Evening star., 1915-01-24
By E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

was a little over fortnight ago that l met him in
Bond street. He lunched with at my club, and at
his request l made inquiries about your where
abouts. They told us that you were in the States
have not Mr.. Smith since; but have idea that
he intended leaving for New York few days later
Chalmers, although he had not regained his former
appearance of compacent good humor seemed to be
somewhat relieved. "Well," he declared, II wish the
fellow no harm; but shall be very glad think that
he is going to stay there. Between you and me, Sir
Jermyn, Smith is somewhat of a crank. He has par
ticularly charming and attractive wife, whom have the
pleasure of knowing; but regards Smith himself
WE'LL l should be just well content to think that
were not going to meet again in this world Do you
know him intimately may l ask?'
"Not in the least, Jermyn replied. Il met him only
once before this time He called to night at
Annerey. He anxious to renew his acquaintance
with Lord Lakenham, who he heard was staying with
me-"
1And did he?" Chalmers asked in low tone.
Unfortunately, no. Jermyn answered "Mr. Smith
arrived at Annerley Court only very few minutes
after sad tragedy had happened there. You read,
without doubt, of the murder of Lord Lakenham? 1t
took place. as you may remember, in my house."
Chalmers for strong man, seemed curlously emo
tonal. He picked up his empty glass and held it to
the waiter @Fill this quick!" he ordered.
The man obeyed him. The hand of Chalmers shook
that some of the wine split upon the carpet.
He made apology He lifted the glass to his lips and
drained all the wine that was left.
@Sir Jermyn," he remarked, Il glad you have told
this The Norden Smith is lunatic He of
those people who go about the world with single weird,
distorted idea He ought to be locked up He is one"
CHALMERS said more. Such change there
- had been in him before from the complacent
OF the world whom Lucille had introduced to Jermyn
nothing to the change apparent in him now. His
jaw hung loose his eyes fixed and glazed he was
shaking like frightened schoolboy. Then the
with measured footsteps also with white flower
in his buttonhoe, came Norden Smith, and as fast as
Smith moved toward the bridegroom as though with
the intention of congratulatng him, so only little
faster Grayson from his place the outside of
the circle
@Sir Jermyn," Smith declared, a congratulate you.
Give me your hand, Sir
Jermyn recognized his visitor with surprise. "Norden
Smith, he exclaimed why, your upon
my lips only moment ago. You are back again from
America already, then? l am glad to you."
Smith wrung his hand Il trust, he said, "that I
shall not any disturb the serenity of this function
l would gladly postpone little matter have on hand,
but for the fact that afraid has become of
urgency. Sir Jermyn, today you enter upon married
life. Fifteen years ago too married have loved
my wife every second of my days, with every thought
of my brain with every pulse of my body. Fate de-
creed that my love should be unworthiy given few
months ago made discovery that has brought these
gray hairs head brought tragedy to your peace
full home at Annerley, brings tragedy even to your
wedding breakfast 1t was who shot Lord Lakenham,
it is I who at this minute about to shoot Aaron
ChalInerS. 1heSe Two men TODDeQ me OF my vile.
Lord Lakenham has paid the penalty. Aaron Chalmers
pays it,"
TT was an affair of moment. Even Grayson
sprang upon him and another stranger from among
the crowd threw arm around him from the other side
the hand of Smith flashed out. There little puff
of smoke, report, and Chalmers went backward,
crumbled heap the floor Smith stood with the
pistol still in his hand gazing down upon the PROSTATE
form with smile of peculiar satisfaction.
Ladies and Gentlemen he said, looking away as