The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-06-28


guests. and now you have come here
yourself Why?"
Spencer helped himself TO another
sandwich.
Il came here" he said, because I
didn't seem to be getting on in Paris.
1t struck me that the clue 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
MIR. Spencer" he said, II am almost
blind, and / cannot see your face, but
want you 10 tell me the truth. l eX-
pect il from you"
My dear fellow" Spencer answered.
I'm awfully sorry for you, OF course,
but ! really don't see why | should an
sWer your questionsa at all, truthfully
or untruthfully. I have been making
few inquiries for my friend Dun
combe AT present / regret TO say that
/ have been unsuccessful In their
present crude state | should prefer to-
keep my discoveries, such as they are.
TO myself"
Pelham struck the sideboard with his
clenched fist so that all the glasses
ratified upon the tray. His face was
dark with passion.
81 will not be ignored in this matter"
he declared. Phyllis Poynton and her
brother are nothing to DuncOmbe. He
acted only for me. He cannot deny il.
Ask him for yourself"
Il do not need to ask him" Spen-
Ger replied. Il am perfectly we'll aware
of the circumstances of the case All
the same, I go about my business my
own way. l am not ready TO answer
questions from you or anybody elsep'
q Del
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-
Ger answered, relinquishing his attack
upon the sandwiches and lighting Gig
arctic, Il did it TO oblige 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 speechless.
lawfully sorry if I've misled you in
any way" Spencer continued. L never
imagined your connecting my request
with the disappearance Of Phyllis
POyntOn. Why should -"
The fact is Duncombe interpOsed,
there is girl staying at Runton Place
whose voice Pelham declares is exactly
like Phyllis Poynton's, and whose gen.
eral appearance, I will admit, is some
what similar to the photograph I have
shown you. 1t is a coincidence, OF
course, but beyond that il is absurd to
go. This young lady is a Miss Field
ing. She is there with her father, and
they are invited guests, with all the
| proper credentials"
Spencer nodded.
4 suppose it is because l am not a
/ lady's man." he said caTelessly, but
must admit that all girls voices sound
pretty much alike to me"
Il wish TO heaven that / could see
your facer' Pelham exclaimed. Il
should know then whether you were
telling me the truth"
The weak point about my temporary
profession is" Spencer remarked
thoughtfully. that it enables even
strangers TO insult one with impunity"
If I have misjudged you" Pelham
said with some dignity, Il am sorry
l am to understand. then, that you have
no news whatever 10 give US about
the disappearance of Phyllis Poynton
and her brother?"
Not a scrap Spencer answered.
Il will wish you both good night.
! then" Pelham said. mo, don't trou-
BILE, George. ! can find my way quite
| we'll by myself"
III hl'o pl5ColFQs anu DuntOnlDe drew
sigh of relief
"Excitable person, your friendr' Spen-
! Ger remarked
DuncOmbe nodded
Very! l am frightened 10 death that
he will make an ass of himself before
Miss Fielding. If he hears her speak
! he loses his head"
Nice grip Spencer asked.
'Yes-veryr
What sort of a fellows the father?"
Very quiet. I've scarcely spoken to
/ him. They're Americans Friends Of
Lord Runton's brother, out in New
York. Ever heard of them?"
Yes. a few times"
You seem interested"
= am-Very."
Duncombe turned suddenly white
What do you mean?'' he asked
Spencer held his cigarette between
his fingers and looked at it thought
fully.
Mr.. Fielding of New York" he said.
I sailed for America from Havre last
Saturday His daughter has gone to
Russia with a party of friends"
DuncOmbe sprang from his seat. His
cigarette slipped from his fingers and
fell unheeded upon the carpet.
Then who-who are these people 20
he exclaimed.
Spencer shrugged his shoulders
Il thought il worth while" he said.
Ito come over and find out"