Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-09

| Erleigh frowned and glanced at the de-
| tective suspiciously. Then he laughed
nervously. "Oh, 1 can't get away" he
said. II must be here during the Christ
mas holidays"
"Of course, sir. Well, It's a pity. l
don't believe this place is healthy, and
I'm glad L don't live in It, Good eve
ming, sir"
He left the schoolhouse well pleased
at the result of his visit Certainly he
thought, something was wrong between
these tWo-husband and wife. Erletgh
looked as If he had just passed through
severe Illness He could easily have
gone to the south of France with his
wife and stayed there over Christmas.
1t was not very likely that his wife would
leave him to spend Christmas alone-the
first Christmas of their married life. OF
course. there had been a quarrel-some-
thing moro serious than quarrel-some-
thing that had made 1t impossible for
Lady Wimberley to live any longer with
her husband.
He made Is way round to 20 Moon
street and found no difficulty in obtaIn-
Ing Vertigan's address-27 Cloudhill road,
fulham. Then he thought 1t might be
as well SO go out to Monksilver and see
II Lord Wimberley knew of anything that
would account for Lady Wimberleys sud-
den departure for the south of France
lie walked round to the garage and asked
Tor car but was told that there would
not be one in until after o'clock. He
decided to walk. II was fine weather.
ana he had plenty OF time, So long az
he returned to London that night he
had the whole day to himself. II was
quite likely that Lord Wimberley would
send him back to Harptree in one OF the
Monksilver cars. He set or at a brisk
Walk, only pausing once for a pipe on
the way. reaching the house at half
past !. He was told that Lord winber-
ley was having lunch. and on sending in
his name he was shown into a small room
In the servants quarters.
His lordship wishes to know If vou
have had your lunch, slr?" said the foot
man.
mo. l haven't / forgot all about It."
Would you like anything, sir?"
Ihats uncommonly kind of you-yes
anything that's going-bread and cheese
and beer"
The servant retired. and a few minutes
later Mr.. Murray was sitting down 10
one OF the best meals he had enjoyed
Tor long time. When he had finished he
was told Lord Wimberley would like 70
see him. and he was shown into the
library.
Hello. Murray" said Wimbsrlev.
cigar?"
THANK you. my lord. the detective re-
piled, taking one from the case that was
held out to him. II hope you are well,
Yes. I'm all right What's the news2'
oh, nothing, my lord. / was In the
neighborhood and thought I'd just like
TO see you knew her ladyship had gone
abroad"
Lord wimbsrley's face darksnsd for an
instant, and then he smiled.
Yes: he replied. She's not been at
Nothing serious. ! hope, my Iordf"
"Oh, nO-just run down, that's all. She's
never got over my nephew's death. I'm
afraid"
"And Mr., Erlelgh--Ive Just bssn 70 sse
him, my iOTd-he doesn't look al All an ~
the mark. told him he ought 10 have
gone with her ladyship. The change
would have done him good"
Very likely" said Lord Wimbsrlsy
eurtly.
"Apd your friend. Mr. vsrhganYs' the
detective continued. II hear that he has
been Obliged to give up hts work through
ill-health.'
"a good Job. too; but look hare, Muir
ray, I'm nat doctor. and -"
you don't look az an well yourself, my
lord" the detective interrupted. u don't
believe this part OF the world Is At sll
healthy"
lord WImbsrlsy looked steadily a
Murray's face for 4 few seconds Then
he burst into laugh.
Look here" b said. What ars you
Nothing my lordI don't understands
yoa"
coNT1NuED TOMORROW
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