Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-09

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 For the first time Loder involuntari ly drew back into his corner of thu couch. T never guess" he sait brusquely.
 ''Then III tell you. His hands wer, the hands of my Englishman! I'm rings covered the scar made by k, Kos teeth. l knew 1t instantly-th' second my eyes rested on 1t. It wal the same scar that I had bound III dozens of times, that had seen healet 1 before left Santasalare."
 And you? What did you do? To der felt 1t singularly difficult and un pleasant to speak.
 "Ah, that's the point. That's where was stupid and made my mistake I should have spoken to him on tho ! moment, but didn't. You know how one sometimes hesitates. Afterward it was too late."
 But you saw him afterward-in tho rooms?" Loder spoke unwillingly.
 No, I didn't-that's the other point di1n't see him in the rooms. and haven't seen him since. Directly he was gone I left the tent-I pretended to be hungry and bored but, though went through every room. he was no where to be found. Once'-she hesi tated and laughed again-"once thought had found him, but it was only you-you, as you stood in that doorway with your mouth and chin hidden by Leonard Kaine's head. Wasn't it quaint mistake?"
 There was all uncertain pause. Then Loder, feeling the need of speech, broke the silence suddenly. Where do I come in?" he asked abruptly. What am I wanted for?"
 ITO help to throw light on the mys- tery. I've seen Blanche's list of peo- pie. and there wasn't man couldn't place no outsider ever squeezes through Blanches door. have ques- toned Bobby Blessington, but he can't remember who came to the tent last. And Bobby was supposed to have kept count" She spoke in deep scorn, but almost immediately the scorn faded and she smiled again. "Now that I've explained. Jack.' she added. what do you suggest?'
 Then for the first time Loder knew what his presence in the room really meant, and at best the knowledge was disconcerting. It is not every day that man is called upon to unearth himself
 'Suggest?' he repeated blankly.
 "Yes. I'd rather have your idea of the affair than anybody else's. You are so dear and sarcastic and keen that you can't help getting straight at the middle of fact"
 When Lillian wanted anything she could be very sweet. She suddenly dropped her half petulant tone; she suddenly ceased to be spoiled child. With perfectly graceful movement she drew quite close to Loder and slid gently to her knees.
 This is an attitude that few women can safely assume. It requires all the attributes of youth. suppleness and . certain buoyant ease. But Lillian nev- CT acted without justification and as she leaned toward Loder, her face lift ed, her slight figure and pale hair soft ened by the frelight, she made pic ture that it would have been difficult to criticisc.
 But the person who should have ap- preciated it stared steadily beyond 1t 10 the fire His mind was absorbed by one questionable question of how he might reasonably leave the house be- fore discovery became assured.
 Lillian. attentively watchful of him, saw the uneasy look, and her own face fell. But. as she looked. an inspiration came to her-a remembrance of many interviews with Chilcote smoothed and facilitated by the timely use of to- bacco.
 "Jack." she said softly. before you say another word insist on your lighting a cigarette" She leaned for ward. resting against his knee.
 At her words Loder's eyes left the fire. His attention was suddenly need
 
 ed for a new and more imminent difn- culty. ''Thanksw he said quickly. "I-- I have no wish to smoke"
 Tt isn't a matter of what you wish. but of what say" She smiled. She knew that Chilcote with cigarette be- tween his lips was infinitely more trac- table than Chilcote sitting idle. and she had no intention of ignoring the knowl- edge.
 But Lo,.cr caught at her words. Be fore you ordered nc to smoke" he said, you tolc ne to give you some advice. Your first command must have prior claim" He graspcd unhesitatingly at the Cess risky theme.
 She looked up at him. You're al- ways nicer when you smoke" she per sisted caressingly. Light cigarette and give me one.r
 Lcler's mouth became set. "No." be said. well stick 10 this advice busi- ness. It interests me"
 "Yes-afterward."
 NO: now. You want to find out why this Englishman from Italy was at your sisters party and why he disap- raaro1s-s