The Red Cloud chief., 1907-07-19

mot in the least, Duncombe an
swered. you've made us very curl
Gus though"
"Dear me-" Spencer exclaimed,
"what a pity! l came here to ask
questions, not to answer them. You've
set me a regular poser, Duncombe.
BY Jove, that's good whisky!'
"Help yourself" Duncombe answer
ed. 1--WE won't bother you tonight.
I'll show you q room as soon rs you've
had a cigarette. Fair crossing"
"No idea,' Spencer answered. 81
slept all the way. Jolly place you've
got here, Duncombe. Nice country
too"
"There Is just one question" Pelham
began.
ashanti answer it-tonight," Spencer
interrupted firmly. I'm dead sleepy,
and l couldn't guarantee to tell the
truth. And when tomorrow comes
I'll be frank with you've very little
to say. Pardon me, but where does
Mr.. Pelham come In in this matterT'
pelham Duncombe said slowly,
twas a neighbor of Miss Poynton's in
Devonshire. 1t 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 I
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 n dish upon the sideboard.
"By Jove, your cook does understand
these things" he remarked, with his
mouth full. mo idea l was so hungry.
What was that, Mr.. Pelham? A ques-
ton which must be answered nowT
yes. You telegraphed t. Duncombe
to know the names of Lord Runton's
guests, and now you have come here
yourself. Why?"
Spencer helped himself to another
sandwich.
81 came here" he said, "because I
didn't seem to be getting on in Paris.
1t struck me hat 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 sldeboard. He stood close to
Spencer.
"Mr. Spencer" he said, II am almost
blind, and l cannot see your face, but
/ want you to tell me the truth. l ex-
pect it from YOU"
MY dear fellow" Spencer answered,
"Im awfully sorry for you, Of course,
but l really don't see why l should an
swer your questions at all, truthfully
or untruthfully. l have beer making a
few inquiries for my friend Duncombe.
At present | regret to say that / have
been unsuccessful In their present
crude state l 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.
Il will not be ignored i'm this mat
ter" he declared. phyllis Poynton
and her brother are nothing to Dun
combc. He acted only for me. He
cannot deny it. Ask him for yourself"
II do not need to ask him." Spencer
answered. II am perfectly well aware
Of the circumstances Of the case. Al!
the same, | go about my business my
OWL way. / am not ready to answer
questions from you or anybody else"
You shall tell me this at least" Pei
ham declared. You shall tell me why
you tclegraphed here for the names of
Lord I,unton's house party"
simplest thing in the world" Spen-
Ger answered, ~relinquishing his attack
upon the sandwiches and lighting q
cigarette. Il did it to oblige a friend
who writes society notes for the New
York Herald"