Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-05


 leave of their host and hostess. Re member, I never knew Phyllis Poyn. ton. You did. Ask yourself whether she is the sort of young person to ob. tain hospitality under false pretenses and then abuse tito associate herself in a fraud with self confessed rob- ber."
 .'The idea," Pelham said quietly. Ifs absurd"
 While we are on the subject" Spen- cer remarked. drawing the cigarettes toward him, may I ask you few questions, Mir. Pelham? For instance, had Miss Poynton any relations in FranceT"
 "Not to my knowledge" Pelham an swered. T have known both her and her brother for a great many years, and I never heard either of them men tion any"
 "Why did she go to Paris, then2'
 To meet her brother"
 "And why did he go abroadY'
 'It was a whim, think-just de sire to see few foreign countries be- fore he settled down to live the life of a country gentleman"
 You believe that he had no other reason?"
 T think may go so far as to say that I am sure of it," Pelham an- swered.
 "One more question:" Spencer added. intervening. But the question remain ed unasked. The butler had opened the dining room door and was an- nouncing Lord Runton.
 Duncombe rose to his feet in sur prise. For the moment a sudden fear drew the color from his cheeks. He looked apprehenslvely toward his un- expected visitor. Lord Runton, how ever, showed no signs of any great dis composure. He was wearing his ordi- nary dinner clothes and in reply to Quncombe's first question assured him fhat he had dined.
 T will try a glass of your port, if I may, George" he declared. "Thanksr'
 The butler had wheeled a chair up to the table for him and left the room. Lord Runton filled his glass and sent the decanter round. Then he turned toward Spencer, to whom he had just been introduced.
 "Mr. Spencer" he said, my visit to- night was mainly to you. I dare say you are aware that a somewhat un- pleasant thing has happened at my house. My people tell me that you called there this morning and inquired for MT. Fielding"
 Spencer nodded
 Quite true," he answered. q called, but did not see him. He appears to have left somewhat hurriedly while I was waiting.'
 "You did not even catch a glimpse of himg' NNo." 1-.''N .a1 5@t
 "You know Mir. Fielding by sight, presumeT
 .I have seen him in Paris once or twice" Spencer answered.. '.,..
 "You will not think me impertinent for asking you these questions, I am sure," Lord Runton continued apolo- getically, but could you describe Mir. Fielding to meT'
 Certainly" Spencer answered. He is tall and thin, wears glasses, was clean shaven, bald and limped little"
 Lord Runton nodded.
 'Thank you" he said. T presume that your visit this morning was one of courtesy. You are acquainted with Mir. FieldingY
 ''I have not that pleasure" Spencer answered. T am afraid I must con- fess that my visit was purely one of curiosity"
 "Curiosltyr Lord Runton repeated.
 Exactly. Do you mind passing those excellent cigarettes of yours, Dun combeT
 Lord Runton hesitated for a moment. He was conscious of a certain restraint in Spencer's answers. Suddenly he turned toward him.
 "sfr. Spencer" be said, may ask if you are Mir. Jarvis Spencer of the Dali ly Messenger, the Mir. Spencer who was mentioned in connection with the investigations into the Lawson. es- tates?"
 Spencer nodded.
 "Yes," he said; T am that person."
 Then" Lord Runton continued, q want to tell you exactly what happen ed today in my house and to ask your advice. May I?"
 "If our host has no objection" Spen- cer answered, glancing toward Pel- ham.
 "None whatever" Duncombe answer ed, also glanclng toward Pelham.
 There was a moments silence. Pel- ham raised his head.
 "If Lord Runton desires it, will withdraw" he said slowly. At the same time I must confess that I, too, am interested in this matter. If Lord Runton has no objection to my pres ence I should like to remain. My dis erection goes without saying"
 Duncombe moved uneasily in his chair. Ills eyes sought Spencer's for guidance, but found his head ayerted. Lord Runton raised his eyebrows slightly at what he considered a some -k.. .-..f..,- ..,-ta~fer k.,& hfu rorl,- was prompt.
 You are a friend of Duncombe's. Mfr. Pelham" be said. "and that is enough. T have to ask not only you. but all three of you. to consider what I am going to tell you as absolutely 
 They all signified their assent. Lord Runton continued:
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