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Show isDAY, MARCH 18, 1937 -;- THE WEEKLY KEFLEX PAGE SEVEN . I'm dashed grateful for the cor- roboration, Vance murmured. "Are you sure you pressed the button?. Garden asked Vance. "Its damned funny, Thjit system hasnt failed1 in six yeqrs. Wait s minute - Going to the door he called Sfteed. "Go upstairs to the study, Sneed. Garden ordered, "and push the y buzzer button. The Jauzzer Is out of o7der. sir, the butler told hirnjmpcrturbably. "Ive already notified the telephone company." "When did you know about it? Garden demanded angrily. Thejiurse, who had heard thd conversation, left her chair and came . to "the" doorway. "I discovered this afternoon that the buzzer ' wasnt working. she explained; "so I told Sneed about it and suggested that he notify the telephone company1." "Oh, I see. Thank you, Miss Beeton. Garden turned back to Vance, "Shall we go upstairs now?" Miss Graem, who had been looking on with a cynical and somewhat amused expression, started from the room. she asked. "Why go upstairs? "Ill fade into the drawing rooiri and you can talk to your heart's content right here." Vance studied the girl for a few seconds, and then bowed slightly. Thank you." he said. "That will be much better." He stood aside as she stolled leisurely into the hall and closed the door after her. Vance dropped his cigarette Into a small ash tray on the tabouret before the davenport and, moving swiftly to the door, reopened it - COPY RIGHT SS. VAN DINE W.N.U. SERVICE. narrow publje corridor, pressed the elevator button. A few moments Van ce. famous detective, and later the sliding door opened and a . X. Markham, district attorney SYNOPSIS f York county, are dining in t fewapartment when Vance receive anonymoua telephone message in -- Bins him of a "disturbing psychology j tension at Professor Ephriam Gar eel apartmeht advising that he read g a sodium, consult a radio-activ- e ggige in the Aeneid and counseling Pro-gs"Equanimity Is essential. Garden la famous in chemical The message, decoded by Besrch. usee, reminds him that Professor Car 0l son Floyd and his puny cousin, node Swift, are addicted to horse-ra- c Vance says that Equanimity" la ufcne running next day In the River eat handicap. Vance Is convinced that 3 message was sent by Dr. Slefert, Hs ar B Cardens' family physician. .gfet to have lunch next day at the Edens' penthouse. Vance Is greeted 9 Floyd Garden and meets Lowe er of JwrsB Floyd expresses concern over snft'i queer actions. Mrs. Garden, ill. comes downstairs and places t pot bet on a horse. Gathered around a elaborate loud speaker service, listen are Cecil Kroon, g to the racing and Zalia Griem. jidft Weatberby rtt bet varying amounts on the race. 3a is tension under the surface gal 0. Zalia and Swift are not on speak 4 terms. Kroon leaves to keep an ointment before the race starts. Miss jetton, a nurse, and Vance bet on risirs Star." Swift recklessly bets $10, sa "Equanimity" and goes to the garden to bear the results. Floyd mows Swift, remaining away several litotes. Zalia answers a phone call In at den. Soon after the announcement Ut "Azure Star wins, the guests hear Vance finds Swift dead, shot 1 ihoC tough the head with a revolver nearby. 3t says Swift has been murdered. After ning the police, ba finds the door of a unit ajar. Kroon returns. or yX junmlci-aa-eld- sup-Mtd- ly m '( CHAPTER IV Continued Thats tha general Impression,! returned blandly. "Youre not ptychio are you? I didnt mention low Swift died, but the fact is, be did die by revolver shot. Super tdally, I admit. It looks like sul ode. Vance smiled coldly. "Your reaction Is most interestin'. Why, far Instance did you assume that f he shot himself, instead of let us I uj jumping off the roof? ( Kroon set his mouth in a straight Sue, and look of anger came into kis narrowed eyes. He fumbled In lii pocket for a cigarette, and he ly stammered: 1 dont ... exknow exactly cept that most people shoot them lelves nowadays. Oh, quite. Vances lips were till set in a stem smile. "Not an common way of assisting oneself out of this troublous world. But, Rally yknow, X didnt mention suicide at all. Why do you take it for (ranted that his death was self Inflicted? - Troon became aggressive. He