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Show ,gw's . - , , ,..,-,,,- , " - 1, '...,,e .: . '4 '... t.0 :,.......; , e.". ..F.; ..o.,'.-., ts a.- ; ::: , ::,-- "..r V ..2.,;.,....4.:,.,,..,..,..,4,,,..4,14,..24,1:4 Vielr,104,444 ., .,,., - . .,...,..... --,-- . ' . I l'IlEDESERET , . NEW'S SA'tURDAY OCTOBER I', 192T 1 11111116 1 JF TEZ George Vincent Angus, amending by means of the automatis elevator to his room s. in tile upper regions of the Bellevue klat . taught the gleam of a Pal" Wont Oblong strip of brass affixed to sae ot tho doors on the first .li arrested the progress oft the elevator. and, tepping outs studied the plate. he Peter Bragg. to himself. "What a name!" Whereupon be rang the bell. It wait answered by a man servant of age. 1. Mr. Peter Bragg at borne?" the visitor inquired. 11ave you an appointment, mit?" the-- man countered. I have no appointment." Angus confessed. but I have a. desire for a word with lir. Peter Bragg.I sh11 gismo of no consequence. not detain your master for more than a few minutes." will se. tar. whether Mr. Bragg le able to see you." the butler Conceded. "Will you step into the wasting room.' Ile threw Open the door of a handsome apartment on the right-han- d side of the ballan apartmeat furnished and paneled throughout in light oak. "What does this fellow want a Iralting room for?" Antrum floated. "Doesn't look as though any one had ever been inside the place, When" The butlers reappearing. bowed I mar-Inur- tune." was the stiff admiasion. "I see." Angus murmured. "flo i you're taking this up as a hobby. Any clients yet?' Peter Bragg coughed. You will excuse me. hi begged. "If I refrain from discussing A certain my business with you. amount of setrecy" his visi"Oh. chuck it. Pudgy. were a You aiways tor begged. monall with that and. funny boy. ey. why ehouldn't you play at doWon't you ing what you want to? get bored with it. thoughwaiting for clients?" "I don't anticipate having to wait," was the calm reply. "I took over Macphersons Limited, with all their staff and there is always plenty doing there in a minor sort of way. They consult me cautionally, and I deal with the Important cases here." "You moan to say that you have an organization?" Angus demanded. Peter Bragg rang one of the bells by his side, and a young woman appeared. "Has No. 7 report come in Miss Ash?" "Ten minutes ago, sin' "Bring it. please." Her errand was completed in an incredibly short space of time. Peter Brum opened the folder she had brought and commenced to read. "At three o'clock yesterday afting he ernoon," lunched at the Ritz, by the by Rene arrived at you lash. intending to play polo against the 'sectorial. You found. however. that a back had already been chosen and you decided to wait for Saturday's match. In the bar. afterward". was Angus Oaring in amazement the--" "What 'Let me finish." Peter Bragg went on "In the bar. afterward. you me a Captain Milner. with whom you had a somewhat prolonged conversation . chiefly concerned with a string of polo ponies which are up for ale in Gloucestershire. Later you found your father. Lord Moningbam, and had Itea with him. Then you made up .four at tennis. You had your but flannels in the dressing-roowere obliged to borrow some' be shoes. six o'clock you Toward to town. dined at 'Mouse. and returned to your rooms. where you received a You visitor. 'nipped at the called In at with friends, your Club, and arrived hack here two. Correct. I after shortly think." Peter Bragg leaned back In his chair. Angus was a little bewildered, more than a little inclined to be angry. "Will you explain." he demanded. "what you mean by having my footsteps dogged?" "There is no law against anything of the sort, "was the reply. "nothing to prevent my having your movements watched, if it amuses sue. Let me remove any anxiety you may feel at once, though. We have nothing against you. But I never ahoy our staff to be Idle, and. whenever we have a man doing nothing, I turn him on the first person I can think of. Be never knows whether the thing is serious, and It keeps him from rusting." The position as between the two men had become reversed. It was Peter Bragg now who was airy. Indifferent his companion whose face had darkened. Suddenly. however. the humor of the situation appealed to him. Ile burst out laughing. 110 You .meati. after all 131id. SY," he exclaimed, "that I am to take you seriously? Gad. I wish yoult take me into partnerehip.". ' ' :. f - ''4 , t , - t , ,. ..;; . 1 1 , 1 i, , , ', 1 it I v t t ' I :, . ' '- t I t , ! I t. f , 7 s I 1 tI ! 4 1 ' I ti ,I f A 1 ' I 1 :' 1 I ! 