The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1907-03-14

like anybody else and laid his hands
upon the table. He had strong, thin
hands like-well, rather like yours
But he wore two rings on the third fin
ger of his left hand-a heavy signet
ring and plain gold one"
Loder moved his hand imperceptibly
till the cushion covered it. Lillian's
words caused him no surprise, scarcely
even any trepidation. He felt now
that he had expected them, even wait
ed for them, all along.
IT asked him to take of his rings"
she went on, "and just for second he
hesitated-1 could feel him hesitate.
Then he seemed to have made up his
mind, for he drew them off. He drew
them off, Jack, and guess what saw!
DO guess!'
For the first time Loder involuntari-
~ drew back into his corner of the
couch. II never guess" he said
brusquely.
'"Then I'll tell you His hands were
the hands of my Englishman! The
rings covered the scar made by 10
Kos teeth. I knew it instantly-the
second my eyes rested on it. It was
the same scar that had bound up
dozens Of times, that had seen healed
before I left Santasalare."
"And you? What did you dow To-
der felt it singularly difficult and IN
pleasant to speak.
"Ah, that's the point. That's where
] was stupid and made my mistake.
should have spoken to him on the
moment, but I didn't. You know how
one sometimes hesitates. Afterward
it was too late.''
"But you saw him afterward-in the
rooms?" Loder spoke unwillingly.
mo, didn't-that's the other point
I didn't see him in the rooms, and I
haven't seen him since Directly he
was gone left the tent-I pretended
to be hungry and bored-but, though I
went through every room, he was no.
where to be found. Once''-she hest
tated and laughed again-"once l
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 a quaint mistaken?
There was an 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-
terry! I've seen Blanche's list of peo-
pie, and there wasn't man I. couldn't
place - no outsider ever squeezes
through Blanche's door. I 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.
eyes. 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 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. It requires all the
attributes Of youth, suppleness and a
certain buoyant ease. But Lillian nev-
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 difficult
to criticise.
But the person who should have ap-
preciated 1t stared steadily beyond it
to 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 I insist on your
lighting 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 new and more imminent diff
Guilty. '"Thanksv' he said quickly. "I-
have no wish to smoke"
ut isn't matter Of what you wish,
but of what I 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.