vas healthy enough when I left No ones going to blow A nans brains out in public like this.' Blow bis brains out?" Vance repeated. "How do you know be snt shot through the heart?" Troon was now obviously flusbore. tered. I I merely assumed" Vance interrupted the mans em- barrassment. However," he said, without re hxing his calculating scrutiny. Tour academic conclusions regarding a more or less public murder r not .without some logic. But fact remains, some one did actually shoot Swift through the head and practically in public. I could bear to know Just where youve been aod just when you returned to the apartment house here." Troons gaze wandered. 1 believe I remarked before X Yent out," he said, with an attempt at serenity, "that X was golngto a relatives to sign some silly legal dark, thin, boy of in a light-bluuniform, looked out enquiringly. "Going down? he said respectu fully. "Im not going down," Vance replied. "I merely wanted to ask you a question or two. Im more or less connected .with attorneys office." "I know you, Mr. Vance." The boy nodded alertly. "A little matter has come up this afternoon," Vance said, "and I think you may be able to help me . . Til tell you anything I know," agreed the boy. "Excellent! Do you know a Mr. Kroon who Yisite the Garden apartment? The gentleman Is blond and has a mustache." "Sure, X know him," the boy returned promptly. "He comes up here nearly every afternoon. I perhaps intelligent-lookin- twenty-two- g , e brought him up today." "About what time was that?" Twp or three oclock, I guess. 1 The boy frowned. Isnt he In there? Vance answered the question by asking another. "Have you been on the car all afternoon?" "Sure I have since noon. I dont get relieved till seven oclock." "And you havent seen Mr. Kroon since you brought him up here early this afternoon?" The boy shook his head. "No, sir; I havent" "Many thanks," he said. "Thats all I wanted to know." The boy pocketed the money and released the door as we turned back to the apartment the front hall, When we the nurse was standing in the doorway of the bedroom at the right of the entrance. There was a worried, inquisitive look in her eyes. Vance Closed the door softly and was about to start up the hall, but be hesitated and turned toward the ed glrL "You look troubled. Miss Beeton, he said kindly. "Bui, after all, you should be accustomed to death." "I am accustomed to It, the answered In a low voice. "But this is so different It came so suddenly Alwithout any warning though," she added, "Mr. Swift always impressed me as more or less the suicidal type." Vance looked at the nurse appraisingly. "Your impression may have been correct be said. "But It happens that Swift did not commit suicide. The nurse's eyes opened wide. Her face paled perceptibly. You mean someone shot him?" Her words were barely audible. ?" "But who who "We dont know." Vances voice "But we must was matter-of-faWould you like find that out to help me. Miss Beeton?" She drew herself up; her features relaxed; aqd she was once more the unperturbed and efficient ct ... nurse. Td offl-la- ls Tve called the district attorney, Troon took the cigarette from his and he baa notified the police. They Bouth with a forced air of non should be here any minute dow. In balance and drew himself up the meantime, Td like to see you haughtily. alone." He turned his head to Miss I cannot see," be replied stiffl- Graem and added: "I hope you y. "that that information concerns wont mind." any one but myself. The girl stood up and arched her Neither can I," admitted Vance eyebrows. cheerfully. "I was merely hopin' "Pray, dont consider me." she kr frankness. But I can assure replied. "You may be as mysteriPou, in view of what has happened ous as you wish." bere this afternoon, that tha Garden rebuked her peevishly. police Yill want to know Never mind the hauteur, Zalia.! exactly when you returned from your mysterious sign Then be turned to Vance.' "Why ng of documents. And now X must didnt you ring the buzzer far me? ask you to Join tha others in tha I would have come up. I purposed-l- y drawing-rooand to wait there un stayed here in the den because I h the police arrive. I trust you thought you might be wanting me." nave no "I did ring, dont know," Vance