1 4- , I.'-',- , . ' , 1 . , 3 1 I 1 - - - began---liaV- Brogg wlU see you sir." be announced. Angulo was ushered into a large Impressive-lookin- g apartment. A man woe seated at a handsome looked at his Be rosewood desk. , visitor through horn rimmed glued."Too wish to me me? be Inquired. ''My name is Bragg." AMMO acknowledged the information. and sank. uninvited. Into a chair at a convenient distance from the tablet. 'Very glad to snake your acquaintance." ha murmured. Mr. Peter Bragg was short and Inclined toward rotundity of figure. ' n. of pink and white and of singularly complexion. youthful appearancean effect his oeemed designed to coungleams teract. 'What might be your name and the asters of your business?" be inquired. Butritteas? Oh. I haven't any business.' August admitted. "Mere matter of curiosity. my looking you up. Boomed such a queer thing you see. a fellow having a brass Plate outside his door in the Belleknow vue Plata Of that no doctors or dendele or those aorta of Peopla are allowed here." Mr. Peter Bragg bad the air ot em endeavoring to be patient with an inipowdble pereen. "Do I undentand that you introduced yourself here for the purpose of asking me why I choose the moo . ordinary means of indicating My whereabouts to those who should know It?" ' "Something like that," Angus as. misted. "Ws a very nice plate- -lettering In good taste, and all that so long as you have to have it. I My. you wouldn't mind taking off them spectacles a moment would you? Mr Peter Bred finally complied- Mai Visitor rose and patted itim on the shoulder. 'Pudgy Pete, by Jove!" he exclaimed. "I knew there was some- thing funnier about you- - Fancy your -I remember you perfectly. was the fen'''. "You are the Hon. George Vincent Angus. second eon of Lord idoningham, and you were Peter Bragg took off his glasses. expelled from Marlovre's during my second year. "Oh, rm in this thing seriously e. trim-acin little a enough, as you may find out some Angus indulged have Proved day." he declared- No nted to drag up those indis- to you that I 'have an organizaeretimus of youth." be murmured. tion. Perhaps you'd like to be You went on to Barrow afterpresent while I interview a Client.' He touched a bell. The butler ward didn't you? What do you mean by "porting a bram plate I entered almost immediately. "Is Miss Burton in the waitMg-- , outside that magnificent door of yours. and why have you what your. room?" "Yes, sir?" butler call. a 'waiting room?' I "You can show her in." can tanderutand a .pei dropping in Angus rose. to me you, now and then. but why 1 sky. if he's a client, she ea earth should any one 'wait to won't want me here," be observBe. your ed. Peter Bragg leaned back in his Peter Bragg Motioned him back. chair. You always were a curious. In- "I have a reason for wishing you reto remain." he confided. Angus." he terfering chap, There was pot time for protest marked. "You haven't changed." "Not In the least," was the for the door tad been opened, and mission. 'Just the same as ever the young lady was being ushered In. interests me. a If Both men roes. She came forPudgy. thing like to know about IL Now tell me ward. what you're up to." "This Is Miss Burton, is it not?" "I have established myeelf." Pe- Peter Bragg said. "My name is ter Bragg announced, as a con- Bragg. Please take a seat. Permit me to introduce Mr. George An- sulting detective." "As a what?" the other gasped. gus. I will explain his presence' "As a consulting detective. or in- later." vtsttgator, If you prefer the word.1 The girl accepted the chair AnMy headquarters Sce in the Strand. gus bad offered her. Weat End branch. This Is my Mr. An"You remember me where I interview important cligus?" she asked. ents." I he "Of answered. course, do," Angus stared. Then he suddenly "You were governess to my sister's began to laugh. lite companion's children, weren't you? Spent a frown deepened. "Como to remember It," Angus summer at 'Moningham once?" kthe nodded. "You were readreflected always "Your sister was always very detective stories at school. ing Marlowe must have taken a whole kind to me." ph. said. "Unfortunlibrary away from you at different ately as the children grew older, times. Tell me. PudgyI'm not my French wasn't good enough. I ou were at the have been for two year. with Mrs. mistaken, am elkall there. Goldberg in Gloucester Terrace." of every bottom weren't you T" Angus looked at her kindly. Re believe so." turned toward his old schoolfelof some low. 