Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-03

I'll show you a room as soon as you'v. had a cigarette. Fair crossing?"
 ''No idea," Spencer answered. < slept all the way. Jolly place you've got here, Duncombe. Nice country too"
 "There is just one question:" Pelham began.
 "Shan't answer it-tonight," Spencer interrupted firmly. I'm dead sleepy and I couldn't guarantee to tell the truth. And when tomorrow comes I'll be frank with you--I've very little to say. Pardon me, but where does Mir. Pelham come in in this matter?"
 Pelham" Duncombe. said slowly; "was neighbor of Miss Poynton's in Devonshire It was through him that I first went to Paris to search for her. '
 Spencer nodded.
 "Glad to meet him, then" he re marked. "There are a few questions l shall be glad to ask him in the morn ing"
 There is one," Pelham said. (which you must answer now" Spencer raised his eyebrows. He was standing with his back to them now. helping himself to sandwiches from dish upon the sideboard.
 By love, your cook does understand these things" he remarked. with his mouth full "No idea was so hungry. What was that. MT. Pelham? A ques- tion which must be answered now?' "Yes. You telegraphed to Duncombe to know the names of Lord Runton's guests, and now you have come here yourself. Why"
 Spencer helped himself to another sandwich.
 T came here," he said, because I didn't seem to be getting on in Paris. It struck me that the clew to Miss Poynton's disappearance might, after all, be on this side of the channel"
 Pelham guided himself by the table to the sideboard. He stood close to Spencer.
 MT. Spencer" he said, T am almost blind. and I cannot see your face, but want you to tell me the truth. I ex- pect it from you"
 My dear fellow" Spencer answered, I'm awfully sorry for you, of course, but really don't see why I should an swer your questions at all, truthfully or untruthfully. have been making a few inquiries for my friend Duncombe. At present regret to say that I have been unsuccessful. In their present crude state should prefer keeping my discoveries, such as they are, to my self.'
 Pelham struck the sideboard with his clinched fist so that all the glasses rat tied upon the tray. His face was dark with passion.
 T will not be ignored in this mat ter" he declared. Phyllis Poynton and her brother are nothing to Dun. combe. He acted only for me. He cannot deny 1t. Ask him for yourself" 1"
 T do not need to ask him." Spencer answered. T am perfectly we'll aware of the circumstances of the case. All the same, go about my business my own way. I am not ready to answer questions from you or anybody else"
 You shall tell me this at least" Pel- ham declared. You shall tell me why you telegraphed here for the names of Lord Runton's house party"
 Simplest thing in the world" Spen- cer answered, relinquishing his attack upon the sandwiches and lighting e cigarette. 'T did 1t to oblige a friend who writes society notes for the New York Herald"
 Duncombe gave vent to a little ex- clamation of triumph. Pelham for the moment was speeches..
 "Awfully sorry If I misled you In any way" Spencer continued. T nev- CT imagined your connecting my re quest witE the disappearance of Phyl- lis Poynton. Why should IF
 'The fact is," Duncombe interposed, there Is a girl staying at Runton House whose voice Pelham declares is exactly like Phyllis Poynton's and whose general appearance. will ad- nit, Is somewhat similar to the photo graph I showed you. It is a eolncl dence. of course, but beyond that it is absurd to go. This young lady Is q Miss Fielding. She Is there with her father. and they are invited guests, with all the proper credentials"
 Spencer nodded.
 T suppose 1t Is because I am not a lady's man." he said carelessly, but l must admit that all girls voices sound pretty much alike to me"
 T wish to heaven that I could see your facet. Pelham exclaimed. T should know then whether you were telling me the truth"
 ''The weak point about my tempo rary profession is." Spencer remarked thoughtfuIly. that 1t enables even strangers to insult one with impunity.' '
 If have mlsjudged you Pelham said. with some dignity. T am sorry. I am to understand, then. that you have no news whatever ss give us about the disappearance of Phyllis Poynton and her brotherT
 Not a scrap" Spencer answered
 T will wish you both good night. then" Pelham said ~So. don't trou- ble. George. I can find my way quite wal br rnxselfr