objections." None whatever, X assure you," told him. roon returned with a display of Twice, In fact But as you didnt rynical amusement "The regular come up, X cams down." police will be a relief, after "There was no signal here," Garamateur hocuspocus." den assured him. "And Xve been VThen Kroon had disappeared into right here ever since X came downroom. Vance went fan stairs." drawing J&edutely to the front door, opened "I can vouch for that," put In quietly and, walking down the Miss Graem. j 1 - "I Say, Stop This Nonsense,' Admonished Her Sternly. He apol- T , "The mater is a dowager. Not accustomed to taking ordera. And she resents it She'd probably have spent the day in bed, if Doe Sieteit hadn't firmly told her not to get up " "That's quite all right." Vance spoke indifferently. Then he came quickly to the den door. '"Let's have our little He stood aside for Garden to enter the room, then he followed a.id closed the door.' "Garden," he began, there are a few things that I'd like to have cleared up before the district attorney and the police arrive. He turned about leisurely and. sat down at the desk, facing Garden. "Anything I can do to help." Garden mumbled, lighting' his pipe. "A few necess'ry questions, don't Vance went on. ""Hope y know, they won't upset you. and all that. But the fact is, Mr. Markham will probably want me to take a hand it. the investigations, since 1 was a witness to the preamble of this 'tragedy." "I hope he docs," Garden returned. "Its a damnable affair, and I'd like to see the axe fall, no matter whom it might behead. His pipe was giving him trouble. ."By the way, Vance," he went on quiel- ly, "how did you happen to come here today? I've asked you so often to Join our racing seance and yoT pick the one day when tire roof blows off the place. Vance kept his eyes on Garden for a moment. 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"The devil you sayl he exclaimed. "That's a queer one. Man or woman?" "Oh, It was a tnan." Vance replied casually. Garden pursed his lips and,' after a moments meditation, said quietly: Well, anyway. Im damned glad you did come . - What can I tell you that might be of help? Anything you want, old man. "First of all, then," asked Vance, "did you recognize the revolver? I taw you looking at it rather apprehensively when we came out on the roof." Garden frowned, and finally answered. as if with sudden resolution: "Yes! I did recognize it. Vance. It belongs to the old gentleman" "Your father?" Garden nodded grimly. "Ile'i had it for 'years. Why he ever got it in the first place, I dont know he probably hasn't the slightest idea how to use it . . . "By the by," Vance put in, "what time does your father generally return home from the university? Garden hesitated "Why why and then continued: "on Saturdays hes always here early in the afternoon rarely after three-- . Gives himself and his staff a , . . But," he added, "fathers very erratic . . . Hia voice trailed off nervously. Vance took two deep Inhalations on his cigarette: he was watching Garden attentively. Then be asked in a soft tone: "What on your mind? Unless, of course, you have good reason for not wanting to tell me." Garden took a long breath and stood up. . He seemed to be deeply troubled a he walked across the room and back. The truth is, Vance," be said, at he resumed his place on the davenport, "I dont even know where the pater Is this afternoon. As soon as I came downstairs after Woodys death, I called him to give him the news. I thought hed want to get here es soon as possible In the circumstances. But I was told that hed locked up the laboratory and left the university about two It's a Good Start He who puTsTiis best foot forward stands the best chance of getting there with both feet. 