'There was question askest to leave. eh? "I think I'll be getting along. your being 'Abnormal lack of Intelligence.' the Peter." he suggested. "If Miss Burold man used to say." ton wishes to consult you, she "I was not a success at school." would rather see you alone." Peter Bragg condescended to ad"Unless the lady feels that way who about it I should prefer you to mit. 'Many in the world ex- remain." have prospered Peter Bragg announced. ceedingly have commenced life in "Two heads are better than One, the same fashion." and you may he interested in her Angus nodded sympathetically. Have you any objection to lle still had the air of a man mov- story. Mr. presence, Miss Bur..4 to gentle. but continuous mirth. ton?" Angus The Idea of Pudgy Pete, as a She shook her head. appealed to him irresisti"I don't mind. Mr. Bragg.' she assented. '1 don't know whether "I trust, for your sake. Peter,"1 'any one can help me. though." noter---.he oaf& "that you are "Please telt your 'story." Peter dependent. for your 'livelihood upon ;directed. auccess In your profeesion?" "l am quite prior." she began. Peter Brace "My livelihood." secured. "Is My "The relatives I have are not very ...winged, near Ones. and they are poor. "Of memo." said Angus "Brairst's wax happy at Lady Cranston's: I The have been miserable ever since. A Nett. Polish, wasn't It? Old man left you a half million. few months ago a piece of good fortune came to me. The only man didn't he" "Be left me a sonsiderable for who ever visited at Mrs. Gold. clean-shave- t m II--y- I ... f ' .:: .' men-thoug- :i I,'',--.---- f - : 1 , - f - t - 1 I ; r........., amine 11.1111., ;, 1 h. .1(1:- , $ 1 0 . '' -- ;,Ftt-rc,,- ,, - ',I. i ri f ; t 4I t.t.,, 7 f c r,',. .).1,-;,- , , ' ,,,......, ) II ij ; '1) - frj? ik,!-----,.- 4'k:.5.., tto. ' ' I ,,! tr,1 i v - , 1 : , '' ...,d .g C 4 ', , 0 I t 4 ''''f..' :i, il 'It'.., .r4. ir 5 e7LAPIN, I II l' !i i ' . -- 0' i. 110 , 4, 6'. i 1 ' yr- ,-- 0 ' I ,1 t ' ki 01 berg's began to take notice of me. never have thought that there wee any harm in him. Makes a bit buyme to marry him. We were to ing and selling antiquesgenerally next Thurs- fakes." have been married "We have now to consider," Peday." Bhp pause0and showed sign' of ter Bragg mused, how we can get hold of Owes letters." breaking down. "Now the trouble. please." Peter The young man In the ' dark Bragg demanded briskly. months ago." nhe clothes. and with the upper part "Eighteen went on, "I met a man in the of his features obecurvd by a black into a chair in the park. where I used to walk ire the mask. subsidedroom of 11 DinSMOre evening. Idy life with Mrs. Gold- ehabby back West street, Kensington. Be Patberg was very unhappy. I never ted a protuberance in his breast had a, moment's pleasure, or any one to ay a kind word. I let him pocket with eatisfaction.,The man seated opposite to hima white-hairespeak to me. We became very pathetic-lookin- g figure friendly. Me was always sympa- made some alight movement, only thetic, and that counted for much. to shrink back hie in chair as he He didn't visit to marry into the very ugly black think married already. but Itoked of a automatic separated from his wife. I went cavity on fleeing him. even after I knew. pistoL "Put he begthat down.' thing I shouldn't have done it. but my tremulously. "1 cant do more life was so dreary that I couldn't ged I than have Fve done. given My break off with him altogether. I word not to move or raise my used to write. him lettersfoolish voice." 1 lettentOne day, as was reading For a man. military Major." his the paper, I saw that be had been observed. you seem to be run Over by a taxi and killed." a little nervous." Angus ventured a word of sym'Who are you?" the mailer dePathY. Feet Brans remained si- manded abruptly. "BrerY nGor and lentthen your voice mounds laminar." "We were leaving for Scotland nest day." she went on. "and, when we came back. ..Mr. Paynton, the gentleman I am engaged to, began to .call. I suppose it was very hearties, but I had almost forgotten about Mr. Sinclairthat was the other gentleman's namewhen I received this letter." She handed it across the table. Peter Bragg took it. "It is dated," he announced. "from 11 Dinsmoor street. West hentdngtom. and it is signed." he (Continued from preceding page.) added, turning over the sheet, "by hungry look he watched my pen Philip Drayton (Major)." Then he read alnudr He wratching across the page. did not ray a word. 