The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-01-09


rings covered the scar made by 10
Kos teeth. l knew it instantly-the
second my eyes rested on it. 1t was
the same scar that l had bound up
dozens of times, that had seen healed
before 1 left Santasalare"
"And you? What did you do? Lo-
der felt it singularly difficult and I'M
pleasant to speak.
"Ah, that's the point. That's where
was stupid and made my mistake.
1 should have spoken to him on the
moment but l didn't You know how
one sometimes hesitates. Afterward
it was too late"
But you saw him afterward-in the
roomsY Loder spoke unwillingly.
NO, l didn't-that's the other point.
1 didn't see him in the rooms, and l
haven't seen him since. Directly he
was gone l left the tent pretended
to be hungry and bored-but, though
went through every room, he was no
where to be found. Once'-she hest
tated and laughed again-"once ]
thought l 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 mistaken
There was an uncertain pause. Their
broke the silence suddenly. Where
do l come in?" he asked abruptly.
What am | wanted fori"
ITO help to throw light on the mys-
terry! I've seen Blanche's list of peo-
pie, and there wasn't a man l couldn't
place no outsider ever squeezes
through Blanche's door. l 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. 1t is not every day
that a man is called upon to unearth
himself
'SuggestY' he repeated blankly.
Yes. I'd rather have your idea of
the affair than anybody else's. You
are 50 dear and sarcastic and keen
that you can't help getting straight at
the middle of a fact"
When Lillian wanted anything she
could be very sweet. She suddenly
dropped her half petulant tone; she
suddenly ceased to be a spoiled child.
With a 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. 1t requires all the
attributes of youth, suppleness and g
certain buoyant ease. But Lillian new
er acted without justification and as
she leaned toward Loder, her face lift
ed, her slight figure and pale hair soft
ened by the freight, she made a pic
ture that it would have been diff1cul1
to criticise.
But the person who should have up
preciated it stared steadily beyond i
to the fire. His mind was absorbed by
one questionable question Of how ht
might reasonably leave the house be
| fore discovery became assured.
Lillian, attentively watchful of him
saw the uneasy look, and her own fac,
! fell. But, as she looked, an inspiration
came to her-a remembrance Of man!
interviews with Chilcote smoothed anC
facilitated by the timely use Of to
| baccO.
Jack" she said softly, before yol
say another word I insist on you
lighting a cigarette" She leaned for
/ ward, resting against his knee.
At her words Loder's eyes left th
fire. His attention was suddenly need
ed for a new and more imminent diff
Guilty. Thanks he said quickly. 81
I have no wish to smoke
ct isn't a matter of what you wish
but of what l say" She smiled. Sh
knew that Chilcote with a cigarette be
tween his lips was infinitely more traC
table than Chilcote sitting idle. and sh
| had no intention Of ignoring the know
edge.
But Loder caught at her words. "Bt
+, fore you ordered me to smoke he sai(
you told me to give you some advice
Your first command must have priC
claim" He grasped unhesitatingly {
the less risky theme.
She looked up at him. You're q
ways nicer when you smoke" she pc
sisted caressingly. Light cigarette
and give me one"
Loder's mouth became set. NO"
said, well stick to this advice bus
ness. 1t interests me-"
Yes afterward"
NO; now You want to find out WI
this Englishman from Italy was ;
your sisters party and why he disal
peared =
There are times when a malignaI
obstinacy seems to affect certain pc
pie The only answer Lillian made W.
to pass her hand over Loder's wais
coat and, feeling his cigarette case,
draw it from the pocket.
He affected not to see it do yC