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Youll thank us for the Set and foe Introducing these brands of Lye to yon. OFFER tSS UBBITtf Hou) to Ctt Your Siluwr Stt To get your Sliver Set merely end the bend from any can of Lye shown at right with fte (to cover handling, mailing, etc.) with your nama and addreaa 1:1(1 aa'ionuaw, iv o aiiiuntl y sudden change seemed to have come over her.' Her eyes dimmed, and tears sprang into them. "But you dont understand." she protested. In a broken voice. "Im to blame for this tragedy it wasn't the race. If it hadnt been for me Woody would be alive now. I I And I wanted feel terrible about to go upstairs to see him." Vance put his band on the girls oclock." shoulder. CHAPTER V "Really," be said softly, "theres to to indicate that youre nothing I could not understand the mans blame." Zalia Graem looked up at Vance perturbation; and I could see that It puzzled Vance as well. Vance ensearching "Then what Floyd has been try- deavored to put him at his ease. "It really doesnt matter, he ing to tell me Is true that Woody didnt shoot himself?" said, as if dismissing the subject "It may be Just as well that your "Quite true," said Vance. Th girl drew a deep breath, and father doesn't learn of the tragedy her lips trembled. She took a quick till later." He smoked for a moment Impulsive step toward .Vance, and "But to get back to the revolver: resting her bead against bis arm, where was It usually kept?" "In the center drawer of the desk burst into tears. Vance placed his hands on her upstairs," Garden told him promptarms and held her away from him. ly. "And was the fact generally he "X say, stop this nonsense, admonished her sternly. "And dont known to the other members of the try to be so deuced clever. Run household, or to Swift hlmsqlf?" Garden nodded. "Oh, yes. There along to the drawing room." Soon Mrs. Garden came through was no secret about It We often the archway with a look of resent- joked with the old gentleman about ful determination, and strode ag- his arsenal. "And the revolver was Always gressively down the haH. Tails has Just told me," she loaded?" "So far as I know, yes. said angrily, "that you forbade her "And was there an extra supply to go upstairs. Its an outrage! But surely I may go up. This is my of cartridges?" "As to that I cannot say," Garbouse, remember. You have no answered: "but I dont think me from to den whatever prevent right with minutes last so.' these spending "And heres a very Important my nephew." confront to her. question. Garden," Vance went on. Vance' turned There was a pained look on his "How many of the people that are face, but bis eyes were cold and here today could possibly have Anown'that your father kept this stem. loaded revolver In bit desk? Now, be madam, T have every right, said. "The situation is a most seri- think carefully before answering." (TO BE COSTIMED) ous one, and if you will not accept for will ba it that fact, necess'ry Nickname for Madrid People ma to assume sufficient authority to nickname for the inhabitants The do to so." compel you The woman raised her eyebrows, of Madrid, Los Gatos, or the cats, shrugged her shoulders, and, turn- was earned by them mne centuries ing indifferently, went back up the ago in the capture of Moorish cas tie for Alphonso VI of Jastiia. halL A Smart Knit Bloie ncj Skirt J . half-holida- ... be very glad to." "Then I would like you to stand guard, as it were," be said, with a taint friendly smile. "I want to talk to Mr. Garden, and X dont want anyone to go upstairs. Would you mind taking your post in this chair and notifying me immediately if anyone should attempt to go up?" "Thats so little to ask," the girl replied, as she seated herself in a chair at the foot of the stairs. Vance thanked her and proceeded to the den. Inside Garden snd Zalia Graem were sitting close together documents " on a tapestry davenport and talking 'And may X have the name and in low, confidential tones. An Inaddress of your relative an aunt, distinct murmur of voices from be1 believe you said?" Vance re yond the archway Indicated that the tested pleasantly. Tm in charge other members of the group were in f the situatiod here until the the drawing-roo- arrive. could see that Miss Graem, instead of going toward the drawing room, was walking rapidly in the opposite ' direction. "Just a moment Miss Graem 1" Vance's voice was peremptory, "Please wait in the drawing-room- . No one Is to go upstairs just now." ' Sh swung about "And why not? Her face was flushed with anger, and her jaw protruded with defiance. "I have a right to go up," she proclaimed spiritedly. Vance aaid nothing but shook his head in negation, his eyes holding bers. 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