'My dear young ladY. "You look "I am writing you, with the uthungry." I said; Don't they give most reluctance. a letter that may " whore distress you, sad that treats of a you enough to eat?" 41 can't eat." he said, hi a low very disagreeable affair. A servant of none. George Roberts. lies voice. "I can't sleep. I can't do ill in a London hospital. more. hire I need to." lie is anything any "Snap out Of it," I told him. penniless and has a ,fauilly. Ile los letters 'mitten by you. address- - I "You've lost. Benny. and now eel to his late employer. got to pay' the fiddler. a Mr.1You'va Sinclair. who was killed in a taxi I You've got to eat and sleepand accident. The scoundrel PhOUld of to do that you've got to stop worcourse. have turned them to you, fling. You're only a kidyou've ar,d he amured me that he intend- - got enough Senfle to know 1On can eel to do so. sow, however. he make a fresh alert this has met with reverses, and he in- - time you'll know againand better. You'll sista upon having a thousand Play the game fair and square from rounds for them. or inviting a Mr. the startas I told you to do a tang Payriton, to whom you are engag- - time age. Didn't I?" ed. to purchase them at that price. Ile wouldn't answer me. And as ; did my best to make Roberts see I turned back to my writing with the enormity of his prerposed action. a sigh, there came the sound of but he insists that his first duty iv somebody on the porch, and the to his wife and family. I have per- - next minute in comes the boy we ruaded him to intrust the letters to know as The Swallow and his clevmy care, and I think you had bet- - er spy, Lally, and between them ter see me and discuss the matter. they had Doody by the arm .. "Sincerely yours, "Doody!" I yelled, jumping tip "PHILIP DRAY'OON." and throwing down my pen. I ran Peter Itracit folded up the letter over to the door and threw my and returned it. arms around him. "Gee! Its good "The matter." he pronounted. "I,' to see you in this clubhouse again, one of blackmail. Scotland Yard boy. How are you feeling. now'!" would deal with it in a moment. his same he with "Better." said, The trouble is. as you have no old smile. "but Doctor Waters told doubt realized. that you would he- - me I couldn't stay long. I'm e involved in the publictty that ring better right along now, anti would follow." seen down again every come 'That is why I came to you.' the day to meetings. That is, if these t don't want to two tellOWS don't get me off to the girl explained. prosecute." school again." -I Have you any money to pay for military I said, "I hope not. the letters" Peter Bragg inquired. ...oh... Rod no is ...rhat old cantle talon "Not one penny." was the replyA tor Tha swatiow. with a 1 had thirty pounds saved. and "Not after all the nightmare have virtu that tor my trousseau." ' Ve" been through" "Are the letters very compromisotwe are not going to live there. ing?" Angus interposed. told you," broke in Doody, with a -blushed slightly. litte ' --They would seem so to Mr. ktgrin. You havent heard, MawPoynton," she admitted. "He tv heard a thing about it vfrr atiict indeed. They were very, "Haven't we helped you get it." I said. foolish. Any one readin g them since with a smile. "But it was a groat might easily misunderstand." Doody, and we all en- "Did you see this Major Dray- - adventure.too." it. joyed ton?" Peter Bragg asked. "We are not going to live there. The girl shook her head. only right that my couain, "It didn't seem to be any use. was Howard Swift, should have a share I couldn't raise a thousand pence.' in old house. He was as much that bell a and Petei Bragg touched a nephew of Uncle Ahner's an I roast. Mr. 'You will return here, Miss Bur was. And so I told the lawyer, fixed that I ton," he directed. "immediately ,Gravely, that wanted it and How- Pend for you. Until then. leave; wayhalf to each of up. mother and lather are going the matter in our hands. Go on lard's with the preparations for yourlto take care of me. now, too. Were to be lithe brothers together wedding. and. unless there is and thing you ought to confessand I Inow, Howard in the was an interruption There not is there notdo gather that mention' The matter to Mr. Poyn- - shape Of at taivattek- shadow that fell arrows tie through the open ton" I The butler wee already upon ,door. And the next moment we the threshold- - With a word of iwere facing a man who bell in hi. :hand a paper with a red seal on thanks. she left the room. "Well!" Angus exclaimed "Old lit be Phil Drayton, of all men! Belonasi "I am the superintendent," for In one of my cluhaor rather. one:said. slowly. "f have COMO to. I used to belong DodderingiBenny Bones." sad dalim he terns, but I should& There was not a sound for a mo To my surprise, one (Ay be eked d. meI bull-nos- V 'Ai 1 SHE WAS colorings. "So this is Armadi porcelain?' be