Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-05-27
The Mystery at Woodford's
Bv WADSWORTH CAMP

cling. Give you my word. I thought
no manager would take another chance
with the place.
| Quai1e grinned.
I'D back Arthur McHugh against the
nest-dispositioned spook that ever
| walked.
| Cartons laugh irritated Quaile. 1t
! lacked conviction.
| I'm off," the actor said. I'll see Nc
Hugh in the morning. Good luck to
the sentimental engagement
! Quaile turned away. facing the recep-
| ton room again. He glanced apout;
Then his perfunctory interest swayed
! toward a girl who sat near the inner
| door Her back was turned, so that he
could see little more than the glow OF
| light hair beneath a hat of pronounced
simplicity. She was bent forward, as II
| eager to pass the door, which remained
| closed.
/ QuaiIe watched her. Surely he had
seen the graceful figure before. He
| stepped forward and turned, with MS
| hand on the door knob Now he knew
| that he had seen her, more than once
| on the stage. and from time to time
| ca suaIly at dinners or in offices like
| this He held out his hand.
/, You've not forgotten me. Miss Nor
| gam
| Her smile was charming.
| Il never forget a friend at court Mr..
| McHugh sent for me. He said it had
| something to do with you.
The announcement reached Aualle
pleasantly Her quiet gray eyes indi-
Gated a sensible lack of temperament.
It's the lead, the, in rather unique
| revival. I'm glad you'll be with us
| How long have you waited?
Since 4 O'Clock. It's inexcusable. DO
! you think he's ever coming?
"Proba bly, here now" Quaile laughed.
'He has as many entrances and exits as
| a criminal I'll tell him how you've SUI
! fered."
With his hand still on the knob. he
turned back, glancing at her quizzi-
cally.
by the way-youre not afraid of
ghosts?
Still smiling. he shook his head and
| went through into the presence of a
| small. neat young woman who attend
| ed to McHugh's correspondence and
simultaneously did her best Tor the
chewing gum manufacturers.
Hello, Ethel. Boss here yet? He
| sent for me"
She nodded at the door through which
Quaile had just entered
That's what they all say, the poor
| nuts. And ] have to fb until I'm
| a shamed TO go to church on Sundays.
| Yep. Came in ten minutes ago"
Busy"
yep Just TOOK MIN the evening pa
| per-
Did you tell him how many were
| waiting?
yep. Said let 'em wait. and turn 'em
/; over to Morley when he comes in
Does he know Miss Morgan's out
side?"
Nope Didn't know myself. Say, he's
expecting her"
| Bring her in here" Quaile said. land
| I'll tell him"
nd n ed
at a mahogany door. The voice that
reached him through the heavy panels
| was querulous. expressive OF an out
ragged solitude.
what the devil you want, Ethel?
| Not Ethel" Quaile answered mildly.
| The door was flung open. McHugh
/ stood on the threshold. An unlighted
and bitterly used cigar depnded from
| his thin lips. As he motioned Quaile in,
| his shrewd, narrow eyes fixed him
| with resentment.
see here. Quaile. You're five min
| utes late
| Indulgence" QuaiIe begged. by the
| way I've just seen Miss Morgan. She
| tells men you're an hour late. Accord
| ing to her. you're not here at all yet.
| TOO bad. Would rather not see her
| till tomorrow. anyway.
| McHuph raised his voice:
| Ethel, Step out and tell Miss Nor
| gan to ocme back tomorrow"
/ Barbara Morgan appeared In the
| doorway Her manner was unruffled.
| There was a frmness about her man
| ner that pleased Quaile.
| II am not coming back tomorrow,
! she said. IAN hour already out there
You might at least give us things to
read. Even doctors do that"
| Doctors get your money. young
| woman, while ! give you the money to
pay 'em Never mind, now you're here.
| Script will be read day after tomorrow.
| provided we arrange a lease. Quaile
, and 1 are going to see about that now
| If we don't, nothing doing Met Mr..
tQuaiie. Miss Morgan? He fixed the pla y
| up. Thought after you looked her over,
| Quaile. you'd agree she'll do"
| I've met Miss Morgan" Quaile said
| He smiled at her
"And I agree she'll do
McHugh waved the girl away.
| Rushed now. I know your terms
| Contract will be ready il the lease goes
! through Looks like all winter unless
| this en-pushers hypnotized me into
| throwing my money down well. So
long. Miss Morgan. Go out this way if
you like"
She crossed the room. laughing.
McHugh glanced at his haggard
cigar.
"Clever girl. that
| He thrust the cigar again between
his teeth
I've seen the agents"
There's no hitchy' Quaile asked
| Were up against a queer PROPOSE
| ton" McHugh answered. We've got
| to deal with that old scoundrel. Josiah
Bunce"
Quaile knew the name. Bunce's &c
centricities were notorious. He was
rich In real estate. to which he chung
tenaciously. Report credited him with
the disposition of a mser. yet he liyej
in an old house just off 5th avenue. and
| kept next door empty lot, probably
| worth half million. in order, his
neighbors said. that he might take con-
venient strolls undisturbed by traffic
and the populace-
owns Woodford's." McHugh ex-
lplained. Jointly with his brother Rob-
ert. You can't tell what quirks an old
fossil like him will have ThoAf say he
hasn't been off his place for fifteen
years. Wish we had Robert to decker
I with"
/ Quaile nodded. The younger brother
was q successful broker who had added
radically to his share of the estate
Moreover he had never displayed 10.
lsiah's reluctance TO amiahle spending
For many years he had been familiar
figure in the world and scourge tc
fambitious mothers. Like Josiah. he
Twas q bachelor.
I've made an appointment" McHugh
said. Were to go over there right
away"
He raised his voice: