CHAPTER
3
A BLACK HOOD
“Good Evening, Sheriff,” Mr. Parker said evenly as he recognized the heavy-set man who stepped from a county automobile. “I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else this time.”
Sheriff Daniels put away his revolver and moved into the beam of light.
“Sorry,” he apologized. “Thought you might be Clem Davis, and I wasn’t taking any chances. You’re Parker of the Riverview Star?”
“That’s right,” agreed the editor, “Looking for Clem Davis?”
“I’m here to question him. I’m investigating a fire which was set at the Preston place.”
“You’re a fast worker, Sheriff,” Mr. Parker remarked. “My daughter and I just left the Preston farm, and we didn’t see you there. What put you on Davis’ trail?”
“Our officer received an anonymous telephone call from a woman. She reported the fire and said that I’d find my man here.”
“Could it have been Mrs. Preston who notified you?” Mr. Parker inquired thoughtfully.
“It wasn’t Mrs. Preston,” answered the sheriff. “I traced the call to the Riverview exchange. Thought it must be the trick of a crank until our office got a report that a fire actually had been set at the Preston farm. By the way, what are you doing around here, Parker?”