observed. "You must not fret about your loss, Major. After all. as our Interview has passed off without distutpance. and L am able to depart without leaving indications of my burglarious effort. imagine" He major - , r .40.1deloa.,4,.... , - i;.. it ,.. POIMIELEbS. reminded him. "I warned that 'she might hear us." Tho masked man picked up the vase, movedipeross the room, and turned off the light. He stood away from the door. hie back to the mall., swatchinte. The major you showed fresh terror. "My niece my be difficult." he faltered. "Be careful with her. and don't carry that vase as though it were a ginger-potWhat do you mean difficult?" "She has courage." The door was opened, and the marauder's scheme of darkness visa frustrated by the light from the hall, Framed in the doorway stood a very handsome and very determined-lookin- g young woman dressing-gow- n wearing a and alippera She looked into the room with amazed eyes at the bureau still in disorder, her uncle, the masked man with the vase. A cry broke from' her lips. "Madame." the burglar assured her. "yip have nothing to fear." "But you have." was the retort. "Put up your hands!" Ths girl's arm flatbed out. Cit ped In her fingers was a formid. revolver. The masked man obeyed her behest. but in a fashion of ble own. Be held the vase in front of his face. "Young lady," he warned her, "it you shoot, you will destroy what I am informed tes. priceleu example of Armadi pottery." "What are you doing with It?" she demanded. "it belongs to my uncle." "Alas," the other replied "it did. At present it belongs, to meby right of possession. We collectors sometimes use violent measures. Will you be so good as to step a little to one aide?" Re moved closer te her. Be trembled noticeabiy. She snapped on the light and closed the dfor'. "Stay where you are:" she ordered. he raised the revolver once morel but it was too late. There was a firm grip upon her wrist, an arm around her shoulder. She was po weriese. "Need we argue about this matter?" he continued. "I have the vase. It is on the carpet for the moment, but it Is now my property Your uncle is resigned to its look Let me pass." She struggled In his grasp, but she was helpless. Me did not at once make his escape however. She felt him bending over her, caught the faint perfume of verbena from his shaven chin or halt. She felt lier heart throbbing. "Don't In) foolish," he whispered'. "The vase is mine, fairly taken in open warfare. Better resign yourself. It is always open to ycu to return my visit, to come and fetch, It back." She felt his breath upon her face, an odor of lavender, as though the mask had been kept in a perfume drawer. Another whiff of that cleanly verbena. lips brushed hers, lingered, clung for one long. breathless moment. Then she gave a little gasp, he was free. and outside in the hall she heard the sound of retreating footsteps. the closing of the door., "You can show Miss Drayton' in." Peter.Bragg directed. Angust glanced uneasily toward' the door. he question is whether I had not better make myself scarce," he muttered. Even as he spoke. however, there was ushered in a remarkably handsome and apparently very angry young lady. Both men retail to their feet. "You are Mr. Bragg, I suppose,' she said, addressing Peter. "I have come to consult you upon a private matter." "I am at your disposal, madam." was the rejoinder. "'I can see you alone, if you prefer IL This gentleman and I. however, were discussing a prospective partnership. Permit me to Introduce Mr. Angus Miss Drayton." , "I have no objection to Mr. Angues presence," the young,.ladY conceded, looking bard at him. There was a moment's silence. The frown upon the glee face seemed to deepen. Argue however, remained at his eases and presently abs looked away. 'The matter upon which T have come to consult you. kir.' Bragg." ahe began. 'Si. a anions one. My uncle, Major Drayton, is a pollee ." roae-color- terror-- stricken broke eft Down the front stairs outside in the hall. came the sound of footsteps. lie glanced at the clock. It was five minutes past one. "I thought you told me there was no one In the house except yourself? be said swiftly. 