Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-07-10

This intelligence alarmed its recip-
lent, but he did not show 1t. He mere
ly suggested, suavely: London, as
you are aware, is not all England. In
truth, 1t is no part of England at all
to anybody seeking quiet and rest"
True enough. But 1t is the CEN
tral information bureau when 1t comes
to cleaning news about anybody that
is anybody, wherever they may be in
the United Kingdom-or out Of 1t, for
that matter"
Mr.. Jenkins laugh was of nature
to disarm resentment and invite con.
fdences.
Come, Mr.. Van Vechten," he con-
tinued brightly, you can be franker
with me and not bring about any dis
astrous results-can't you? You will
II you pause to consider my point OF
| view. Here 1t is.
Miss Carew's social position is the
very highest; she Is distinguished
figure not only In New York. but her
beauty and charm and talent-her
genius, l might say-bave been her
aided all over the country. For
week or more cablegrams were fired
In to the papers dilating upon her
brilliant performances as a musician.
Next 1t is announced that she is to
come home shortly-an event even for
New York. And then-dead silence.
When society-the public-has such
keen but respectful interest in her.
it's not fair for her to hide herself
away.
Don't you think" he concluded by
asking. that you ought to tell me
where she is?"
| 81 am sorry." said Rudolph. that
am not in a position to accommodate
you, but l must respect Mise Carew's
desire for seclusion." He spoke a
trifie stifly, which was not his habit
at all, and felt decidedly uncomfort-
able.
Then came the one dreaded query:
"Do you know where she is?"
He was nettled.
Really" he returned, you appear
to be attaching undue importance to
a very commonplace situation-indeed
without any warrant whatever. ! as
sure you. Regardless of my cousins
position. she is as much entitled to
privacy as anybody else. repeat
that / respect her desires. and must
insist that you do SO too"
Jenkins pressed him no further.
The cab had now arrived opposite
Washington Place, and the reporter
asked to be dropped.
When he was once more alone. Van
Vechten was annoyed at the extent
to which the interview had disturbed
him; feeling which he sought TO
relieve by mentally upbraiding his
cousin and promising himself ample
revenge in the days to come.
"Wait till see her." he assured
himself, IF don't give her a pleas,
ant quarter OF an hour! Paige has
devil Of a temper. and l can make
1t hurt"
However, on his arrival at the Pow
hatan he was to be still further dis
turbed. He found Mr.. Flint waiting
for him, who, as soon as he entered
tho lounging-room, drew him of into
a corner.
The detective produced from his
pocket a gold-mash purse, which he
handed to Van vechten.
Did you ever see that before2" he
quietly asked.
1t looked very familiar. very like
one he had given Paige her last birth
day. But there were thousands oi
similar purses, and the circumstance
signified nothing.
open It," said Mr.. Flint.
The young man obeyed mechanic
ally. His nostrils were assailed by
! fro1
he was not consciously apprehensive
He perceived a pair of gloves. small
gold vanity-box. a few hairpins and
an old.fashioned silver card-case. He
viewed this latter with O shock OF
surprise; next instant he had 1t open
and one of the cards in his hand. E.
To his utter amazement. the card
bore his cousins name.
One thought alone clung persistent.
ly in his mind: Paige was in England,
and here was her purse In New York.
1t might have left her possession only
within the hour. too; the faint. sweet
perfume was SO much an Intimate
part Of herself, SO typical Of her ex.
Quisite femininity, of her individual
ity. that her presence here In the
room with him was almost certainly
indicated.
No wonder that he was dumfound-
ed. No wonder that he remained star
ing blankly at the glittering object
until the detectives voice aroused
him.
"Mr. Van Vechten," said Mr.. Flint.
do you know where Miss Paige Ca.
rev is7"
CTo BE coNTINuED)
i<>i<SLA