Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-27


cruelty informed me that hadn't the vestige
of a backbone. She must have said some
thing to her mother too; for when evening
came round had to move back into my own
| room, Mrs. Titus sweetly assuring me that
under no consideration would she consent
to impose upon my good nature and hos
pitality to such an extent, etc, etc.
During the day, at odd times, Colingraft
made lofty suggestions in regard to what
could be done with the place to make it
more or less inhabitable. and Jasper said
he'd just like to have whack at the thing
himself. First thing he'd do would be to
squash and racket courts, and he'd also put
in swimming pool and hot water plant.
SHORTLY after breakfast next morning
- Mrs. Titus came downstairs smartly
gcwned for the street. She announced that
she was going into town for an hour or two,
and asked me to have one of the Schmicks
ferry her across the river. There was a ia
nous antique shop there memory of other
days and she wanted to browse awhile in
search of brasses and bronzes.
| looked at her aghast. l recognized the
crisis; but for a moment was unable to mar
shall my powers of resistance. Noting my
CONSERVATION, she calmly assured me that
there wouldn't be the least danger of de-
lection, as she was going to be heavily yelled
and very cautious.
any dear Mrs. Titus | murmured in my
dismay, 1T isn't to be considered. | am
sure you won't persist in this when | tell you
that Tarnowsy's agents are sure to see you
and"
She laughed. "Tarnowsy's agents! Why
should they be here?'
"They seem to be everywhere
Il can assure you there is none within fifty
miles of Schloss Rothhoefen Our men are
in the city Four of them preceded me.
This morning had Mr. Bangs telephone to
the hotel where the chief operative is stay
ing,-in the guise of an American tourist,
and he does it very cleverly for an English
man too,-and he assures me that there is
absolutely no danger. Even Mr.. Bangs is
satisfied"
Il am forced to say that | am by no means
satisfied that it is safe or wise thing to do,
Mrs. Titus, said, with more firmness than
thought possessed.
She raised her delicate eyebrows in most
exasperating, well bred, admonitory way.
Il am quite sure, Mr.. Smart, that Dilling-
ham is perfectly trustworthy detective,
and"
But why take the slightest risk"
at is necessary for me to see Dillingham;,
that is the long and short of it., she said
coldly. "One can't discuss things over
telephone, you know. And, by the way,
Mr.. Smart, have taken the liberty of call
ing up the central office of the telephone
company to ask if they can run an extension
wire to my dressing room. | hope you do
not mind"
"Not in the least. l should have thought
of it myself"
"You have SO much to think of, poor man.
And now will you be good enough to order
the man to row me across the"
Il am very sorry, Mrs. Titus said firm
ly, "but | fear | must declare myself.
cannot permit you to go into town today"
She was thunderstruck. "Are you in ear
nesto' she cried, after searching my face
rather intently for moment.
4Unhappily, yes. Will you let me ex-
plain
"The ideal" she exclaimed as she drew
herself up to her full height and withered me
with look of surprising scorn. Am | to
regard myself as prisoner, Mr.. Smart?
have never known anything SO absurd
Two bright red spots appeared in her cheeks.
"Your attitude is most extraordinary. How
ever, will 60 to the city this morning, Mr..
Smart. Pray give me the credit of having
sense enough to All, Colingraft.'
The two sons approached from the break
fast room. Colingraft, noting his mothers
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