Page:Hard-pan; a story of bonanza fortunes (IA hardpanbonanza00bonnrich).pdf/185

Rh about the peakedest-looking girl I ever seen. I was awful sorry for them."

"Where have they gone?"

"I ain't able to say."

"But you surely have some idea of where they've moved to? Did n't they say something about their intentions? Did n't the colonel tell your husband in reference to the transfer of the money?"

"They did n't neither of 'em say a word. They 're the most close-mouthed pair I ever ran into. My husband paid the money down in cash the day we moved in. They took it, and that 's all I know about them."

"Can't you tell me some one about here who may know more—some of the tradespeople—butchers, grocers, that sort of thing?"

"You might try Coggles, the grocer at the corner. I think they had an account with him. But they did n't deal regular with any one else."

Gault thanked her and turned to go. She followed him down the walk, anxious to be agreeable, for his manner and appearance had impressed her immensely.

"If I hear anything about them I 'll let you know," she said affably.

"Thanks; it's very good of you," he answered, opening the gate. But he had no intention of giving her either his name or address, as he did