The Washington herald., 1914-06-28
Copyright. lslLI
u NOX'S visit to Charing Cross on
IN that particular evening was al


IN that particular evening was al
most casual. He had found him
self in the vicinity at about GAS and
had remembered suddenly that Percival
was expected on leave from Paris eth
er that evening or the following morn
ing. He reached the platform just as
the train arrived, and, having satisfied
himself that Percival was not among
the passengers. was on the point of de-
parting when his attention was attract
ed by.a man who was obviously suffer
ing from some sort of illness. The per-
son in question was young, we'll dressed,
evidently a foreigner His face was
shastiy pale, and although the night
was cold there were drops of perspira-
ton upon his forehead. His teeth were
clenched as though he were making a
fierce effort to retain consciousness.
Knox stepped over to his side.
I'm afraid you're rather ILL.," he said.
Take my arm, if you like, and I'll help
you into a taxi"
The man looked at him swiftly.
Knox's appearance, however, once more
stood him in good stead. The man al
most clutched at his arm.
"You are very good" he muttered.
"Get me a taxicab, if you can, and tell
the driver to take me to the nearest hos
pital. And there is something else.
ListenI There is something else"
wait till you are sitting down in
the taxi" Knox suggested soothingly.
"Sure you wouldn't like a drop Of
brandy frst?"
The young man shuddered. "It was
the brandy-they gave me in the smok-
ing-room that did it. Listen! II Berke-
ley Square-you heard that-Miss de
Hagon. You go there for me. You tell
her what you have seen-where l am.
You promise?"
with pleasure" Knox replied cheer
fully. Here's a taxi I'll take you
across the way to the Charing Cross
Hospital"
He opened the door and almost lifted
his companion into the vehicle Then,
before following himself, he turned
sharply around. He was conscious that
two.men had been almost treading upon
their heels down the platform. The face
of one was familiar, although for mo-
ment it puzzled Knox. He gave the
driver the address and, stepping in,
seated himself by the side of the young
man, who seemed already half-uncon-
scious.
ut is very kind of YOU" the latter
murmured in French. Tell them I
have plenty of money. can pay for a
private room. And remember, Miss
de Hagon, II Berkeley Square"
Knox took his charge to the hospital
and waited for a report The young
man, he was told presently, seemed to
be suffering from a sort of ptomaine
poisoning.
Knox stepped back into the taxicab
and drove to II Berkeley Square.
The door flew open almost as he
touched the bell, and butler in quiet
livery received his inquiry.
"Miss de Hagon is not receiving to-
night. sir" he announced doubtfully.
81 have a special message for her."
Knox explained. THE matter is really
urgent. | am unknown to Miss de
Hagon, but my name is Knox"
The butler accepted his card, and,
opening the door of a small sitting
room, ushered the visitor in. Knox
stood by the FIRE. looking around him
with some curiosity. Suddenly the door
opened. Without announcement, a
young woman had stepped in and was
looking at him inquiringly. She was un-
usually slim and not very tall. She wore
gray dress of some very soft and
very thin material, which fastened at
the throat with a brooch which con-
tanned one pearl of enormous size. She
had the bluest eyes he had ever seen.
Her hair was unfashionably arranged in
a manner strange to him. She wore
fringe upon her forehead and long ear
rings. His first impressions of her were
that she was clever, eccentric, fascinat-
ing.
you are Miss de Hagon3" Knox
asked.
az am" she answered. 81 am told
that you wish to speak to me urgently"
Knox rapidly explained his errand.
Her expression became entirely inscrut-
able. Before he had finished, her finger
was upon the bell.
q am exceedingly obliged to you-
Mr.. Knox" she said. 81 will go to my
friend at once"
The butler was standing in the door
way. "Send Annette with my cloak"
she ordered quickly, "and whistle for a
taxicab. Good evening, Mr.. Knox" she
added. with a little nod of dismissal.
Knox bowed low and passed out into
the street.
AN interesting little episode" he
thought as he strolled toward Pail Mall.
Butt wish l could remember that
mans facew