'No one except my niece." the ment Or two. And then we heard a chair shoved hastily back. and wto all turned to see Bones rise from his place by the Acne. gave a little cry as he ran Doody toward the fallen leader of the Ureat Club the one who bad tried to cheat him out of his inheritancebut Bones ;stepped aside and walked swiftly Up to the superintendent. "I am ready," he said. "My name is Benny Bones. I am the boy you came for." The man simply nodded and took hold of one of those long, akinny arms and turned to go. But as he moved to the door, Bones turned around and looked at Doody. "I want to say something to you. before I go," he said in a low voice. "I am sorry I ever caused you any trouhle, Doody. Maybe if other folk's hadn't always been behind me, making me do things, I wouldn't now be on my way to the School for Bad Boys. But I ain't makin' any excuses for myeelf. I'm going to take my medicine. But I want to tell you boys you've got the right ideathere's only One way to stay out of trouble, and that's the fair and square way." And with that. then, he turned to the man, who had waited on the porch. "I am ready now, Mr. Superin- tendent?' he said. Together we all stood in the open door and watched them as they walked slowly down the path. Bones walked straight as an arrow and stayed close to the superintendent's arm. A neat little covered launch waited at the little landing on the river, a man at the wheel. The tall man and boy etepped inthe motor whirred. and up stream they went. and we watched them until they disappeared around the bend. Then we turned inside, but none of us said a word. I guess we all felt sorry for him, then, but what the dickena could we do about it? We had warned him time and time again, tut he could not see It until it was time to be too late. Only now, when he was about to begin to take up his punishment, bad be P4,4.12 the light of the truth, and ft Pars to be fair and square. "Poor old Benny" sighed Doodler, as he lowered himself into a chair beeide my deck. "It doesn't seem right somehowhe's so young and, Hawkina that boy is smart. don't think we Ought to let him stay up there in thee School for Bad Boys." "Sure, you geld The Swallow, "for a while, at least-- -" "Just a little while," broke In Doody. "and then we boys will all go up to old Judge Grenbery's etfice and see if we can't Pat In a good word for him, won't we?" Which we did. (Copyright. ifT. Metropolitan Newspaper genic', New York.) g. In tshhoarbae whubsionses&I witaatatitheemall he sent down an open check for two thousand pounds. put the notes 0 In an envelop, as soon as he re- ceived them. and handed them- - to me. "Sinclair banded me. too. a Packet of the girl's letters to return to her, and I was to left her haws the money. We made a parcel of the lot. I took them home with me, and well, for & time. nothing happened." "Do I understand." Peter Bragg asked. 'that you made no effort to find the lady?" "I rang up the address in Gloucester Terrace the next morning." the major confided. "I can (mule you, gentlemen, that. If id got into touch with her that day. shad ivii had the notes and letters straight away. it turned out, though, that she was a governess with some people called Goldberg and that they had left for Scotland. I decidel to wait until the girl came back to London. "I've been hard up all my be went ort, "but never harder Lis than the day those two thousand pounds came into my hands. I didn't touch the money. but. when the girl came back, I became nothing more or less than a criminal. wrote tried not to 'frighten her. put I invented some lie about I said nothing servant. Sinciales about the money, but I told her that I had the letters and that this servant wanted money for them. I asktt her to come and see rue. The trouble was that she didn't come." "What was your scheme, if she had come?" Angtui asked. "I was going to make her Par a thousand pounds for the letters. 41e confessed. "I reckoned that the thousand pounds she would have left would be a godsend to her. She was going to marry a rich man, and I was almost a pauper. There's a pottery sale next week, wonder- ful pieces. and I've never had enough moneybut there. I've no excuse. The worst of my story is to herI come." "The worst!" Peter Bragg murmured. -A tragedy has happened," the "Loot night rny major groaned. house was broken' into. The burglar discovered the eealed packet and-- went off with it." The notes and the letter?" Angus-- asked, Both." was a silence. Tnere -There was also a matter of a Peter vase," Bragg remarked presently. The major stared. -Mow did you know about that r, he demanded. "Your niece has been here.," Peter Bragg explained. "She wanted us to get the vase bark. She knew nothing, of e8111;ge, about the rest of the business." The major's hands were shaaying. "I begged the burglar to take the vase," he confessed. "I didn't want Marjorie to think that there was anything else I had worth taki- ng.