G. Carroll; hence north course with said Carrol ine to a poplar tree; thence east tc l wniteoaK on top of the riilge, Ooucy Walters' corner; thence with Walera' line to a rock on south side ol >id field branch; thence with mean iers of branch to the beginning, conhilling forty acres, more or less. This 2iCt any nf March. 1938. N. G. WHEELER, S-2i-4tp Trustee THE REJNS-STUF ASSOCIA' TELEPHONE 24 PROTECTION F< Joining Fee 25c Each Me As Ft Qu One to Ten Years Ten to Twenty-nine Years thirty to Fifty Years Fifty to Sixty-five Years 1 i V-CFe SALES HAVI DOUBLED' W b The Farmers find tha they can buy, regard cost. We have a Fertilizer filler for any kind of i See your V-C de? the Yours for C. M. CI Warehouse Near Dej PAGE SEVEN j East Tennessee & Western North | Carolina Motor Transportation Company. j Bases leave Boone tor Johnson City, ' ; Knojcvllle, Chattanooga, ail Ala t1 bam a and Western States points at ,! 7:30 xm.; 12:30 p.m.; and 0:05 p.m. Leave Buor.e for Lenoir, Hickory. : Statesville, Salicbury, Charlotte, A3hevlMe, Wilmington and all - South Carolina, Georgia and Florida points at 8:25 a. m.; 1:19 p. nx; and 5:10 p. m. For further Information coll bos , station?Phone 45. - E. T. ft 1.. N. C. THAN SPORT ATWBI L COMPANY | Try BISMAREX for Acid Indigestion. Insist on Genuine Bismarex and refuse other so-called Antacid Powders recommenmended to be "just as _1 CfnnH " Ricmorov ?* _ j 0~?W ^uruiuiVA AO OV/1U ui Watauga county only at BOONE DRUG CO. i The REX ALL Store > ? ? r i YOU need insurance t f WE sell insurance t YOU want the best i WE sell the best. J SEE US FOR ! COMPLETE I PROTECTION i Watauga insurance Agency Bank Bldg. Boone, N. C. I 1 IDIVANT BURIAL HON, INC. . . . BOONE, N. C. OR THE FAMILY raher , , . Dues Thereafter illovcs: axter Yearly Benefit .10 t0 J 50.00 .20 .80 100.00 .40 1.60 100.00 60 2.40 100.00 rtilizer 1 MORE THAN mis SPRING IY1 I it it pays to use the best less of a few cents in with lime and tobacco crop you want to plant. iler when you want best. better crops, DITCHER >ot Boone, N. C. ' >- NO THE POSE \ THE STATUE WAS ( 6^ UKE J ^
Watauga Democrat (Boone, N.C.)
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April 7, 1938, edition 1
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