Judsonia weekly advance., 1917-02-28
T'n do. it, willingly. But I warn

you he is q woman hater, and may make short shift of the introduction"
 "Never mind me-" Pat said gayly, adding in self-praise. T never saw the man yet who wouldn't be at least civil to me, and don't think Sphinx Kelly will prove to be any exception"
 When the young folks arose to go, Mrs. Van Nuys raised a protesting hand. and said to Pat:
 "Child, dear. why do you do this foolish thing? Your pranks will get you in serious trouble some day-and this Kelly; why are you so eager to make his acquaintance?"
 Pat inclined her beautiful head and with her pretty lips close to her aunt's ear whispered:
 Just now he gave me disdainful look. I'll show him that he can't pass me by, even in crowd, without a sec ond look. Pm not used to it."
 "Oh, my child" Mrs. Van Nuys started to protest, but before she could speak further Pat and Maurice were out of hearing, with Pat leading the way. Maurice followed dutifully on, until they saw through the swirl of pleasure seekers on the lawn Sphinx Kelly, standing idly near the tulip hedge surveying the crowd.
 Maurice beckoned to Kelly, and the Sphinx approached. The formality of the introduction comsummated, Pat gave her most bewitching smile and said:
 'I have always wanted to know clever detective, MT. Kelly. It is "a call the Sphinx-for I don't believe you are half as silent as they say you are"
 Kelly glanced at her indifferently, and mumbled:
 ''I don't do much talking, miss. un- less it be to crooks"
 Pat found herself making little prog ress, for Kelly was acting with stolid indifference.
 Wont you join us at our table?' she urged.
 Kelly's response was made in most surprising action. He silently doffed his hat, and turned abruptly away. Pat was dumfounded and hu- initiated by Kelly's rude rebuff. Her eyes flashed and her cheeks flushed crimson. For an instant she stood re- garding Kelly's retreating figure.
 "How the deuce he could resist your loveliness is more than I can under stand" said the youth.
 Two hours later Pat was in her own dainty boudoir.
 "He shall be made to regret his surly action-Fll make him ridiculous. I'll make the Sphinx the laughing stock of Paris. He shall regret his con duct" and as Pats mind dwelt upon her plans for KeIly's humiliation the tears of rage and disappointment that had coursed down her cheeks were soon brushed away.
 Pat lit cigarette and composed herself comfortably upon the couch. For few moments she devoted her self to plan of action.
 Tt will be great adventure, at all events; something different than @hese dull society folks can offer in their teas and parties" Pat said half aloud, as she rose from the couch and seat ed herself at her writing table. Soon she had written a note, addressed the envelope and calling Jacques, the but Ter, instructed him to have it deliv- cred. :
 When Sphinx Kelly received the note he read haunting challenge to his vaunted skill:
 If you are as clever as your friends give. you credit for being, why don't you stop some of the robberies in so- ciety circles which have been kept quiet owing to failure of the police to locate the crooks? A FRIEND"
 
 "Auntie, dear, let me look at your heirlooms," Pat said upon emerging from her boudoir. You are to wear them tonight at the ball, and would like to look at them before you put them on.''
 Mrs. Van Nuys opened the secret wall-safe and drew forth satin-cov- cred jewel case. From the dainty re- ceptacle she selected an elaborate and costly diamond necklace and placed it around Pats snow-white throat
 "I'll put them away, auntie," said the girl, after the Jewels had been duly examined and admired. But instead of including the necklace among the gems returned to the wall-safe, Pat slipped the heirloom into her bodice and accepted her first opportunity to again transfer them to drawer in her dressing table.