- The door was opened. Ulm Ash laid a Glip of paper before her em- ised. "I'm afraid you're an amateur It this sort of thing. Anglia," Pe- ployer. "Tte little governess!" Bragg te Bragg remarked. as soon as whispered. were were "You alone. There was a moment's silence. giving they yourself away, the' 'whole of the Then Peter Bragg laid his hand upon his client's shoulder. time.' "Major," he said, -- we Angus was gazing out of the be able to help you. Pleasemay window. be so '"A,good-lookingirl, that!" he good as to step Into the waiting-roofor a minute." murmured. "Did you notice her eyes? When she came into the room In that dressing a Little Mies Burton mme In like whirlwind, a roll of bank-notPeter! gownimagine her in rose. in her hand. I nearly dropped the vase and "My lettere!" he exclaimed. chucked the show. 'They were all in the packet you Peter Bragg glanced at him sus- sent. and look what else! Money! piciously. thousand pound. "I trust," he said. "that you are TwoCan sentiyou," Peter Bragg asked, of not in the habit allowing shock, provided it is a ment to interfere with bueiness. "bear a one?" By the by, you were Just going to pleasant "I have my letters back," she tell me about this vane. Where cried in does it come tin. and what made thing." ecstacy- "I can bear any- you bring it away?" "The notes are yours," Peter "Curiously enough, to please the Bragg confided. "They were left old boy." Angus explained. "He's you by Mr. Sinclair. There has obviously a beginner at this black- been a little delay in handing them mailing game, and he was terri- ever, and a little trouble about fied lest his niece shbud guest; your letters, because the trustee what it was he'd been burgled for, Wail not quite honest. Now that Re knew that the vase was a take you have both, are you prepared and practically valueless, so, when to forgive him? He seems repenhe realized that the game was up tant" "But how did you do it?" she and that I was going to have the throwing her arms around letters, he begged me to pinch it. cried. hr. fool. tell Bragg's neck "Forgive him ? He'll no The old boy's rd forgive any one for anything.' the for been one he's burgled every Peter Bragg disengaged himsake of his vase, and they'll think self. he gets hold of some good Muff, "Gratitude of this sort." he sail now and then." due Mr. Angus, who The eturrtarY glided in and stiffly, "is the adventure of reco- handed a folded piece of paper to undertook ering the letters and stumbled upon her employer. Be looked at it and the notes." passed it on to Angus. Angus inShe stretched Out her hands todulged in a whistle. ward him. finA moment later the butler threw gers to his Angus raised her lips. open, the door. "And now," Peter Bragg suggest"Major Drayton," he announced. ed, "if you will come into the next The major was a man, &Imola a room. you will find Major Drayton His clothe. figure., pathetic, the person who kept you temtended, were porarily Out of your money and though carefully to beg for your for- shabby. letterswaiting "You wish to consult me. Major giveness. You must remember that inPeter Bragg you Sr. very erDrayton?" young," he went on. In his moet middle-age- d tonehe quired. rewas himself twenty-six"s- o allow "In confidence." the major man et a at to give you a Angus. experience plied, gazing "That is as you wish, of course. word of advice: when restitution kir. Angus, howeverby the way, has been made and repentance tonis shown. forgiveness Is an excellent kir., AngusMajor discussing a partnership with me. He ushered her into the waiting-rooI ars showing hint some of the declosed the door, and came e tails of my timidness, aid I can on that you can speak with back.- Angus laid his hand upon the utmost freedom before him." his friend's shoulder. "Pudgy," he confided. "I think believe." the major murmured, should like this business. If "that I have met Mr. Angus. There Iyou're about a is something about him that seems Junior really In earnest come In." partnership. I'll familiar." "We have met a good many The walked home major jauntily. times. Major," Angus assured him. He had argued for half an hour. used to he I member of the Sta- but in his pocket reposed the 'I price dium club." of many a Arrnadi vase. Juslor. appeared relieved.... Then, M hisspurious draiting-rooniece's " remember. of couree." he 'O- he met with a further mitted. "I wondered where it was Vpon the little table was thesurprise. Armahad seen you. Certainly, if Mr. di yaw,, tilled with dark red roses, Angus is likely to become associatand before them stood Marjorie, a ed with your business. Mr. Bragg.' rapt expression upon her face. he can remain. I are not proud, "My vase!" the major exclaimed. of my storyit might almost be "And roses." she murmured called a confessionbut I should "from the burglart'l Met manta 1927, like te get It off my chest, (Copyright. "I -had a friendTom Sinclair. Newspaper Service, New York.. m g rose-color- ed 'I , -- , . , , ' . Abt,0,,.e. 1.,i'''.: tiAl I 4 Scl(ATIP,,,y111. 1,AwKitiS any-limi- fit 1 , wi a i i; flviv ill 'Don't worry to find out, mg dear sir. You will wain your time. Look upon me as a nightmare of youi fancy who has paid you a brief visit and departed with your priceless vase. As for the letters, you can always believe that you threw them on the back of the firea generous action. Major, but why not? I am quite sure that, at some time or another during your life. you were capable of it."' The intruder slipped his pistol back into his pocket and picked up from the table a porcelain vase of grange orange and blue I It , , , ill I f t-- : f l' I. 1 v 541 ftv..41Avtit(ttlk,r,,,Itt44.7r,;,y i . liwtit TIMM WAS i FIRM GRIP tro NJEER WRI9T. AN AIM AROVN D HER SHOULDLII. .'dittiitt .: , . 44 room in my uncle's presence,-an- d he got away with the vase. He was armed. and, although I threatened him with an unloaded revolver, he only laughed at line." then. have you come to rite and not to the police?" Peter Bragg naked. "Because. my uncle refuses to report his loss, the lady explained. "He won't allow me to go to the Polies station. I thought that I had better come to you." You have shown, if I may say so, Peter Bragg declared, "unusual common sense. An unusual amount," Angus maid. ',These antiques almost of in recovery impossible the ordinary way. The police might possibly trace the burglar. but you would never have seen your Arvase again." madi -How did you know that it was an Armedt vase?" she demanded. "But, my dear young lady." Angus pointed out, without hesitation, 'you described it as such." "I don't remember doing anything of the sort," she declared. "If you will allow me to say so," Peter Bragg interposed. "I think that my friend is right. I certainly heard the term." "It seems very extraordinary." Ithe girl murmured. "I shall begin to believe that I talk in my sleep next." "Did the burglar leave anything that would afford a clue. or have 'yoU any recollection of him?" Peter Bragg inquired. "lis was young," she 'replied. 'and tall. He wore a mask over the upper part of his face, so it was difficult to get any definite Idea about him. but I should think that he was what wquld be called in his world a somewhat superior in antiques him'persona dealer self, perhaps, dr something of that sort." 'No other impression6r' Angus ventured. "None except that he used either a shaving cream or a hair wash perfumed with verbena." Angus moved slightly further away. "At what sum does your uncle value the tam?" Peter Bragg asked. "Well. he is vague about that," the girl admitted, "but I believe he was hoping to get five hundred pounds for it. We are poor, and I know that the loss is 'worrying him." "I tbink that he can spare himself aft undue anxiety." Peter Bragg pronounced. "An Armed! vase can scarcely be concealed. Your description of the men is 'helpful, too. Which do you want the morethe return of the vase or the punishment of the burglar?" The girl's eyes 'bowed anger sod a curious sort of regret. "The young man was terribly rude," she declared"most offensiveyet, on the whole, I would rather have the vase," Peter Bragg touched the hell. "You shall have a report from us in twenty-fou- r hours." he prom- as I ,,A1 - 0, Zta,,17: ",,,,, ,:) ti ' ,r . , - Li 's : . . - AO"' .,' ;,' t fri1:; , he-w- of Iv - 1.I ft Q' . , Loolbicr. .0" ' p1.t,,.. l I11) AA - if Y' 1 t ,!21 ,,,zzit - .,. . il Pl ,4ti 0 - ,i,..7 :P...;' II f I 11' ....II ,,, Ail , t;22i; i - - 4x-N- ., .., T i ;.:,1.........,' ailiN toN , . . or four tor of works of artespecially of He was run oversentthree for me. He Oriental porcelain. Last night our months ago and relative& but house in West Kensington was seemed to have no broken into and a vase. my Miele there was a girl of whom he waa much money, end valued highly was stolen. We saw fond. He hadn't the burglarIn fact, he rifled the It happened,. & aa he bad sold Out A ...,X,. , il ,i:,, , t3.:11 itist Illustrated by REX 14AkON , , I - , , - f , (1, 1 . ic'61116S..- 4 1 ., I Tr7r-"-- " ok,frli ' . f ; .r , . .F7t11.'Inn"m""'"'''''''..'"vrtl , , TOM 4 PHiLLIPS OPPENHEIM BY E. By Chtince Detective it ..Andus-,Becomes ! f '" . A , . '.' The, lion, George Vincent v ''' "' r- 't J1 . - SEMION ... , ...moor , ,, , .. ir -- . r ....., , . .. , , - , " . ' ' , , . |
